As a homeowner, there are several times in life when you will need the services of a plumber. Your friend or neighbor mentioned working with a plumbing contractor, and now you are wondering if you should also hire a plumbing contractor instead. Although many people get the two professions confused, there are several differences between a plumber and a plumbing contractor.
What Is the Difference Between a Plumbing Contractor and a Plumber?
Although plumbers and plumbing contractors work in the same field, and each of their job skills can overlap, there are several key differences between the two professions, including:
- Plumbers are called during an emergency. From a burst pipe to a severely clogged toilet, if you have a real plumbing emergency, you should contact your trusted plumber.
- A plumbing contractor is needed when you construct a house. A plumbing contractor is needed if you are building a new home and need an entire plumbing system installed.
- If you need a water filtration system installed, contact a plumber. Whether you are building a new house or adding one to your current property, a plumber can install a water filtration system.
In some cases, if you work with a plumber on a larger job, such as adding new pipes to an existing property, a plumbing contractor will perform the final walkthrough to examine the finished product.
When You Should Hire a Plumber
In addition to an emergency, there are several other instances when it is the best option to contact a plumber. For example, if you want to install a new shower in your existing home, need help updating the sinks and faucets, or want to install a new water heater, contact a plumber.
A plumber can also help you determine if you should continue to enjoy a traditional tank water heater or would benefit from a tankless water heater system.
When You Should Hire a Plumbing Contractor
In many cases, a plumbing contractor will be the owner of a plumbing business and will dispatch plumbers to homes to complete tasks. In other cases, a plumbing contractor will be necessary for larger jobs, especially those that involve new construction projects.
For example, a contractor can design and construct a new home project's wastewater disposal system, and install gas control valves, water softeners, and backflow prevention systems. If you are ever confused and aren't sure which professional to hire, then the best option is to ask.
Although the job descriptions of a plumber and a plumbing contractor can overlap, these are two different professions.
