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Plumbing SEO Septic

How to Pick the Right Plumbing SEO Keywords for Your Business: Tricks and Tips

Plumbing SEO Keyword Research for Plumbers of All Sizes

It was not many decades ago that if you wanted to promote your plumbing business, you placed an advert in the local newspaper and hoped that homeowners would call you to book jobs. Let’s face it. But this conventional marketing was super expensive (unless you provided a coupon) there was no proven process of monitoring its results or return.

In modern online marketing, your small plumbing business can create an internet marketing campaign with measurable results for little or no money. One of the effective ways to lead clients to your website is to choose the right plumbing SEO keywords – which our experts can help you easily do!

A plumber installs a new water tap

When it comes to generating plumbing leads online, you need to know what prospects are searching on Google, Bing, and other search engines first. Picking the right plumbing keywords is one of the crucial steps in creating a successful search engine optimization strategy.

Driving traffic to your plumbing website is a priority, but attracting the right prospects is a necessity. But choosing the right keywords for your plumbing company content is only half the battle when it comes to attracting online traffic to your site. (The other half of the battle is creating killer plumbing SEO content.) But don’t feel intimidated! This post will provide everything you need to know about choosing the right plumbing keywords for your business.

Do you want to know what plumbing keyword list your business should be ranking for? Read on!

First things first.

What is a plumbing SEO keyword?

Plumbing SEO keywords

Keywords are phrases and words that people type into search engines such as Google or Bing to find your plumbing services or products. For example, if they are looking for a plumber to repair their toilet, they may type something like “toilet repair contractor near me.” Although that phrase contains more than one word. It is still a plumbing SEO keyword!

Implementing an intent-based plan for your plumbing SEO and content marketing efforts could be the change you require to differentiate your website from the competition.

To create your plumbing marketing strategy around intent, you will require to begin with keyword research that helps you understand the different types of plumbing keywords.

Most plumbing SEO experts agree that four types of keywords can be used to classify intent:

  • Navigational keywords – here is where people are intending to find a particular page or website.
  • Commercial plumbing keywords – searchers are looking to investigate plumbing services or brands.
  • Transactional plumbing keywords – searchers are intending to hire a plumber to offer services.
  • Informational plumbing keywords – people are looking for an answer to a particular plumbing question or general information.

Why is Plumbing Keyword Research Important?

Plumbing Keyword Research

Keyword research assists you find which phrases and terms are best to target and offers important insight into the queries that your prospects are actually looking at on Google. The insight that you can obtain into these plumbing keywords can assist inform content marketing strategy as well as your larger plumbing marketing strategy.

Prospects utilize plumbing company keywords to find answers when performing research online. So, if your plumbing content is successful in getting in front of your audience as they conduct searches online, you stand to obtain more organic traffic. Therefore, you should be focusing on those keywords. Here are some advantages that you can leverage from doing plumbing keywords properly:

  • Plumbing marketing trends insights: Researching keywords will give you insights into your prospect’s buying behavior and trends. Keep updated on what’s famous and crucial to your target market and utilize that to keep your content relevant.
  • Increase Conversion: If you are creating plumbing content, your potential clients find it helpful and interesting they will want to learn more. But how do you understand if your plumbing content is reaching the right target audience? After you begin ranking for the plumbing SEO keywords, check your Google Analytics.
  • Prioritize your time: When you understand what plumbing keywords to target, you can create content strategically relevant to your objectives. This assists you remain focused on the task with your efforts.
  • Customer Acquisition: If your plumbing business has quality content that people are searching for, you can meet their requirements and offer them a call to action that will direct them into the buyer journey from the awareness stage to the point of booking a job. By researching plumbing keywords for their search volume, popularity, and general intent, you can handle the questions that most prospects or clients want answers to.

Tips on How to Select the Best Plumbing SEO keywords for Your Business

The keywords you select can break or make your plumbing SEO campaign. So how do you pick the right plumbing keywords for your SEO campaign? If you want to know, then read on to get our tips on picking the right keywords for your plumbing business below:

Think Like a Customer

Identify your target market

Identify your target market and put yourself in the shoes of your prospect or client when you develop your first plumbing keywords list. Ask yourself, “if I wanted to find a nearby plumber, what would I type into search engines like Google or Bing?” You can also ask others, such as family members, friends, or even clients to obtain their opinion on terms they would use when looking for your plumbing services.

Analyze User Search Intent

Your plumbing keywords will target different pages

Search intent assists you know what plumbing keywords to pick based on why prospects search. Based on why people search, keywords can be classified into three major categories namely: commercial, navigational, and informational.

To select the right plumbing keywords with the best results you need to put yourself in the shoes of your customer.

Searches like “purchase low-cost water heater’ differ from “water heater repair” queries. One is a commercial plumbing keyword and the other one is informational.

Ideally, you should provide content on all three main areas with the objective of completing your call to action. Your plumbing keywords will target different pages dedicated to those search terms.

