The regulation of Delaware requires a plumbing license for organizations, individuals, corporations, or partnerships to process their work without hassle legally. In fact, you won’t need a plumbing license until you’re working on your own residence or agriculture buildings.
More so, Delaware requires applicants to comply with the state’s Department of Revenue in order to become state-licensed general contractors. And, the Delaware plumbers are licensed through the state’s Division of Professional Regulation. The online application for new plumbers is accessible for a master plumber.
Similarly, the board categorizes plumbers into two kinds of contracts;
- Resident Contractor License: Any business – organization – individual – that works within the state of Delaware would require a residential contractor license.
- Non-Resident Contract: any organization – performing plumbing activities mostly outside the state of Delaware would require a non-resident license. Also, they must provide a surety bond to the Delaware board.
Other than that, you must fulfill the requirements to become a master plumber and somehow a contractor. Let’s find out how to become a licensed plumber in Delaware – De!!!
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What is a licensed plumber?
Before digging out the requirements, let’s look at what a licensed plumber is.
It is not a simple question to answer. Obviously, a plumber needs to know about laying pipes, installing fixtures, and fixing plumbing problems.
However, a license shows that the plumber has been tested and updated on the latest regulations and standards. It is a stamp of approval that they are professional and know what they are doing. It also shows that they have liability insurance, are bonded, and can be trusted to do the job.
All in all, a licensed plumber is an individual who has successfully completed the Delaware State Board of Plumbing Examiners and passed all tests for the issuance of a Delaware State Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractor’s License. And, the plumber must also adhere to all state regulations and receive continuing education to renew the license each year.
Types Of Licensed Plumbers
Basically, there are several types of plumbing licenses in Delaware. They all are issues by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. More so, the highest rank a plumber could achieve is a master plumber. But, to achieve this rank or take part in the master plumber’s exam, you must hold a solid career record and a journeyman certificate.
To hold a journeyman plumbing certificate, you must have an approved plumbing apprenticeship scheme by the Delaware Department of labor. However, a journeyman can work as a full-time plumber, but under the strict supervision of a master plumber.
Surprisingly, this will give you the opportunity to do a number of plumbing jobs to build up a good knowledge base and practice your skills for when you yourself want to become a Master Plumber.
License Requirements In Delaware For Plumbers
Like other states, Plumbers in Delaware must start their careers as apprentices. It doesn’t require an approved apprenticeship program to become a master plumber. In order to become an apprentice and start your journey, you must earn a journeyman certificate by enrolling in an approved apprenticeship program and proving your skills.
Journeyman License Requirements
You must comply with the following terms in order to become a licensed journeyman plumber in Delaware;
- Complete an accredited apprenticeship program;
- A journeyman certificate from an approved apprenticeship;
- Two years work experience under a journeyman;
- Verification of work;
- Two years of formal educational training to become a journeyman plumber;
- An application processing fee of $141 is paid with a check only.
After earning a certificate, you can start plumbing. In fact, after seven years working as a journeyman under the supervision of a master plumber, you can apply for your master plumber certificate too.
Master Plumber License Requirements
Except for Pennsylvania, master plumbers can apply for a license without taking a test from other states. In addition, you must sit for the examination if you do not own a master’s license from another state.
Similarly, you can take part in the Delaware master plumber online exam taken by Prometric. It contains 100 MCQs with a 4-hour time limit. And, you should score 70%+ to earn a certificate; the exam includes topics such as;
- Isometric analysis;
- Plumbing fixtures;
- Roof drain piping;
- Sanitary vents;
- Specialty plumbing;
- Waste vents;
- Indirect waste;
- Water supply systems.
All in all, you’ve to pay a $141 processing fee to take part in the online examination.
Surprisingly, if you are a resident of Delaware and possess a criminal background, it’s not a roadblock to not prevent you from obtaining your license. The state carefully reviews each application to determine eligibility.
Are There Any Courses Available Online Or Offline To Become A Plumber In DE?
You’ll find plenty of schools and organizations offering different programs to get started on your journey towards earning a certificate. However, we’ve found two of the best online courses you can take a glimpse at;
Ashworth College is an online training program that offers a four-year plumbing education in subjects ranging from codes to pipe fitting. You can only apply if you are 18 years of age or older and have graduated from high school or received your GED, then you may apply to these courses taken completely online.
- All the students must bring their own personal tools, including screwdrivers, pliers, and level gauges – the school doesn’t offer them to the students, but most schools do loan the tools out for free.
- The program cost is 4,500 dollars, excluding the financial aid fee.
The Adult Education Division of the New Castle County School District is proud to offer courses in pipe testing, plumbing drawings, pipe sizing, and mastery of math related to the field, along with roof installation and water supply testing.
- You must be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate (or equivalent) to enroll in these courses, and all adult education students are required to bring their own tools to class every day.
- It’s a physical course (you can’t take it online) with a $440 fee for each of the four courses they offer, excluding Financial aid.
Delaware Plumbing License Reciprocity
Currently, Delaware offers license reciprocity. Your license reciprocity can be extended if you have the license from the following state;
- Connecticut;
- Iowa
- Maryland;
Your reciprocity application would also be considered from the following states, only if you have proof of working under a professional plumber;
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Michigan
How Often Do You Need To Renew Your Plumbing License in Delaware?
You have to feed your mind with updated knowledge about the industry in order to stay a master plumber. Similarly, you should renew your Delaware plumbing license every two years, costing $141.00.
Insurance For Plumbers In DE
An insurance agreement is necessary if you want to work as a plumber in DE. Mostly, employers provide the insurance for their employees, or if you own a plumbing agency, you must have the minimum amount of insurance mentioned below;
- $300,000 for property damage insurance.
- $100,000 for general liability insurance.
What’s the Average Salary Of A Delaware Plumber?
The average salary for part-time Plumbers is $32,200 in Delaware. The average salary for full-time Plumbers is $39,520, and it varies from city to city. Reliable on-call plumbers should earn a decent living and be able to make up to $74,780 per year if they are among the highest earners in this career field.
Conclusion
It is important that you know the rules and regulations that are associated with your profession. It is even more significant than knowing those rules and regulations when working. This is especially true if you are a plumber.
Not only is it essential that you know the rules and regulations associated with plumbing, but it is also important that you can meet those rules and regulations as a licensed plumber.
