Why You Should Hire a Licensed Plumber, many home and business owners are uninformed as to why it is Vital to hire a Licensed professional. He or She protects the health of the nation by properly installing Plumbing systems in our homes, our cities by protecting the Public water supply, properly designing and installing our Sewage pipe lines. Installs fuel or gas lines to provide is cooking, hot water, and comfort in the winter months. Sure, your unlicensed handyman can install a faucet or claim to have the know-how of other plumbing projects in your home or business, but he lacks the in-depth knowledge and experience of how important your plumbing system protects your health. Let’s see what a Plumber must go through before he is granted a Master Plumbers License in NYC. The first step is to directly work under the supervision of a Licensed Plumber for 5 years, then he or she may obtain a Journeyman Plumbers Card. After obtaining the Journeyman card, then he or she must work for an additional 2 years under the direct supervision of a Licensed master plumber as a Journeyman Plumber. Finally, after 7 years of Full time employment under the direct supervision of a Licensed Master Plumber he or she meets the requirements of DOB to sit for the test to qualify for a NYC Master Plumber License. Now the plumber starts his or her schooling to prepare for the written part of the NYC Master Plumber test. This School is usually at nights 2 to 3 days a week on weeknights for 4-5 hours and lasts for about 6- 7 months. This is not an easy task as Plumbing is hard work, the last thing a plumber wants to do after 9- 10 hours of work is sit in a class room. Determination, Devotion, Pride and Love for the trade is what drives these individuals that persue this route. The NYC Master Plumber written test is a very difficult test, it covers many different types of code, safety, natural gas, industry standards, properly sizing and designing a plumbing system, math formulas and business practice subjects.
Great You passed the Written what’s next? Next comes the Practical part of the NYC Master Plumber exam. For This the Plumber will once again attend school usually at night 2-3 times a week 2-4 hour. This part of the school lasts anywhere from 2-4 months whenever the plumber feels he or she is ready to sit for the actual test. This Part is very demanding both mentally and physically. You are required to produce 1 black steel project and 1 copper project. The plumber must learn how to use math formulas, soldier properly, and work in a neat and safe environment while protecting himself and the environment. When ready for the Practical exam, the plumber is given the exam by the DOB in undisclosed location and he is required to bring all necessary tools and materials needed and carry it all to the test site, not an easy task. The plumber is given 4 hours to complete this exam. Good Luck! You’re going to need it.
Almost 2 years have passed and the plumber passed both written and Practical tests. Now comes the hard part. Yes, the hard part. The DOB requires the plumber to now submit experience verification forms filled out by past employers, earning statements from the IRS, Criminal background checks, DMV background checks, child alimony statements, and many other types of forms and affidavits. The DOB is very strict and fine combs these documents to prevent any false experience claims. When the DOB clears the documents submitted then the NYC Master Plumbers Board decides if he or she is fit for NYC Master Plumbers License. If found Qualified, he or she must first obtain General Lability insurance, Workers Compensation insurance, disability Insurance, a commercial Store front, and a land line for the store front address. Then finally the Plumber May Obtain his license. The process can take up to 1 year. Once again Determination paid off.
Therefore, it is so important to hire a Licensed professional, they have been through rigorous testing from the city or state, have fulfilled the proper experience requirements, carry proper insurances, can legally operate in NYC. Must oblige by strict code of ethics set in place by the Licensing board. Have knowledge on public safety, and local codes. Must attend code renewal and continuing education courses every 2-3 years. The Licensed Plumber protects your water supply and your family’s health. Sure, you can hire an unlicensed contractor to cut cost. Or would you want a professional that spent a substantial portion of their life obtaining the proper training, educating themselves on properly demonstrating their trade to Obtain a License, and let’s not forget it’s the Law. Or a person who has little or no knowledge of codes, health, public safety, and proper industry practices? The unlicensed contractor and Homeowner are subject to heavy fines from the DOB for performing any unlicensed work. The unlicensed contractor may not have the determination, knowledge or experience to obtain a NYC license or maybe he or she has no interest in obtaining a License and this is just a gig to make a quick buck, and for the homeowner to save some money. Or maybe he or she is career criminal and was denied for a License by the DOB due to his or her criminal past. These are the many things to consider when hiring a Contractor, do not depend solely on an inexpensive quote. Those inexpensive quotes come from not carrying any type of insurance, paying no taxes, using substandard products to complete a project. Red Flags when Hiring a Contractor - No signs or License number on work vehicle-names on paperwork or insurance documents do not match – claims a Licensed contractor will cover him, this is illegal in NYC. The DOB provides many resources to find a licensed contractor on their website. With the price of Real Estate soaring in the Five Boroughs protect your investment with a Licensed Professional. Hire a Licensed Professional for your family’s Health and Safety and for your fellow New Yorkers.
Karanvir S. Johal
NYC Licensed Master Plumber
Tidal Plumbing & Heating LLC