Transactional plumbing keywords are easiest to focus on but are also more competitive. That’s why hiring an experienced plumbing SEO agency to write your content to match those search phrases when Google crawls your plumbing website.

Analyze the Competition

Studying your competitor’s plumbing SEO keywords

Another great way to know the best plumbing keywords is by checking at what your competitors are doing. Read the content and see the metatags to assist you to know the keywords they are focusing on.

Studying your competitor’s plumbing SEO keywords will not only assist you to see what you could be missing or forgetting but also help expand your plumbing SEO keyword list. Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz explorer, and more help you analyze traffic on your plumbing website, including for your competitors. But most of these tools are not free. That’s why many plumbers hire an SEO agency to do keyword research for them.

Understand the Long Tail Plumbing SEO Keywords

Long Tail Keywords

Long tail plumbing keywords are a combination of three or more phrases or words. While long-tail keywords tend to have low search volumes, they generally attract relevant traffic, are generally less competitive, and are easy to rank higher on Google. Select long-tail plumbing keywords that assist to specify your service.

Monitor the Results

Track the results

After selecting your plumber keywords never fail to track them and track the results. There are trending plumbing phrases or keywords along with new search terms your competitors may be leveraging.

Don’t forget to use your keywords where possible! Use your plumbing keywords in social media posts, blogs, web content, and meta descriptions. The more you use your keywords within your posts, the easier it will be for prospects to find your plumbing company online.

Let Blackstorm Design + Marketing take a look at your plumbing SEO strategy and give recommendations.

Top SEO Keywords for Plumbers

Targeting and identifying the best keywords

There is no beating around the bush, any SEO campaign you run for your plumbing business, regardless of how brilliantly it is implemented, fails, or succeeds depending on your target keywords. If you have picked the right plumbing keywords, you will obtain more and more organic traffic from search engines as time goes on. Select the wrong search terms, your competitors will snatch your prospects online and leave you begging for mercy. But there is a lot to be happy about! Did you know that more than 300,000 online searches for plumbing contractors in U.S. every month?

By optimizing your website with the best SEO keywords for plumbers, you are rewarding yourself with online leads that will not only complement the ones you generate through conventional advertising strategies and referrals.

Improving SEO strategy for plumbing contractors requires targeting and identifying the best keywords. The keywords that we use throughout our website assist us to rank higher in search engines like Google or Bing and offer us higher online visibility, increased organic traffic, and more leads.

While it may appear simple just to plug in a few keywords and relax, the reality is that your competitors are implementing plumbing SEO keyword research into their marketing strategies. So, you need to invest in comprehensive keyword research to get an advantage over your plumbing business competitors.

At Blackstorm Design + Marketing, our goal is to target various Plumbing SEO elements to rank your website higher in search engines like Google or Bing. We achieve this by focusing on your content, website design, coding, social media, and other search engine optimization strategies to obtain more success for your company. One of the most crucial things we invest in best plumbing keywords for an SEO campaign.

Knowing what keywords are commonly searched by clients looking for plumbing services, will offer you a good understanding of what a client looks for in your company. Below are the 200 frequently searched keywords for plumbers and their monthly search volume:

Plumbing SEO Keywords

  • Plumbing – 70,000
  • Plumbers near me – 368,000
  • Plumber – 65,000
  • Emergency plumber – 18100
  • Toilet repair – 12,100
  • Local plumbers – 14,800
  • Plumbing companies near me – 12,100
  • 24-hour plumber – 13,100
  • Clogged drain – 3, 600
  • Hot water heater repair – 8,100
  • Plumbers in my area – 6,600
  • Plumbing repair – 5,400
  • Plumbing pipe – 5,400
  • Superior plumbing – 4,400
  • Precision plumbing – 5,400
  • Emergency plumber near me – 6,600
  • Pipe repair – 720
  • Leak detection services – 480
  • Septic tank cleaning – 21,000
  • Water heater installation – 16,000
  • Sink drain – 13000
  • Drain cleaning near me – 13,000
  • Water heater replacement cost – 11,000
  • Toilet installation – 7,500
  • Bathroom sink drain – 6,900
  • Running toilet repair – 250
  • Drain company – 200
  • Sewer cleanouts – 150

Location-Based Plumber SEO Keywords

Location-based keywords

Some of the most popular keywords in the commercial and residential plumbing industry revolve around general plumbing terms + adding a state or city locale.

Some of the most popular keywords in the commercial and residential plumbing industry revolve around general plumbing terms + adding a state or city locale. These ate what we would call “money terms” in plumbing SEO. That said, they are going to be the hardest keywords to rank for with plumbing SEO and also the most expensive more often than not when bidding them on PPC networks such as Google AdWords.

