How to Become a Self-Employed Plumber

Be your own boss and become a plumbing contractor.

Plumbing, HVAC and electrical contractors are considered to be mechanical trades. Business owners of mechanical trades are required to be licensed or must employ a qualifying license holder for their business in order to offer their services to the general public. They must also follow strict local and state building codes, obtain business insurance and sometimes be bonded.

Instructions

1. Apply for the appropriate plumbing license. Individuals will need to obtain a plumbing license before offering their services for hire. The types of licenses one can apply for will depend upon state regulations and experience of the individual. Typically the categories of licensure are journeyman, master I or residential and master II or commercial plumbing contractor licenses. Each state has its own set of requirements, applications and testing formats. Individuals seeking licensure can request candidate packets from the state construction license board.

2. Take and pass the plumbing exam.

3. Register your business with the state. If you will be incorporating your business you will need to file the articles of incorporation with your state's division of corporations or secretary of state and obtain an employer's identification number. If you will be operating as a sole proprietor, this step will not be necessary.

4. Apply for and obtain an occupational license in the city or county where you plan on locating your business. In certain states, an occupational license is required for each county and some cities where your company is doing business. To avoid fines, companies are advised to inquire with each entity before starting a projects in unfamiliar territories.

Tips & Warnings

• The decision to incorporate or operate as a sole proprietor should be discussed with your accountant to be able to fully understand the tax liabilities of each business structure.

• Business insurance will need to be in the name of the business. If registered as a sole proprietor, the business is your name. If registered as a corporation or LLC it will need to be in the businesses name.

References

• Contractor's License Reference Site: License Requirements by State
• United Sates Department of Labor: Plumbers, Pipelayers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Contractor Licenseing: Contractor License Board Directory

Resources

• Contractor's License Reference Site: License Requirements by State
• United Assocation Union of Plumbers, Fitters, HVAC and Welders: Courses
• PHCC: Apprentice & Journeyman Training