The terms "plumber" and "plumbing contractor" are often used interchangeably — sometimes by plumbers and plumbing contractors themselves — so it can be confusing to know the difference between the two. Even though they may sound the same, the two are drastically different in terms of scope of expertise and work performed. In short, plumbers handle all the day-to-day issues that may arise from your home, such as clogged sinks and backed up shower drains, while plumbing contractors work on the big picture: designing plumbing systems, installing gas lines, and performing home inspections.
What Can a Plumber Do?
If you've ever had to call for someone to repair your leaky faucet or fix a backed-up toilet, chances are you called a plumber to handle that issue. These people handle problems that are above the expertise of the average homeowner but are usually everyday occurrences for plumbers. They will likely have to hold licenses and certifications to operate in your state, but their area of work is not as vast as a plumbing contractor.
What Can a Plumbing Contractor
Plumbing contractors usually start off as plumbers, but they've acquired certifications and experience to handle more complex tasks, like mapping out the plumbing system for a new construction. They may also provide consultation to the builder before construction even begins and perform the final inspection once the job is finished. Plumbing contractor services include installing gas connections, fixing a slab leak, working on the waste disposal system, and anything else that involves more intricate work.
Plumbing contractors are familiar with local regulations, which means they know what type of permits to acquire for certain jobs as well as the regulations for building codes, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. As such, they're the ones most directly responsible that a finished job meets the standards of your local municipality.
Know Who You're Hiring
Both plumbers and plumbing contractors have expertise in different areas, so it's important to be specific with your instructions when you're hiring plumbing services. If you're a homeowner in need of basic fixes, then a plumber is most likely the person you need to call. If, however, you're planning on building a series of high-rise luxury condos or mapping out the plumbing for a new school, you'll need to hire a plumbing contractor to plan out the work and oversee the process from start to finish.
Reach out to plumbing contractors for more information.
Share28 July 2020
When you get a clogged drain or a toilet that just won't flush, do you reach for the phone and call for a plumber? When you have these seemingly simple plumbing problems around your house, you have to make a decision quickly. Do you pay for someone to come out and make the repairs, or do you attempt the repair on your own? This blog is all about DIY plumbing repairs. You will learn the basics and find tips for when to cut your losses and call in for professional assistance so you don't make a small fix one that needs serious repairs.
