How to get your license and start your career!
Being a plumber is about way more than just connecting pipes. Yes, that is a huge part of the job requirement, but the art of plumbing is about having a comprehensive understanding of the engineering and science behind the design of pipes, valves, and connections that allow the flow of solids and liquids through a system. Like all other construction industries, the plumbing trade is regulated and requires licensing to ensure that the proper codes are understood and followed by anyone performing this line of work.
Beyond just having a license, jobs are inspected to ensure that the standards are upheld on each project. Failing to adhere to the proper codes could have disastrous aftereffects. This is especially true because often plumbing is not exposed which makes problems difficult to diagnose and fix later. Think about projects such as bathroom and kitchen renovations where water supply pipes as well as drains are often behind walls, cabinets, tile, or underneath bathtubs. Improper installation of these systems could lead to having to tear apart a new remodel, which is horrible news for the customer.
New Construction vs Service Plumbing
Often plumbers specialize in either new construction plumbing or service plumbing. That is not to say that many don’t do both, but it is common for one of those two sectors to be a licensee’s primary focus.
In new construction plumbing, just as the name implies, the plumber(s) will be following blueprints that outline the design, placement, and materials used in all aspects of the plumbing system for a new commercial or residential construction project.
Service plumbing involves making repairs to existing plumbing and often requires additional effort to gain access to make the necessary fixes. An additional aspect of service plumbing is dealing with aging and old systems that may have fallen victim to rust and corrosion from older style building materials. A good service plumber is skilled at diagnosing and overcoming the challenges of retrofitting the old and new materials to maintain the integrity of the system while limiting the scope of work.
Types of tasks plumbers must be skilled in:
Some of the most common tasks a plumber must be skilled in is the fitting of pipes, couplings, valves, and joints. These can all be joined through a variety of methods including soldering, gluing, crimping, or threading. Knowing the code for design and flow, the necessary pipe sizes, and the proper joining is essential to round out the areas that a good plumber must be skilled in.
Getting Your Plumbing License in Florida!
Because plumbing is one of the most highly skilled trades, getting a license requires you to obtain a combination of on-the-job experience combined with passing the licensing exams. The exams are focused on both plumbing trade knowledge, as well as business and finance. Additional requirements include being at least 18 years of age, not having any unsettled debts from a criminal background (if such exists), holding a bond or proof of financial stability, and insurance.
Florida Construction School for Plumbing
If you are thinking about getting your plumbing license, Gold Coast School of Construction will guide you through the process from start to finish. Gold Coast’s industry experienced instructors understand both the trade aspect of the profession, as well as how to guide you through the licensing exam criteria. You will be fully prepared for success upon completing the Gold Coast curriculum.
If you have any questions about how to get your plumbing license, please contact a helpful career counselor at 1-800-732-9140, or visit Gold Coast’s course info page to learn more about the plumbing program. We look forward to showing you why contractors trust Gold Coast School of Construction for all their education needs.