Plumbers vs. Plumbing Contractors: What You Need To Know

Posted on: Nov 24, 2015

Usually, when you run into plumbing problems such as a clogged toilet or a leaking faucet, you will run to a plumber. Plumbing contractors on the other hand are mostly called upon to install new plumbing work, renovations, and remodeling. So, are there any notable differences between the two? Interestingly, yes!

A plumber may be apprenticed or officially trained under another plumber and gain enough experience to fix most plumbing problems ranging from burst pipes to overflowing toilets. They can also install common plumbing fixes including toilets, bath tubs, hot water dispensers, food disposers, showers, toilets, and many others.

Plumbing contractors do much more

A plumbing contractor, on the other hand, can handle all the tasks that a plumber does plus several other more complex tasks. Often, you’ll find the plumbing contractor installing a new waste disposal system or a gas connection. Plumbing contractors can deal with all kinds of water heaters, electric or gas, and even tankless water systems. The contractors can also install gas control valves, water control and softening equipment, and any other equipment that requires professional installation.

However, that’s not all. If you need advice on a particular plumbing issue such as how to ensure energy efficiency, the person you need to contact is a plumbing contractor. Since these professionals are extensively informed in their duties, they are usually called in during the planning stages before a home is built to ensure that the construction is in compliance with local, state, and federal building codes. In the case of commercial constructions, the plumbing contractor can help to ensure that it complies with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In fact, the final inspection of any new plumbing work must be inspected by a plumbing contractor in the construction phase.

Who do I hire?

You need BOTH. For basic plumbing issues, you need a plumber who you can quickly turn to. However, for more complex fixes such as inspection of the plumbing system of a new building and the other tasks discussed above, you will need a plumbing contractor.

To learn more, schedule an appointment with our Tulsa or Oklahoma City offices today.

Airco Services is the plumbing company of choice in and around Tulsa, OK and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We strive to help every homeowner make the best decisions when faced with plumbing issues.