Here is a list of common location-based plumbing keywords:

  • Your City + emergency plumber
  • Your City + emergency plumbing
  • Your City + plumbing service
  • Your City + drain cleaning
  • Your City + water heater repair
  • Your City + water heater installation
  • Your City + sewer cleaning
  • Your City + garbage disposal repair
  • Your City + leak detection
  • Your City + bathroom remodeling
  • Your City + shower installation
  • Your City + repiping
  • Your City + clogged toilet
  • Your City + clogged toilet repair
  • Your City + leak detection
  • Your City + sewer repair
  • Your City + rooter service
  • Your City + boiler replacement
  • Your City + boiler repair
  • Your City + backflow testing
  • Your City + septic pumping
  • Your City + septic cleaning
  • Your City + commercial plumber
  • Your City + water filtration system installation
  • Your City + water softener systems

Using the Best Plumbing SEO keywords in your Business

Making sure that your plumbing website is fast, secure, and mobile-friendly.

Since search engines utilize keywords when filtering results, it is incredibly crucial to ensure that you understand the terms in your content correctly so that your posts have a higher chance of getting found, ranked, and indexed.

The secret to ranking higher when it comes to the best SEO keywords for plumbing contractors falls into 7 major components:

  • Making sure that your plumbing website is fast, secure, and mobile-friendly.
  • Including your SEO keyword in the major search results related to plumbers
  • Claiming, verifying, and optimizing your Google Business Profile completely.
  • Filling and claiming your local business directory listing with the same consistent NAP citations.
  • Optimizing your blog posts/web content, headings, title tags, and meta descriptions for your plumbing keyword.
  • Utilizing videos and photos in your content that have been optimized properly with top SEO keywords for plumbers.

What do you need to do to rank your plumber website #1 on Google?

Rank your plumber website #1 on Google

Ranking your plumbing company website as the coveted #1 on Google or Bing in your service area involves a combination of basic components, and implementing those tactics correctly every time. As plumbers, we understand that our sites need to be indexed and optimized properly, but here are a few factors to consider:

Local SEO – Your plumbing website should be optimized for local Google searches. Local SEO for plumbers helps you to target prospects or clients within a particular geographical area. This is crucial because more than 30% of clicks, go to the top 3 search engine results on the first page of Google. So, if you have optimized your plumber website for local searches, you will be able to get a fair share of that 33% of searches for plumbing keywords related to your business.

Here at Blackstorm Design + Marketing, we will do all the heavy lifting to improve your organic rankings in 4 steps:

  1. Find high-ranking keywords your target audience is using to find your plumbing services.
  2. Create high-quality SEO content that will attract visitors to your plumbing website.
  3. Optimize your Google Business Profile to leverage local searches.
  4. Optimize your plumbing SEO strategy using your Google Analytics.

On-Page SEO – A huge part of our SEO services for plumbers revolves around on-page SEO. On-page SEO is the process of optimizing every page of your plumbing website to rank higher in search results and get more relevant traffic in search engines.

This implies optimizing every service you provide so that you can rank higher not only for your business name but for crucial searches related to the plumbing services you provide as well. We will also go ahead to optimize your meta tag titles and meta descriptions so that you can accurately describe what your business offers.

Off-Page SEO – Our off-page SEO services for plumbers focus on identifying high-quality sites to help link back to your website. This strategy of building links helps to make sure that regardless of where you are looking geographically, your plumbing website can be found in the top spots on Google or Bing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing Keywords

FAQ gif

How can I find long-tail plumbing SEO keywords?

Identifying your primary plumbing keywords and long tail search terms can be super easy, there are some tools that are available to help you out including SEMrush, SEOmoz, Google Adwords, and more.

How can my plumbing business rank for high-volume SEO keywords?

You require a professional plumbing website that is optimized for the high volume SEO keyword and quality content that discusses the subject in depth. In addition, you will have to prove the legitimacy of your plumbing business with an About Us page and display client reviews online. Lastly, increase the authority of your plumbing website by linking it to NAP citations.

What are good SEO keywords for plumbers?

The best keywords for your plumbing SEO strategy will be ones that will be authoritative, relevant, and have a higher search volume. Also, you can use the keywords to create content that surpasses the quality of what is currently ranking.

What are generic keywords?

Generic plumbing keywords are search terms that broadly describe your services or products. Typically, they have a wider reach and they can help a prospect who is searching for services without any plumbing brand in mind.

Ready to start ranking #1 on Google for plumbing SEO keywords?

Follow that plan from start to finish and monitor the results over the next months.

After compiling your plumbing keyword search data, you have to develop a plan of attack and rank for keywords that are crucial for your plumbing business. Follow that plan from start to finish and monitor the results over the next months. Plumbing SEO is time-consuming but with the right plan and patience, you will have qualified leads calling your company requesting quotes.

If you need help with plumbing an SEO battle plan or keyword research, schedule a free profit session with Blackstorm Design + Marketing to learn how our services can help your business grow today.

