Journeyman Plumber | Education and Training

When people think of plumbing, they might picture a dripping faucet or a clogged drain. What most don’t realize is how much effort, training, and dedication go into becoming a licensed journeyman plumber. The path of a journeyman plumber requires YEARS of hands-on experience, technical expertise, and knowledge of complex plumbing codes. The schooling involved and job experience needed can be likened to the effort a graduate student puts into earning a degree. For a plumbing contractor, there is even more skill and knowledge required.

Let’s break down what it takes to become a journeyman plumber. We will also explore why this profession demands as much skill as any advanced academic pursuit.

Experience: The Journeyman Plumber Requirements

Becoming a licensed journeyman plumber isn’t something that happens quickly. It takes thousands of hours of work experience. In fact, the State of Oklahoma requires 4,000 to 8,000 hours, just to qualify for a license. This is comparable to the time graduate students spend in classrooms, laboratories, and on research projects.

But for a plumber, those hours are spent on the job. An apprentice learns by installing pipes, fixing plumbing systems. They learn the intricacies of water pressure, heating, and sanitation. And, just like in academia, the learning never stops.

The Rigorous Examination

Once a plumber has completed the required on-the-job-hours, they must pass a rigorous journeyman plumber exam. This state board test ensures that plumbers can uphold the standards set by the International Plumbing Code. They must know and understand all local regulations. This isn’t just a simple pass/fail test. The test is a comprehensive exam covering theory, practical application, and problem-solving.

Just as a graduate student might face thesis defenses or comprehensive exams, a journeyman plumber must demonstrate their expertise under pressure.

Apprentices Learn Under A Contractor

A key part of becoming a journeyman is gaining practical experience under a licensed plumbing contractor. Apprentice plumbers work under the watchful eye of a master. This relationship ensures that every task is done correctly, every project meets code, and the apprentice is building the right skills. The contractor is also required to sign off on all working hours for the apprentice to advance.

Supervision and Leadership: After earning their journeyman license, a plumber can supervise up to three apprentices. This level of leadership—managing apprentices while working on large-scale projects—resembles the role of a research supervisor overseeing junior lab members.

Journeyman Plumber Protects Public Safety

Plumbers have a duty to protect public health and safety. Licensed journeyman plumbers are the front line in ensuring that clean water flows into homes and businesses. They also ensure waste is safely removed. Ensuring compliance with the International Plumbing Code protects everyone.

A trained medical professional must meet strict standards to protect patients. Plumbers work to keep the public safe. It’s not just about fixing leaks; it’s about ensuring the entire system functions properly.

Becoming A Plumbing Contractor

Journeyman plumbers cannot stop learning once they earn their license. In order to renew their license with the Construction Industries Board, they must prove continuing education. Many continue their journey by gaining even more experience to qualify for a plumbing contractor license. This license allows them to take on larger projects, hire their own team, and oversee massive builds. Justin Carnahan is Green Country Plumbing’s contractor. He supports our team with his license.

The experience gained as a journeyman plumber counts towards becoming a contractor, similar to how graduate students eventually take their knowledge into the professional or academic world.

Plumbers: The Professionals You Can Trust

When you call a plumber, you’re trusting someone who has put in years of training, worked on countless projects, and earned a journeyman plumber license through hard work and dedication. It’s not just about fixing leaks—it’s about ensuring your home stays healthy and safe. So the next time you call in a plumber, know you’re getting a professional who cares about doing the job right.

OK State Contractor License #105780

Plumbing Core Values in Action | Green Country Plumbing

At Green Country Plumbing, we believe that success is built on a strong foundation of values. We are thrilled to share our plumbing core values with you. Our team doesn’t just fix plumbing – we’re committed to providing a higher level of service rooted in who we are and how we operate. The core values we live by define our work and relationships, shaping how we interact with both our employees and customers.

Let’s dive into what these values mean. We share a real-life case study that highlights how they work in action.

Plumbing Core Values | G R E E N

plumbing core value # 1: Gracious

plumbing core value #2: Resourceful

plumbing core value #3: Excellence

plumbing core value #4: Ethical

plumbing core value #5: Never Say No

G – Gracious: Friendly and Courteous

At Green Country Plumbing, we’re all about keeping things positive. For our employees, this means creating a work environment that’s supportive, friendly, and focused on kindness. We treat each other with respect, which carries over to our customer interactions.

For customers, being gracious means more than just being polite – it’s about making your experience stress-free. When our plumber shows up at your door, they’re not just there to fix your pipes; they’re there to listen to your concerns and make sure you feel taken care of.

Case Study Example: Last winter, we had a customer, Michelle, who called us in a panic because her water heater wasn’t working. She expected a long wait because of the frozen pipes that other customers were dealing with. However, when our team arrived, we reassured her we’d take care of everything. We explained her options, and within hours, Michelle had hot water again. She later told us that our plumber’s friendly, courteous manner made all the difference. We turned a frustrating situation into a positive experience.

