Career Path

How Long Does It Take To Become A Plumber?

Published on January 20, 2023

A plumber is an expert in water, gas, and waste systems that serve residential buildings, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities.

They are responsible for installing various systems in new buildings, maintaining water and waste systems, and replacing malfunctioning systems.

As a plumber, you may anticipate having a lot of potential in a field that is expanding.

Being a plumber can be physically demanding labor.

You’ll frequently have to do your duties in extreme temperatures or confined spaces.

Managing waste systems can be unpleasant as well.

Many young people start out in the plumbing industry before moving on to start their own enterprises or work as site managers.

Compared to several other building trades, plumbers make more money.

Learning a craft may lead to a successful career, and plumbing is no exception.

Being a plumber may be of interest to you if you enjoy connecting with people and fixing one of the most important systems in homes and workplaces.

Finding out the steps necessary to become a plumber might help you determine if this is the correct option for you.

How long it takes to become a plumber and What schooling you need to become a plumber are covered in this article.

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What is a Plumber School Like?

Training, but not a college degree, is necessary to become a licensed plumber. You must have completed high school to enter this field.

After that, you can enroll in a formal apprenticeship program with an electrician who is qualified.

A trade school is another place where some electricians enroll, and it can count as credit toward an apprenticeship program.

Additional schooling requirements have no bearing on how long it takes to submit an application for a license.

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Is Attending a Plumber School Worth It?

Yes. Although learning and practicing plumbing is possible without attending trade school in many areas, doing so opens up a wide range of choices.

In California, a journeyman plumber can open his own firm, while a technician without a journeyman certificate is required to work for a plumbing contractor with a license.

Additionally, a lot of companies prefer to use journeyman plumbers over non-journeymen since it shows a better level of professionalism and craftsmanship.

Additionally, plumbing is a rewarding sector to work in.

You’ll always want to have this talent because everyone needs fresh water, you’ll save a lot of money on your own home, and you’ll work with others that have tools and skills that are very helpful.

Robots cannot perform plumbing, particularly service plumbing, and it’s a well-paid career.

What Schooling Do You Need to Be a Plumber?

After high school, the first step toward becoming a master plumber is to enroll in a technical institute or community college to learn the intricate technical aspects of plumbing.

Pre-apprenticeship classes cover topics including plumbing algebra, isometric plumbing diagrams, building codes, home repair, installation methods, and designing water, waste, and vent systems.

These classes are available separately or as a part of an associate degree program. To complete these qualifications, allow two years.

After successfully completing your academic coursework, you will start an apprenticeship.

State laws differ, but plan to work in this position for four to five years. An apprenticeship is a compensated educational opportunity in which you assist a seasoned plumber.

You will apply what you have learned in the classroom and get work experience in this position.

After completing an apprenticeship, you have the option of applying for a license or continuing your education to become a master plumber.

Applying for a journeyman’s license is required for this.

You will work as a journeyman plumber for four to five years under the direction of a master plumber after receiving your license.

The last step is to pass a certification exam that covers the necessary practical abilities as well as national and local building codes. License renewal policies differ by state.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Licensed Plumber?

It typically takes 4 to 5 years of training to become a plumber.

This entails enrolling in an apprenticeship program where trainees obtain the practical training required to pursue a career as a plumber.

On-the-job training for these apprenticeships typically lasts for 2,000 paid hours.

Apprentices receive technical training in addition to hands-on education and attend some conventional classroom sessions. This gives them the specialized expertise required for this job.

Apprenticeship programs are typically offered by unions, trade groups, and independent enterprises.

Plumbers frequently complete a certificate or diploma degree in a technical college.

These courses give some crucial knowledge and abilities for this field and often take less than a year to complete.

Plumbers are typically obliged to obtain a license in the state where they will practice their trade after completing their training. This frequently entails taking and passing a test.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Licensed Plumber?

Depending on the course’s curriculum, a plumbing course might cost anywhere from £495 and £4,995.

There are numerous courses that cover a wide range of topics, some of which only teach the fundamentals while others go into great detail or specialize in particular facets of the plumbing industry.

When you’re preparing to become a plumber, picking the appropriate education is crucial.

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Salary and Job Outlook for Plumber after Study

The annual average pay for plumbers is £28,782. Depending on your applicable experience, talents, and education, your compensation might go up.

For instance, a master plumber might make more money than an apprentice plumber.

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Job outlook

From 2018 to 2026, plumber employment is predicted to increase by 16 percent, which is a positive job outlook.

Plumbing jobs are constantly available due to an aging workforce.

Economic considerations that affect new building projects have an impact on the industry’s continued growth.

What is a plumber?

A person who has received training in installing and repairing plumbing systems is a plumber.

Plumbers can be classified into a number of levels, including apprentice, journeyperson, and master, depending on their level of experience and expertise in the field.

For instance, someone new to the plumbing industry would refer to themselves as an apprentice plumber, whereas someone with more than ten years of experience might do so as a master plumber.

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Conclusion

For you to become a plumber, no formal education is required.

However, some people may find a career in plumbing to be either tough or quite fulfilling.

Both your physical and manual dexterity must be strong.

Additionally, you have a lot of obligations and chores to complete every day. This is why some individuals could find it difficult.

However, both novice and seasoned plumbers can find lots of employment prospects.

Either working alone or for a company are options. Additionally, after gaining expertise, you can make up to £40,000 annually.

So why not learn plumbing and earn a lot of money in the process?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a plumber at 30?

At 30, you can definitely become a plumber. As long as you have the physical capacity to fulfill the job requirements, you can become a plumber at any age.
To obtain a plumbing license, you typically need to complete a few prerequisite courses, gain work experience, and pass an exam.
Once you have your license, you can begin looking for well-paying employment or beginning your own business.

How do I start to become a plumber?

You must enroll in a trade school, obtain job experience, and pass an exam before you can begin to work as a plumber.
To obtain a plumbing license, you typically need to complete a few prerequisite courses, gain work experience, and pass an exam.

How long would it take to become a plumber?

To become a plumber, two to four years are needed. The first two years are spent in an apprenticeship program or vocational school.
The majority of states then need a certain amount of work experience before a person is qualified for journeyman or master plumber roles.

What are the two types of plumbers?

Commercial and residential plumbers are the two categories of plumbers.
The pipes and fittings of your plumbing systems, which comprise the water supply, heating system, and sanitization, are installed and repaired by a plumber, a skilled tradesperson.

How much does it cost to become a plumber?

Most plumbers receive their education through an on-the-job apprenticeship, however others go to technical school as well.
Admission to an apprenticeship is often contingent upon having completed high school or an equivalent.
You can also begin your journey toward becoming a plumber by enrolling in a post-secondary degree at a technical or trade school.
These courses can range in price from less than $1,000 to more than $3,000, and they are aimed to teach you about pipe system design, work safety, and tool use.