When you are planning on having plumbing work done, you may find yourself considering whether to hire a plumber or a plumbing contractor. You are probably more familiar with a plumber. When you have a plumbing emergency, this is who you call. He or she arrives and handles the situation quickly and effectively whether it is a leaky faucet or a clogged drain pipe.
Yet when it comes to the second term “plumbing contractor” people are less aware of it. It is not as well-known. What is a plumbing contractor? What does he or she do? When should you call on his or her services?
What Is a Plumbing Contractor?
A plumbing contractor is an individual who has been trained as a plumber but is able to take on more extensive work. His or her training provides the individual with the capability to take on a major role in the plumbing and heating business. A plumbing contractor starts off as an apprentice before advancing to the stage of journeyman. After sufficient time and on-the-job training, the likely candidates can then become either a master plumber or a plumbing contractor.
As a plumber, the individual must obtain a plumbing license. As a contractor, a plumbing contractor must obtain a contractor’s license. This involves paying an application fee in all American states and being successful in the passing of an exam. The exam focuses on various aspects of the plumbing/contracting business including law, building codes and general business regulations. Upon successful completion, this will qualify him or her to work in this profession either for a company, or for his/her own company.
As a result of their training, plumbing contractors often consult with building contractors. They are in contact with home builders particularly at the initial stages of the development of a plan for the home or other structures. It is their expertise that helps home contractors decide where to place the plumbing and what types to install.
What Does a Plumbing Contractor Do?
A plumbing contractor often owns his or her own plumbing system. He is able to hire plumbers and subcontract out work. While their work is often residential, plumbing contractors are more frequently involved in
* New Builds
* Commercial building
* Remodeling
* Renovations
* Schools
In general, this type of plumber are more likely to address the more complex issues of a plumbing system. A plumbing contractor is hired to:
* Build and/or upgrade a septic system
* Install the water supply system
* Install various types of gas connections and flues
* Install and repair the different types of water heaters
* Repair various types of appliances and equipment including water softeners and conditioners as well as dishwashers
In addition, as noted above, a plumbing contractor is often among the first tradespeople a building contractor will contact. The builder needs to have a plumbing contractor on board to help assist in the placement of the various elements of the plumbing system. Plumbing contractors are also often responsible for hiring the crew to actually install the plumbing in new-builds. It is then left to the plumbing contractors to “sign-off” on the final inspection of the newly installed system.
Why Choose a Plumbing Contractor?
A plumbing contractor can do everything a plumber does. Yet, hiring one can be more expensive. It is best to call on his or her expertise when you are planning a new build, major renovation or a remodeling. In this way, you can manage your money, obtain the work of a professional and ensure as much as possible that the plumbing system once installed or updated, is going to be performing to the best of its capabilities.
Are you planning to build, renovate or remodel? Do you need to install some complex plumbing systems? If you are, talk to the professional plumbing contractor at Apex Plumbing & Sewer in Chicago. We have been taking care of all the community’s plumbing needs – large or small since 1983. To learn more about our company and its services, visit us online at http://www.apexplumbingchicago.com/.
