{"id":23696,"date":"2023-01-23T17:51:50","date_gmt":"2023-01-23T17:51:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/?page_id=23696"},"modified":"2024-05-21T20:47:27","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T20:47:27","slug":"delaware","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/licensing\/plumbing\/delaware\/","title":{"rendered":"Plumbing License Requirements in Delaware"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The plumbing industry in Delaware is growing, offering rewarding opportunities for skilled professionals. This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a Delaware plumbing license, including license types, requirements, salary information, and renewal processes.<\/p>\n<div class=\"toc\"><ul class=\"toc-list\"><li><a href='#what-plumbing-work-can-be-done-without-a-license' class='toc-link'>What plumbing work can be done without a license?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#what-are-the-different-types-of-plumbing-licenses-available-in-delaware' class='toc-link'>What are the different types of plumbing licenses available in Delaware?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#average-hourly-rates-for-plumbers-in-delaware' class='toc-link'>Average hourly rates for plumbers in Delaware<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#how-to-get-a-plumbing-license-in-delaware' class='toc-link'>How to get a plumbing license in Delaware<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#checklist-for-obtaining-a-plumbing-license' class='toc-link'>Checklist for Obtaining a Plumbing License<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#should-i-join-a-union' class='toc-link'>Should I join a union?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#insurance-for-plumbers-in-delaware' class='toc-link'>Insurance for plumbers in Delaware<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#how-to-get-my-first-plumbing-apprenticeship' class='toc-link'>How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#is-my-plumbing-license-only-valid-in-delaware' class='toc-link'>Is my plumbing license only valid in Delaware?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#how-do-i-stay-up-to-date-with-plumbing-codes' class='toc-link'>How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#what-resources-are-available-in-the-plumbing-industry' class='toc-link'>What resources are available in the plumbing industry?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#how-often-do-i-need-to-renew-my-plumbing-license-in-delaware' class='toc-link'>How often do I need to renew my plumbing license in Delaware?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"what-plumbing-work-can-be-done-without-a-license\">What plumbing work can be done without a license?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Delaware, you must have a valid plumbing license to work professionally as a plumber. Apprentices may perform plumbing tasks but only under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-different-types-of-plumbing-licenses-available-in-delaware\">What are the different types of plumbing licenses available in Delaware?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dpr.delaware.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware Division of Professional Regulation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Examiners oversees plumbing licenses. Delaware primarily offers two plumbing license types:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Journeyman Plumber License<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete an approved apprenticeship program or equivalent work experience.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass the journeyman plumber exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit proof of experience and an application to the state.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay the application fee.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Scope of Work<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Journeyman plumbers work under the supervision of a master plumber and perform tasks such as pipe repairs, fixture installations, and pipe modifications.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Master Plumber License<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Requirements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work for at least one year as a licensed journeyman plumber.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass the master plumber exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit proof of experience and pay the application fee.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Scope of Work<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Master plumbers are qualified to perform all plumbing-related tasks, including designing, installing, modifying, and connecting fixtures and pipes. Master plumbers can also supervise journeymen and train apprentices.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"average-hourly-rates-for-plumbers-in-delaware\">Average hourly rates for plumbers in Delaware<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware offers competitive wages for plumbers, making it an attractive state for professionals at various career stages. Here\u2019s a breakdown of <\/span><a href=\"\/resources\/news-press\/plumber-salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">average hourly rates<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Delaware, with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes472152.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">national comparisons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Journeyman Plumber<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: $25.75 per hour<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Average: $25.37 per hour)<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journeyman plumbers in Delaware earn slightly above the national average, highlighting the demand for skilled trades in the state.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Master Plumber<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: $40.32 per hour<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Average: $30.46 per hour)<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master plumbers in Delaware earn approximately 32% more than the national average. This rate reflects the high level of expertise required to manage complex projects and supervise teams.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware\u2019s wages for journeymen and master plumbers are above national averages, underscoring the value placed on advanced skills in the state\u2019s plumbing industry.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-get-a-plumbing-license-in-delaware\">How to get a plumbing license in Delaware<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting as an apprentice is the most common pathway to obtaining a Delaware plumbing license. Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide to the process:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Journeyman Plumber License<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete an approved apprenticeship program, usually requiring at least seven years.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass the journeyman plumber exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit proof of your work experience along with your application.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay the required application fee.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Master Plumber License<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work as a journeyman plumber for at least one year.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass the master plumber exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit the application with proof of experience and pay the $141 application fee.