Becoming a licensed plumber in Kansas is a rewarding career choice that offers a stable income, job security, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in your community. However, the path to becoming a licensed plumber involves a series of steps, including completing an apprenticeship, passing exams, and meeting specific local requirements. This guide will provide a detailed overview of the process, helping you understand what it takes to become a licensed plumber in Kansas.

Apprenticeship: The First Step

The first step to starting a career in the plumbing industry is to join an apprenticeship program. This is a crucial phase where you will learn the basics of the trade, gain hands-on experience, and start building your professional network. Here are the key points to consider:

  • Eligibility: Candidates typically need a high school diploma or GED, photo ID, and a valid driver’s license to be eligible.
  • Programs: Candidates can join an apprenticeship program offered by a local company or trade union, or through the Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training of Kansas.
  • Duration and Requirements: In Wichita, apprentice plumbers need to complete one year of field experience and one year of plumbing trade school, or two years of experience and score 75% or better on an approved International Code Council or IAPMO Exam. In Topeka, apprentices need to complete two years of work experience and a minimum of 930 hours of classroom training to become eligible for the journeyman exam.

Journeyman Plumber License: The Next Level

After completing the required apprenticeship training, candidates become eligible to take the journeyman licensing exam. This is a significant milestone in your career as a plumber, as it allows you to work independently on various plumbing projects. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Exam: The open book exam consists of 100 questions and requires a score of 75% or higher to pass.
  • Fees: In Wichita, candidates also need to pay a $125 application fee. After successfully passing the exam, journeyman candidates need to complete the license application and pay a $35 license fee.
  • Renewal: To renew a journeyman license, Wichita plumbers need to pay a $35 renewal fee and complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years.

In Topeka, after completing the required apprentice training, candidates become eligible to take the journeyman licensing exam via the International Code Council or Pearson VUE. The exam requires a score of 75% or higher to pass. Candidates also need to pay a $50 application fee. After successfully passing the exam, journeyman candidates need to complete the license application and pay a $53 license fee. Topeka journeyman plumbing license holders must complete six hours of continuing education every year, with at least three hours covering the local plumbing code.

Master Plumber License: The Pinnacle of the Profession

To work as a licensed master plumber, candidates must demonstrate at least two years of verifiable work experience as a licensed journeyman plumber, or four years of experience and score 75% or better on an approved International Code Council or IAPMO Exam. Here are the key points to consider:

  • Experience: Candidates must demonstrate at least two years of verifiable work experience as a licensed journeyman plumber, or four years of experience.
  • Exam: Candidates must score 75% or better on an approved International Code Council or IAPMO Exam.
  • Fees: After successfully passing the exam, master candidates need to complete the license application and pay a $35 license fee.
  • Renewal: To renew a master license, Wichita plumbers need to pay a $35 renewal fee and complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years.

In Topeka, to become eligible for a Master Plumbing License, candidates need to hold a valid journeyman plumber license for a minimum of two years, or provide proof of four years of work experience under a licensed master plumber. Master candidates can complete the licensing exam via the International Code Council or Pearson VUE. The exam requires a score of 75% or higher to pass. After passing the exam, master candidates need to complete the license application and pay a $103 license fee. Topeka master license holders must complete six hours of continuing education every year, with at least three hours covering the local plumbing code.

Plumbing Contractor License: Running Your Own Business

In Wichita and Topeka, plumbers who wish to operate their own businesses need to obtain a Trade Contractors License. This allows you to hire other plumbers, bid on larger projects, and run your own plumbing business. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Eligibility: In Wichita, candidates need to submit a Trade Contractors Application along with a $360 license fee, a Trade Certificate showing at least one licensed Master Plumber, a Certificate of liability insurance (at least $300,000 in general liability) showing MABCD as the certificate holder, a Certificate of workers’ compensation insurance, an Auto certificate of insurance, and a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of the State of Kansas.
  • Renewal: Wichita contractors must renew their trade licenses every two years on odd years at a fee of $360.

