Licensing requirements for Plumber in Washington

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?

Washington Plumbing License Requirements

Operating as a plumber in Washington State requires obtaining a valid plumbing license, except for property owners. Here are the key details you need to know:

License Requirement

In order to perform plumbing work in Washington State, you must possess a valid plumbing license issued by the appropriate authorities.

Exceptions

Property owners in Washington State are not required to hold a plumbing license to perform plumbing work on their own properties.

However, if you are an individual or business conducting plumbing services for others, you will need to obtain the necessary license.

License Application Process

To apply for a plumbing license, follow these steps:

  1. Check eligibility criteria and ensure you meet the requirements.
  2. Collect all necessary documentation, such as proof of experience, training, and education.
  3. Complete the license application form provided by the licensing authority.
  4. Submit the application along with the required fees.
  5. Wait for your application to be reviewed and approved.

Once your license is approved, you are legally authorized to perform plumbing work in the state of Washington.

License Renewal

Plumbing licenses in Washington State are typically valid for a specific period, usually one to three years. It is important to renew your license before it expires.

Renewal requirements may include continuing education and payment of renewal fees. Make sure to stay up-to-date with the renewal process to maintain your plumbing license.

For more information and to access the application form, visit the official website of the Washington State Plumbing Licensing Board.

What are the different types of plumbing licenses in Washington

In Washington state, there are opportunities to work as a plumber at different levels. You can apply for a license to work as a journey level plumber or as a specialty plumber. If you are just starting out, there is also a plumber trainee certificate available, which allows you to work under the direct supervision of a certified plumber.

As a journey level plumber, you will have the ability to work in all phases of the plumbing construction trade. On the other hand, a specialty plumbing license will enable you to work in residential single-family homes and small buildings, on drinking and irrigation pumping systems, as well as on backflow prevention assemblies.

It is important to note that becoming a licensed journeyman plumber requires a minimum of four years of work experience. However, the length of work experience required for specialty licenses may vary.

When it comes to compensation, the average plumber pay in Washington state is $35.00 per hour. Moreover, around twenty percent of plumbing jobs in Washington state pay over $55,000 per year. 

In certain regions of Washington state, the demand for skilled plumbers is expected to exceed overall job growth. This is particularly true as plumbers from the Baby Boomer generation continue to retire. So, if you are interested in pursuing a plumbing career, there are promising opportunities in certain areas of Washington state.

How to get a plumbing license in Washington

To become a licensed plumber in the state of Washington, you will need to follow a specific process. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (DL&I) is responsible for issuing plumbing licenses. Here is a step-by-step guide: 1. Trainee Certificate: If you do not have an equivalent out-of-state license or relevant plumbing experience gained in the U.S. Armed Forces, the first step is to become a trainee. To do this, you must apply for a plumber trainee certificate. This certificate needs to be kept active until you have completed the required number of supervised hours for a journey level or specialty plumbing license. You will need to renew the certificate annually and complete eight hours of continuing education training each year. 2. Journey Level Plumber's License: To obtain a journey level plumber's license, you must demonstrate proof of 8,000 hours (a minimum of four years) of working as a plumber trainee, with at least half of those hours dedicated to commercial or industrial plumbing installation. You can back up your experience as a trainee by regularly submitting an Affidavit of Experience to the DL&I. Once you meet these requirements, you can apply to take the written license examination. A passing score of at least 70% is required. If you wish to install medical gas piping systems, you will need to complete a 32-hour specialized training course approved by the DL&I and pass the corresponding exam. 3. Specialty Plumbing Certifications: There are several specialty plumbing certifications available in Washington, each with its own requirements: - Specialty Residential Plumber's License: To apply for this license, you must prove a minimum of 6,000 hours (at least three years) of residential plumbing experience. This license allows you to install, maintain, and repair plumbing in single-family homes, duplexes, and apartment buildings up to three stories tall. - Specialty Pump and Irrigation Plumber's License: This license requires a minimum of 4,000 hours (at least two years) of experience working on pumping systems exceeding 100 gallons per minute. You will also need electrical certification. With this license, you can perform installation, maintenance, and repairs on equipment related to drinking or irrigation water. - Specialty Domestic Well Plumber's License: For this license, a minimum of 2,000 hours (at least one year) of experience working on pumping systems not exceeding 100 gallons per minute is required. Once again, electrical certification is necessary. With this license, you can install, maintain, and repair equipment related to drinking or irrigation water. - Specialty Backflow Plumber's License: To obtain this license, you need an active Backflow Assembly Tester certificate issued by the Washington State Department of Health. This license allows you to maintain and repair existing backflow prevention assemblies within a building but does not permit you to install or replace them. 4. License Preparation: To prepare for the license exams, it is recommended to visit the DL&I website. You can study the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code and the amendments adopted by the Washington State Building Code Council. The amendments can be downloaded for free from the state legislature's website. 5. Apprenticeship: Most of your plumbing skills will be learned during an apprenticeship sponsored by a union, trade organization, builder, or contractor association. Apprenticeships in Washington are organized by county and have specific entry conditions. Common prerequisites include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, and possessing a valid Washington state driver's license. Some apprenticeships may require you to provide your own transportation and tools. Completing a no-cost Job Corps pre-apprenticeship plumbing program, being a military veteran, or being a member of a Native American tribe may grant you direct entry to an apprenticeship program. 6. Additional Training: Although not required, formal training can improve your chances of being accepted into apprenticeship programs. The Penn Foster Career School offers an online plumbing program at a cost of $800-$900. Trade schools like the Perry Technical Institute offer a one-year program with tuition averaging $18,000 per year. While not mandatory, trade school training is viewed favorably by apprenticeship sponsors. 7. Financial Assistance and Scholarships: If you need financial assistance, scholarships are available. The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Educational Foundation offers scholarships, and you can also obtain a pre-apprenticeship certificate online through the PHCC Academy. Remember to consult the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries for the most up-to-date information and requirements for obtaining a plumbing license in Washington.

