Plumber or Handyman?

We’ve all seen the posts, someone looking for recommendations for a plumber. Then you go through those comments, you’ll see recommendations for a handyman and plumbers. Which is the right choice? Plumber or Handyman? To see if someone is actually licensed to work on plumbing click here: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners » Find a License/Registration

What is a Handyman and when should you hire one?

In the state of Texas, a handyman doesn’t need to be licensed or registered. A handyman doesn't have to carry insurance. There are no requirements, no testing, and no skill sets to acquire before becoming a handyman or calling yourself a handyman. Much like a 'GC' or General Contractor, a handyman can give themselves the title & may or may not have the knowledge & expertise required. Exactly what is a handyman? A handyman is someone who has determined themselves as ' handy' around the house. Much like a 'General Contractor'. A general contractor oversees different aspects of construction projects and usually works for themselves. To become a general contractor in Texas, you don’t need a license. Taking care of general tasks such as a door repair, drywall repair, general maintenance interior and exterior, painting and so on.

So why hire a Plumber? Don't they cost more?

When it comes to plumbing there are requirements and steps. Plumbing is highly regulated by the state, which is something you want for your protection & the protection of the public. The Licensed Plumber has gone through extensive training, testing, proven their knowledge & must have many hours of continuing education, testing & training throughout their career. They also must carry a certain amount of insurance, are bound by the rules & oversight of the Texas Board of Plumbing Examiners and is highly regulated. You may not be a felon, you cannot be licensed if you have been convicted of certain crimes & there is a fingerprint requirement.

THE PLUMBING APPRENTICE, TRADESMAN & JOURNEYMAN

To become a plumber's apprentice, you will need to take a test & work under the direct supervision of a RMP or Registerd Master Plumber or Journeyman Plumber. Testing through the state of Texas is required as well as fingerprinting & a background check. After your apprenticeship, you can sit for your Tradesmen license. You may sit for the Tradesman Plumber-Limited examination if you have logged 4000 hours of documented on the job hours experience working in the plumbing trade, are a citizen or national of the United States or an alien or non-immigrant eligible for licensure by the State of Texas, you are registered as a Plumber’s Apprentice in Texas, and you have completed a 24-hour training course approved by the TSBPE  or you are enrolled and in or have completed a training program approved by the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. The Tradesman may obtain a Drain Cleaner Registratior the Journeyman license, you’ll need 8,000 hours of documented on the job training, which typically take 4 years.  The Journeyman has also completed a 48-hour training course* approved by the TSBPE & has passed the Journeyman exam. Finally, would be your Master Plumber license and with each license there is a state-mandated test as well as proof that you have obtained a minimum of $300,000 of commercial liability insurance coverage

Now when it comes to cost, you’ll probably pay more when it comes to a plumber but there is value in that cost. Plumbers are proven experts in their field and much more reliable for plumbing-specific task from the years of experience they have performed to get their license.  They are regulated by the state, their jobs are inspected by the city. You have the security of knowing they have insurance that protects you and the plumber. You also come across plumbing jobs that require permits and inspections. So, you want to make sure the person you hire can pull permits.

Permits

The benefit of following the permit process is that the individual is held accountable for their work to a third party, which helps ensure that the work meets the necessary standards. Permits are typically pulled by the person doing the work. These plumbing permits not only protect your home, but it protects your family. If plumbing isn’t done properly, you risk having to have your job completely re-done or not passing inspection. Plumbing without a license is a serious offence, punishable by a fine. To report a problem to the Texas Board click here: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners » File a Complaint

When it comes to your home, you want only the best for the job. Whether its plumbing or general repair around the house. Resorting to an unlicensed plumber or handyman who is unqualified for the job can result in an improper evaluation of the problem and an incorrect solution, lost money and even an insurance claim. In the end wasting your time and money. For a licensed plumber you can trust, call Duncan Plumbing today!