Plumbing problems often catch a homeowner unexpectedly. Sometimes, the issue may be something minor, such as a leaking faucet or drain. Other times, the problem might be severe, with the potential of causing significant damage if not addressed immediately. Something that all plumbing problems have in common would be the need for a licensed and certified plumber to handle the job.
When you’re in need of a plumber, you may review a company’s website or advertisements. A potential client may determine that a particular plumber is right for the job in several ways. For example, a plumbing company that features a positive rating from the Better Business Bureau may stand out from other plumbing companies.
A homeowner or business owner might notice that plumbers often promote themselves as being “licensed and certified.” Other plumbers may lack such credentials, leading customers to wonder whether they should hire a licensed and certified professional for the job. Understanding some of the positive aspects of licenses and certifications can help you make an informed decision regarding which plumbing company is the right fit.
Licenses and Certifications
Depending on the area where a plumbing company is located, a plumber may procure a license from the state or a local government agency. Laws vary from state to state, and so do requirements. Licenses are different from certifications as they are essentially a permit that is required to work in the plumbing trade. This process could involve completing a formal training program or serving in an apprenticeship role for a specified amount of time. This helps establish that a professional plumber has precise knowledge and experience related to the job. A certification often indicates that a plumber possesses specific training and technical knowledge.
Once licensed, plumbers can work as a journeyman or a master plumber, and there are some key differences between the two. A master plumber usually possesses more experience and training. They may handle duties outside a journeyman’s scope. A journeyman plumber is qualified to handle common repairs, routine maintenance and basic installations at a residence.
Some plumbing jobs are simple, and homeowners may be tempted to tackle something themselves in an effort to save money. Replacing a leaky faucet or showerhead are two such jobs that may cost a minimal amount of money, but hiring a fully licensed professional plumber will ensure the job is done right.
Hiring an unlicensed plumber could result in a disastrous situation when very complicated works needs to be done. In certain states, there are specific laws that protect a homeowner or business owner from an inexperienced professional. It would be illegal for an unlicensed plumber to accept jobs over $500 as the law exists in California.
Hiring a licensed and certified plumber may come with several upsides. Understanding potential benefits could sway a homeowner to call a licensed plumbing contractor to perform the requested work.
Performing the Proper Work
Anyone who hires a plumber wants the job done properly. A general repairer could have a basic idea about plumbing, but a job might be more complicated than it appears. Also, handling the job correctly may require using specific tools that a general service professional might lack.
In some unfortunate instances, a non-licensed plumber could take shortcuts that a journeyman or master plumber might not. The resultant shoddy work may yield a patch job that only serves as a temporary fix where the problem might reemerge in time.
Someone attempting to fake their way through a plumbing job could also worsen the problem. Homeowners may get find themselves needing to call a legitimate plumber to fix the original problem and whatever damage the handy pro performed.
Experience
Years of professional experience and on-the-job training instill a plumber with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to handle their duties. The claim is usually credible when a licensed and certified plumber highlights their many years of experience. After all, someone cannot become a master plumber without previously working as an apprentice and a journeyman.
A repair business that offers minor plumbing repairs might claim a significant number of experience, but the claims could be ambiguous. The repair professional might possess 10 years of general experience, but the would-be client may not know how many plumbing jobs the pro performed over that time frame. The number of plumbing jobs performed by the repair professional might be meager compared to other work handled over the years.
Sacramento, North Valley, and nearby California residents may call Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning when a plumbing issue requires attention. Our plumbers can help clients with a range of plumbing jobs.
Safety Matters
Safety counts when performing plumbing work, and plumbers risk injuring themselves and others if they botch specific jobs. Plumbers might use electrical equipment near leaks, and a mistake could cause a fire. Fires or explosions may result if the worker does not safely handle a job near flammable gas. Lack of knowledge and experience might increase the risks of such incidents.
Plumbers face hazards on the job, and someone unfamiliar with these risks could be injured. Plumbers may come in contact with bacteria in raw sewage that can cause diseases. An all-around-repair professional might lack the necessary protective equipment or experience to keep themselves safe. Homeowners doubtfully want an unprepared laborer at risk of getting hurt or sick entering their property.
Timeliness and Efficiency
A homeowner wants the job done the right way and completed without unnecessary delays. True, some tasks take time because they are not minor. That said, whether the job is simple or involved, the client would surely prefer that it did not drag on unnecessarily. A licensed plumber may have enough experience that they go directly to work on the task and finish it in a reasonable amount of time. If they have all the appropriate tools, they won’t need to leave the job site to procure a missing one.
Dragging out a job could waste a busy homeowner’s time. Everyone in the house may feel inconvenienced until the job completes. So, the clients would likely prefer someone capable of swiftly and safely completing the work.
Insurance
A licensed and certified professional is likely to carry insurance that addresses liability. An unlicensed plumber may lack such insurance or be ineligible for it. If the worker causes damage to the property or injures someone while performing their task, liability insurance might cover the losses. When the worker does not have liability insurance, the injured party would have to sue to recover their losses. In some cases, the negligent party lacks the funds to pay any judgment, so the injured party would not collect anything.
Our company is fully licensed and bonded and boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We also hold an EPA certification. Besides plumbing, the team at Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning can also assist customers with heating and cooling installation, repairs and maintenance. Contact our office to discuss how we can assist you.
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