Licensing requirements for Plumber in Indiana

Plumber Responsibilties:

Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.

Plumber Benefits:

Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases

What plumbing work can be done without a license?

If you want to do plumbing work in Indiana, you must obtain a license. However, there is an exception for apprentices, who are allowed to work as long as they are under the supervision of a licensed plumber.

What are the different types of plumbing licenses available in Indiana?

To become a licensed plumber in Indiana, you must first work as an apprentice and then a journeyman. You are required to be at least 17 years of age to become an apprentice. Apprentices spend at least 4 years working in a state-approved plumbing program before becoming a journeyman. If you possess a plumbing license from another state, Indiana allows you to skip the apprentice program and immediately become a journeyman. The average wage for plumbers in Indiana ranges from $10 to $50 per hour. While apprentices make around $10 per hour, journeymen can make $25 per hour or more. Experienced plumbers get paid up to $50 per hour. Typically, apprentice plumbers will clean lines and assemble parts. They also can respond to questions from customers and prepare job sites. A journeyman plumber is responsible for following state codes, testing components, assembling parts, and installing new plumbing supplies. There’s a high need for plumbers. The average career length ranges from 10 to 20 years. Some plumbers retire early due to the long hours and physical constraints. For more information on the plumber's salary in Indiana, you can visit this source.

How to get a plumbing license in Indiana

Indiana Plumbing Commission

The Indiana Plumbing Commission is responsible for providing licenses to state plumbers. Before becoming a plumber, you must complete an apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship requires:

576 hours of training in a school setting
1,900 hours of fieldwork each year for 4 years
7,600 hours of training in the field and on the job

Several technical schools in Indiana offer apprentice training, including AC/C Tech and Mechanical Skills, Inc.

Educational Costs

Your educational costs will depend on both the plumbing program and the school. Options include:

Online programs - often less than $1,000 per year, but no fieldwork opportunities
Career and vocational schools - certificate programs up to $3,000 per year
Community colleges - offer financing options like payment plans and loans

Plumbing Exams

To get a journeyman license:

Pay a $25 application fee
Take an exam after completion of your fieldwork and apprenticeship

Contractors must take a similar exam that focuses on sewage and drainage systems for residential and commercial properties. The contractor license requires an application fee of between $50 and $100. Exams are available from the International Code Council (ICC) with online registration. The ICC website also offers free resources to help you prepare for the exams.

Criminal Background

A criminal background check is part of the licensing process. While felons can apply for an Indiana plumbing license, eligibility depends on the type of crime. For example, crimes against people may block someone from getting a license.

Should I join a union?

If you are interested in becoming a plumber in Indiana, UA Local 440 is one of the main unions that can assist you in this field. They offer apprenticeship programs and can even help you advertise your new plumbing business. Being a part of this union also provides access to valuable guidance for passing the licensing exam and obtaining your Indiana plumber license.

To learn more about UA Local 440 and their services, you can visit their website here.

Insurance for plumbers in Indiana

If you work as a plumber in Indiana, it is important to have insurance coverage that protects you and any employees you hire. Having a suitable insurance policy provides peace of mind and safeguards your business.

Typically, insurance plans for plumbers in Indiana offer a range of premiums between $600 and $1,700. These plans also provide coverage of up to $2 million per calendar year.

With the right insurance policy, you can be protected from any injuries that may occur while on the job, as well as any damages that your workers may accidentally cause to a property.

How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship

To get a plumbing apprenticeship in Indiana, there are a few options you can consider: 1. Work with a licensed plumbing company in Indiana. This is a great way to gain hands-on experience and learn from professionals in the field. 2. Attend a trade school. By enrolling in a trade school, you can receive formal training and education in plumbing, which can help you kickstart your career. 3. Contact unions. Unions, such as UA Local 440 in Indianapolis, can assist you in finding an apprenticeship opportunity. They offer training for individuals with a GED or high school diploma. If you're looking for specific companies that hire apprentices, the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) provides a list on their website. When preparing for interviews, it's important to dress in business casual attire. Be ready to answer questions about why you want to become a plumber and discuss your current background and experience. For more information on plumbing apprenticeships in Indiana, you can visit UA Local 440's website and the PLA's website.

Does my license work in any other states?

Indiana Plumbing License Restrictions

Unfortunately, as a licensed plumber in Indiana, you are only authorized to work within the state's boundaries.

How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?

If you are a plumber in Indiana, the Indiana Association of Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors (IAPHCC) can be a valuable resource for you. They offer workshops and conferences that can help you stay up to date with the latest plumbing codes. Additionally, you can also learn about these codes through online courses and vocational schools.

To learn more about the IAPHCC and the resources they provide, visit their official website: https://www.iaphcc.com/

What resources are available in the plumbing industry?

Here are some helpful resources to advance your plumbing career in Indiana:

How often do I need to renew my plumbing license in Indiana?

If you are a licensed plumber in the state of Indiana, you will receive a notification regarding your license expiration date at least 90 days in advance. It is important to renew your license on time to ensure its validity.

To simplify the renewal process, Indiana allows you to renew your plumbing license online. By renewing online, you can receive verification of your renewal within a speedy timeframe of 24 hours.

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