Finding a plumber online can be one of the easiest ways to develop an initial list of verified plumbers that can be called upon if their services are needed. It is important to do this research beforehand so that it relieves the stress of having to do it during and already stress filled situation, such as a sewer line breaking. Although it is easy to find a list of plumbers online that serve a particular city, it is not always as clear what to look for in each of the companies to figure out which one might be the best choice. It is always good to narrow the selection down to three or four choices so that multiple estimates can be obtained before making the final choice for the job.
Qualities of a Quality Plumber
Plumbers have to be knowledgeable of many different things in order to handle all the situations they might face in the field. As such, they have to go through a rigorous process in order to achieve different levels of licensing as a plumber. These standards vary from state to state, but they all have to abide by the National Standard Plumbing Codes. Plumbers have to take the licensing exam for their level of expertise in whatever state in which they live or work. Otherwise they are not able to practice plumbing in that state.
When finding a plumber online, look for the type of license the plumber has. If it is a plumbing company, look to see what the qualifications are of their plumbers (whether they have a lower limit on the type of license the plumbers must have to work for their company.) Plumbers with the highest license are called Master plumbers. There is a certain process that they have to go through in order to even be qualified to take the Master licensing exam.
If you see when finding a plumber online that the plumber has a Master plumber license, it means that they had to have at least five years experience in the field, and that is if they were only newly certified as a Master plumber. Also, the exam that they take usually requires that they not only know all of the plumbing skills, tools and supplies used, but they can also plan out a complex plumbing system, such as would be required in a multi-level building.
Journeyman plumbers are the next level of licensed plumbers that can be seen when finding a plumber online. This level of plumber has to have at least four years experience in the field as well as having passed the exam. The experience that these plumbers have is verified, meaning they have to prove that they have worked under a Master or Journeyman plumber during that entire time.