What Is a Journeyman Plumber?
April 19, 2025
What Is a Journeyman Plumber? Everything You Need to Know About the Trade
When you turn on a faucet, flush a toilet, or enjoy a hot shower, you might not think about the hands that make it all possible. Behind the scenes of everyday comfort is the skilled work of professionals like journeyman plumbers. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, understanding what a journeyman plumber does helps you appreciate the craftsmanship behind every pipe, fixture, and fitting. If you're curious about the plumbing profession or considering a career in the trades, you're in the right place.
What Is a Journeyman Plumber?
A journeyman plumber is a tradesperson who has completed their apprenticeship and passed the required exams to obtain a journey-level license. This license allows them to independently perform plumbing work, supervise apprentices, and take on residential and commercial plumbing jobs. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, our team of licensed plumbers includes highly trained journeyman plumbers who are equipped to handle everything from simple repairs to complex installations.
The Journey to Becoming a Journeyman
Becoming a journeyman isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment to mastering a skilled trade. The journey starts with an apprenticeship, where aspiring plumbers learn under experienced professionals. Over the course of several years, apprentices acquire hands-on experience, study plumbing codes, and develop the skills needed to pass the journeyman licensing test. Riser Plumbing and Drain proudly supports the growth of future plumbers by staying connected with local training programs and apprenticeships in St. Paul.
Why the Journey-Level License Matters
A journey-level license is more than just a credential—it’s a symbol of expertise and legal qualification. Without this license, a person cannot lawfully perform plumbing work unsupervised. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, we only employ licensed plumbers who have met state requirements, ensuring that every job we complete complies with plumbing codes and safety standards in St. Paul and surrounding areas.
The Role of a Journeyman Plumber on the Job
Journeyman plumbers handle a wide range of responsibilities. From installing water heaters to fixing leaks and unclogging drains, they are the backbone of the plumbing workforce. Unlike apprentice journeymen, they can work independently and even supervise less experienced workers. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, our journeyman plumbers perform plumbing work efficiently, ensuring reliable results for every customer.
Licensed Plumbers vs. Master Plumbers
While both licensed plumbers and master plumbers are crucial to the trade, the difference lies in experience and authority. A journeyman is someone with a plumber's license who can legally work in the field. In contrast, a master plumber has additional qualifications and often oversees larger projects or manages a plumbing business. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, we have both journeyman and master plumbers working together to deliver the highest level of service to our clients in and around St. Paul.
Pay and Career Opportunities for Journeyman Plumbers
The pay for an hourly journeyman plumber varies depending on location and experience, but it’s generally competitive. In places like St. Paul, licensed plumbers can earn a strong living with steady job opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Riser Plumbing and Drain values the hard work of our team and provides career advancement paths that allow journeyman plumbers to grow into leadership or master plumber roles.
The Importance of Plumbing Codes and Compliance
Plumbing isn’t just about pipes—it’s about following code. Every journey-level plumber must adhere to local, state, and national regulations to ensure health and safety. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, we emphasize code compliance in every project, whether it’s a new installation or a renovation in an older St. Paul home. Our plumbers stay up to date on code changes so you don’t have to worry about the details.
Apprenticeship: The First Step Toward Becoming a Journeyman
Before someone becomes a journeyman plumber, they start as an apprentice. This stage involves thousands of hours of supervised training and coursework. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, we’ve seen firsthand how a strong apprenticeship can build the foundation for a successful plumbing career. Our commitment to mentoring new plumbers reflects our belief in quality, integrity, and continuous learning.
Why Choose Riser Plumbing and Drain for Your Plumbing Needs
When you hire a journeyman plumber from Riser Plumbing and Drain, you’re choosing professionalism, reliability, and a job well done. We believe in honest work, fair pricing, and exceptional customer service. Whether you need emergency repairs, a full installation, or regular maintenance, our team is ready to help with licensed, qualified, and dependable plumbers. We’re more than a plumbing company—we’re your plumbing partner in St. Paul.
Every Great Plumber Has a Journey
From apprentice to journeyman to master, the plumbing profession is built on skill, education, and dedication. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, we take pride in every step of that journey. When you need someone you can trust to perform plumbing work correctly, call on the professionals who understand what it takes to get the job done right the first time.