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Marketing Plumbing Septic

How to Become A Licensed Plumber

Plumbers offer an important service to homeowners and businesses, and that explains why they are always in high demand. They provide such services as emergency services, plumbing maintenance inspections, installing plumbing systems in businesses and homes, as well as performing repairs for all areas of the plumbing system, including the drain field and septic system.

According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers are always in high demand and their job prospects are expected to grow through 2029 (and beyond). Thus, becoming a licensed plumber is a very profitable and wise business endeavor.

Becoming a plumbing contractor offers you the opportunity to gain hands-on skills with amazing earning potential, not to mention some stable job security. Plumbing is one of the most strictly regulated trade professions in the U.S. In fact, in most states (if not all), obtaining a plumbing license and certification is a requirement if you want to work in the field or start your business in the plumber industry.

But the regulations and rules regarding becoming a licensed plumber vary from state to state. For that reason, it is advisable to find out the requirements to become a certified, licensed plumber in your area.

Becoming a certified plumbing contractor assists you to master your trade, and understanding the ins and outs of plumbing, and it signals to your clients that you are serious about your job. It is one of the best tools you can have in your plumbing business. Without further ado, let’s assist you to get started on obtaining your plumbing license and certification.

Why is a Plumbing License Important?

Plumbing License

With gas and water pipes serving an important component of every building we play, live, and work in, plumbers can only expect a stable future. If you need another reason to become a certified plumber, consider that the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average of more than $54000 salary annually for plumbers, an equivalent of $25/hr. Plumbing represents a perfect trade option for people who enjoy solving other people’s problems and don’t live the idea of sitting behind a computer every day, all day.

Of course, you can work as an apprentice under the guidance or mentorship of a master plumber, but getting your plumbing license will open up opportunities for professional growth and development.

Without a plumbing license, you won’t enjoy all the benefits of working as a plumber. You will always have to work under the supervision of a certified and licensed plumber, and this implies you can’t branch out and start your own plumbing company unless you have a license. Worst of all, you also cannot expect to earn higher pay as a plumbing apprentice.

This post will take you through the steps you need to take to get your Journeyman’s plumbing license. After working as a journeyman plumber for some years, you will be eligible to sit for the master plumber certification exams.

How to Become a Qualified Plumber

plumber in uniform holds drain pipe in the kitchen

Working as a plumber in the US can be an extremely lucrative profession. Plumbing is old-time hands-on work, and it will never be out of demand. This is because each building requires pipework that requires repair, replacement, or installation.

Maybe you want to become a plumber. So, before you fully commit yourself to the trade, you should try to find out if you are up to the task. This can save you money, effort, and time from an unsuccessful career.

There are multiple other requirements that you may need to become a plumbing contractor. Such requirements may include but are not restricted to:

  • Proof of your valid worker’s compensation insurance certificate.
  • Proof of your property damage and liability insurance
  • Proof that you have passed both residential, industrial or commercial plumbing examinations
  • Proof that you have submitted your surety bond.
  • Copies of Articles of Incorporation or Partnership Agreement

Steps to Become a Qualified Plumber

Learn How to Fix and Install Water or Gas Piping Systems

Plumber set up electric heating boiler at bathroom

The first step to pursuing any career is to ensure that you are ready and willing to commit to it in the long run. You don’t want to waste your time and effort doing something you aren’t passionate about.

An important step, and often the initiatives are taken towards becoming a licensed plumber, is making sure that you have all of the physical plumbing skills down and ready to work. To become a plumber, you must be a creative thinker, willing to talk with your customers over the specifics of a project and go outside your comfort zone to resolve their plumbing problems.

You must portray an approachable and friendly personality to your customers, assuring them that they can discuss any of their concerns or questions. Many learn to do plumbing “on the job” or via practice, while others opt for the route of taking classes at community or technical colleges that may be relevant for the job. While the latter may consume a lot of time, the skills you obtain will help you in your plumbing career in multiple ways.

Insurance

Insurance gif

By the nature of your job, you will come across various hazards like working in tight areas and heights, amongst others. Even if you pride yourself on following strict safety procedures and quality work, accidents can still occur.

When working as a plumber, it is of the highest importance to have sufficient insurance for your business and yourself, to safeguard either you or your business from possible lawsuits that may occur due to property damage or personal injury. When you have adequate insurance coverage, you can have the financial peace of mind you require to zero in on your customer’s needs and the success of your plumbing company.

Join the National or Regional Association for Plumbers

A very crucial step that most plumbing contractors take after getting their license is to join a regional or national association. Not only do these professional organizations offer a forum to share concerns and ideas but also boost your credibility, making your company stand out amongst a sea of other plumbers, but also keep you abreast of the latest happenings and developments in the plumbing industry, you will be the first to know if you become a member of a regional or national plumbing association.

Learn How to Become a Licensed Plumber in 5 Easy Steps

As we have already stated, becoming a licensed plumber can unlock the door for countless opportunities and open doors for multiple benefits. If you are passionate about pursuing plumbing as your career choice, then the other step is to understand what it takes to make your dreams a reality.