R – Resourceful: Creative and Effective Solutions

Our team thrives on being resourceful! For our employees, this means we’re always on the lookout for new and better ways to solve problems. Every plumbing situation is unique, and we encourage our team to be creative and to look deep and wide. We think outside the box when it comes to finding solutions.

For customers, our resourcefulness translates into effective, efficient work. You’re not just getting a plumber; you’re getting a problem solver! We don’t just patch things up(unless that is the option you prefer). We find the best long-term solution for your home.

Case Study Example: A recent customer had a leak under her sink that she and her husband could not figure out. When our team arrived, they spent time thoroughly inspecting the setup, finding that the disposal leak had gone unnoticed. The reason why is because the dishwasher backed up at the same time. By searching we did not jump to conclusions. Our plumber quickly identified the issue. The customer was thrilled! Because they were handy, they decided they wanted to fix themselves. They were able to use our solution and DIY for a lot less cost.

E – Ethical: Integrity and Honesty in All Decisions

We don’t do shortcuts. Period. For our employees, acting with integrity is non-negotiable. Every decision is made with honesty. We treat our customers like family. It’s how we grow our business. This means transparent pricing, clear communication, and doing what’s right.

For customers, it means you can trust us. We won’t push unnecessary services or hide costs. Our goal is to be straightforward and honest, ensuring you know exactly what’s going on with your plumbing and what it will take to fix it.

E – Excellence: Providing Quality Work

We take pride in what we do. For our employees, excellence means going the extra mile on every job. Finishing the job isn’t our only goal. We aim to provide quality work and leave your space better than we found it.

For customers, this means you can expect nothing less than the best. Whether it’s a small fix or a major installation, we bring the same level of care and attention to every task. We won’t leave until the job is done to our high standards.

Case Study Example: Recently, we installed a tankless water heater for a customer who was looking to upgrade their home. Not only did we install the unit, but we also took the time to explain how to operate and maintain it for maximum efficiency. The customer appreciated the extra effort, saying, “I’ve never had a plumber care so much about the long-term outcome of their work. They made sure I understood everything before they left.” This is how our plumbing core values work on a daily basis.

N – Never Say No: Always Finding a Way to Help

We don’t believe in giving up. For employees, the “Never Say No” value means we approach every challenge with a can-do attitude. No matter how tough the situation is, we find a solution, even if it requires extra effort or thinking outside the box.

For customers, this value means we’re always here for you. Whether it’s an emergency or a tough plumbing problem that no one else has been able to fix, you can count on us to step up. We won’t leave you hanging.

Plumbing Core Values Meaning

At Green Country Plumbing, our mission is simple: provide top-notch service that reflects our commitment to these core values. And whether you’re an employee or a customer, you’ll feel the difference.

Tulsa Plumber | Plumber Expertise Through Education

At Green Country Plumbing, we pride ourselves on being a trusted name in the plumbing industry. One of the ways that we achieve that is to obtain new certifications. The reputation we have built is based on delivering high-quality solutions for contractors and homeowners alike. We commit to excellence. Plumbing is a craft and trade that evolves and advances. Because of that, continuing education and certifications are important. Thanks to our experience, certifications, and a strong commitment to customer service you will always receive a 5-star experience.

Certified Delta Pro Installer – Justin Carnahan

When it comes to plumbing installation and repair, expertise matters. Our very own plumber, Justin Carnahan recently obtained Certified Delta Pro Installer. This is a title that demonstrates mastery in installing Delta’s innovative and durable plumbing products. Plumber experience plus certifications ensure that our clients receive installations that are superior. Justin knows how to maximize both product performance and longevity.

Justin Carnahan trained and demonstrated expertise in the latest Delta products available. He and the team at Green Country Plumbing adhere to the strict quality standards of Delta. So, whether it’s fitting advanced faucets, showers, or entire plumbing systems, Green Country Plumbing handles the task with precision and care!

Plumber Expertise and Proven Authority over the past 35 years

With 35 plus years of experience as a Tulsa plumber, Green Country Plumbing has developed a reputation for delivering top-tier plumbing solutions. Our team has had the privileges’ to have worked alongside Tulsa’s homebuilders. Building your dream and project is our passion. Seeking plumbing solutions that are completed right the first time? Then, your first call should be Green Country Plumbing. The team provides written warranties for any completed work that doesn’t function correctly.

From residential to large-scale commercial projects, we’ve encountered and resolved a variety of plumbing challenges. Through any challenge, our clients’ needs come first. Our authority in the industry comes not only from our qualifications but also from our proven track record of successful installations and satisfied customers. Learn more today about services and solutions provided.