Why Should You Hire A Licensed Plumber?
Finding someone you can trust to work on your home and plumbing can be a daunting task. So whether you need a plumber, electrician, general contractor, or other home repair specialist, here are some definitions and tips to assist you.
State Law
A plumbing license is required to install plumbing in the state of Wisconsin, with a few exceptions. Below are the circumstances in which plumbing installation may be completed by the homeowner without a license.click here to view the Wisconsin State Law in full.
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Plumber's Licenses
Journeyman Plumber License - A license issued after a plumber has successfully completed a training term of at least five years and successfully passes a journeyman's exam.Master Plumber License - A license issued to a Journeyman Plumber who has worked for a minimum of 3 years and who successfully completes the master plumber exam issued by the prevailing licensing authority in their jurisdiction. This license is required to do business as a plumbing contractor in the State of Wisconsin and allows the plumber to advertise to do work for the home or business owner.
How to Find a Contractor
Permitting of Project:
By State Law, any plumbing work associated with the waste system or water system in a commercial or residential building must have a Plumbing Permit filed with the local municipality and a Plumbing Inspector must inspect the aforementioned work. This includes (but is not limited to) Waterheaters, Toilets, Sinks, Garbage Disposals, etc.Insurance
General Liability - This insurance covers property damage or bodily injury to non-employees of the contractor while performing his/her duties. The limits vary.Workers' Compensation - This is coverage protecting the owner from liability involving an injury to a workman on the jobsite. Some coverage excludes the company owner. If the owner is performing work on the jobsite, he/she should be required to show proof of coverage. Property owners can be held responsible for an injury to a contractor or contractor's employees while working on their property, if the contractor does not have worker's compensation insurance.