That said, the path to becoming a certified or licensed plumbing contractor is not linear and varies greatly from one state to another and even from city to city. But there are a few requirements that most states or cities have in common. The time it takes to obtain the necessary certification, licensing, and training vary from state to state.

Discover the basics of getting a plumbing license or certification and find tips in your area to assist you to get started.

Step #1: Obtain the Required Education

Getting your high school diploma or GED equivalent

You have to meet some basic education qualification requirements to become a licensed plumber. Getting your high school diploma or GED equivalent is the first step towards becoming a qualified plumber. Having a fundamental knowledge of writing, reading, science, and math are important to pursue any career in trade professions like plumbing. For plumbing contractors, possessing advanced science and math knowledge is essential because the job often involves gauging water and making accurate measurements. These are the high school or GED equivalent subjects that will benefit you most as a plumber:

  • Geometry

3D Geometry

  • Algebra

Algebra is a branch of mathematics dealing with symbols and the rules for manipulating those symbols.

  • Units of Measurements

Metric System

  • Biology

Biology is a branch of science that deals with living organisms and their vital processes.

  • Physics

Physics is the natural science that studies matter

  • Thermodynamics

Design component

The next step toward becoming a professional plumber is to obtain specialized education in plumbing. This is where you learn the theoretical and technical aspects of the job. The most common plumber training options include going to a trade school or technical college with government-approved courses. Vocational training is important because it prepares you in advance to handle the day-to-day operations and business aspects of your plumbing profession.

Apart from getting your GED or high school diploma, other factors that can affect your plumbing career are your criminal background, capacity to pass a drug test, and driving record. Future employers and training programs might avoid working with you for insurance and safety reasons if you have:

  1.     Failed to pass a drug test
  2.     Felony convictions of any nature
  3.     Reckless driving charges
  4.     DWIs or DUIs
  5.     A huge number of moving violations
  6.     Specific misdemeanor offenses

As you can see, it is always advisable to try and keep your record clean, especially if you want to become a professional plumber. If you have a drug-free and clean criminal background or driving record, then it will be easier for you to get into a plumbing career.

Step #2: Obtain Hands-on Experience and Training

woman repairing radiator

After you have earned your GED or high school diploma certificate, the next step is to register for technical plumbing courses. Many states require a specific number of classroom hours to be allowed to sit for a plumbing licensing exam.

Technical plumbing courses are offered by various private and public schools and programs. Look out for community colleges, trade unions or institutions, or plumbing associations in your area. Your state’s requirements will determine the curriculum, but subjects could include local plumbing codes, venting and draining, electrical systems basics, soldering, and pipe cutting.

Besides studying at a trade school or technical college, you will also gain practical experience. You will be required to complete an apprentice program to satisfy the requirements of your plumbing study program.

In some cases, your school may organize your apprentice program. Mostly, though, you will have to look for plumbing apprentice programs yourself. The duration of most apprenticeship programs is typically four years.

As an apprentice, you will work under the guidance of a master plumber. This is where you will learn all the practical and technical aspects of plumbing. But it is advisable to select a master plumber with whom you have a good rapport since you will spend many years under their leadership. The numbers of apprenticeship hours you require to obtain a journeyman license vary between 4000 to 12000 depending on where you reside.

Pro tip: You can also look for local plumbing contractors to see if they are hiring plumber apprentices. Not only will you obtain valuable on-the-job training from an experienced professional, but they may pay you for the hours you have worked, and this gives you a chance to make money while you earn.

Step #3: Pass Your Plumbing State Licensing Examination

Most states will require you to sit and pass a practical test, written exam, or both for you to get a plumbing license. The exam content varies, but generally covers the fundamentals of the plumbing codes, plumbing trade, law, and business.

It is always advisable to prepare for the exam, even if you have just graduated from a plumbing trade school. For example, Alpha Tradesmen Academy offers plumbing licensing exam preparations. Make sure that you know the areas of specialization and the kind of questions that the licensing examination focuses on most.

You will also be required to pay an examination fee. Each state has its plumbing licensing exam schedule, but you can expect the exam to take place twice or once per month.

Step #4: Complete the Plumbing Licensing Application Requirements

woman filling in application form

In most, if not all U.S. States, you will require a plumbing license to operate independently and start your own company. Generally, there are two types of plumbing licenses including a master and a journeyman license. Usually, there is a particular state board that deals with the professional licensing of plumbing contractors.

While the criteria vary from state to state, some of the common plumber licensing requirements include:

  • State registration of your plumbing business entity
  • Addresses and names of company owners
  • Proof of completing apprenticeship period
  • Surety bond
  • Adequate insurance cover: both worker’s compensation insurance (if you are hiring technicians) and property damage.

Step #5: Apply for Your Plumber License

Once you have finished all the requirements, you can apply for your journeyman plumbing license. You will be required to complete your application form and pay an application fee or an annual license fee as well. Your plumbing license will remain valid for a maximum of two years. If you want to continue using it, ensure that you renew it before it expires to help you work without interruption.

