Want to Become a Plumber? Here’s What You Need to Know

April 1, 2025

Thinking about a career in plumbing? Here’s a breakdown of the journey from apprentice to master plumber, and why Atlanta is a great place to get started.


If you're handy, enjoy problem-solving, and are looking for a career that offers long-term stability, solid pay, and real-world impact, plumbing might be your perfect fit. And in a growing city like Atlanta, demand for skilled plumbers isn’t slowing down.


Whether you’re fresh out of high school or looking to switch careers, here’s what to know about the different levels of plumbing jobs and how to get started.


Apprentice Plumber: Learn While You Earn

Every plumbing career starts with an apprenticeship. As an apprentice, you’ll work under the supervision of a licensed plumber while completing classroom training (typically through a trade school or union program). You’ll learn the fundamentals of:


  • Pipe fitting and installation.
  • Water and drainage systems.
  • Local plumbing codes.
  • Safety and tool use.


How long it takes
: Usually 2–4 years

Why it’s great: You get paid to learn, and the hands-on experience is invaluable.


Check out our current paid plumbing apprenticeship opportunities
here.


Service Technician

Once you’ve got a few years of experience and some certifications under your belt, you can step into a service technician role. This is where many plumbers find their niche—diagnosing problems, handling repairs, and interacting directly with homeowners and business owners.


Service techs are the face of the company, so if you’re friendly, solution-oriented, and like variety in your day, this job could be your calling.


What You’ll Need

  • Apprentice-level experience
  • Clean driving record
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to work independently


View our open service technician positions
here.


Journeyman Plumber

After completing your apprenticeship and passing the state licensing exam, you’ll become a journeyman plumber. This license allows you to work on more complex systems and take on projects with less supervision.


Journeymen often lead job sites, train apprentices, and start focusing on specialized skills like commercial plumbing, gas line installation, or advanced diagnostics.


What it Takes:

  • Completed apprenticeship.
  • Passing a written exam.
  • Working hours logged with the state of Georgia.


Apply
for journeyman-level positions with our team.


Master Plumber: Top of the Trade

The master plumber license is the highest level in the plumbing field. These professionals oversee large projects, pull permits, run businesses, and are qualified to train and supervise others.


To become a master plumber in Georgia, you’ll need several years of journeyman experience and must pass a rigorous state exam. It’s a big leap, but it opens up leadership opportunities and the potential to run your own plumbing company.


Why it’s Worth it:

  • Greater independence and earning potential.
  • Ability to mentor the next generation.
  • Opportunities to specialize or manage larger teams.


Interested in working with us as a master plumber?
Get in touch.


Start Your Plumbing Career in Atlanta With Plumb Works

Atlanta’s rapid growth means more construction, more homes, and more demand for qualified plumbers. It’s a solid career choice with long-term stability, and it all starts with one step.


Whether you're just getting started or looking to advance in your plumbing career, we’re always looking for dedicated professionals to join our team.


Explore all
current job openings at Plumb Works and apply today!

glass of water
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When we think about spring cleaning our home, images like decluttering the garage or washing windows often come to mind. However, spring cleaning our home water quality isn’t always top of mind. Yet the time is certainly right.
storm drain
March 23, 2026
Being proactive remains a key element of a successful business, and it certainly holds true when preparing for the possible devastating effects of stormy season. Spring remains one of the Atlanta area’s rainiest times of the year. According to Weather Spark, the average monthly rainfall from March through May ranges from 3 to 4.6 inches. Heavy spring storms can rain hard on a commercial facility. If unprepared, it can potentially lead to serious problems, causing everything from business downtime to costly repercussions. The following are several heavy rain-related issues that can cast a dark cloud on a commercial building and how to avoid them. Sump Pump: Fighting the Flood When it comes to flooding, stormwater remains a dreaded culprit. Having a properly functioning sump pump can help proactively help fight a flood. A sump pump collects groundwater from around a building’s foundation and pumps it away from the structure, deterring damage. Plumb Works suggests all businesses have one, especially those with a crawlspace or basement. Consult the experts at Plumb Works for sump pump installation, replacement, and preventative maintenance. Protection from Sewer Backups Heavy rains can overload a city’s sewer system. Backwater valves, a specific type of backflow prevention device, protect businesses from sewer backups by allowing wastewater out, but automatically closing to keep sewage from flowing backward. Plumb Works can install, test, and make sure your backwater valve is working properly. The Importance of Storm Drains Commercial storm drains are equipped to drain excess rain and groundwater from the areas surrounding a business, such as parking lots and sidewalks, preventing flooding, damages, and unsafe conditions. Some storm drain systems include a catch basin, which captures stormwater and separates any debris that may have come along with it. Having Plumb Works inspect, clean, and repair storm drains and catch basins can help businesses avoid a flood of unwanted costs. Cutting Out Grease Commercial kitchens require a grease trap, which keeps the plumbing system from being impacted by an overload of grease. If a grease trap isn’t functioning properly, it can have an adverse effect on a plumbing system during heavy rain. Too much grease limits pipe capacity, which can cause heavy rain to overwhelm a system, leading to backups. To avoid this, consult a plumbing professional company like Plumb Works that specializes in grease trap services. Avoiding Clogged Drains Plumbing systems in commercial facilities often fall prey to clogged pipes due to unwanted items being flushed or disposed of down drains. This can further complicate things when a mass amount of rain overwhelms a plumbing system. Businesses experiencing frequent clogs can benefit from hydro jetting. The most effective drain-cleaning solution available, hydro jetting uses high-pressure water jets to blast through clogged drains and restore peak plumbing performance. Schedule hydro jetting in advance of the rainy season to make sure pipes are functioning at their best under any possible pressure. Plumb Works Can Help Protect Your Business During Rainy Season Don’t let your business get washed away due to flooding and sewer backup challenges during the rainy season. Lean on a Plumb Works expert by calling 404-524-1825 or scheduling an appointment online.
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By Lizzi Skipper November 25, 2025
Nothing puts the cold chill on the festive holiday season like a frozen or burst pipe. Frozen pipes are bad enough, but when they burst, the problem worsens and can easily lead to flood damage requiring costly repairs. This all-too-common occurrence affects an estimated 250,000 homes in America each year. And Georgia may be a hot bed for frozen pipes. According to a State Farm report released in 2023, Georgia topped the list of frozen pipe-related losses at $100 million (from August 2002-August 2023.) Plumb Works remains your go-to source for frozen or burst pipe calls in our service area. However, there are some simple tips you can apply to protect pipes in cold weather and help avoid a house call. Before the thermometer dips below freezing – that’s 32 degrees Fahrenheit – do the following:
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