Licensed Plumber vs. Handyman

When plumbing problems arise on your commercial or business property, calling a licensed plumber is the recommended course of action. A plumber with the proper training and experience has the ability to evaluate the situation and provide a fair and accurate assessment of what needs to be done. It’s better to hire a certified plumber rather than choosing a handyman or plumber without the correct credentials or experience, as a licensed plumber is experienced in their specific field. The work a handyman or unlicensed plumber can be subpar and cause further problems down the line if it isn’t done properly. As the saying goes, “jack of all trades, master of none”, therefore it’s best to choose a licensed plumber who is trusted, recommended and highly experienced in what they have been trained to do.

How Does A Person Become A Licensed Plumber?

A licensed plumber must have a license to work in Florida, as well as having passed the necessary exams and have the required experience. In order to become a plumber, a person needs to have a high school or equivalent diploma and be at least 18 years old, and have a clean driving record and blank criminal background. They will need to enroll in a technical plumbing course through an institution, college or association, and are required to complete a certain number of hours in the classroom. The curriculum differs between the type of institution and state requirements, but generally they will be trained in:

• Pipe Cutting
• Draining and Venting
• The Basics of Electrics
• Water Systems
• Plumbing Codes

After this, they complete an apprenticeship, which includes a combination of classroom instruction and teaching, coupled with paid on the job training. These apprenticeships are often sponsored by employers and vary in length of time, but typically last around two years. The plumber-in-training will work alongside a professional plumber as an apprentice, gaining valuable skills and experience. After this, the plumber-in-training will be required to pass a written exam, a practical test or both, based on what they’ve learned in the classroom and during their apprentice, in order to receive their plumbing license.

What Is A Licensed Plumber Trained To Do?

Below are just some of the many skills a professional plumber has to offer you. These include the training to:

• Install, maintain and repair water systems, valves and piping, backflow preventers and other types of fixtures
• Maintain plumbing, fittings, pipelines and fixtures
• Unblock sewers, sinks and toilets
• Assess malfunctions or breakdowns by using the appropriate equipment (such as a pressure gauge) and conduct the proper tests to determine the cause and location
• Provide recommendations that address problems fairly

What Soft Skills Do Licensed Plumbers Have?

On top of the skill training plumbers receive, there are also a number of soft skills that licensed plumbers have, that set them apart from an unlicensed plumber or handyman. These include:

• Physical strength and fitness to lift heavy equipment and tools, climb to high places and work in adverse weather conditions
• Verbal communication skills to properly converse with the customer and made sure the problems are understood
• Critical thinking to properly assess a situation
• Basic mathematical skills for precise measurements, and sometimes a working knowledge of geometry and algebra
• Good manual dexterity to operate tools

When it comes to your commercial or business property piping and plumbing, you want the best person for the job. Therefore, it’s important to choose the best. Resorting to an unlicensed plumber or handyman who is unqualified for the job can result in an incomplete assessment of the problem and an incorrect solution, wasting your time and money. Call Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric now for the licensed plumber you can trust.