A homeowner usually thinks that a plumber and a contractor are the same but there are different and these two terms are commonly used interchangeably so it can be confusing which might be wondering what the difference is. If having a common water supply systems problem like a clogged toilet or a leaky sink should contact or hire a plumber but in many cases, the plumber works for a contractor. A contractor almost always deals exclusively with new customers, repairs, remodeling, and handling tasks that involve the building’s water supply or septic system. In smaller businesses, the plumber may also be the contractor in the plumbing Brisbane industry; the trade is the second-highest earning with a mean annual wage and learning more about the differences between what is a contractor and a plumber. Plumbers are usually the first trade worker that homeowners or building managers go to when there is a water supply systems problem or for standard services as their typical tasks range from fixing drains or unclogging toilets to dealing with pipes that burst. Even though these are drastic to homeowners as these are considered minor repairs in the plumbing world as the plumbers are commonly trained in an apprenticeship program under another plumber.
They learn how to install common plumbing fixtures like food disposals, built-in water dispensers, bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets. contractors’ tasks are more complex than a plumber which will construct a building’s water or waste disposal system. The installation of water heaters either gas or electric and will install gas connections which will need a contractor for professional installations such as backflow prevention, gas valves, and other system services. This isn’t a complete task list for a contractor but there are a few of their tasks that are more complex than a traditional plumber is trained for as the contractors go through training and certifications to handle any water supply systems service requests. The contractors act as consultants when clients are in their planning phases in terms of responsibilities since contractors are instrumental in ensuring that any maintenance or new construction is up to code with state regulations. Commercial plumbing adheres to all requirements of the disabilities act is another responsibility they have in the final inspection as they evaluate and assess the plumbing work that they construct in their building phases.
There are different levels of licensing that plumbers and contractors need as all employees that perform plumbing work must have certification and license by the labor division which typically the contractors should have strong customer service. The mechanical and people skills in troubleshooting abilities as well as physical strength with knowledge of systems and tools are essential to have the following requirements to become a contractor. Become an apprentice and get a master plumber license and contractor’s license, the apprentice programs are the most common route taken for plumbers to learn the skills in this trade. As the apprenticeships are commonly sponsored by companies, contractors and local branches vary in time to complete and these types of programs must have a complete requirement of educational hours and on-the-job training. Educational hours take place at trade or technical schools where they learn plumbing codes, regulations, blueprint reading, and physical through on-the-job training. A hands-on experience with training in appliances, fixtures, water pipes and everything in construction jobs after one goes through apprenticeship programs can become a journeyman plumber. This means it can work alone without supervision and must successfully submit all fees and applications to the respective state licensing agency and pass an assessment.
For one to obtain a master plumber license, individuals must be qualified and pass an additional exam and adhere to state requirements the last step to becoming a plumbing contractor is to obtain a contractor’s license. Licensed contractors own their own water supply systems business and hire or subcontract work to other licensed contractors in different trades. Licensing requirements vary but typically the requirements include an application fee in passing classes in comprehensive business and law and building codes while for the basic water supply system problem needs can hire a traditional plumber. Those tasks had more complex projects to the tasks and need to hire when constructing a new building. The general contractor will most likely recommend a contractor that they have worked with for other projects which might hear from family, friends, or neighbors about plumbing contractors in the area. Referrals from friends and acquaintances might be the best as they have dealt with that particular contractor before and the plumbers expect payment on the day of service. In a timely manner, contractors make their payments differently as they require that clients set a deposit upfront before they start working.
The deposit is a portion that is usually half of the job estimate from how it is normally calculated and then deducted from the total cost of the project when completed as the contractors might be more flexible and send a bill that can pay after the work. Assuming that paying the deposit upfront depends on the task at hand one should evaluate what needs to be done when deciding between a plumber or a plumbing contractor. If the task is complex and outside of the capabilities of the plumber, they will refer to a contractor, and commonly the plumber works for a contractor. They handle issues that deal with burst pipes, overflowing toilets, and other minor problems on garbage disposals and are more complex that are outside the reach of plumbers. They repair or install new systems regarding water heaters and gas connections as both are extremely necessary but it is essential to know the difference. Plumbers install and repair pipes that supply water and gas to carry waste away from homes and businesses. They install plumbing fixtures in bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and such appliances, dishwashers, and water heaters that may need to hang steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place and cut to fit using pipe cutters and saws.
