Plumbing Contractors

Many homeowners think plumbers and plumbing contractors are one and the same however the two groups can have some distinct differences.  Plumbers are the most likely to deal with the more common plumbing problems homeowners encounter such as a leaky faucet or drain clog.  The plumbing trades further distinguish between plumbers and plumbing contractors through the categories of service plumbing preformed by plumbers and construction plumbing preformed by plumbing contractors.  However, in the case of small plumbing companies, owners can be both plumbers and plumbing contractors, able to perform service and construction plumbing jobs.  Larger plumbing companies will also perform both service and construction plumbing through different divisions.  For example, an expert plumbing contractor might supervise and possibly train a team of service and construction plumbers. 

Plumbing Contractors perform a myriad of services involving water supply, disposal of liquid waste, as well as water temperature control.  They also plumb for gas connections and flues for systems excluding forced air units which instead are handled by HVAC contractors.  Additionally, plumbing contractors will install as well as maintain safety devices including back flow prevention, gas earthquake valves, anti-scald guards as well as water conditioning equipment. 

Irregardless of whether you are hiring a plumber for a service job or a plumbing contractor for a construction plumbing job, you will want to follow the same steps to ensure you hire a quality plumbing contractor.  As with other contractors, ask plumbing contractors you interview for a list of current references and take the time to call those references.  Responsible plumbing contractors will provide installation warranties and guarantees.  Also, many states require plumbing contractors to be licensed or registered.  Check to see what your state’s requirements are here:  www.contractors-license.org and if your state does require a license, verify that the plumbing contractor’s license is in good standing.  Additionally, check to ensure that the plumbing contractor carries appropriate insurance for your project.  These steps will help ensure a satisfactory plumbing project experience.