How Long Does It Take to Become a Plumber? | A Complete Guide
Introduction
Becoming a plumber is a gratifying career that offers financial stability and job security. But just how long does it take to become a plumber? This article will walk you through the process of becoming a plumber, including training certification and apprenticeships. That way you know exactly what to expect as you work toward this goal. How long does it take to finish an internship and what must you do to get a license? We’ll talk about all the essential things that will help you begin.
What Does a Plumber Do?
It’s important to know what a plumber does before we talk about how long it takes to become one. Professionals with the right skills, like plumbers set up, manage and fix systems. In homes, businesses and workplaces, they work with gas, water and other liquids. Often, they are in charge of gas lines, drains and sewer hookups. We value their important role in daily life so much that we even have National Hug a Plumber Day to honor their hard work and commitment.
Steps to Becoming a Plumber
To become a plumber, you need to take a few critical steps. The exact time frame will depend on where you live and the training programs offered. The general process stays the same.
1. Complete a High School Diploma or GED
Getting your high school diploma is the first thing you must do to become a plumber. Most people need a high school diploma or GED to get into plumbing training classes. Taking math, physics and mechanical drawing classes in high school can be good. These courses will help you learn how to do plumbing work.
2. Enroll in a Plumbing Program
People who want to become plumbers usually go to a trade school or community college after high school to finish a plumbing program. It can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to finish these programs, based on the certification level and the training depth. These classes teach safety rules, plumbing codes, and how to read pipefitting blueprints.
3. Complete an Apprenticeship
An internship is the next thing you need to do to become a plumber. As an apprentice, you can learn by doing while supervised by a professional plumber. Most apprenticeships last between three and five years. Based on the rules in your area, At this time, trainees learn both on the job and in the classroom, which gives them the skills they need to do plumbing work on their own.
4. Obtain a Plumbing License
You must pass a licensing test after your apprenticeship is over to become a fully licensed plumber. Each state has rules about getting a license, but most tests check how much you know about plumbing codes, safety rules, and systems. Most of the time, the test has both written and practice parts. You will be able to work on your own once you get your plumbing license and pass the test.
5. Consider Specializations
By getting a license as a plumber, you can choose to focus on certain types of plumbing, like home plumbing, business plumbing, or industrial plumbing. Making more money and finding more job possibilities by specializing is possible. Some plumbers also try to get licenses in certain areas. Like gas fittings or units that clean water. Which can help them gain better skills and credentials.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Plumber?
Now that we’ve outlined the steps let’s answer the key question: How long does it take to become a plumber?
- High School Education: 4 years (if you haven’t completed this yet)
- Plumbing Program: 6 months to 2 years
- Apprenticeship: 3 to 5 years
- Licensing Exam: Varies (usually a few months to prepare for the exam)
Usually, it takes between 4 and 7 years to finish school and get your license as a plumber. The exact length of time varies depending on your educational path and your apprenticeship needs.
Benefits of Becoming a Plumber
It can take a long time to become a plumber, but the job has a lot of benefits. Take a look at these benefits:
- Job Security: The demand for plumbers is expected to grow steadily, offering strong job security.
- Competitive Pay: Plumbers can earn a good salary, with opportunities to increase income through specialization or owning a plumbing business.
- Flexibility: Many plumbers can work independently or join established companies.
- Variety of Work: A commercial plumber can handle a wide range of projects, from residential plumbing jobs to large-scale commercial installations.
Factors That Influence the Time It Takes to Become a Plumber
Several factors can affect how long it takes to become a plumber. These include:
- State Requirements: Each state has different licensing requirements and regulations that can impact the time it takes to become a plumber.
- Educational Path: The timeline may differ if you attend a full-time plumbing program versus a part-time or online program.
- Experience: The more hands-on experience you gain, the quicker you can pass your licensing exam and begin working independently.
What to Expect During Your Apprenticeship
One of the most critical parts of the process is the apprenticeship step. You will learn the trade by working closely with a qualified plumber during this time. You’ll learn skills like the ones below:
- Pipe Installation and Repair: Learning how to install and repair various types of pipes.
- Water Heater Installation: Installing and maintaining water heating systems.
- Drainage Systems: Understanding how to install and maintain drainage and sewer systems.
- Blueprint Reading: Reading and interpreting blueprints to understand plumbing designs.
Conclusion
To sum up, becoming a plumber can take 4 to 7 years, based on how long you need to go to school, do an apprenticeship, and get a license. However, the time and work are worth it for a job that pays well, offers job security, and offers many different work options.
To get started on the right path toward a job as a plumber, find out what the requirements are in your state and consider enrolling in a plumbing program. Becoming a plumber may take a long time, but the payoff is enormous.
FAQs
How fast can you be a plumber?
The complete completion of an apprenticeship program is required to become a “journeyman” plumber, which typically takes 4-5 years. Attending a plumbing program at a trade school typically requires 1-2 years, unless one chooses an exceptional course that can be completed in 12-16 weeks.
What is the hardest part of being a plumber?
Although plumbing is not the most hazardous profession, plumbers do expose themselves to risks to their health, well-being and even their lives when:
- Utilizing repetitive and physically taxing hand movements.
- Walking on wet slippery surfaces.
- Ascending to great heights.
- Operating within restricted or enclosed spaces.
- The management of high-pressure and high-temperature systems.
What is the easiest trade to learn?
The most straightforward trade to learn is contingent upon your personal preferences. HVAC, plumbing, phlebotomy and medical assisting are among the trades that are generally regarded as being simple to learn.