There are more than 420,000 plumbers in the United States - which one should you hire?

Plumbing systems are important components of any home or business. At some point in time, everyone will need a plumber to fix a clogged drain or a leaking toilet. How do you find a great company and get a competitive price?

It's important to carefully select who you contact - ensure that every plumber has the following qualifications:

The services of plumbers come in handy for many different situations, from tasks as simple as a clogged drain to more complex projects such as piping a home. Some of the most common functions that plumbers undertake include:

Blocked drains are perhaps the most common cause for plumbing services. Various drains within homes and businesses can become clogged due to food debris, oiland foreign objects going down the drain. A blocked drain can be aninconvenience, with the potential of causing kitchen sinks, bathroomsand showers to become unusable until the blockage is addressed. A hand snake or machine auger can typically resolve this issue.

In some casesplumbers are called outdue to a broken or damaged pipe. Corrosion is common if two types of metal pipes connect to each other that have different material, such as copper pipes connecting to galvanized steel pipes. This leads to small leaks that turn into larger issues.

Another popular service offered by plumbers is the unclogging of toilets. It's pretty obvious why someone would want this fixed.

More common is a toilet that won't stop trickling water. An constantly-flowing toilet can eventually result in further damage to pipes and the sewage system, along with a higher water bill.

Plumbing Manufacturers International - Advocacy for safe and efficient plumbing products | Plumber Hiring Resource Center - For consumers looking for information on hiring plumbers | Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters Pay Information - Bureau of Labor Statistics median pay and other information on plumbers

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This is it: Dads brush with death during Geelong Ring Road disaster  Geelong Advertiser

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Its Almost Like an Illusion- Mario Creator Shigeru Miyamoto Reveals the Ideology That Keeps Nintendos Legendary Plumber Welcoming to All Generations  EssentiallySports

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Its the Dynamic of This Guy- The Super Mario Bros. Movie Star Seth Rogen Reasons on the Choice of Donkey Kongs Voice  EssentiallySports

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Its the Dynamic of This Guy- The Super Mario Bros. Movie Star Seth Rogen Reasons on the Choice of Donkey Kongs Voice - EssentiallySports

Plumbers repair and install the pipes and drainage systems in homes and commercial properties and appliances or fixtures. Whether you have a leaky faucet or a bathroom remodel, having a reliable pro at the ready can save you time and money. With so many local and national service providers to choose from, the process of finding the plumber for your project can seem intimidating.

As with any contractor you hire, there are a few things to consider before hiring a plumber. Learn more about the basic qualifications a plumber needs to get the job done as well as questions to ask to ensure youre choosing the right professional for your needs.

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Plumbing issues require quick action before you run into more costly problems. Winter temperatures can cause water lines to freeze, leading to damage inside your homes wall or ceilings. Backed-up sewer lines will render your toilet useless or, even worse, damage your floor or homes foundation. These are just a couple of examples of why you should always have a plumber on your contact list.

However, how do you pick the best plumber, and how much will their services cost? A plumbers fee is only one part of the equation when selecting a professional. Before you start asking for estimates, consider that a reputable plumber will have the following skills and qualifications.

A college degree is not required in the plumbing industry. However, many plumbers learn the trade via apprenticeships or trade schools. Apprentices receive training under the guidance of a journeyman or a master plumber. There is coursework during the apprenticeship, and the programs usually take three to five years to complete.

Plumbers are one the most regulated professions in the United States. Most states require plumbers to be licensed. Each state has its own set of licensing requirements and the government agency that issues the license varies from state to state. To obtain a license, a plumber must be experienced, receive ongoing training and stay up to date on current trends in the plumbing industry. A valid license means that the plumbing professional also carries state-mandated insurance and bonding. This ensures that your home is protected against any plumbing mishaps or damage incurred during the plumbing repair.

A plumbers general liability insurance protects the home or business owner from liability should the plumber accidentally damage the property, or injure themselves during the job. Before hiring a plumber, ask to view their proof of insurance. All plumbers should have enough liability insurance to cover accidents that may happen while on your property.

Some home insurance policies will cover plumbing issues the damage is caused by sudden and unexpected water damage from a broken pipe or other pipe malfunction. However, most policies exclude damages that are gradual, such as a slow, constant leak, as well as damage due to regional flooding.

