Get Quotes from Top Plumbers in Lincoln, NE

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Plumber in Lincoln?

According to the Nebraska Contractor Registration Act, plumbers who intend to work in Lincoln do not need to be licensed to perform their duties. However, they are required to register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. Hence, performing plumbing work without having registered can result in a $500 fine or imprisonment in the county jail for six months or both the fine and imprisonment.

There are various plumber classifications in Lincoln, and they include master plumber contractors, master plumbers, journeyman plumbers, and plumber's apprentices. To register as a plumber, applicants must submit an application, meet registration requirements, pass a proficiency exam, adhere to bond and insurance requirements, and comply with other stipulated conditions.

Registration requirements generally defer by plumber type. For example, master plumber applicants must have four years of experience working as a registered journeyman, while journeyman plumber applicants must have completed four years of classroom training that includes on-the-job experience hours or a four-year apprenticeship approved by the city. Interested persons can make inquiries regarding plumbing registration by contacting Lincoln Director of the Building and Safety Department, at (402)441-7521 or via email.

To confirm a plumber's registration, you can utilize the Nebraska Department of Labor contractor search portal.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Plumbers in Lincoln?

Plumbers in Lincoln charge about $29 per hour. This charge may vary depending on the service you need, the materials used for the work, the plumber's work style, and the project's estimated completion time. Hence, It is advisable to always get multiple estimates from different plumbers near you before settling with one. This will help you go for a good plumber that will provide the best value for the job at an affordable hourly rate.

A plumber in Lincoln earns an annual average wage of $55,690. Below is a breakdown of the average hourly wages for plumbers in Lincoln compared with plumbers in other parts of Nebraska and other major cities in the country:

Do You Comply with the Lincoln Building Code for Plumbing?

The Plumbing Code applicable in the city is the Lincoln Plumbing Code, which is based on the 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code with local amendments. Accordingly, all plumbing work across Lincoln City must comply with the provisions of this Code and the applicable local amendment. Therefore, when intending to hire a plumber, ensure that this plumber is familiar with the provisions of this Code and the local amendments, as any plumbing work done in violation of the Plumbing Code is seen as a nuisance, and it attracts severe punishments, including fines and jail terms.

This Lincoln Plumbing Code governs and regulates the design, quality of material, installation, alteration, and repair of all plumbing and drainage systems within Lincoln. This regulation aims to protect the lives of individuals and their properties within the city when using any plumbing system. Inquiries regarding the plumbing code can be directed to Lincoln's Building and Safety Department at (402) 441-7521 or via email.

Will You Get the Plumbing Permits as Required by the Lincoln Code?

Section 24.12.065 of the Lincoln Plumbing Code states that no person shall install, alter, or repair any plumbing or drainage work without first obtaining a permit from the Director of the Building and Safety Department in Lincoln. However, minor repair works like repairing damaged or leaking drain pipes, opening up and cleaning drain pipes, or replacing faucets, faucet washers, float valves, or sump pumps are exempted from permitting requirements. Nonetheless, note that permits would be needed if such maintenance requires replacing or relocating parts of the plumbing system.

Plumbing permits are issued by Lincoln's Building and Safety Department. These permits can be obtained online and are only issued to properly registered master plumber contractors and homeowners living in single-family dwellings. Interested persons may be required to submit two sets of plans and specifications or details alongside their permit application. Also, such plans and specifications or details must be prepared, designed, and sealed by a licensed engineer or architect of the State of Nebraska.

After obtaining a permit, It is the duty of the permit holder to notify the Director of the Building and Safety Department orally or in writing that the plumbing work is ready for inspection. Such notification should be given not less than twenty-four hours before the plumbing or drainage work is ready for inspection. The permit holder must also ensure that there is reasonable access and means for accomplishing the proper inspection. Inspections are in stages.

In some cases, a preliminary inspection must be carried out before the permit holder can begin the plumbing work. After this preliminary inspection, there may be subsequent inspections and then a final inspection when the plumbing work is completed. You can schedule an inspection by calling the 24-hour inspection line at (402) 441-5999. Inquiries regarding permitting and inspection can also be directed to Lincoln's Building and Safety Department at (402)441-7521 or via email.

What Kind of Plumbing Services Do You Offer?

Plumbers in Lincoln offer various plumbing services such as water leak detection and repair, clearing clogged drains or toilets, water heater service, and kitchen and bathroom remodeling. The cost of these services varies depending on the type of work that you need to do. Therefore, always confirm that the plumber you intend to hire is skilled enough to handle the job at hand. For example, while a journeyman plumber may be able to unclog blocked drains and fix leaky faucets, it is best to hire master plumbers for tasks like piping system installations and repairs.

Below are some cost estimates for some common plumbing services in the city include:

Do You Offer Emergency Plumbing Services in Lincoln?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, ten percent of homes have leaks that waste more than 90 gallons of water daily. All leaks should be treated as emergencies as they can be warning signs of more serious plumbing problems and potentially cause property damage. Also, these leaks alone can spike up your annual water bills by nearly $200. Therefore, once noticed, it is essential to engage the services of a good plumber near you to address plumbing leaks and malfunctions in your home.

You can check third-party websites like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau for good plumbers near you. However, ensure any plumber you hire is duly registered. To confirm a plumber's registration, you can check the search contractor portal maintained by the Nebraska Department of Labor.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Plumbers in Lincoln?

According to section 24.12.130 of the Lincoln Plumbing Code, before any master plumber contractor can be issued a permit in the city, such master plumber contractor must maintain a commercial or comprehensive general liability policy. This commercial or comprehensive general liability insurance policy must have a minimum coverage amount of $500,000 per occurrence.

Plumbing works typically involve numerous hazards, such as slipping or falling from high heights, working in closed spaces that are not intended for safe oxygen levels, and exposure to bacteria and foreign objects. Unsurprisingly, the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 53 fatal work injuries occurred in Nebraska in 2019, with about 12 of these fatalities occurring amongst construction-related professionals. Considering the possibility of workplace accidents, injuries, or sicknesses during your plumbing work, it is vital to work with an insured plumber to ensure you are protected from financial liabilities associated with such accidents, injuries, or sicknesses.