Plumbing is an in-demand industry, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for plumbers is expected to “…grow 2 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.” Think about what a private residence, office building, and a public venue all have in common. They all have a functioning plumbing system.
Plumbing is something that we all need and rely on to work as it’s supposed to, and when it doesn’t, the problem might not be something that you can take care of on your own. When your plumbing is on the fritz, the best solution is to seek help from an experienced plumber, but have you ever wondered how plumbers get their qualifications?
There will always be a need for plumbers, and in most major cities, like Renton, WA, a plumber needs to have a state certification in order to work as a plumber. Plumbing work requires knowledge of intricate systems like drainage and vent pipes, water heaters, and plumbing fixtures.
It’s also wise for plumbers to have working knowledge of irrigation systems and pumps, water and sewer lines, and to know how these systems interact and fit within the larger scope of a property’s plumbing system. If you’re interested in working in the Renton plumbing industry, there are a number of requirements that you’ll need to qualify for certification.
As you begin your journey into a career in plumbing, you’ll first start as a plumber trainee. After applying for a plumber trainee certificate, plumber trainees work with certified plumbers who closely supervise them as they receive on-the-job training and experience.
In addition to that hands-on training, the trainee will need to complete a set amount of hours needed to complete the required number of hours or years needed to qualify for the plumbing examination.
Most states require between 2-5 years of experience before taking the exam and in Washington, a plumber trainee is required to have at least 3 years or more of supervised experience before they meet the requirements to qualify for as a residential plumber.
To keep your plumber trainee certificate, you’ll need to complete “…8 hours of approved continuing education instruction yearly,” in order to renew the certificate. You can learn more about what the exact requirements are to keep your certificate active for the city of Renton, by visiting the state website, but once you’ve completed all of the requirements, the next step is to pass the plumber exam and become a certified Journey level, specialty, or residential plumber.
Once you’ve become a certified plumber, there is still an opportunity to advance your credentials even more, and you can go on to open your own plumbing business or even earn the title of Master plumber.
At Trusted Plumbing & Heating, our plumbing team is trained, certified, licensed, and bonded to work in the state of Washington and the city of Renton. If you need a trusted reliable plumber to assist you with your Renton plumbing needs, then call us or visit our website to schedule your next service.