A journeyperson, also known as a journeyman, is an expert craftsperson that has completed an apprenticeship and passed the licensure exam required by the state. A journeyperson also carries a card of an occupational license. A non-journeyperson is an apprentice who is still in training or a plumber that has not obtained state licensing.

These professionals work for five consistent years as a journeyman, have additional training and education and take another exam to receive this certification. The Master Plumber test ensures that Federal and state regulations, building codes and advanced plumbing skills are mastered. The certification does take more time and money, but it also ensures that plumber is highly qualified to do a variety of plumbing jobs. Master plumbers do charge more per hour because of their advanced skills and may be worth the extra cost for intricate work that requires a skilled hand.

Plumbers install and maintain numerous types of piping systems found in residential and commercial properties. Typical responsibilities of a plumber depend on the particular project. All plumbers must follow blueprints, work with plumbing tools, have strong math skills and know what kinds of materials are required for each job. Fixing drains and toilets are only a portion of a plumbers job. Here are some services that plumbers offer:

The key to choosing a plumber is to research both national and local companies, read reviews, and ask for family and friends recommendations for reputable plumbers they have hired in the past. You can also research a plumbers license and insurance information through your states Department of Labor or equivalent. Once youve narrowed down your choice, you can start with a phone interview and discuss topics like rates, qualifications and experience.

Although most professional plumbers can take care of your repair, you need to find one that is reliable and the best-suited for the job at hand. Here are some tips to help you pick the right one:

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How to Hire a Plumber: Qualifications and Costs Forbes Home

What is a Plumber?

A plumber installs and maintains pipes in homes and businesses. These pipes need to be installed and maintained for potable water, drainage, irrigation and sewage, as well as other uses.

Plumbers can be involved in hands-on work or may work in a design capacity, drafting blueprints and helping make the installation process more efficient. This is a profession with an extensive number of possible career paths.

This can be a very rewarding career, as evidenced by survey data that indicates that licensed professionals in the field tend to remain in the profession for their entire career. Many even continue part-time, well past the usual retirement age, helping the next generation by providing apprenticeships and learning opportunities.

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Someone interested in becoming a plumber would be interested to know that the stereotypical job as a residential plumber is only a small portion of the available career opportunities for an experienced professional.

An expert in plumbing is aware of building regulations and safety standards, and works to make sure these standards are upheld. Legal expertise can also be an aspect of plumbing, since the laws regulating this trade vary depending on where you live, and can be difficult for a layperson to understand.

Testing pipes for leakage using air pressure and other gauges, and also the ability to construct new pipe systems by cutting, fitting, measuring, and threading pipes are some of the other more involved aspects of plumbing.

Plumbers often work right alongside architects, as they can contribute valuable knowledge about the best positions for wall passage and fixture locations, saving the architect valuable time and avoiding expensive mistakes.

Plumbers have distinct personalities. They tend to be realistic individuals, which means theyre independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty. They like tasks that are tactile, physical, athletic, or mechanical. Some of them are also investigative, meaning theyre intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive.

Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if plumber is one of your top career matches.

Job security tends to be good in this field. A day in the life of a plumber might include fielding midnight phone calls from a frantic customer with a broken pipe, or may involve working for an architectural firm or visiting a construction site.

Many plumbers are self-employed, or work for a small business employing less than ten people though some might find working for larger entities or the government to be more desirable. Many large buildings employ their own staff, including school districts, college campuses, airports, and municipal buildings. The military is another large employer of plumbing professionals, though past experience as a member of the armed forces may be a prerequisite.

Simply put, anywhere that has or needs to have running water is an opportunity for potential customers. Even motor vehicles such as buses, recreational vehicles, large airplanes, yachts, and cruise ships all need the installation of plumbing and will need repair work from time to time.

Plumbers rank among the least happy careers. Overall they rank in the 19th percentile of careers for satisfaction scores. Please note that this number is derived from the data we have collected from our Sokanu members only.

While no specific data accounts for this strikingly low happiness quotient, it may be partially attributable to the trades physical demands, its propensity for irregular hours and overtime, the potential dangers associated with the work, and the sometimes negative public perception of public service workers as a whole.

