Knowing which service provider to call to take care of various aspects of your home can be rather tricky. In layman’s terms, when we need someone to help with plumbing issues, we assume that it is a plumber we need. What is the difference between a plumber and a plumbing contractor? Here’s the rundown, so you’ll know!
What is a plumber?
When it comes to plumbing emergencies, a plumber is who most homeowners will call. From burst pipes to clogged toilets, plumbers can handle it all and everything in between. Generally, piping-related work in and around the home is what a plumber can handle either as a master plumber or working as an apprentice.
What is a plumbing contractor?
Unlike a plumber, a plumbing contractor has a much larger scope of skills that often include construction, remodeling and renovations. They may oversee the construction of the entire plumbing system for a home or for an entire development, as well as offer guidance on how to install or repair a home’s gas lines. In other words, while the plumber may be able to tackle small focused issues, a plumbing contractor often is tasked with a larger project with many plumbing components.
Can I (or should I) hire both for my next project?
It can be confusing at times to figure out whether you should hire a plumber or a plumbing contractor. The good news? Many plumbers also are licensed as plumbing contractors and can provide a full scope of services. However, if a plumbing issue is outside of the purview of a plumber, they will usually refer you to a plumbing contractor to get the help and the work done that you need.
Whether you’re looking to hire a plumber or a plumbing contractor, it is still vitally important to check references, licenses and certificates of insurance. No matter which plumbing professional you go with, you’ll want them to be able to produce the highest quality work possible to ensure your home (and your pipes) are well taken care of.
Either way, at the first sign of trouble you’ll want to get with a licensed professional to diagnose and fix the problem before it escalates out of control.