Contact Us
Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a complex installation, Riser Plumbing and Drain is ready to help. Our licensed plumbers bring years of experience and a commitment to excellence to every job. Don’t settle for less—choose the team that knows what it means to be a true journeyman plumber. Contact Riser Plumbing and Drain today and experience the difference.
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Did you know that using a dishwasher can actually save more water than washing dishes by hand? Many homeowners believe dishwashers wastewater, but modern models are designed to deliver sparkling clean dishes efficiently. But how much water does a dishwasher use, and what factors affect its efficiency? At Riser Plumbing, we believe in helping homeowners make informed decisions about their water usage. Whether you're considering a newer dishwasher or want to maximize the efficiency of your current one, understanding water consumption is essential. Let's break it down by cycle, model, and efficiency factors. How Much Water Does a Dishwasher Use on Average? The amount of water a dishwasher uses varies depending on the model and cycle. Older dishwashers could use as much as 10-15 gallons per cycle, while newer ENERGY STAR models use as little as 3-5 gallons per cycle. If you’re trying to save water, upgrading to a high-efficiency dishwasher can make a significant difference. At Riser Plumbing, we can help you choose and install a dishwasher that aligns with your water conservation goals. Dishwasher Cycles and Their Water Usage Each cycle in a dishwasher serves a different purpose, and some require more water than others. Here's a general breakdown: Normal Cycle – Uses 3-5 gallons, balancing efficiency and cleanliness. Heavy-Duty Cycle – Can use 7-10 gallons, perfect for greasy or heavily soiled dishes. Eco Mode – Uses the least amount of water, often around 2-4 gallons. Quick Wash – Saves time but may use more water to compensate for the shorter cycle. If you want to save water, choosing the right cycle based on your load size is crucial. Riser Plumbing can provide expert recommendations to ensure you're getting the best performance from your dishwasher. Does a Dishwasher Use Less Water Than Hand Washing? Many people assume washing by hand is the better choice, but studies show otherwise. Washing a whole load of dishes by hand can use up to 27 gallons, while a high-efficiency dishwasher only needs 3-5 gallons. By using your dishwasher, you not only save water but also energy, making it a win-win for your home and the environment. At Riser Plumbing, we help homeowners make smart choices to enhance their home's efficiency. How Newer Dishwashers Help Save Water If you’re still using an older model, you might be wasting gallons of water daily. Newer dishwashers come with features like: Soil Sensors – Adjust the water based on how dirty your dishes are. Efficient Spray Arms – Ensures better coverage while using less water. ENERGY STAR Certification – Guarantees energy and water savings. Upgrading your appliance? Riser Plumbing provides expert installation services to ensure everything is properly set up for maximum efficiency. Benefits of Using a Dishwasher Over Hand Washing Using a dishwasher isn't just about saving water—it also offers other benefits: Time-Saving – Load your dishes, press start, and walk away. More Hygienic – Dishwashers reach higher temperatures than hand washing. Eco-Friendly – Uses less energy and water, reducing your environmental impact. Want to learn more about the benefits of dishwashers? Contact Riser Plumbing for expert advice on improving your kitchen efficiency. Tips to Maximize Your Dishwasher’s Efficiency To get the best performance and save water, follow these simple tips: Run Full Loads Only – Avoid halfloads to maximize efficiency. Scrape, Don’t Rinse – Modern dishwashers clean well without pre-rinsing. Choose Eco Mode – Helps save water and energy. Maintain Your Dishwasher – Regularly check for leaks or clogs. At Riser Plumbing, we provide maintenance services to keep your dishwasher running efficiently year-round. Can a Dishwasher Affect Your Water Bill? Absolutely! A high-efficiency dishwasher can save hundreds of gallons of water annually, which translates to lower utility bills. If your water bill is unexpectedly high, a leaking or inefficient dishwasher could be the culprit. Riser Plumbing can inspect your system and recommend solutions to save water and reduce waste. Make Every Drop Count with Riser Plumbing Your dishwasher can be a powerful tool for saving water—if used efficiently. Understanding how much water a dishwasher uses and making smart choices can help reduce waste, lower bills, and improve performance. At Riser Plumbing, we’re committed to helping homeowners achieve efficiency in their kitchens. Whether you need repairs, installation, or advice, our team is here to provide top-quality services. Contact Riser Plumbing today to learn more and ensure your home runs at peak efficiency.
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