In Topeka, plumbers who wish to operate their own businesses need to obtain a Trade Contractors License from the DSD. To be eligible, candidates need to be a licensed master Plumber or employ at least one master plumber.

Plumbing License Reciprocity in Kansas

In Kansas, the plumbing license reciprocity is not as straightforward as in some other states. While Kansas does not have a formal reciprocity agreement with any other state, it does consider the qualifications and experience of plumbers licensed in other states when they apply for a Kansas plumbing license. This means that if you have a plumbing license from another state, you may not need to complete all the usual requirements to get a Kansas plumbing license. However, you will still need to pass the Kansas plumbing exam.

License Bond Requirements in Kansas

In Kansas, plumbers are required to post a surety bond as part of their licensing process. This bond is a form of financial guarantee that protects the public and the state in case the plumber fails to comply with the state’s plumbing regulations. The amount of the bond varies depending on the type of license:

  • For a Master Plumber license, the bond amount is $5,000.
  • For a Journeyman Plumber license, the bond amount is $4,000.
  • For an Apprentice Plumber license, the bond amount is $2,000.

The bond must be issued by a surety company authorized to do business in Kansas, and it must be maintained for the entire duration of the license.

Insurance Needs for Plumbers in Kansas

In Kansas, plumbers and plumbing contractors are required to have several types of insurance to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers. Here are the main types of insurance that plumbers in Kansas should consider:

  • General Liability Insurance: This insurance covers claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury. For example, if a client trips over a pipe you put on the floor while repairing a sink and breaks their wrist, this policy would cover their medical expenses, as well as any legal or settlement fees if they file a lawsuit against you.
  • Professional Liability Insurance: This insurance covers claims of professional negligence, error, breach of contract, or failure to deliver a service on time. For example, if you make a mistake in the installation that causes the system to fail, the owner could sue you for the error. This policy would cover your legal and settlement costs associated with the lawsuit.
  • Business Property Insurance: This insurance covers business property or buildings that are damaged by certain accidents, weather events, or other hazards. For example, if a fire breaks out in your office and destroys all of your plumbing equipment, your business property insurance would cover the costs to replace it.
  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This insurance covers medical expenses of employees who are injured or get sick while at work. Most U.S. states require employers to have workers’ comp for their employees. If one of your plumbers falls off a ladder while fixing a pipe and dislocates a shoulder, your workers’ compensation policy would cover any related medical expenses.
  • Commercial Auto Insurance: This insurance covers vehicles that you use for business purposes, such as driving to plumbing projects. It covers accident-related expenses resulting from injuries, death, or property damage. For example, if you’re driving your work van to pick up supplies and accidentally hit a car in the store’s parking lot, this policy would pay to repair the damage to the car.
  • Product Liability Insurance: This insurance covers claims of physical injury or property damage as a result of a defective or flawed product, such as pipes, tubes, or tanks. For example, if you install a new pipe in a kitchen sink, and a defect in the pipe causes the pipe to break and the sink to flood the kitchen, your customer could sue you for the damage to their kitchen. Your product liability insurance would cover the cost to repair the kitchen, as well as legal and settlement costs.
  • Tools and Equipment Insurance: This insurance covers the cost to repair or replace equipment that is damaged or stolen. You can sometimes add this coverage to another type of policy, like your general liability insurance.

The cost of your plumbing insurance will depend on a variety of factors such as business location, number of employees, nature of your plumbing work/types of projects you work on, claims history, and the amount of coverage. In general, the more coverage you need, the higher the cost of your business insurance will be. It’s always a good idea to get a customized quote for your business to ensure you have the right amount of coverage. Explore our comprehensive guide discussing the critical factors that influence the Kansas plumbing insurance cost in detail.

Remember, having the right insurance coverage is not just a legal requirement, but also a smart business decision. It can protect you from significant financial losses and help ensure the longevity and success of your business.

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed plumber in Kansas involves a series of steps, including completing an apprenticeship, passing exams, and meeting specific local requirements. The process can take several years, but the rewards include a stable career with good earning potential. Always check with your local municipality for the most accurate and up-to-date information.