After earning their high school diploma or equivalent, many aspiring plumbers start learning the trade by enrolling in a plumbing diploma or associate degree program at a trade or technical school this is one or two years in duration. They subsequently complete a plumber apprenticeship, which can take another four to five years. Others enter an apprenticeship immediately following high school graduation.

Many apprenticeships are sponsored by trade unions, associations, and plumbing contracting companies. Applicants must typically pass an aptitude test or entrance exam. They may also be required to pass a background check and/or a drug test.

Plumber apprenticeships include a combination of classroom and on-the-job training under the supervision of one or more experienced journeyman plumbers. Classes cover workplace safety and plumbing codes; the proper use and maintenance of tools; mathematics used to measure pipes and determine materials needed for pipe layouts; creating piping drawings; and interpreting blueprints and building plans. On the job, apprentices gain experience with installations, repairs, and troubleshooting.

Upon completing an apprenticeship, plumbers in the U.S. must pass a licensing exam before they can offer their services to the public.

There are several factors that aspiring plumbers should consider:

Essential Qualities and Skills

Working Conditions

Insights from an Experienced Plumber

"The best part of the job is knowing that weve built a reputation of fairness we are building the company on the foundation of thousands of customers weve served faithfully."

"By the far, the worst part of the job is the potential for contact with human waste. Clogged or broken sewer lines still require hands-on attention. A broken sewer line in a crawl space or basement can be pumped out and treated before repair is made, but the conditions are still foul."

"The biggest misconception that people have about being a plumber is probably that were all ill-educated, poorly spoken, uninformed rednecks. Ive known plumbers who are wonderful artists and musicians. Theyre from all walks of life. They are adept and mentally strong people that keep their dignity in a culture that sometimes diminishes the value of service industry workers."

Based on our pool of users, plumbers tend to be predominately investigative people. This finding is supported by the primary responsibilities of these tradespeople. Indisputably, they must frequently employ their investigative and troubleshooting abilities to properly install, repair, and replace water and gas pipes, drainage systems, and waste disposal systems.

Plumbers are also known as:Journeyman Plumber Drain Technician Residental Plumber Service Plumber Commercial Plumber

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What does a plumber do? - CareerExplorer

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Whether facing a plumbing emergency or a home bathroom remodel, many homeowners turn to a professional plumber for help. Some professional plumbers specialize in providing emergency services, while others work as remodeling plumbers for home improvement projects.

If you dont already know a trusted local plumber, you may be wondering: how can I find a reputable plumber near me? Heres what you need to know about hiring a plumber that meets your needs.

Sink still not draining?

Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from professional plumbers near you.

A plumbers rates typically range from $45 to $200 per hour, though they may instead charge flat rates for basic service calls. On average, a single projects total cost can range between $173 and $459, with an average repair cost of $316. Plumbers may also charge extra for travel time, supplies, and after-hours or emergency jobs. Overall rates will vary by the type and complexity of the job, the geographic location, and the skill level of a professional. Simple jobs that can be finished by apprentices will generally cost less than more complex jobs that require the expertise of a master plumber.

If a plumber is needed in the event of an emergency, on a holiday or weekend, or after-hours, you can generally expect to pay more than you would pay for work done during the individuals working hours. Plumbers will charge anywhere from time-and-a-half to triple their hourly rate for jobs done outside their working hours, depending on their individual policies and practices.

Regardless of the plumbing issue you face, its advised to always get a quote in writing before agreeing to hire a professional.

A plumbing professional can install, assess, and repair systems used for water, sewage, and drainage. Common problems include:

Anything related to a homes water, sewage, and drainage would fall under a plumbers scope of practice. Home repairs outside this purview would typically be addressed by another professional, such as a general contractor or an electrician.

Before hiring a plumber, its important to determine whether you actually need one for the task at hand. Certain emergency and non-emergency situations will necessitate a professional, while others may not require a plumbers specific expertise. In addition to the task at hand, there are other factors to consider to determine whether a plumber is needed.

Certain plumbing issues should be addressed by a professional immediately to limit further damage to the home:

Toilet Still Clogged?

Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from professional plumbers near you.

