What plumbing work can be done without a license?

You must be licensed to become a professional plumber in Delaware.

What are the different types of plumbing licenses available in Delaware?

Delaware plumbing licenses are granted by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation – Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners. The master plumber license is available within the state.

Before you can apply, you must hold a journeyman certificate. This certificate is issued by the Delaware Department of Labor or any approved plumbing apprenticeship program. You must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program for a minimum of 7 years.

As a journeyman plumber, you will have the opportunity to work under the supervision of a master plumber. You will perform a variety of plumbing jobs, including pipe repairs, fixture installation, and pipe modifications.

To earn your Delaware plumbing license, you must possess a Delaware journeyman certificate when you submit your application. If you currently have a master plumber license in another state, you will not be required to take the master plumber examination.

As a master plumber, you can install, construct, design, alter, and modify fixtures and pipes. Master plumbers can connect and install gas pipes.

The average pay rate for Delaware journeyman plumbers is $25.75 per hour. The average pay rate for Delaware master plumbers is $40.32 per hour. On average, plumbers work in the industry for 15 years.

How to get a plumbing license in Delaware

Plumbers in Delaware begin their careers as apprentices. However, you don’t have to enroll in an apprenticeship program to become eligible to sit for the Delaware master plumber examination. To become an apprentice, you must enroll in an approved apprenticeship program to receive your journeyman certificate.

After you have completed 7 years of journeyman work, you can apply for your master plumber license. Master plumbers from all other states except Pennsylvania can apply for a license without taking the test. If you do not possess a master license from another state, you must take the examination. The fee for a master plumber license is $141.

If you possess a criminal background, it will not prevent you from getting your Delaware license. The licensing board will carefully review your application to determine your eligibility.

Ashworth College is an online school that offers a plumbing certificate program. Courses include plumbing codes, plumbing math, and pipefitting. You must be at least 18 years old and be a high school graduate (or GED) to enroll in this four-year program. You will have to purchase your own plumbing tools.

The program cost is $4,500. Financial aid is not available to enroll in Ashworth College. However, you can enroll in a tuition payment plan.

The Adult Education Division of the New Castle County School District offers plumbing courses. Plumbing education includes pipe testing, plumbing drawings, plumbing mathematics, roof installation, water supply testing, and fixture installation. You must be a high school graduate (or GED) and 18 years old to enroll in these plumbing courses.

This program offers four plumbing courses for $440.00 each. Financial aid is not available. Classes cannot be taken online.

To register for the master plumber examination, you must register and pay the exam fee to Prometric. To pass the test, you must score at least 70% on the test.

Should I join a union?

Unions negotiate higher salaries for plumbers. It is estimated that union employees can earn up to 20% more than non-union employees. Unions can represent you if you experience problems with your employer. Union employees are entitled to job benefits including pensions, paid vacations, sick pay, and holiday pay.

When you join a union, you become part of a group. Union officers will make decisions and speak on your behalf. As a union member, you can vote for initiatives. However, the ultimate decisions are up to your union officers.

Insurance for plumbers in Delaware

To be employed as a Delaware plumber, you must have insurance. Some employers will provide insurance for their employees. If you own a Delaware plumbing company or your employer does not provide plumber insurance, you must have the minimum amount of insurance:

• $300,000 for property damage insurance (for each occurrence)
• $100,000 for general liability insurance (for each occurrence)

How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship

The Plumber and Steamfitters Apprenticeship Program offers a 5-year training program and 1,250 hours of classroom instruction. You will learn basic plumbing math, pipe layout, plumbing fixtures, and plumbing codes. There is no cost to enroll in the program.

UA Local 74 Plumbers and Pipefitters offers apprenticeship opportunities. This program includes five years of training. You will work under the supervision of a master plumber. There is no cost to enroll in this program.

When you interview for a Delaware apprenticeship, wear business casual attire. Bring copies of your resume and proof of education.

Is my plumbing license only valid in Delaware?

Delaware does not have a reciprocal plumber license agreement with any other state.

How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?

Up-to-date Delaware plumbing codes can be found on the following websites.

• International Code Council
• UpCodes
• Tests.com

What resources are available in the plumbing industry?

The following resources will help you prepare for a career in the plumbing industry:

• Plumbing Specialties
• Plumbing Industry Trends
• Plumbing Blogs
• Plumbing Trade Shows

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

You will renew your Delaware plumbing license every 2 years. The license renewal fee is $141.