It’s back to school time, with kids everywhere cracking the books and sharpening their pencils. As a result, students may begin thinking more about what they want to be when they grow up. For any young plunger fans considering a career in plumbing, Always Affordable Plumbing is here to say: Study hard!
Not just anyone can be a plumbing contractor. The state of California issues licenses only to people who meet every item on a list of strict requirements. It seems like anyone who can unclog a drain wants to the title, but there is much more to the job.
Note that a license is necessary only for plumbers responsible for contracting jobs valued at $500 or more.
In California, licensed plumbers are called “plumbing contractors.” Firstly, the state defines the job as providing a means for a safe water supply. Secondly, that supply must be large enough and hot enough to serve its intended purpose. (In other words, that means showering, washes dishes, etc.) Thirdly, plumbing contractors ensure the effective and safe disposal of liquid waste.
Of course, the job touches on more than just water. California regulations note that plumbing contractors may work with gas appliances and connections. In addition to water pipes, plumbers encounter waste-disposal systems, gas earthquake valves, and solar heaters.
Because water access, waste removal, and everything in between is so important, plumbing contractors have a huge responsibility. It seems like many people think of plumbers only when it comes time to get help for an emergency. Certainly, this is a large part of what plumbers do! Perhaps more importantly, however, plumbers perform installations and maintenance.
If systems are installed well and kept functioning properly, the work minimizes the risk of future problems. Always Affordable Plumbing takes pride in ensuring your equipment is operating properly.
In order to obtain a license, hopeful plumbers must first gain four years of practical experience. This can be from a range of possibilities. For example, you may have worked through an apprenticeship or handled construction as an owner-builder.
Next, you must get approval from a governing board to take two exams. One is a business and law exam. The other is an exam for the specific plumbing trade. The state of California must also approve a request to sit for these tests.
The California Plumbing Contractor exam is a 2 1/2 hour test. Topics include safety, plumbing system repair, selecting materials, and planning projects. Only applicants who achieve a minimum score of 72 percent pass.
Can anyone wield a plunger? Technically, yes. Furthermore, can anyone with a drain snake open up shop and be on call for emergencies? Again, that’s technically a yes. But does everyone staring down the business end of a plugged toilet know the intimate ins and outs of a home’s entire system of pipes? Beyond that, do they know how everything is connected internally? Or how a water softener and solar heater impact the second-floor bathtub?
Probably not. Plumbing contractors may have to be licensed for their work in installations and construction, but that license also indicates something more. It shows that they are committed to fixing problems with long-term solutions in mind.
For an experienced, fully licensed Sacramento plumber, CONTACT Always Affordable Plumbing!
Service, quality, and affordability for our customers always comes first. Call today to schedule your appointment!
See what our satisfied customers have to say about their experience with Always Affordable
Plumbing & HVAC.
"Chappy was very skilled in his knowledge of my HVAC unit. I greatly appreciate the quick response and experienced tech. The whole endeavor was made less stressful by his humor and honest conversation. I find comfort in knowing I now have a shop i trust for the next time."
"Tony, James, Ronnie did an amazing job setting up our new AC! They were quick, efficient, considerate, and polite! We appreciate them scheduling us in on such short notice. Definitely recommend this company!"
"Prompt, professional service with kindness and care. They came out to address both plumbing and AC issues. I received a courtesy call before they arrived. All issues were resolved the same day with integrity and respect. Thankful for businesses like this. Absolutely recommend to those that I love."
"Excellent service! Jason came out promptly and in addition to doing my outside faucet he also put in new irrigation equipment! All done perfectly! Jason was lovely"
"Honest with the assessment; friendly and good manners. No high pressure sales. Just good to honest "tell it like you see it" Thought my kitchen disposer needed an overhaul. But Jason, there Plumber gave me an honest lesson on what was really happening. Saved me hundreds, if I went the route of replacing. Thank you!"
"Absolutely 5 stars. If you are looking for affordable ,professional and kind. Chappy was excellent and very knowledgeable . I called in the morning because my air conditioner stopped working he was here within hours and fixed my air with a smile. I highly recommend Chappy and Always Affordable plumbing and Hvac."
"Scott and James were great. They got there quickly and diagnosed the problem with my A/C.They did a very thorough job testing everything. Sent me pictures and called to keep me informed. Got it done the next day and everything is working fine. Be glad when I get home so I can enjoy my new system. Thanks guys for a great job."
"Chappy was very helpful. He knew our issue right away, cleaned our coils. He also came on the same day we called and got our AC blowing cold air again."
"After some timing ’curfuffles’ the Tech Jason arrived and not only completed a speedy install on my toilet, he was personable & professional. Because of the timing issues Jason was attentive and showed up with everything needed! No extra store runs 😊 I was very comfortable with having this Tech in my Daughter’s home. We will definitely use this Service again."