Even if a plumbing issue is not an emergency, it should still be addressed to prevent further damage or issues from occurring. For these non-emergency situations, its best to schedule an appointment in advance with a local plumber:

Before calling a plumber, consider the urgency of the task at hand. Emergency jobs often come at an additional cost, but if safety and home integrity are at risk, its worthwhile to call a plumber. Otherwise, the job can be scheduled in advance.

Finally, the best way to prevent a plumbing emergency is to conduct regular maintenance. In addition to monitoring for leaks or slow drainage, scheduling inspections throughout the year can help solve problems before they arise.

To save money, handy homeowners may consider taking the DIY approach to plumbing repairs. While some jobs are indeed easy to address by the average homeowner, its important to consider the potential for water damage if you run into issues or make a mistake during your DIY repair.

For basic issues, such as a slow drain or a running toilet, homeowners can typically tackle these with off-the-shelf repair kits. However, more complicated issues or plumbing emergencies can only be made worse if they arent addressed by a professional.

Additionally, home renovation projects are best left to a professional. Even if a homeowner has a basic working knowledge of plumbing, many municipalities prefer to see a licensed plumber who knows the local building codes on the permit application for jobs like bathroom or kitchen renovations. To avoid any issues with permits and inspections (or any errors with parts and installation), its often wise and worth the investment to contract a professional local plumber.

In general, if the project is outside your skill level or if you are unable to devote the necessary time to it, its best to call in a pro.

Leaky Pipes?

Maybe it's time to call in a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from professional plumbers near you.

In an emergency, it can be tempting to enter plumber near me in a search engine and call the first name on the list. However, taking the time to do the necessary research can help you find a qualified plumber whose services meet your needs. Here are some tips on finding a reputable local plumber:

When working with your local plumber, asking the right questions can ensure you get the results you want. Here are some questions to ask throughout the process:

Before hiring or starting the project:

During the project, if there is a problem:

After the project:

Before hiring a plumber, its important to understand everything that goes into the process. Here are some frequently asked questions that homeowners have when hiring a plumbing professional:

The national average hourly rate for plumbers is between $45 to $200, though this number may vary based on the plumbers geographic location. For certain jobs, plumbers may charge a flat rate or service charge rather than an hourly rate. Generally speaking, more experienced professionals and more complex tasks will entail higher rates.

Friends and family, neighbors, and online directories are a great place to start the search for a plumber. Your insurance company or realtor can also provide information on qualified local plumbers. Once youve found a potential plumber, ask them to provide licensure information and professional references.

The average cost of snaking a drain will depend on the complexity of the work. A simple toilet or kitchen drain can cost between $80 to $120, while a short stretch of a blocked drain can run between $300 to $500. Exact costs may vary based on geographic location as well as the plumbers skill level.

Some jobs are better left to the pros

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Plumber Near Me: A Guide to Hiring a Plumber for Your Home - Bob Vila

Hunt quashes plumber claims insisting he is at SuperSport United to deliver and not for financial gains  Goal.com

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Hunt quashes plumber claims insisting he is at SuperSport United to deliver and not for financial gains - Goal.com

Plumber James Anderson, 52, was so upset at the poverty one family was living in that he gave them 170 of food, gas and electricity to help them out. (SWNS)

A kindly plumber who visited a starving family provided them with 170 worth of food, gas and electricity after seeing the 'actual poverty' they lived in.

James Anderson, 52, whose company provides emergency plumbing services to vulnerable people, said the family called him at the weekend as they were struggling to keep their heating on before they reached their next payday.

He said when he visited the family of five, he was shocked by the "actual poverty" they were living in, with the parents sobbing while two of their children thought they were "going to die" from the cold, prompting him to provide them with food and power to help them out.

Anderson said he noticed he could see the family's breath because their house was so cold. (SWNS)

Anderson, from Burnley, Lancashire, said: "They rang me to see whether there was anything we could do to help them get through until the next time they got paid.

"I said Id pop in and see what I could do. But when I got there, I realised the actual poverty that theyre living in and the impact all this is having on people.

Read more: Schoolboy who cares for disabled mum wins scholarship to Eton

"You walk in and youre talking to them, and you can see your breath while youre talking to them.

"Theyve got children there. Theyre confused because they dont know whats going on.

