The simplest answer to this question is that licensing, bonding and insuring protects you, the consumer. Improperly installed plumbing can cause significant property damage, and even more importantly, it can pose a health risk to your family.
Forty-four of our 50 states require plumbers to be licensed at the state level. Those who aren’t licensed may be able to offer a lower price, but they don’t offer the quality of workmanship that comes with the standards of a licensed plumber.
A plumbing license is a certificate showing that a plumber is
- sufficiently educated
- sufficiently trained
- legally allowed to offer plumbing services in your state.
- accountable to the regulatory board that issues the license and can be held liable for violating its rules.
Training requirements for plumbers vary from state to state. At minimum, the job requires a highly specialized skill set. Professional plumbers spend thousands of hours working in apprenticeships and complete specialized training before applying for a professional license from the state’s Contractors Board (or equivalent regulatory agency). In general, in order to obtain a contractor’s license, a plumber must:
- pass a criminal background check,
- complete any additional prerequisite training required by the state board
- pass a licensing exam,
- file a business name
- show proof of commercial liability insurance.
Hiring an unlicensed plumber means you have no recourse if the work is not finished, or not up to code.
A quality plumber should also be both bonded and insured to protect you and the plumber from unforeseen costs and damages. Any professional plumber you hire should be able to show you proof of:
- Commercial liability insurance. This helps cover any claims related to property damage or bodily injury. But it doesn’t cover everything, which is why your plumber also needs a….
- Surety bond. This covers additional expenses such as fixing subpar contracting work, compensating you for items stolen by a contractor, or paying damages related to illegal practices.
Maplewood Plumbing & Sewer carries both liability and workmen’s compensation insurance. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured and have been serving St. Louis homes for more than 30 years. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.