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Master plumbers licensed in other states, except Pennsylvania, may be eligible for reciprocity and can apply without taking the Delaware master plumber exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"checklist-for-obtaining-a-plumbing-license\">Checklist for Obtaining a Plumbing License<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To become a licensed plumber in Delaware, you\u2019ll need to progress through three key licensing levels, each with specific experience and examination requirements. Here\u2019s a breakdown of the steps and qualifications needed for each license:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Journeyman Plumber License<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enroll in an approved apprenticeship program.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete required work experience.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass the journeyman exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit your application and pay the fee.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><b> Master Plumber License<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete a minimum of one year as a licensed journeyman.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass the master plumber exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit your application with proof of experience and fee payment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"should-i-join-a-union\">Should I join a union?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unions negotiate higher salaries for plumbers. It is estimated that union employees can earn up to 20% more than non-union employees. Unions can represent you if you experience problems with your employer. Union employees are entitled to job benefits including pensions, paid vacations, sick pay, and holiday pay. When you join a union, you become part of a group. Union officers will make decisions and speak on your behalf. As a union member, you can vote for initiatives. However, the ultimate decisions are up to your union officers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"insurance-for-plumbers-in-delaware\">Insurance for plumbers in Delaware<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumbers in Delaware must carry insurance to legally work in the state. Employers may provide coverage, but self-employed plumbers need to secure their own insurance:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Minimum Coverage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$300,000 for property damage insurance (per occurrence)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$100,000 for general liability insurance (per occurrence)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-get-my-first-plumbing-apprenticeship\">How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">he Plumber and Steamfitters Apprenticeship Program in Delaware offers a comprehensive five-year training program, including 1,250 hours of classroom instruction. During the apprenticeship, students learn core plumbing skills, such as plumbing math, pipe layout, fixture installation, and plumbing codes. The program is free of charge, and apprentices work under the supervision of master plumbers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Apprenticeship Application Tips<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dress in business casual attire for the interview.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring copies of your resume and proof of education.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a style=\"font-size: revert;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ualocal74.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UA Local 74<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Plumbers and Pipefitters also offers a five-year apprenticeship program with hands-on training.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"is-my-plumbing-license-only-valid-in-delaware\">Is my plumbing license only valid in Delaware?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware does not currently have a reciprocal licensing agreement with other states. To work as a licensed plumber in another state, you must meet that state\u2019s specific licensing requirements, which may involve additional exams or documentation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-do-i-stay-up-to-date-with-plumbing-codes\">How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up-to-date Delaware plumbing codes can be found on the following websites:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iccsafe.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International Code Council<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/up.codes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UpCodes<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tests.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tests.com<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"what-resources-are-available-in-the-plumbing-industry\">What resources are available in the plumbing industry?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following resources will help you prepare for a career in the plumbing industry:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/resources\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumbing Specialties<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"\/resources\/plumbing-industry-trends\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumbing Industry Trends<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"\/resources\/11-plumbing-blogs-causing-a-splash-in-the-industry\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumbing Blogs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"\/learn\/plumbing-trade-shows\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumbing Trade Shows<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-often-do-i-need-to-renew-my-plumbing-license-in-delaware\">How often do I need to renew my plumbing license in Delaware?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware plumbing licenses must be renewed every two years. To renew your license:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay the renewal fee of $141.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete any required documentation by the expiration date.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaware offers a supportive environment for plumbers, with competitive salaries, apprenticeship programs, and a structured licensing path. Whether you\u2019re just starting or advancing to a master plumber status, Delaware\u2019s plumbing industry provides ample opportunities for professional growth.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The plumbing industry in Delaware is growing, offering rewarding opportunities for skilled professionals. This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a Delaware plumbing license, including license types, requirements, salary information, and renewal processes. What plumbing work can be done without a license? In Delaware, you must have a valid plumbing license to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":0,"parent":39908,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/template-license.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"industry":[557],"resource_type":[562],"topic":[],"class_list":["post-23696","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","industry-plumbing","resource_type-licensing"],"acf":{"page_partner":""},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23696","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23696"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23696\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39908"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23696"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=23696"},{"taxonomy":"resource_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_type?post=23696"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=23696"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}