When hiring a service professional like a plumber, you probably compare rates, check reviews, and ensure that the company you hire has been in business for a long time. While this is a good practice, don’t forget to confirm that the plumber you hire is actually licensed! The difference between a licensed and unlicensed plumber is vast, and making the wrong choice can cost you in terms of time and money. .
5 Reasons to Choose A Licensed vs. an Unlicensed Plumber
1. Qualification
Training requirements vary from state to state, but you can be sure of one thing- a certified plumber is far more educated and qualified than an unlicensed plumber. Licensed plumbers are adept at mechanics, display manual dexterity, and have been trained to have sharp problem-solving skills. Additionally, they’ve spent several hours working as apprentices to learn industry best practices.
2. Knowledge
To obtain a plumbing license, a plumber not only needs to pass a licensing exam but also needs to complete prerequisite training as outlined by the state board. In addition to this, licensed plumbers undergo ongoing training to stay up-to-date with the newest products and technologies.
Licensed plumbers are also aware of building codes and will ensure that all plumbing work carried out on your property is in accordance with state and county regulations.
3. Quality of Work
Since licensed plumbers are required to complete a set course and serve as an apprentice for a particular amount of time, they are bound to be a lot better at their job than an unlicensed plumber. By hiring an unlicensed plumber, you may end up with repairs done incorrectly or left incomplete. An unlicensed plumber may also cause structural damage to your property which might require you to shell out loads of money to fix the errors.
4. Legal Permission
A plumbing license is more than a piece of paper- apart from certifying that the plumber is sufficiently educated and trained in their field, it also certifies that they are legally allowed to provide plumbing services. In the state of California, it is required for individuals and companies who provide plumbing services to be licensed. If you see that a company is not licensed, you need to seriously ask yourself if it is worth the risk to hire someone who couldn’t pass the requirements to get their license and is now providing a service against California law.
5. Insurance
An unlicensed plumber or plumbing company will be uninsured. Hiring one can make you liable to pay medical bills and lost wages in case he gets injured while working on your property. Licensed plumbers, on the other hand, are insured and carry liability coverage so you won’t have to worry about anything when you hire one.