Should I join a union?

Benefits of Joining a Union as a Plumber in Washington

Considering a career in plumbing? Joining a union can have numerous advantages for plumbers in Washington. Here are a few key benefits:

  • Structured Continuing Education: As a dues-paying union plumber, you will have access to specialized and structured continuing education programs. This can help you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in plumbing technology and techniques, enhancing your skills and career prospects.
  • More Complex Projects: Unionized plumbers often get the opportunity to work on more complex and challenging plumbing projects. This can provide you with valuable experience and allow you to broaden your expertise.
  • Job Security: With a nationwide shortage of skilled tradespeople, non-union plumbers may find it easier to find work. However, being part of a union can provide you with additional job security and protection, especially during economic downturns.

Remember, joining a union is a personal decision, and it's important to carefully weigh the pros and cons based on your individual circumstances and goals. However, considering the current landscape of the plumbing industry, joining a union as a plumber in Washington can offer various benefits for your professional development and long-term success.

Insurance for plumbers in Washington

Workers' Compensation Insurance for Plumbers in Washington

As a plumber working in Washington, it is important to be aware of the available coverage for injuries and accidents. Employers are required to provide workers' compensation insurance to their employees, which can be obtained from the Department of Labor & Industries (DL&I).

While plumbing is not considered an extremely hazardous occupation, there is still a risk of injuries. Having proper coverage ensures that any potential injuries or accidents that may occur while on the job are adequately protected.

How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship

If you are interested in becoming a plumber in Washington, you can apply for an apprenticeship on the DL&I website. Make sure to meet all the application criteria before applying, and then prepare for the interview. Dress in a professional manner for the interview. During the interview, apprenticeship sponsors will ask questions about your schooling, work experience, and mechanical abilities. 

Does my license work in any other states?

Washington has a reciprocity agreement with Idaho, which means that if you are a licensed plumber in Idaho, you may be eligible to work as a plumber in Washington without having to take the trade portion of the written licensing exam. This can save you time and effort in obtaining your plumbing license in Washington.

How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?

If you live in Washington state and are interested in pursuing a career in plumbing, the Construction Industry Training Council of Washington (CITCWA) is a great resource for you. They offer plumbing code courses that can be taken online or at convenient locations throughout the state.

To learn more about these courses and how to enroll, visit the CITCWA website.

What resources are available in the plumbing industry?

Resources for Plumbers in Washington

Prepare for your career as a licensed plumber in Washington with the following resources:

I already have a license but:

  • If you changed your name, you should notify the DL&I in Washington. Be prepared to show a marriage certificate or court order with your legal name change.
  • If you misplaced your card, you can request a duplicate from the DL&I in Washington. You can do this online or by submitting a form, but you will need to pay a fee of $20.
  • If you changed your address, you can update it online or submit a change of address request to the DL&I in Washington.

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

In the state of Washington, plumbers with a journey level license need to renew their license every other year. To renew, they must provide proof of completing 16 continuing education hours. For plumbers with specialty licenses in pump and irrigation or domestic well, the renewal period is every three years. These licenses require proof of completing 24 continuing education hours.

If you have a medical gas endorsement or backflow certification, you will need to renew them every other year. Medical gas certificate renewal requires evidence of a certain amount of brazing experience and up-to-date knowledge of the medical gas code.

Some of the required continuing education classes can be taken online, offering convenience and flexibility. Prices for an 8-hour course range from $80 to $120. When renewing your license, the fees can range from $45 to $121. However, it's important to note that if your license expires, the renewal cost can be twice the original fee.

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