WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE HIRING A PLUMBER

Safe Plumbing Is Vital To Life

The link between the need to preserve a safe water supply and efficient disposal of foul water has led to the prescription of technical requirements for plumbing through statutes and codes. Inadequate plumbing materials and the backflow of contaminated water created by incompetent workmanship can seriously affect drinking water quality standards. The efficient disposal of water after use is obviously equally important.

Plumbers MUST Be Licensed;
It’s the Law!

In the State of California the law recognizes the importance of the work of plumbers.

Is the contractor properly licensed? In California, anyone who contracts to perform work that is valued at $500 or more for materials and labor must hold a current, valid license from the Contractors State License Board in the specialty for which he or she is contracting.

Unlicensed contractors pose a risk to your financial security because they expose you to significant financial harm in the event of injury or property damage. Few unlicensed contractors have bonding or workers' compensation insurance.
 

Plumbers Have Four Years of Schooling

An apprentice plumber is required to obtain 7200 hours on the job training as well as four years school related training. Apprentices must register with the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training and be licensed by the State of California. Their four years of school includes courses in mathematics, sciences, installation practices, blueprints, welding, as well as in-depth study of the plumbing and gas codes.

Using Unlicensed and Improperly Trained People Can Be Dangerous and Expensive The Plumbing License Number Must Be Displayed

The plumbing license number must be displayed in the plumber’s office, on the business card, on the vehicle and in all forms of advertising. Make sure you ask for the plumber’s license number. A licensed and properly trained plumbing contractor will have insurance to guard against any defects in his workmanship or materials. Why do you think insurance carriers require licensed contractors to make repairs for claims? The contamination of the water supply, through the improper installation of water heaters, water softeners, and sillcocks have caused people to become sick. Explosions and carbon monoxide poisonings leading to death have been caused by improper installation and servicing of boilers and water heaters.

All licensed plumbing contractors know a pressure balanced tub and shower valve must be installed and the water heater must be set at the correct temperature to prevent scalding. All water heater manufacturers require a licensed plumber to install their products, otherwise, the warranty is void. Be sure you ask to see their license before they work on your property.

Don’t take the risk of endangering your property, your own or your families’ health or risk breaking the law.