When your home needs plumbing repairs, maintenance, or installation services, you must decide the type of professional for the job. It’s an important decision to make, so it’s best to be informed on the differences between a licensed plumber and a handyman.
A handyman is someone that handles different kinds of smaller jobs within a home. In the state of Maryland, a general contractor is not required to have a license to work. Most commonly, a handyman has a wide variety of experience, without any formal education or training.
A handyman is a great choice when needing small home repairs. Fixing a door, interior painting, and installing a screen door are all great jobs for a handyman. Since there are no licensing requirements for a handyman, be cautious, as there may be some variability in the quality of services provided.
In the state of Maryland, anyone offering plumbing services MUST be licensed and insured. Licensed plumbers are also required to have formal education and training.
Here is a breakdown of each level and the requirements to work.
Apprentice Plumber - An apprentice plumber must be at least 16 years old and be accompanied by a licensed master plumber.
Journeyman Plumber - A journeyman plumber is required to hold an apprentice license for a minimum of 4 years and must complete 7,500 hours of training under the direction of a licensed master plumber. They must complete 32 hours of backflow prevention device testing training and pass a comprehensive written exam.
Master Plumber - A master plumber is required to hold a journeyman license for at least 2 years, complete 3,750 hours of training under the direction of a licensed master plumber, and pass a comprehensive written exam.
You can visit the Maryland Department of Labor for more information.
Plumbing is a very complex system within your home and if incorrectly handled can lead to severe damage and costly repairs. Local regulations and laws must be followed and a licensed plumber remains current on these requirements to ensure compliance.
All plumbers employed by Donovan Waterworks are licensed and insured. We also hold Backflow, Wardflex, and Gastight certifications.
We pride ourselves on the high-quality plumbing services that we provide. With over 23 years of experience, we will properly diagnose any plumbing issues and clearly explain your options. We believe that plumbing installations and repairs should be done right the first time, without breaking the bank.
We provide free estimates and most diagnostic services are free.
You can book a consultation to receive a service quote.