After working as a journeyman plumber for some time, you can take the bold step and obtain a master plumber license. As a certified master plumber, you will be able to teach, mentor and supervise plumber apprentices while earning a special place in the industry. Best of all, you can expect to earn a great income as well. Most licensed master plumbers earn more than $40/hr., which is twice as much as what journeyman plumbers make in an hour.

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from State to State

Plumber shows pipe wrenches

Disclaimer: This information is offered as a service. It is up-to-date and correct to the best of our abilities; however, it is not expected to be considered legal advice. You must always confirm with authorities before making any final business decision. Regulations and requirements are subject to change at any time.

Plumbing licensing requirements for master and journeymen plumbers are always set at the state level by the department of plumbing and will typically vary from one state to another. The regulating and enforcing of state plumbing licensing requirements generally fall under specific municipalities.

To get a plumber license, applicants must first complete an apprenticeship program under the guidance of a licensed master plumber. Most states will require you to undergo a minimum of 4 years of on-the-job training to obtain a journeyman license. To obtain a master plumbers license, typically another four years of on-the-job experience are required.

Without further ado, let’s find out how to become a licensed plumber in the state you want to work in.

Alabama

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Alabama

In order to work as a plumbing contractor in the state of Alabama, you will first require a license. This plumbing license is issued by the State of Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. There are two levels of plumbing licensure in Alabama:

  • Journeyman plumber license: You will require at least two years of experience as a plumbing apprentice to get this license. Alternatively, you can pass through a board-approved plumbing apprenticeship training program.
  • Master Plumber license: One year of work experience as a journeyman plumber and passing the state licensing exam.

Alaska

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Alaska

To be allowed to work as a plumbing contractor in Alaska, a license from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development is required. Alaska is also known as the highest paying state for extraction and trade professions, including plumbing. Here are some licenses that you need to operate independently as a plumber in Alaska:

  • Journeyman Plumber: Those who want to become licensed journeyman plumbers in Alaska must show proof of 8000 hours of on-the-job plumbing experience in both commercial and residential installations. You can also substitute over 1000 hours of plumber education for work experience.
  • Plumber Gas License: If you want to become a gas plumber, you need to show proof of 4000 hours of job experience with at least half of the time spent in installing fuel gas piping systems. You can substitute 500 hours of training for work experience.
  • Plumber Utility License: 1000 hours of installation of sewer, water or storm lines are needed to obtain this license. But you can substitute 125 hours of training for work experience.

Each of the above Alaska plumbing license requires that you sit and pass an exam.

Arizona

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Arizona

Aspiring plumbers must obtain a state contractor’s license to operate and work in Arizona. You can either obtain residential and commercial licenses or both, which the Arizona Registrar of contractors gives.

If you have a dual license, you will be able to work in both residential and commercial plumbing jobs. Both commercial and residential plumbing licenses have the same set of requirements including but not limited to:

  • Successful completion of a plumbing trade exam
  • Proof of surety bonding
  • A minimum of four years of work experience
  • Successful completion of a business examination

California

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from California

You must obtain a state contractor license to do plumbing jobs in California. To get a plumbing license in California, you must six and pass the state contractor licensing exam. The Department of Consumer Affairs, Contractors State Licensing board awards plumber licenses. These are the requirements for obtaining a state license in California:

  • You must at least have 4 years of experience as a foreman,            journeyman or supervisor
  • You must possess a surety bond of $15000 or more
  • Pass a business and law exam
  • You must also pass a plumbing trade exam.

A unique license is needed to work with hazardous materials. This includes an extra exam.

Arkansas

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Arkansas

To do plumbing work in Arkansas, you must have a state contractor license. These licenses are awarded by the Arkansas Department of Health, plumbing and Natural Gas Division. If you want to get a master plumber license, show proof of five years’ experience as a journeyman plumber. In the case of a journeyman plumber, you must have at least one year of experience to obtain a license. But both licenses require that you sit and pass an exam.

Update: current plumbers who want to relocate to Arkansas should understand that the state doesn’t provide reciprocal license agreements on a state-by-state basis. Instead, they will need to apply with the State Committee of plumbing examiners.

Colorado

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Colorado

Colorado State requires all plumbing contractors to obtain a license before they can be allowed to work. There are three types of plumbing licenses that are awarded by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, State Plumbing Board.

But all of them require that you pass an exam to qualify:

  • Residential plumber (at least two years or 3400 hours of job experience required)
  • Journeyman Plumber (4 years or 6800 hours of work experience needed)
  • Master plumber (5 years or 9780 of job experience required).

Connecticut

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Connecticut

In Connecticut, aspiring plumbers must be licensed to be allowed to do plumbing work. Such plumbers can apply as a journeyman, apprentice, or master plumbers. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection awards eight specific plumbing licenses based on the scope of work. Each of these plumbing licenses has a unique code, specific requirements, and scope of work allowed to qualify for licensing.

