Licensing requirements for Plumber in Virginia

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?

In the state of Virginia, it is necessary to have a plumbing license in order to legally perform any plumbing work.

What are the different types of plumbing licenses in Virginia

Virginia Plumbing Licenses:

Journeyman Plumber: To obtain your journeyman plumber license in Virginia, you must pass the statutory/regulatory and trade portions of the plumber’s examination. Other journeyman plumber license requirements include:

Two years of plumbing experience and a degree/certification from a community college, technical school or trade program; or
5 years of practical plumbing experience and a minimum of 160 hours of vocational training; or
6 years of practical plumbing experience and a minimum of 80 hours of vocational training; or
4 years of practical plumbing experience and 240 hours of plumbing training; or
A bachelor’s degree in an engineering curriculum from an accredited university or college and 1 year of practical plumbing experience; or
10 years of practical plumbing experience

Master Plumber: To obtain your master plumber license in Virginia, you must pass the statutory/regulatory trade portions of the plumber’s examination. Other master plumber license requirements include:

One year of practical plumbing experience as a licensed Virginia journeyman plumber; or
10 years of plumbing experience

Plumbing Contractor: To become a licensed plumbing contractor in Virginia, you must possess a valid master plumber license and a Virginia Class A, B or C license. Contractors must pass an examination.

Plumbing Occupations & Responsibilities:

As a journeyman plumber in Virginia, you can:

- Maintain water/sewer lines
- Install pipes for sprinkler systems
- Repair pipe fixtures under the supervision of a master plumber

As a master plumber in Virginia, you can:

- Repair and install plumbing systems without supervision

As a plumbing contractor in Virginia, you can:

- Repair gas/water/drainage pipes
- Repair plumbing fixtures for commercial organizations and residential properties

Salary & Career Outlook:

The average salary for plumbers in Virginia is $67,316. Virginia plumbers earn 10 percent more than the national average for plumbers. The average length of a plumbing career is 15 years.

For more information on plumbing salaries, you can visit this article.

How to get a plumbing license in Virginia

Starting a Plumbing Career in Virginia

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a plumber in Virginia, there are certain steps you need to follow:

Complete Plumbing Courses: To become a plumber, you will need to undergo specific training. Some of the courses you will need to take include:

Basic Math for Plumbing
Construction Basics
Piping Materials
Fundamentals of Plumbing Drawings

Obtain a Virginia Plumbing License: In Virginia, you can still get a plumbing license even if you have been convicted of a crime. However, each case is reviewed individually, taking into account the nature of the crime and your actions since the conviction.
Start as an Apprentice: Once you have completed the required courses and obtained your plumbing license, you will begin your plumbing career as an apprentice. In this position, you will work under the guidance of a master plumber and assist with various tasks, including:

Fixture Repairs
Pipe Installations
Sewer Line Maintenance

It's important to note that as an apprentice, you will be responsible for having your own tools.

By following these steps, you can kickstart your plumbing career in Virginia and gain the necessary skills and experience to become a successful plumber.

Should I join a union?

Benefits of Joining a Virginia Plumbers Union

Earning a Better Income:

Joining a Virginia plumbers union can lead to a higher income. Union plumbers typically earn up to 20 percent more money compared to non-union plumbers.

Attractive Job Benefits:

By joining a union, plumbers in Virginia gain access to various job benefits. These benefits include health insurance, pensions, holidays, shift differentials, sick pay, and paid vacation.

Safer Work Conditions:

Union workplaces in Virginia prioritize safety and ensure safer work conditions compared to non-union workplaces. Unions hold companies accountable for maintaining safe work environments.

Insurance for plumbers in Virginia

Insurance Requirements for Plumbers in Virginia

As a plumber in Virginia, it is important to be aware of the insurance coverage you need to protect yourself and your business. Below are the minimum insurance requirements for plumbers in Virginia:

Property Damage Insurance: You must have at least $100,000 of property damage insurance coverage.
General Liability Insurance: You must have at least $300,000 of general liability insurance coverage.

Having the necessary insurance coverage ensures that you are financially protected in case of any unforeseen accidents or damages that may occur during your plumbing work. It is always advisable to consult with an insurance professional to determine the best coverage options for your specific needs.

How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship

To become a plumbing apprentice in Virginia, here are some helpful resources and tips: - Age and Education Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED to become an apprentice. - Apprenticeship Programs: Two organizations that offer apprenticeship programs in Virginia are: - Associated Builders and Contractors: You can find more information about their program [here](https://www.abc.org/). The tuition fees are $1,500 for non-members and $1,300 for members. - Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of Virginia: You can find more information about their online program [here](http://www.phccva.com/). The tuition fees are $1,475 for members and $2,500 for non-members. - Additional Information: For more information about other available apprenticeships in Virginia, you can contact the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation [here](http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/). - Interview Tips: For interviews, it is recommended to dress in business casual attire. You may also be asked to bring a copy of your high school diploma or GED, as well as your resume. We hope this information helps you in your journey to becoming a plumber in Virginia!

Does my license work in any other states?

A plumbing license in Virginia is only valid and recognized within the state.

How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?

Changes in Virginia plumbing codes can occur at any time. You must be prepared to implement these changes as necessary. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help you stay up to date with the codes. Here are a few sites:

What resources are available in the plumbing industry?

Here are some helpful resources to prepare for your career as a licensed plumber in Virginia:

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

In Virginia, as a plumber, it is important to remember that your license must be renewed every 2 years.

Renewal of your license requires a fee of $130.

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