What's The Difference Between A Plumber And A Plumbing Contractor?
Though the terms plumber and plumbing contractor are used by many people interchangeably, they're actually two completely different jobs that perform two completely different functions. It's important to know which is which so you know who to call (and who to ask for) for your next plumbing project.
What Does a Plumber Do?
A plumber is the person that most people think of when they consider calling someone to handle their specific issue. They can unclog pipes, install fixtures in your kitchen and bathroom, lay pipes, and do a hundred other jobs that homeowners require every single day. They work with their hands, crawling underneath homes and in hot, dusty attics to fix problems that few others can even recognize. If you have a problem in the middle of the night, emergency plumbers will be the ones that arrive at your house to handle your crisis.
What Does a Plumbing Contractor Do?
A plumbing contractor, on the other hand, is usually someone who began their career as a plumber but has attained certifications and licenses to perform different jobs. Though most plumbing contractors can work as plumbers, they are usually the ones that supervise and coordinate a team of plumbers to handle a job site. Because of this, they may either be in the manager role of a plumbing company or own their own plumbing business entirely.
What Services Does a Plumbing Contractor Provide?
Depending on what you need at the time, you should either call a plumber or plumbing contractor. As mentioned above, a plumber is good for the everyday operations, but if you are planning a new build - especially a commercial building - you'll need to hire plumbing contractors instead. Contractors have experience in multi-level plumbing, for instance, and can also plan and install gas lines throughout your house. No matter who is working on your house, gas lines require a license to be worked on - licenses that plumbing contractors most likely have.
Plumbing contractor services may also include one-time consultations on an existing job site or slab leak repair, especially if the leak is gas-related. They can also design and build a home's waste disposal system, either working hand-in-hand with a septic company to finish the job or handling the entire task themselves. In short, if you're looking for someone who can oversee your home or business' plumbing system from start to finish, then you'll need to look for plumbing contractors instead of plumbers.
To learn more, contact a plumbing contractor.