How to Become a Plumber in 5 Simple Steps

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When you ask an adolescent what do they want to be when they grow up. Chances are you’ll get answers like a doctor, lawyer, or high-powered attorney. Becoming a craftsman who fixes toilets might not fall into that lineup of career choices.

Still, plumbing is a formidable profession and you might do well learning how to become a plumber.

Plumbers don’t pay their bills with nickels and dimes. They make good money—$51K to $70K a year kind of money. In some geographical locations, they receive more. Plumbers also control their entrepreneurship.

They can work for a brand or freelance and make just as much money. Not to mention, plumber work comes with automatic job security. The world won’t be getting rid of pipes or toilets any time soon.

A career in the plumbing industry is a solid choice and the requirements may vary by state. Here’s how to become a plumber in five simple steps.

1. How to Become a Plumber? Get a High School Diploma

Most trade, vocation, or career choices require a minimum of high school education. If you’re thinking of striking out in the plumbing field, you need a high school diploma.

If you dropped out of school, you can return and earn a General Education Diploma (GED). High education means you know the basics—math, science, reading, and writing.

Basic education is important for the plumbing trade, seeing that it requires a lot of technical mathematical knowledge. Finish school and make sure you don’t shy away from geometry and algebra.

2. Continued Education

Plumbing requires you takes a few technical courses to learn the trade, but you do a MBA and MS Degree. After you earn your high school diploma, sign up to take a plumbing course.

Plumbing course schedules requires a certain amount of hours in-class and hands-on. It’s equivalent to an AA degree, so expect the training to last for about two years.

3. Pick a Specialty

Believe it or not, the plumbing profession has many didn’t facets. You aren’t looming over toilets all day. You get to choose a specialty:

  • Pipelayer – dig and level trenches to lay down new, repair, or replace pipes.
  • Pipefitters –  install and maintain controls to regulate pipe systems that carry water air and chemicals.
  • Steamfitters – install and repair gauges responsible for the flow of water, air, and chemicals.
  • General Plumbers – clear obstructions from sinks and toilets and install and repair pipes. That includes a plumbing fixture as well.

Some plumbers handle plumbing and heating services all under one roof.

4. Lockdown an Apprenticeship

Another entry into the field outside of formal college courses is an apprenticeship program. These get offered through different plumbing unions.

Apprenticeship programs are similar to mentor programs. They pair aspiring plumbers with licensed plumbers. Experienced plumbers supply plumbing mentees with on-the-job training and classroom basics.

Apprenticeship programs last 2 to 5 years, depending on the union.

5. Get Licensed

Before you become a licensed plumber you must first pass the state test. Your state may require a written-only exam or a demo exam.

In the demo exam, you demonstrate hands-on skills and classroom knowledge. Find out what your state requires so you can prepare beforehand.

Become a Plumber

No more wondering how to become a plumber. Take the necessary educational steps. Get with a plumbing union in your area to get the support of a licensed plumber.

Want to read more informational articles like this one? Take a peek into our lifestyle guide for all kinds of tips for the home.