Can I Do Plumbing Without a License? Here's What You Need to Know about Starting Your Plumbing Business

Plumbing is a complex job that requires skill, education, training, and time on the job. Everyone who hires a plumber is counting on you having the knowledge to take care of their needs properly. There are many problems that might be associated with doing plumbing jobs without a license, but does that mean that you cannot work in this field if you are not licensed?

This is one of the most common questions that people have who are considering going into this field. Many people want to be able to just learn on the job and then go to work without getting an education and licensing to back up their skills. The problem with this plan is that it is not legal to do so, and you can get into big trouble if you work without a license anywhere in the US.

If you are ready to learn some more about if you can do plumbing without a license, you need to keep reading.

What Are the Dangers Related to Working on Plumbing Jobs Without a License?

There are many issues that you might run into when you do plumbing jobs without a license. You need to be aware of the risks of these actions so that you can see just how unwise it is to work in this field without the proper credentials.

1. Failing Inspections

One of the biggest risks associated with not being properly licensed in the field of plumbing is that your work will not pass inspections. This might not seem like that big of a deal, but plumbing work that does not hold up to inspections can lead to being sued by customers whose building projects and home projects have required that someone licensed to come to fix your mistakes. Missing deadlines for completion of plumbing work can also throw off the timeline of an entire construction project and lead to you being sued by the construction company as well.

2. It is Illegal

It is not legal to work without a license on plumbing jobs for customers, and the fines and legal penalties can be quite severe for these infractions. You would not be wise to disregard the penalties that are associated with these actions, as they might make it impossible for you to work as a plumber ever again. Even if you can afford the fines and legal fees, you will probably also damage your reputation significantly, making it very hard to get work where you live. Simply relocating to another state will only buy you time before you get caught again, so you should not lean on this solution to your unlicensed status either.

3. Health Risks

Not all plumbing deals with waste water that might be harmful to human health, but even standing water can lead to significant health risks. Black mold and other organisms that can grow in walls and flooring that are exposed to moisture for months or years can make people quite sick and can even lead to death. If the plumbing that you have installed is the reason for the illnesses of people who have been impacted by black mold, you could go to jail. Plus, you would have these actions on your conscience, which would not be worth saving a few dollars and some time by avoiding the licensing process.

How Can I Get Licensed?

You will want to be sure that you are following the correct licensing policy and plan when you decide to be a plumber. The most common route to getting licensed is to participate in a journeyperson’s plumbing apprenticeship, qualify to take your area’s plumbing license exam, and then pass the test. You may have to get licenses in various plumbing-related skills depending upon the work that you do and the state that you live in as well. Being prepared to get all of these licenses is important so that you are not working without the protection of a license while doing specialty jobs.

The employer that you work for should be able to advise you about the licenses that you will need to work on specific jobs, and you can usually research the requirements for each kind of plumbing job online if you are not sure about the licensing process. When you attend a trade school to get your plumbing degree, you will be advised about the right ways to get licensed for each kind of plumbing job. There are many ways to access this information, and you should be willing to check on the requirements for licensing in your area if you are not clear about the details.

The risks to people’s health and finances are too great to consider working as a plumber without a license. You should be sure that you do not take this risk and jeopardize your ability to work in your field or the safety and health of your clients.

Licensing for Plumbing Skills is Critical

You cannot skip the plumbing licensing process and work legally as a plumber in the US. Make sure that you do not assume that you can just work without a license, and no one will know. Most companies will not hire a plumber without proof of licensure, and you should not assume that opening your own business without a license will be possible, either. If you are going to truly work in the plumbing field, you need to be trained properly, and you need to provide proper plumbing services and support to your clients.

Make sure that you look into the licensing requirements for plumbing jobs you are interested in doing. You will be able to find out which licenses are required for the plumbing field that you want to work in with ease if you visit the licensing board website for your state. The more that you know about the licensing process, the easier it will be for you to secure your license quickly and easily so that you can get to work in your field.

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