Why You Should Hire a Licensed Plumber

Is it illegal to do plumbing without a license? The answer depends on the state and the work being done. Most states (44 of them, to be exact) require a plumbing license for big jobs, such as installing new plumbing lines or a tankless water heater, but most allow unlicensed plumbers to conduct simpler tasks, like clearing clogs from sewer lines and fixing a leaky faucet. 

So, why do plumbers need an up-to-date license? Plumbing is serious work that deals with the basic functionality of a home. If a sewage line is poorly installed, for instance, it could back up and cause flooding, waterborne illness, or foundational degradation, among other issues. A plumbing license proves a certain level of expertise and minimizes the chances of poor workmanship.

Reasons to Hire a Licensed Plumber 

A license is more than a piece of paper and thumbs up from a governing body. It’s an extra layer of protection from scams and subpar work. Here are reasons why you should hire a plumber with licensing:

Code Compliance 

Codes and regulations vary by location, as can the process of acquiring necessary permits. A licensed plumber will be familiar with codes, compliance rules, and and the process to obtain permits. That knowledge and experience can make the job go faster and ensure the home or business fully complies with current regulations.

Experience 

Plumbing licenses come in different levels. Beginners are called apprentices, with the next level being journeyperson, followed by master plumbers. While apprentices start with no experience, the other two levels have varying work experience and additional education measured in years or hours, depending on the state.

A journeyperson can work independently but cannot own their own business. A master plumber can own a business, oversee large projects, and train other plumbers. All levels require continuing education to maintain a license, so they’re up to date on the latest technology and techniques.

The different levels let you know how much and the type of experience the plumber has. Unlicensed plumbers offer no such assurance. 

Cost Effectiveness 

The cost of plumbing repairs from an unlicensed plumber might look like a good deal, but in the long run, you’re taking what could be an expensive risk. From structural damage to your home, denied insurance claims, and health risks, hiring an unlicensed plumber can cost you much more than the total on the final invoice.

A licensed plumber is much less likely to work a scam where you’re out of money and the work still isn’t done. They can also diagnose problems and offer long-term solutions rather than quick fixes that may require repairs within a few months. 

Health and Safety 

When this system works right, plumbing keeps your home healthy. Taking shortcuts or not following codes and safety standards can lead to structural damage during repairs and installation or pipe leaks from poorly done work.

Leaks or improperly installed boilers, water heaters, or fixtures can lead to serious problems and health risks. For example, water heaters that require natural gas have to be installed by a licensed plumber because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Extended Warranties 

Licensed plumbers often include warranties on work and materials for a specific time period. One year is standard, but the warranty could be longer or shorter, depending on the type of work.

During the warranty period, if something breaks, leaks, or doesn’t function as it should, the plumber or plumbing company takes care of repairs at no additional cost. A licensed plumber may offer an extended warranty, while someone without a license may not provide a warranty at all or a short warranty.

Liability Insurance

Most states require plumbers to have liability insurance that covers property damage caused during the work or injury suffered by the plumber. Plus, some home insurance policies will not cover damage caused by work done by an unlicensed plumber, putting you at greater financial risk.

Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed Plumber vs. a Licensed Plumber

Unfortunately, hiring an unlicensed plumber even for simple plumbing repairs and related jobs can be risky. Below, we’ll discuss some of the risks involved with hiring an unlicensed plumber.

Legal Issues

Not only is it illegal for an unlicensed plumber to work in most states, but it’s also illegal to hire an unlicensed plumber to complete a job. If an unlicensed plumber mucks up the (literal) waterworks for your neighborhood, you could get fined or sued. Licensing forces a plumber to stay up-to-date on local laws, regulations, and policies. In other words, if an unlicensed plumber messes up, you could face legal consequences.

Licensing laws vary by state, so it’s important to check requirements and verify a contractor’s license before hiring.

Plumbing Scams

Not all plumbers have your best interests at heart. Avoid common plumbing scams by making sure your contractor is fully licensed. Licensed plumbers are much less likely to attempt fraud or a scam, as you could report them and they would face a steep financial penalty or lose their license.

Lack of a Background Check

Certified plumbers must pass a background check before they can receive their license, which is just another way you’re insulated from fraud, theft, and other crimes. Hiring an unlicensed plumber means you never know who’s coming into your home, whereas there’s some guarantee that you’re not inviting a potential criminal or ill-intentioned individual onto your property.

Tips to Check Your Plumber’s Licensing 

Before signing a contract, check plumber licensing for the professional you’re considering hiring. It might seem a little complicated, but you really just need to know what to look for. Unlicensed plumbers typically have some warning signs—whether it’s poor reviews, no online presence, or an unwillingness to provide information about the company or individual plumber. The following tips can help you verify your plumber’s qualifications and ensure you get professional, safe, and legal plumbing work done.

1. Ask for a Copy of the License

If your contractor is licensed and insured, you can ask to see a copy of their license and insurance. If they refuse to show you, it’s a major red flag. A licensed contractor should have no issues proving their qualifications. They’ll carry their state license with them and will be able to produce an up-to-date copy of their insurance immediately.

2. Check Your State’s License Board

Many cities and states have a registry of licensed contractors—you just need to know where to find it. For example, in New York City, you can verify plumber licensing on the Department of Buildings website. Arizona has an official Arizona Registrar of Contractors. In Alaska, you can check with the Department of Labor.

If you don’t know where to look, Angi’s contractor licensing tool can point you in the right direction. 

3. Check With a Trade Organization

Reputable plumbers often belong to trade organizations. Some are national organizations, like the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), or the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC). Others are local organizations like the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling (PHCC) of California and the PHCC Master Plumbers Wisconsin Association.

Search for these organizations in your area, and then reach out to them or use their online databases to search for your plumber.

4. Use Word of Mouth

Word of mouth isn’t a surefire way to find a licensed plumber, but it can certainly help. Ask your neighbors, family, and friends for referrals. You can even check online reviews. Before you hire a plumber, ask for a couple of references. If you don’t know where to start, search online for a top-rated plumber near you.

5. Consider Cost

The average plumber costs $45 to $200 per hour. If a price seems too good to be true, there’s usually a reason. Interview at least three contractors to get a sense of local prices. If one quote is significantly lower than the rest, it could be a red flag indicating that the work will be done by an unlicensed plumber or handyperson.

What States Do Not Require a Plumber License?

The states below are the only ones in the country that don’t require licensing for plumbers:

• Kansas

• Missouri

• Nebraska

• New York

• Pennsylvania

• Wyoming 

While these states don’t have statewide plumber licensing laws and regulations, most municipalities within these states do require plumbers to be licensed. That means that, even if you live in one of these six states, your local building department might still require that you hire a licensed plumber.

No matter where you live, always check on the licensing status of a plumber before hiring them for a big job, if only to confirm the level of expertise for which you’re paying. Make a habit out of checking the licensing status of any potential contractor no matter where you live.