To qualify for the exams at any of the plumbing contractor level licenses, you will need to show proof of two years of documented work as a licensed journeyman. Besides qualifying to take the exams for any of the journeyman level licenses, you will be required to complete an apprenticeship program or equivalent training and experience of a specific number of hours, depending on the scope of work.

Delaware

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Delaware

In the state of Delaware, you must register with and obtain a business license from the Delaware Division of Revenue to be allowed to do plumbing work. Delaware breaks down plumber licenses into two types; resident and non-resident plumbing contractor licenses. These licenses are given by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. There are two avenues to qualify for this contractor license. They include:

  • Begin as a journeyman: This implies completing a plumbing apprenticeship program. It also requires at least two years of relevant job experience under the guidance of a professional licensed plumber.
  • Bypass the Journeyman certificate: This requires at least seven years of job experience under a licensed plumbing contractor.

In each case, you must pass the state contractor-level examinations. Then, you get your plumbing license.

Florida

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Florida

As with most states in the U.S., you must have a license to work as a certified plumber in Florida. In addition, to be able to obtain it, you must show proof of 4 years of experience or a combination of related education and experience.

There are two plumbing licenses offered in Florida namely:

  • Registered plumbing contractor
  • Certified plumbing contractor

Furthermore, you must hold property damage, public liability, and worker’s compensation and possibly pass a state-level exam.

Georgia

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Georgia

You will require a state license to perform plumbing work in Georgia, and said license is given by the Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board. All plumbers in Georgia must be licensed, even when operating under a master plumber or plumbing contractor.

Georgia offers three types of plumbing licenses: Master plumber licenses tier 1 restricted, journeyman license, and master plumber license 2 unrestricted. Becoming a plumber starts with either going to a trade school or applying for an apprenticeship program. 

There is no registration or license required for you to become an apprentice plumber. As a plumber apprentice, you can start gaining three or four years of on-the-job experience to apply for a journeyman license under the guidance of a licensed plumbing contractor. After another two years of continuous work experience, you can apply to become a master plumber.

Hawaii

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Hawaii

Aspiring plumbers must have a state contractor license to work in Hawaii. The licenses are given by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing, Board of Plumbers, and Electricians. But you must pass an examination to obtain a plumbing license. You must fulfill some requirements before you sit for your plumbing exam. These requirements to sit for a plumbing license exam are

  • Journeyman plumber: Show proof of five years and a minimum of 10,000 hours of plumbing work experience, in line with the Uniform Plumbing Code.
  • Master Plumber: Proof of two years of work experience at the journeyman level.

Idaho

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Idaho

To do plumbing work in Idaho, you must hold a state license, and said license is issued by the Idaho Division of Building Safety. There are multiple plumbing license options in Idaho, and each comes with its own distinct requirements. Here is an overview:

  • Apprentice: You don’t require a state license to operate as an apprentice plumber. But you should be registered with the authorities.
  • Journeyman plumber: You must first complete a 4-year plumber training course. The course is administered by the state plumbing board, and you must also pass a state-level contractor exam.
  • Plumbing contractor: You must show proof of two and half years of experience at the journeyman level. In addition, you must sit and pass an exam.

Illinois

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Illinois

Wondering how to become a licensed plumber in the state of Illinois? A license is needed in Illinois to begin plumbing, and said license is awarded by the Illinois Department of Public Health. There are two kinds of plumbing licenses in Illinois, and each comes with its own unique set of requirements. Such requirements include:

  • Apprentice plumber: You must show proof of sponsorship by a licensed plumber in Illinois or a state-approved plumbing program. After six years of apprenticeship, you must apply and sit for the plumber licensing exam.
  • Plumbing contractor: You must prove that you have held a plumber apprenticeship license for at least four years. Besides, you must have completed two years of high school as well as doing an approved course.

Indiana

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Indiana

It is deemed illegal to offer any plumbing services in Indiana without a state-approved license. Such a license is awarded by the Indiana Plumbing Commission, which renews and issues statewide plumber licenses for journeymen, apprentices, and plumbing contractors.

To qualify for journeyman exams and get your license, you must provide evidence of at least four years in an apprentice program approved by the commission or become a licensed plumbing contractor in another state. To qualify for a plumbing contractor exam, you must have completed at least four years of plumber training and pass a practical exam.

Kansas

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Kansas

While there is no set requirements for plumbers to have a state-level in Kansas, you must have a plumbing company registration certificate, awarded by the Kansas Attorney General. You must also be able to offer proof of worker’s compensation insurance as well as liability insurance.

Kentucky

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Kentucky

All plumbers must have a state license for them to perform plumbing work in Kentucky. There are several licenses issued by the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction, Plumbing Division. To get a journeyman-level plumbing license, you must have least finished at least two years of work experience. In addition, you must have a valid journeyman license and pass a trade exam.

