In the state of Kentucky, plumbers are required to hold a license to perform any plumbing work. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps and requirements for plumbers to establish eligibility, apply for, and renew their plumbing license in Kentucky. It also outlines license bond requirements and insurance needs for plumbers in the state.

Eligibility and Application Process

Journeyman Plumber License

A Journeyman Plumber license is a prerequisite for anyone who wishes to work as a plumber under the supervision of a Master Plumber in Kentucky. Here are the steps to obtain this license:

  • Eligibility: To be eligible for a Journeyman Plumber license, an applicant must meet one of the following requirements:
    • Have at least two consecutive years of experience as an apprentice plumber.
    • Complete a department-approved course that includes content on the practice of plumbing or the Kentucky State Plumbing Code and at least one year of experience as an apprentice plumber.
  • Application: The application process involves the following steps:
    • Submit a completed Application for License as a Journeyman Plumber (Form PLB-2).
    • Provide proof of successfully completing the Kentucky journeyman plumber examination with a minimum passing score of 75% for each portion of the examination.
    • Pay a license fee of $60.

Master Plumber License

A Master Plumber license is required for anyone who wishes to operate independently or supervise other plumbers in Kentucky. Here are the steps to obtain this license:

  • Eligibility: To be eligible for a Master Plumber license, an applicant must meet one of the following requirements:
    • Have held a valid journeyman plumber’s license for a minimum of two years within the past five years immediately preceding application and be actively employed in plumbing under the supervision of a licensed master plumber for a minimum of two years.
    • Hold an engineer license in Kentucky and be sufficiently experienced in mechanical engineering, as determined by the department based upon the number and complexity of the applicant’s past mechanical engineer projects.
    • Hold a valid plumbing license issued by another state for a minimum of two years within the past five years immediately preceding application.
    • Have been engaged in the practice of plumbing in another state that does not issue a plumbing license, in a capacity equivalent to a master plumber, for a minimum of four consecutive years immediately preceding application.
  • Application: The application process involves the following steps:
    • Submit a completed Application for License as a Master Plumber (Form PLB-1).
    • Provide proof of successfully completing the Kentucky master plumber examination with a passing score of a minimum of 80% obtained for each portion of the examination.
    • Pay a license fee of $250.

Examination Process

The examination process for both Journeyman and Master Plumber licenses is designed to test the applicant’s knowledge and skills in plumbing. The process includes:

  • Written Examination: This includes questions pertaining to basic principles of plumbing, KRS Chapter 318, 815 KAR Chapter 2, and 815 KAR Chapter 20.
  • Practical Examination: This involves inserting the proper pipe size on a prepared drawing that indicates all stacks, wastes, and vents and the connected plumbing fixtures. The Journeyman plumber’s license examination also includes a practical section in which the applicant must demonstrate the ability to properly install plumbing.

License Renewal

Both Master and Journeyman Plumber licenses must be renewed periodically. The renewal process involves:

  • Submitting the applicable renewal fee ($250 for a master plumber or $60 for a journeyman plumber).
  • Providing proof of completing the continuing education requirements established in 815 KAR 2:010.
  • Providing proof of insurance as required by KRS 318.030 for a master plumber.

Plumbing License Reciprocity in Kentucky

In the plumbing industry, license reciprocity refers to the agreement between states that allows a licensed plumber in one state to practice in another without needing to pass additional examinations. However, not all states have reciprocity agreements, and the specifics can vary greatly.

In Kentucky, the state does not have a reciprocity agreement with any other state for plumbing licenses. This means that if you are a licensed plumber in another state and wish to practice in Kentucky, you will need to apply for a Kentucky plumbing license and pass the required examinations.

License Bond Requirements in Kentucky

In Kentucky, plumbers are required to post a contractor’s license bond to legally operate. This bond is a type of surety bond that protects your clients by providing a form of compensation in case you fail to fulfill your contractual obligations. The bond amount for plumbing contractors in Kentucky is set at $5,000.

Here’s a breakdown of the bond requirements:

  • Bond Amount: $5,000
  • Who Needs It: All plumbing contractors operating in Kentucky
  • Why It’s Needed: To protect clients from potential contractual breaches
  • How to Get It: Apply through a surety bond company. You’ll need to pay a premium, which is a percentage of the bond amount (usually 1-15%, depending on your credit score).

Insurance Needs for Plumbers in Kentucky

Insurance is a crucial part of any business, including plumbing. It provides financial protection from various risks that could potentially lead to significant losses. For plumbers in Kentucky, several types of insurance are either required or highly recommended:

  • General Liability Insurance: This covers third-party 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 covers claims of professional negligence, error, breach of contract, or failure to deliver a service on time. 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 covers business property or buildings that are damaged by certain accidents, weather events, or other hazards. 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 covers medical expenses of employees who are injured or get sick while at work. Most U.S. states, including Kentucky, require employers to have workers’ comp for their employees.
  • Commercial Auto Insurance: This 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.
  • Product Liability Insurance: This covers claims of physical injury or property damage as a result of a defective or flawed product, such as pipes, tubes, or tanks.
  • Tools and Equipment Insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace equipment that is damaged or stolen.

Remember, the cost of your plumbing insurance will depend on a variety of factors such as your business location, the number of employees, the nature of your plumbing work/types of projects you work on, your claims history, and the number of policies and amount of coverage you need. It’s always a good idea to get a customized quote for your business. Understanding the Kentucky plumbing insurance cost can be crucial for your business’ financial planning.