A Look Back: Texas Almost Let Anyone Be a Plumber
A few years ago, the Texas Legislature came close to passing a controversial bill that would have allowed anyone to perform residential plumbing work—no license required. The justification? A growing shortage of plumbers across the state. But underlying the proposal was a problematic sentiment: “Anyone can plumb.”
Thankfully, Texas maintained its licensure standards, prioritizing consumer safety, industry standards, and professional integrity. But the question lingers—how do we solve the skilled labor shortage in the plumbing trade without putting the public at risk?
States Responding to the Plumber Shortage
Texas isn’t alone. Several states across the U.S. are grappling with the same issue: not enough qualified plumbers. Some states have chosen to fund vocational education and trade schools to build the workforce. Others have considered lowering standards to fast-track more people into the field—an approach many licensed plumbers strongly oppose.
Their argument? This isn’t about protecting turf. It’s about protecting homeowners and ensuring plumbing systems are safe, up to code, and installed by professionals who understand the complexities of the job.
Promoting the Trades: A Mission Close to Home
Blue Collar Talent Scouts is proud to be headquartered in Texas and actively supports trade promotion in high schools throughout Northeast Texas. Through school partnerships and career events, we’ve introduced over 1,000 students to careers in the MEP trades.
And the response? Incredibly positive.
“I want to be a plumber.”
“I want to be a welder!”
“I’m interested in HVAC and commercial construction.”
“My dad’s an electrician—I want to take over his business someday.”
We’re excited to help students discover in-demand, high-paying careers that don’t require a four-year degree or massive student debt. In fact, the average college cost at a Texas public university ranges from $27K–$28K annually, with most degrees taking closer to five years to complete. Graduates walk away with an average debt of around $28K.
By contrast, the trades offer paid apprenticeships, lower educational costs, and job security in growing industries that can’t be outsourced.
The Risks of Lowering Licensing Standards
Recently, a Midwestern state (we won’t name names) has echoed Texas’s past misstep—considering reduced requirements for plumbing licenses to address shortages. But this approach comes with serious risks:
1. It Devalues the Trade
Obtaining a journeyman plumber’s license requires 4–5 years of rigorous training and experience. Lowering the bar implies that plumbing isn’t a serious profession—when in reality, plumbers perform critical tasks:
Install and repair water heaters, gas lines, and medical gas systems
Design and maintain septic systems and backflow preventers
Ensure homes and businesses are safely plumbed and up to code
Contribute to eco-friendly solutions like geothermal heating systems
Licensed plumbers work just as hard as any college graduate—if not harder—and deserve that respect.
2. It Puts Consumer Safety at Risk
We’ve seen firsthand the dangers of unlicensed or underqualified plumbing work:
Raw sewage backing up under homes due to improper mainline repairs
Reversed water heater connections (thankfully electric, not gas)
Incorrectly installed backflow valves leading to costly property damage
Flood risks from broken fixtures or poorly re-piped systems
This isn’t just about poor workmanship—it’s about the health, safety, and financial well-being of homeowners and building occupants.
Real Solutions to the Skilled Trades Shortage
At Blue Collar Talent Scouts, we don’t just identify the problem—we offer solutions. Here’s what we believe will help rebuild America’s skilled workforce:
Reinstate vocational education in high schools
Educate students and parents about trade career paths and income potential
Invite local contractors to speak at schools and career fairs
Emphasize job security and non-outsourcable career longevity in trades
Avoid “quick fixes” like deregulating licensing requirements
Encourage hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experience
We’re Here to Help Promote the Trades
Looking to inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople? We can help.
Blue Collar Talent Scouts offers resources, presentations, and deep industry insights for schools, educators, and local businesses who want to promote careers in plumbing, HVAC, electrical work, welding, and more.
With over 40 years of combined experience in the trades and supporting industries, we’re passionate about building the next generation of essential workers.
Need help promoting the trades in your school or community?
Contact Blue Collar Talent Scouts today to get started.
