How to Become a Drain Plumber
Becoming a plumber is not as easy as picking up a plumbing wrench. In fact, the process to become a plumber is intimidating. You are required to complete an internship and pass state mandated tests. If you want to specialize in drains, get experience fighting clogged drains.
- Attend plumbing classes at a vocational, career or community college. These classes will give you the knowledge you need for the hands-on requirements. In approximately three years, you can earn a degree in plumbing.
- Complete an apprenticeship or internship with a professional plumber. This is a five year program that requires the plumbing student to work with a professional plumber in all day-to-day activities of this field. To get more information about the apprenticeship program in plumbing, check with a local union or plumbing service about the Apprenticeship Training Standards for Plumbers. You can find reputable plumbers in your area by searching the business listings on MerchantCircle.
- Attain approximately 9,000 hours of on-the-job training. This may be included in your apprenticeship or internship, depending on the state you want to use your plumbing skills. You can earn these hours as a volunteer or paid plumber intern. Until you get your license in plumbing, you cannot legally complete work on your own for paying customers.
- Pass the state mandated test for all plumbers. Each state has a different test and requirements may vary, but passing is crucial to success as a plumber.
- Apply for a position at a local plumbing company, or start your own plumbing business once you have obtained the state required license.