Blog#14-Campbell

Blog#14-Campbell


The road to becoming a Master Plumber is a long one involving extensive on the job training and deep knowledge of local and state plumbing codes. The process begins with a willing interest in the craft and one’s subsequent hiring by a Licensed Master Plumber as a plumber’s helper. After the required trial period, a plumber’s helper can be considered an official Plumber’s Apprentice.
A Plumber’s Apprentice also must work under the tutelage of a Licensed Master Plumber for the required length of time. During this apprentice period, one must perform the day to day practical application of plumbing principles while learning the applicable local and state codes to prepare for the required written Journeyman Plumber’s exam. After the successful completion of the exam and license issuance, a Journeyman Plumber may take on work and apply for local permits independently but will be limited to no more than one employee working under him.
The Journeyman Plumber must again serve in that position for a period of time long enough to obtain a broad practical education in both residential and commercial plumbing practices and codes. After gaining sufficient knowledge, one may take the Master Plumber’s exam and upon successful completion, become a Licensed Master Plumber. A Master Plumber is not restricted to job types or to numbers of employees.
Plumbers are responsible for both potable water and waste water piping in residential and commercial applications. Potable water must be brought from the well or public water supply to the required fixtures in a structure and then piped out of the structure to an onsite septic system or public sewer system. Local and state codes dictate the types of materials and the attachment methods allowed. All plumbing must be inspected by local plumbing inspectors at the “rough in” stage first and a pressure test is conducted at this time to check for possible leaks. A final inspection is required when all the structure’s fixtures are hooked up to the supply and waste systems.
Today, most all homes are required to have a potable water system and a waste water system installed. People often wish to upgrade existing systems, and old fixtures and plumbing wear out necessitating replacement. There will always be a need for plumbers, and with their strong lobby and stiff licensing requirements, plumbers can earn an attractive living.