"The children are like: Why is this happening? Why am I cold? Why cant my mum and dad keep me warm? Why cant they put the boiler on? Why cant they give me a meal."

Watch: More turn to food banks in England as inflation soars

The kind-hearted plumber, who runs not-for-profit company Depher and has built up a reputation for helping people out, said it wasn't the first time recently that he'd been in a freezing home as families try to save money by switching off their heating.

He said: "Over the last few weeks, Ive been to a few houses, not just families but elderly and disabled people as well, and you can see a plume of air coming out of their mouth.

Story continues

"Its that cold you can see your words before you can bloody well hear them, and that should not be acceptable in this day and age."

Anderson called on the government to do something about the cost of living crisis. (SWNS)

He called on the government to help families struggling with the cost of living crisis, and warned that poverty-stricken parents may turn to crime if they can't make ends meet. Where do we draw the line as a society and say, 'Now we need to act?'.

"Theres a lot of stuff the government can do to cut the cost of living by capping these companies that are charging stupid, extortionate, out of reality rates.

The poorest and the lowest in the country are always going to be penalised and expected to pay the most in the country out of everybody else.

Its wrong, and its time for a change.

He added: "There are two options either go to a loan shark and then they get themselves in debt, and that will drive up the crime rate on that side.

"Or even worse, theres going to be more crime with vans, schools, shops getting robbed.

"People are going to go out and take stuff that doesnt belong to them to feed their child thats the next stage were going to see."

Watch: How to solve the problem of inflation

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Kind-hearted plumber gives family 170 in fuel and food after seeing their 'starving poverty' - Yahoo New Zealand News

Britain's kindest plumber has told of his heartbreak after needing pay for a poverty-stricken family's food and gas bills in the depths of the countrys energy crises.

James Anderson, 52, paid provided the family with 170 worth of food, gas and electricity to help them reach their next payday without going hungry.

He said two of the children thought they were going to die from the cold while their sobbing mum and speechless dad looked on helplessly.

The plumber, whose company Depher gives emergency services to vulnerable people, said he was initially shocked to see his breath in the family of fives home last Saturday.

He quickly realised that their woes were far worse than he first imagined as he got a glimpse of the actual poverty they were living in.

But as energy bills sky rocket, the tradesman said similar scenes would soon be replicated around the country and called on the government to act now to stop them.

He said: Where do we draw the line as a society and say, Now we need to act?

Theres a lot of stuff the government can do to cut the cost of living by capping these companies that are charging stupid, extortionate, out of reality rates.

The poorest and the lowest in the country are always going to be penalised and expected to pay the most in the country out of everybody else.

Its wrong, and its time for a change.

James, from Burnley, Lancs., said hed got a call from the family over the weekend as they were struggling to keep their heating on before they reached their next payday.

He said: They rang me to see whether there was anything we could do to help them get through until the next time they got paid.

I said Id pop in and see what I could do. But when I got there, I realised the actual poverty that theyre living in and the impact all this is having on people.

You walk in and youre talking to them, and you can see your breath while youre talking to them.

Theyve got children there. Theyre confused because they dont know whats going on.

The children are like: Why is this happening? Why am I cold? Why cant my mum and dad keep me warm? Why cant they put the boiler on? Why cant they give me a meal."

Worryingly, James said this wasnt the first time that hed been in a home recently where he could see his own breath as families saved money by switching off their heating.

He said: Over the last few weeks, Ive been to a few houses, not just families but elderly and disabled people as well, and you can see a plume of air coming out of their mouth.

Its that cold you can see your words before you can bloody well hear them, and that should not be acceptable in this day and age.

James believes that many poverty-stricken parents were likely to turn to crime to pay for their familys needs if they couldnt make ends meet in the future.

He said: There are two options either go to a loan shark and then they get themselves in debt, and that will drive up the crime rate on that side.

Or even worse, theres going to be more crime with vans, schools, shops getting robbed.

People are going to go out and take stuff that doesnt belong to them to feed their child thats the next stage were going to see.

James said the government should already be aware of families growing financial problems, which he believed may out-live the pandemic.

The government should know this. The prime minister should know this. Its going to create an unstable problem lasting more than two to three years.

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Plumber gives family 170 of food and fuel to get through to pay day - Wales Online