If you own your own home you will likely need the services of a plumber at some point in the future. One of the most common questions asked by homeowners is: What is the difference between a plumber and a plumbing contractor? The answer is fairly simple. If you have a problem with your plumbing such as a clogged drain, leaky faucet, or stopped up toilet, a plumber can take care of the problem quickly. A plumbing contractor has the additional education needed to work on more complex issues such as those involving your home’s septic system or water supply, your plumbing home renovations, remodeling and new construction projects.
When to Call a Plumber
If you have a plumbing emergency such as a burst pipe or an overflowing toilet, a plumber is typically your first point of contact. A plumber is trained to handle all manner of emergencies and may be either professionally trained or an apprentice who works under a licensed plumber and is receiving on the job training. A plumber can install plumbing fixtures including toilets, bathtubs, sinks, showers, shower drains, hot water dispensers, garbage disposals and more. Your average plumber is experienced with many of the common plumbing issues found around residential homes and commercial businesses.
When to Call a Plumbing Contractor
Plumbing contractors are trained and licensed to perform all the tasks that your plumber can perform along with more specialized tasks. For example installing gas connections, back flow prevention, gas or electric water heater repair, water conditioning and softening equipment, and many other types of equipment and appliances that are connected to your home’s water supply. A plumbing contractor can also be hired to repair and maintain all of the connecting parts of the water supply contained in your home or business. Many plumbing contractors are also trained to tackle a wide range or service requests including new construction to ensure that work is in compliance with local, state and federal building codes. The final inspection of plumbing work is typically performed by a plumbing contractor during the new construction phase.
Hiring a Plumber or Plumbing Contractor
Plumbers and plumbing contractors perform a service, and just like many other service industries, there is room for a wide range of specialization such as repairing pipes already in place to installing pipes in brand new construction. Some plumbing contractors are extremely specialized performing commercial based services such as fire suppressing sprinkler systems. Other specialized areas include installing natural gas lines to fireplaces and outside fixtures such as fire pits and grills.
Types of Plumbing Licenses
• An apprentice plumber is a plumber who has just begun his education and training
• A journey plumbing license is earned by an individual who has earned his apprentice plumbing license and has trained under a master plumber for a specified number of hours. A journey plumber must also pass a state exam.
• A master plumber license is awarded to a plumber who has a journey license and has successfully performed the hours needed to sit and pass the state sanctioned master plumber exam.
Plumbing Inspections, Work & More in Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery & Conroe Texas
Orsack Plumbing Company is proud to have a master plumbers license to enable us to best serve the good people of Mongomery and North Harris County in Texas. For more information regarding plumbing contractor services, contact the knowledgeable experts at Orsack Plumbing today.
