Get Quotes from Top Plumbers in Baton Rouge, LA

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Plumber in Baton Rouge?

Plumbers who wish to work in Baton Rouge must obtain a license from the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (SPBL). They are further required to obtain a contractor's license from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors when the value of the plumbing work is above $10,000.

As stipulated in Title 37:2160 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, contracting without a license in Louisiana attracts a three-month jail term, or a maximum fine of $500 for each day of operating without a license, or both a jail term and fine. Unlicensed persons who cause harm or damages worth more than three hundred dollars while working would be fined between $500 and $5,000 or sentenced to a jail term between six months and five years. Also, contracts entered with unlicensed plumbers in Louisiana are considered unenforceable by regulatory agencies and the courts.

While plumbers in Baton Rouge are categorized either as master plumbers or journeyman plumbers, applicants for a plumbing license must first complete a compulsory apprenticeship program administered by the SPBL. In order to qualify for this apprenticeship program, interested persons must:

• Be at least 16 years of age
• Be physically capable
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Be employed by a recognized plumbing contracting agency in Louisiana.

However, this apprenticeship program can be waived for individuals who have completed 8,000 hours or five years of training under the supervision of a journeyman or master plumber. Interested persons who have satisfied these requirements, completed the apprenticeship program, or are eligible for the apprenticeship waiver, can begin applying for a plumbing license.

To obtain a journeyman plumbing license, an applicant must pass the required license examination, submit a journeyman plumber application form to the SPBL, and pay the required fees. Similarly, to apply for a master plumbing license, a person must have five years of experience working as a journeyman plumber and then pass a licensing exam administered by the SPBL. Eligible individuals can apply for a master plumber license by submitting a master plumber's application form and paying the appropriate fees.

To verify your plumber's license, you can check the SPBLA online roster. If you have any other inquiries related to plumber licensing, you can contact the SPBLA at (225) 756-3434.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Plumbers in Baton Rouge?

The costs of hiring a plumber's services in Baton Rouge often depend on several factors, including the nature of work, permit fees, and the prices of materials. It is ultimately good to compare prices with three or more plumbers before hiring a plumber, as this ensures that you are not overpaying or getting cheated. Cross-checking rates also helps you to plan adequately and contract a plumber who can work with your budget.

Plumber in Baton Rouge earns an annual average wage of $61,100. Below is a breakdown of the Average hourly wages for plumbers in Baton Rouge compared with plumbers in other parts of Louisiana and other major cities in the country:

Do You Comply with the Baton Rouge Building Code for Plumbing?

The Baton Rouge Plumbing Code is a set of guidelines that stipulate plumbing construction specifications in Baton Rouge. The code regulates the installation, restoration, design, modification, replacement, and maintenance of plumbing systems across the city. These plumbing systems include sewer and vent systems, water supply and gas supply distribution pipes, fixtures, fixture traps, appurtenances, and connections across Baton Rouge. The code also contains the standards for plumbing materials used during plumbing projects.

Therefore, it is recommended that you hire a plumber who is both licensed and conversant with the city's plumbing code to avoid code violations and ensure your plumbing work is done according to city requirements. You can contact the Baton Rouge Plumbing Inspection Division at (225) 389-3230 for further inquiries regarding the plumbing code.

Will You Get the Plumbing Permits as Required by the Baton Rouge Code?

The Baton Rouge Inspection Division issues plumbing permits for all plumbing works within the city through its Plumbing Division. However, per Sec. 8:103.1.4 of the city's plumbing code, specific plumbing works do not require a permit. The plumbing works exempt from permit requirements include:

• The repair of small leaks;
• Clearing of pipes and replacement of broken traps, pipes, and fixtures;
• Cleaning of building sewers or drains, when done by rodding; and
• Cleaning of building sewers or drains by any mechanical device provided that the cleaning is performed by removing a screw plug.

To get a plumbing permit, a licensed plumber or homeowner must fill out the plumbing application form and submit it to the Inspection Division via fax at (225) 389-3938. Note that the payment of a fee is typically required before these permits can be obtained.

The processing time for plumbing permits typically depends on the nature of the plumbing work, the workload at the Plumbing Division, or the need for an initial physical inspection and subsequent inspections by a plumbing inspector. The city's Inspection Division decides on a case-by-case basis if inspections of plumbing projects are necessary before issuing permits. Interested persons can also contact this Division to make plumbing permit-related inquiries at:

What Kind of Plumbing Services Do You Offer?

Plumbers in Baton Rouge offer several services, including installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems and emergency repairs. Therefore, ensuring the plumber you intend to hire specializes in the plumbing area necessary to undertake your plumbing project is vital. Depending on the services you need, plumbing fees in Baton Rouge vary. However, note that some miscellaneous fees come separately when trying to get a cost estimate. These fees include permit fees, inspection fees, and material costs. Nonetheless, below are some common cost estimates for plumbing services in Baton Rouge:

Do You Offer Emergency Plumbing Services in Baton Rouge?

It is estimated that household leaks alone waste almost 1 trillion gallons of water across the country annually. Not only can these leaks and other plumbing issues ramp up your water bill, but they can also cause damage to your home over time or lead to more expensive repairs if left unattended. Therefore, it is ideal that you treat all plumbing issues as emergencies. However, while all plumbing issues require urgent attention, some may need even more priority. Plumbing issues requiring top priority include ruptured pipes or drainages, blocked sewers, frozen pipes, and overflowing toilets.

Before the arrival of a plumber in an emergency, it is a good idea to plug leakages or seal off affected areas. When searching for plumbers near you to address your urgent plumbing needs, you can utilize third-party websites like Yelp or Better Business Bureau. You can also ask friends and colleagues. Nevertheless, before engaging the services of any plumber, you should ensure this plumber is licensed. You can use the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana's online verification tool to verify a plumber's license.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Plumbers in Baton Rouge?

Per LA Rev Stat § 37:1380, all master plumbers are required to maintain workers' compensation insurance, general liability insurance, and motor vehicle bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. With over 5,000 recorded fatal work injuries across the country in 2019, hiring a plumber with active insurance ensures that you are not subject to compensatory claims in the event your plumber or the plumber's employee suffers a workplace accident during your plumbing work. You can make inquiries about specific insurance requirements from the Baton Rouge Plumbing Inspection Division at (225) 389-3230. Also, you can confirm if a plumber is duly insured by requesting that the plumber provide proof of insurance.