Louisiana

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Louisiana

The State Plumbing Board of Louisiana awards licenses to plumbers in the state. The board gives two types of plumber licenses- master and journeyman- and also requires plumber apprentices to register. The state of Louisiana requires you to obtain a plumbing license for plumbing work valued at over $10k in materials and labor.

Maine

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Maine

The state of Maine needs a license for anyone who wants legally conduct plumbing work of any kind. The state plumbing license is suitable for any kind of plumber, from master to trainee. Maine awards four kinds of plumber licenses: trainee plumber, journeyman plumber, journeyman-in-training plumber, master plumber, and journeyman plumber. Each of these licenses comes with specific requirements.

Maryland

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Maryland

To do plumbing work in Maryland, you must hold a license. There are multiple levels of plumbing licenses, and each comes with its specific requirements. For instance, an apprentice plumber must have a minimum age of 16 years. To become a journeyman plumber, you must be a licensed apprentice for at least 4 years. You must show proof of 7500 hours of work under a licensed master plumber. You must have held a journeyman license for at least two years for you to apply for a master-level plumbing license.

Massachusetts

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Massachusetts

In the state of Massachusetts, plumbers are required to be licensed by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gasfitters. Each license has a unique set of plumbing requirements. For example, to qualify for a journeyman plumber license you must show proof of 8500 hours as an apprentice under the supervision of a licensed plumber.

Minnesota

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Minnesota

In the state of Minnesota, all plumbers must be adequately licensed before they are allowed to work. Licenses are awarded by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Licensing and Construction Codes division. To obtain a journeyman plumber, you must show proof of a minimum of 7,000 hours of on-the-job experience and pass the state-level licensing examination. But for those who want to attain the master plumber status, they must have a journeyman license and 1750 hours of work experience.

Mississippi

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Mississippi

To work as a plumber in Mississippi, you need to obtain a state contractor plumbing license. The State Board of Contractors awards these licenses. Plumber licensing is needed for residential projects exceeding $10000 in value, and it is also required for commercial plumbing work exceeding $50000. But you have to pass exams to obtain a license.

You don’t need a plumbing license for projects that don’t meet these values. But there may be local licensing requirements. Consult with experienced plumbers in your area to know more.

Montana

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Montana

In Montana, the state law requires apprentices to obtain five years of hands-on, practical experience before becoming journeyman plumbers and later get another four years’ experience to attain the master’s level plumber status.

Nebraska

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Nebraska

While there are no particular licensing requirements for plumbing contractors in Nebraska, you must register with the Department of Labor.

Nevada

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Nevada

To work as a plumbing contractor in Nevada, you will require a license. Said license is awarded by the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners. To qualify for a journeyman plumber license, you must complete at least four years of experience in an accredited plumber apprentice program or show proof of 8,000 hours of job experience. You have to work as a journeyman for at least one year and pass an exam to attain the master plumber status.

North Carolina

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from North Carolina

North Carolina requires all plumbers to be licensed to do plumbing work. Such a license is issued by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. You must show proof of several years of work experience and pass the exams.

Ohio

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Ohio

In the state of Ohio, there are no specific requirements for plumbers to get licensed. However, commercial plumbers may require to be registered with the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

Oklahoma

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Oklahoma

The state of Oklahoma requires all plumbers to have a practicing license before they can be allowed to work. Such licenses are awarded by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. To qualify for a journeyman plumber license, you must show proof of at least three years of work experience working under the supervision of a licensed plumber. To get a master plumber license, you must show proof of three years of experience as a journeyman plumber.

Pennsylvania

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Pennsylvania

Aspiring plumbers in Pennsylvania don’t require a state license to work on plumbing projects. But, there may be local plumbing rules and regulations, so check out before you start to work.

Tennessee

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Tennessee

In the state of Tennessee, you may need a state license or just a certification to perform plumbing work. Licensing will be determined by the kind of work you plan to do. For example, a limited license plumber is needed for smaller projects and one must pass the state-level exam. On the flip side, plumbers with projects exceeding $25000 will be required to apply for a plumbing contractor license after passing the exam.

Wyoming

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Wyoming

In Wyoming, a state license is not needed to work as a plumbing contractor.

New York

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from New York

In the state of New York, there are no plumbing licensing requirements. But you need to understand that some counties and cities have stringent local requirements so be sure to check before you start working.

Wisconsin

Plumbing Licensing Requirements from Wisconsin

In the state of Wisconsin, plumbers are required to have a license before they can be allowed to work. Said license is issued by the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Professional Credentialing Processing. This state board offers two kinds of licenses; master and journeyman level plumber licenses. To qualify for a journeyman plumber license, you must complete an accredited apprenticeship program and pass a licensing examination. For master plumber status, you must have a minimum of 1000 hours of work experience as a journeyman plumber.

Because every state has its unique plumbing licensing regulations and rules, you should check with state and local governments for extra requirements for getting your license.

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