In most states across the US, obtaining a license to work as a contractor is a requirement. Whether it is general contractors, electricians, or plumbers, they must work under their respective licenses.
On top of that, most states consider not having a license while working a felony. Therefore, those who do so may face fines, penalties, and legal action.
The process of becoming a plumber is almost similar across various states. Plumbers need to go through an educational program, usually an apprenticeship. From there, they can get advanced plumbing licenses.
Usually, these include journeyman and master plumbing licenses. In some states, plumbers may also get a contractor license.
The process of obtaining a license is often tedious. It requires several years of training and on-the-job experience. On top of that, it may have some other requirements, which may further lengthen the process.
Therefore, most people wonder how to become a plumber without a license. It was a debated topic in the past and continues to interest most people.
How to become a plumber without a license?
Licensed plumbers need to complete rigorous training procedures to obtain fundamental knowledge of the plumbing business.
Once they do so, they must also gain relevant practical experience to support their knowledge. Some states even require them to do both at the same time.
Once they go through these procedures, they can get their plumbing license from their respective state.
The process may be similar for those who want to become a plumber without a license. They must have some knowledge of the plumbing trade to perform plumbing work.
Without understanding the fundamentals of the plumbing trade, they cannot work on any tasks. Similarly, these aspiring plumbers must get their on-the-job experience to understand practical work.
For most states, obtaining relevant practical experience is a critical requirement. These states require aspiring plumbers to work under a licensed plumber’s direct supervision and direction while in training.
It allows them to learn from experienced professionals while also putting their training and knowledge into practice.
Therefore, plumbers who want to work without a license must have the same knowledge and experience.
They can’t work on any tasks without having the relevant expertise. Similarly, they can’t get any projects or contracts if they can’t perform the tasks.
Therefore, having the knowledge and experience required to perform these tasks is crucial.
Can everyone work without a plumbing license?
The short answer to this question is no. Not everyone can work without obtaining a plumbing license.
As mentioned, most states consider it illegal for plumbers to work without a plumbing license. Therefore, plumbers must ensure that their state law allows them to work without having a license. In case they don’t, they can face legal action and fines.
Despite that, some states allow plumbers to work without a license. These include the following names.
Kansas
The state of Kansas does not require plumbers to have a plumbing license to work. However, that does not mean plumbers can work without going through the licensure process there.
The state does not have a statewide plumbing licensure board. Therefore, plumbers need to consult their local governments to ascertain that they can work without a license.
Missouri
Missouri is similar to Kansas. There are no licensure requirements for the state. However, that is because it does not have a statewide licensure board. Instead, plumbers need to confirm their eligibility from their local governments.
Nebraska
Nebraska also doesn’t have a statewide licensure board. However, the state does aid applicants in becoming apprentices through their registered apprenticeship portal. The licensure process still differs on a city-to-city basis.
New York
With New York, plumbers also don’t have a license requirement for plumbers. However, its most popular city, New York City, requires plumbing licenses. Plumbers in New York must contact their local governments for the licensure process.
Ohio
Ohio does not have a license requirement for plumbers. Instead, all licensure occurs at a local level. Therefore, the process is similar to all of the above states.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not have a statewide licensure requirement. However, in Philadelphia, plumbers must work under a license.
The process differs according to local governments. Therefore, plumbers must contact their respective government offices.
Wyoming
As with any other state on the list, Wyoming is also similar. There is no statewide board that requires plumbers to have a license.
However, plumbers must still confirm with their local government to proceed with working without a plumbing license.
Conclusion
In most states across the US, obtaining a plumbing license is a condition to operate as a plumber. In these states, working without a plumbing license is illegal. Therefore, plumbers can face legal action if they go against the rules.
In some other states, such as the ones above, no statewide plumbing licensure boards exist. Therefore, plumbers may be able to work without a license there. However, they must still confirm with their local governments before proceeding.