How to Become a Plumber in South Carolina

Career prospects for plumbers in South Carolina are pretty good.

If this is the industry of your choice, read on so you can learn more about the training and certification process.

Plumber Job Description and Requirements

As a plumber in South Carolina, you will need to complete several job duties daily.

These include:

• Reading or drafting blueprints
• Installing the piping system
• Maintaining the water system
• Repairing the system whenever needed
• Ensuring the safety standards
• Meeting building regulations
• Using the appropriate devices to measure or solder

In South Carolina, plumbers can apply for one of the following certifications:

• Mechanical Contractor
• Master Plumber
• Residential Plumber

How to Become an Apprentice in South Carolina

In order to get certified in South Carolina, you need to join a training program through a trade school.

The program should be approved by the board in the state.

Many of the plumbing training programs last for 4 or 5 years.

However, you can also find programs that only last 2 years and result in a diploma.

You can also opt for an associate’s degree through a university.

The plumbing training programs include the next classes:

• Drafting,
• Mathematics,
• Science,
• Sprinkler installation,
• Pipefitting
• Reading blueprints

Before you can join a school, you have to make sure you comply with all the requirements.

These are:

• Be at least 18 years old
• High-school diploma or GED
• Driver’s license
• Birth certificate copy
• Proof of being a citizen of the US
• A processing fee
• Pass a drug test
• Understand written and spoken English
• One year of algebra

In South Carolina, apprentices can install or repair plumbing systems, but only if overseen by a licensed plumber.

You can choose a training program you can attend in person or one online.

If you choose the latter, you will still have to attend school for practical, experience hours.

Apprentices also get paid for their work, however, the salary will be on the low side.

Once you get into a training program, you will have to register your apprenticeship in order to make it legal.

There are also other ways in which you can become an apprentice.

For example, you could search for opportunities through your school if you are in college.

You can also reach out to the plumbing firms in your region or look for job listings online.

How to Get a Journeyman License in South Carolina

After you gathered the experience you need during your apprenticeship, you can take the next step.

This is usually becoming a journeyman plumber, which allows you to work without supervision.

The criteria for a journeyman license in South Carolina is:

• Be 18 years old
• Comply with the required training
• Social security number
• Proof of experience
• Training program certificate
• Take and pass an exam

The plumbing licenses in this state are managed by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.

The exam includes the following topics:

• Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
• Materials used, and specifications;
• Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
• Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
• Water supply systems;
• Backflow preventions;
• Gas appliances and piping;
• Plumbing mathematics.

After you pass your exam, your plumber license will be issued.

You will need to pay attention and renew this license every 2 years.

You may have to take some additional training classes before renewal.

How to Get a Contractor Plumber License in South Carolina

To become a contractor in South Carolina, you have to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Comply with the required training
• Social security number
• Proof of experience
• Training program certificate

To get the contractor certification, you need to pass 2 exams.

One is the Residential Business and Law exam, while the other is the practical exam.

The plumbing licenses in this state are managed by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.

The contractor exam includes topics like:

• Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
• Materials used, and specifications;
• Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
• Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
• Water supply systems;
• Backflow preventions;
• Gas appliances and piping;
• Plumbing mathematics.

You will also need to provide a liability insurance bond.

Plumber Employment and Salary Information

In South Carolina, licensed plumbers earn about $53,880 per year.

Of course, the earnings depend on where you live and your license.

Contractor plumbers generally have higher salaries, especially if you start your own business.

Joining a union is also a good idea if you want increased job safety and higher pay.

In South Carolina, the only union for plumbers is Local Carolinas 421

Regional Salary in South Carolina

Additional Information

South Carolina doesn’t have license reciprocations with any other state.

So, you will have to go through the licensing process all over again if you come from another state.

Overall, all you need to do is complete your training before you can start a fulfilling career.

Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in South Carolina

Plumbing License by City

Plumbing License by State