When you engage a local handyman to help you with various duties around the house and yard, such as outside cleaning, lamp or fixture installation, or building a shed, you may want to ask them to take care of your kitchen and bathroom plumbing issues. However, before you proceed, consider the following critical issues.
Be Wary Of Homemade Plumbing
Except for simple jobs like installing a new faucet fixture, plumbing tasks are prohibited by law in various states. The main reason for this limitation is that a non-professional plumber’s unskilled, inaccurate, or substandard plumbing job can be disastrous for your home. Regardless of how capable he or she is at other tasks, a handyman is unlikely to have the requisite training to deal with plumbing obstructions and other issues.
This could result in more damage to drains, appliances, floors, and other items in your home that require proper plumbing to work. To make matters worse, because the damage was committed by an unauthorized contractor, your insurance may not cover it. A handyman worth his salt would either let you or help you find a professional plumber with all the necessary licensing and permits to work in accordance with the code and ensure that the job is well done for major jobs like a bathroom remodel.
Licensing Requirements For Plumbers
Another significant distinction between a plumber and a handyman is licensing. Working as a handyman has less stringent requirements, while certain jurisdictions, such as California, require self-employed handymen to obtain a contractor’s license.
Apprenticeship And training
Professional plumbers and handymen also differ significantly in the amount of professional training and education. Professional plumbers must pass a difficult examination after completing two years of vocational school instruction and/or a lengthy apprenticeship of at least four years. Many professional plumbers participate in continuing professional education as part of their job because their licensing requirements change frequently.
While some homeowners may prefer to save money by having a handyman install or repair plumbing, you may spend more money if you need to hire a professional plumber to rectify substandard work.