When you need reliable Plumbers Service in Washington State, it’s crucial to understand the importance of certification. Washington State mandates that anyone working in the plumbing trade must be certified through the Washington State Plumber Certification Program. This ensures that professionals providing plumbers service possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform safe and effective work. The plumbing trade in Washington encompasses a wide range of critical systems within a property’s boundaries, including:
- Potable water supply and distribution pipes
- Plumbing fixtures and traps
- Drainage and vent pipes
- Accessories and appurtenances
- Medical gas and medical vacuum systems
- Water heaters
It’s important to note that certification is generally not required for plumbing systems outside of buildings, such as municipal water and sewer connections, with the exception of domestic pump and irrigation systems. However, for any plumbers service within your property lines, especially those concerning the systems listed above, ensuring your plumber is certified is paramount.
Types of Plumbers Service and Required Certifications
To guarantee quality and safety, Washington State offers different levels of plumber certification, each corresponding to specific types of plumbers service. Typically, aspiring plumbers begin as trainees and progress through experience and training. Washington also has reciprocity with Idaho for journey level plumbers, and recognizes equivalent out-of-state licenses or U.S. military experience for consideration.
Let’s explore the various plumbers service categories and the certifications that validate a plumber’s expertise in each:
Comprehensive Plumbers Service: Journey Level and Medical Gas
For comprehensive plumbers service encompassing all facets of plumbing construction, the Journey Level Plumber (PL01) certification is the gold standard. A journey level plumber is qualified to handle any plumbing task within their scope.
- Journey Level Plumber (PL01) Requirements: Requires at least four years (8,000 hours) of work as a plumber trainee under a certified journey level plumber, with a minimum of two years (4,000 hours) specifically in commercial or industrial installations.
For specialized plumbers service involving medical gas systems, the Medical Gas Piping Installer (MG01) certification is essential. This certification is for journey level plumbers who are also qualified to work on systems delivering vital medical gases.
- Medical Gas Piping Installer (MG01) Requirements: Must hold a Journey Level Plumber (PL01) certification and complete at least 32 hours of training in a Labor & Industries (L&I) approved medical gas training course.
Residential Plumbers Service
For plumbers service in residential settings, specifically single-family homes, duplexes, and smaller apartment buildings (up to three stories), the Residential Plumber (PL02) certification is appropriate. These professionals specialize in installation, maintenance, and repair within these types of dwellings.
- Residential Plumber (PL02) Requirements: Requires at least 3 years (6,000 hours) of experience in residential plumbing work under the supervision of a certified residential or journey level plumber.
Specialized Residential Service
When you need focused plumbers service in single-family homes and duplexes for servicing, repairing, or replacing existing fixtures and piping (typically outside walls or above floors), the Residential Service Plumber (PL04) certification is designed for this. This also includes drain cleaning and leak repairs in any residential structure.
- Residential Service Plumber (PL04) Requirements: Two years (4,000 hours) of plumber trainee experience under a certified journey level, residential specialty, or residential service plumber are necessary. Notably, the first year (2,000 hours) must be under the direct supervision of a journey level or residential specialty plumber.
Pump & Irrigation and Domestic Well Service
For plumbers service related to water sourcing, treatment, and movement for drinking or irrigation, the Pump and Irrigation Plumber (PL03) certification is required. This covers equipment installation, maintenance, and repair.
- Pump and Irrigation Plumber (PL03) Requirements: Requires two years (4,000 hours) of specialized experience under an appropriate certified plumber (excluding PL03A and PL30). This trade also necessitates electrical certification.
For more limited plumbers service in domestic wells, specifically for systems using pumps not exceeding 100 gallons per minute or 7.5 horsepower, the Domestic Well Plumber (PL03A) certification is applicable.
- Domestic Well Plumber (PL03A) Requirements: One year (2,000 hours) of specialized experience under a certified plumber (excluding PL30) is needed. Electrical certification is also required for this service.
Backflow Prevention Service
Finally, for plumbers service focused on maintaining and repairing existing backflow prevention assemblies within buildings, the Backflow Plumber (PL30) certification is relevant. This certification does not include the installation or replacement of these assemblies.
- Backflow Plumber (PL30) Requirements: Requires an active Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) certification from the Washington State Department of Health.
Choosing Certified Plumbers Service
Understanding these certifications is key to ensuring you receive qualified plumbers service in Washington State. By choosing a certified plumber, you are investing in expertise, safety, and the assurance that the work performed meets the high standards set by Washington’s Plumber Certification Program. Whether it’s routine maintenance, complex installations, or specialized repairs, always verify the plumber’s certification to guarantee peace of mind and quality service.
