When you’re seeking a Calgary plumber to work on a plumbing project in your home, it’s important to understand the distinction between plumbers and plumbing contractors. The difference goes deeper than the name; there are different certifications for each designation, with the plumbing contractor license being more difficult to obtain.
More specifically, according to Calgary plumber rules, to become a plumbing contractor one must have had a plumber’s license for at least two years, and one must also pass an exam on advanced plumbing techniques.
Meanwhile, standard plumbers simply need to pass a test, and there are no requirements for work experience. However, this doesn’t mean that just anyone can become a plumber. The test is designed so that one has to have extensive first-hand plumbing knowledge and experience in order to pass.
What can plumbing contractors do?
If you have a major plumbing project that requires substantial work or repairs to your home plumbing system, you probably need a plumbing contractor. And if you’re not sure what constitutes a major plumbing project, ask yourself these questions:
- Will the project take more than a day?
- Will the plumber be working with the connections between your home plumbing and the external water system?
- Will the plumber be installing heavy equipment or major sections of plumbing?
- Does the plumbing issue affect the whole house?
If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, call a plumbing contractor. There’s nothing involving your home plumbing that a plumbing contractor is not licensed to work with. Plus, contractors are typically much better equipped to handle large-scale projects. They often have at least one certified plumber working under them, and they also usually have a network of connections whom they can call for specialized tasks.
Most plumbing contractors will be happy to do an in-home consultation and price estimate before beginning work. For an especially large project, it’s a good idea to consult several contractors, as prices can vary dramatically.
What can plumbers do?
When you work with a Calgary plumber, the one thing that he or she is strictly forbidden from doing is working with connections between your home and the external water or sewage systems. One caveat, however: Plumbers are not restricted from these activities when they’re working under the direct supervision of a plumbing contractor.
Also, while plumbers are qualified to perform any plumbing-related tasks save that one restriction, they generally focus on smaller-scale projects. It varies from plumber to plumber, but many like to keep their schedules open so they can work with a broad customer base, and they also make lots of appointments. Thus, a Calgary plumber will rarely be available for a project that takes longer than a few hours to complete. However, it can’t hurt to ask.
Thus, if you have a leak, a clog, or any other type of simple project that won’t take longer than an hour or two, get in touch with a Calgary plumber.
