When pipes become damaged or clogged, they can cause leaks and water damage. Fortunately, there are many professional plumbers in New York NY who can help you repair your plumbing issues.
They offer a variety of services, including drain cleaning, toilet repair and installation, and water heater repairs. They also provide emergency services.
Qualifications
Plumbers are responsible for a variety of tasks throughout the workday, from reading blueprints and interpreting the specifications to accessing which pipes and fixtures should be used on a job. They may also be responsible for assembling materials and tools, preparing cost estimates and other administrative functions. Often, they must communicate with assistants, project managers, business owners and other people in various roles, so they need to be able to express their thoughts accurately and in a professional manner.
Plumbing is a specialized trade that requires extensive training and certification to become licensed. Plumbers are required to have a state license and must pass an exam to ensure their skills are up to date. They also need to have the proper work insurance and a clean criminal record. Those who want to pursue this career path should look into local apprenticeship programs and training facilities to learn more about the requirements of becoming a licensed plumber.
In New York, it is illegal to work as a plumber without a license. The licensing process varies from state to state, but New York City is one of the most demanding. The city’s Department of Buildings oversees the licensing for all plumbing professionals, including journeymen and master plumbers. Applicants must submit affidavits from current or past employers that attest to their experience and moral character. They must also pass a technical exam and a business and law exam.
Licensing
Plumbing is a highly technical job that requires years of study to learn. As a result, most states require plumbers to obtain licenses at the local level. This is to ensure that the plumbers are competent in both the skills necessary for the trade and also the local building codes.
Most states will require the plumbers to complete an apprenticeship and then several years on-the-job working under a master plumber before they can become licensed. There are some exceptions, however. For example, in New York City, a person may be eligible for a master plumber license if they have 6,000 hours of on-the-job experience as a journeyman plumber under the supervision of a master plumber.
In addition, the applicant will need to pass a background investigation and practical exam. Once the applicant has successfully passed all of these requirements, they will be required to pay a fee for the license. This fee is usually around $200 and must be paid online.
Most municipalities will require the plumber to have workman’s compensation and liability insurance. This is to protect you if the plumber gets hurt while working at your home. In addition, the plumber should have a clean complaint history. It is easy to check for this on the NYC Department of Buildings website. Alternatively, you can ask the plumber directly about their licensing status.
Continuing Education
Today’s plumbers do much more than repair clogged toilets and drains. They install, maintain, and repair residential and commercial plumbing systems including pipes, fixtures, appliances, and water heaters. They also inspect and test plumbing systems to ensure they meet state and local codes. Because plumbing work can be hazardous, they must be licensed to do the job. Licensing requirements vary by city and county, but most require a training program, on-the-job experience, and a licensing exam.
Individuals who are serious about becoming a plumber can start the process while still in high school by taking a vocational education or training program. Short-term programs can prepare students for employment as an apprentice and lead to a journeyman or master plumber license. The apprenticeship process takes between two and five years and can be done through a union program or an independent contractor.
The Associated Builders and Contractors Empire State Chapter offers apprentice programs at its construction training centers in both Albany and Long Island. Other options include vocational schools or community colleges, and apprenticeships with local plumbing contractors.
The UA Local 22 in Ithaca offers an eight-week program that includes hands-on training and classroom instruction on the tools, safety, and technical skills of a plumber’s helper. Applicants must pass the WORKKeys achievement tests in Applied Math, Workplace Documents and Graphic Literacy to be selected for the apprenticeship. The program is free and students earn while they learn.
Certifications
There are a number of steps that must be taken in order to become a licensed plumber in New York. These include passing a technical exam and a business and law test. It is also necessary to have at least two years of hands-on experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems. Directly related academic or technical training can be substituted for up to one-half of this requirement. In addition, candidates must pass a background check.
Once you have accumulated some work experience, you can apply for a journeyman plumber license. This license allows you to perform a wide variety of plumbing jobs without supervision. You must provide a copy of your work history and submit an affidavit from the master plumber you’ve been working under. You’ll also have to pay an application fee that can cost up to $100.
If you figure out that plumbing is the career for you while still in high school, consider applying to a vocational program at your local BOCES. For example, the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES offers a two-year program that prepares students for careers as plumbers, HVAC technicians, and entry-level electricians. There are other programs throughout the state as well, and each will have different requirements. It’s important to research the requirements in your area before you sign up for a program.
