By Sara StrongPlumbers wanting to work in the city of Luverne will have to get a state license. Usually, cities with populations of more than 5,000 have to require plumbers’ licenses. At about 4,800 people, Luverne is less than 200 people from hitting that population threshold, and is starting to transition into requiring the state license, with the expectation that it’ll reach 5,000.Current plumbers will have to meet those state standards, but the city is giving them time to transition, and will have a specific plan in place soon.City Administrator Greg LaFond said, "It is not our intent to force anyone out of business or anything of that nature."That is why the city is giving plumbers notice that they have to get state licenses. If the city reaches the 5,000-population mark, plumbers would have to immediately comply by law — there wouldn’t be any transition time.The test for licensure is through the state and the city wouldn’t get any money for it.Some plumbers are concerned about the change.In order to qualify to take the test for licensure, plumbers have to work for five years as a plumber, and be bonded through that time.Doug Chapman, Hills, is mostly a mechanical and electric worker, but he also installs water heaters. He’s worried that he’ll have to become a licensed plumber to work with anything connected with the water supply.He said, "I think the City Council was pushed to this decision without doing much research."Chapman said that the population of Luverne won’t be accurate until the next census in 2010, so the city should hold off a few years before it starts the licensing requirements.He’s worked in his business for 17 years, but not under a master plumber, so he may not even qualify to take the test.Other plumbers haven’t worked under a master plumber for the required five years, or they have done so years ago. If they took a break from plumbing and now want to take the license test, they may not be allowed because their apprentice work isn’t recent enough. Plumbers are already required to be insured and bonded to legally work anywhere in the state.The state already requires even non-licensed plumbers to comply with state plumbing codes whenever they are connected to public waterways.This is because of the danger of contamination and waterborne disease outbreaks that have killed hundreds in the past.Zoning Administrator Dan Delgehausen said that water softeners hooked up to sewer systems can be contaminated when there is a water pressure or backflow problem. In other words, he said, people who live in cities with less than 5,000 people deserve quality work."It’s like any other business: you expect a level of expertise to pay people for what they do," he said.All plumbing installations require inspection of Delgehausen, with or without a state license.Chapman said area plumbers get their permits, and meet state regulations even without a license. "If you’re going to give us the white-glove treatment, homeowners might need some checking too," Chapman said.Delgehausen acknowledged that some homeowners don’t use professionals so they can cut corners, in cost and code. He said there isn’t much he can do to regulate that work, however.To be licensedThis is the training and education required to become a licensed plumber in Minnesota:oPlumbers apprentice — The apprentice position is the starting position for aspiring plumbers. Apprentices may register with the Minnesota Department of Health and work under the direct on-site supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber, or a plumbing contractor. After four years and at least 7,000 hours of practical work experience, an apprentice becomes eligible to take an exam for a journeyman license.oJourneyman plumber — Apprentices who pass the exam can become licensed journeyman plumbers. Journeyman plumbers must renew their license annually and work under the direction of a master plumber in any city with a population of more than 5,000 (unless a city ordinance requires it with less than 5,000 people). A licensed journeyman is considered knowledgeable and may work without on-site supervision.oMaster plumber — A master plumber will have five or more years of practical work experience and knowledge of the Minnesota state plumbing code. He or she will have thousands of hours experience in water distribution systems, drain, waste, and vent system installation, and fixture installation. A master plumber can bid on plumbing jobs, and may also design plumbing systems to be installed.
