How to check if a plumber is licensed and insured
It takes two minutes and it's the single most useful thing you can do before authorizing work.
Free to call. We route you to an independent licensed plumber in your area — PlumbLinker does not perform plumbing work.
Verify the license
Ask for the license number. A legitimate plumber gives it without hesitation — hesitation is itself informative. Then check it:
- Search “[your state] plumbing license lookup” and use the official state government result.
- Confirm the license is active, not expired or suspended.
- Confirm the name matches the company on your invoice.
- Confirm the classification covers the work — gas fitting is frequently a separate credential.
- Check for disciplinary history where the board publishes it. Many do.
Pennsylvania, Missouri, New York, and a few others have no statewide plumbing license — it's handled by cities or counties. In those states, verify with the municipality where the work is happening. A license from a neighboring town may not be valid at your address, and that catches people out.
Verify insurance
Two kinds matter, and they cover different things:
| Coverage | What it protects |
|---|---|
| General liability | Damage to your property caused by the plumber's work. This is the one that matters if they flood your kitchen |
| Workers' compensation | Injury to their workers on your property. Without it, an injured worker may have a claim against your homeowners policy |
Ask for a certificate of insurance. A legitimate company can produce one quickly — their insurer issues them routinely. In some states the licensing board's lookup shows insurance and bond status directly, which is faster.
Red flags
- Won't provide a license number, or the number doesn't check out
- Demands large cash payment up front
- Won't put an estimate in writing or send it by text
- Pressures you to decide immediately on an expensive repair
- Quotes a sewer replacement or repipe without inspecting or running a camera
- Unmarked vehicle, no company name, no written invoice
- The price changes substantially after work has started
- Offers a discount for paying cash and skipping the paperwork
Green flags
- Offers the license number before being asked
- Provides a written, itemized estimate before starting
- Shows you the problem — photos, camera footage, the failed component
- Distinguishes clearly between what's urgent and what can wait
- Offers a temporary fix now and a scheduled permanent repair at standard rates
- Carries and will show proof of liability insurance
- Explains permit requirements rather than avoiding the subject
Unpermitted and unlicensed plumbing surfaces during home sales and insurance claims. An insurer can deny a water damage claim caused by unpermitted work. A buyer's inspector will flag it and you'll pay to redo it properly, often after opening up finished walls. The discount isn't a discount — it's deferred cost with interest.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a plumber is licensed?
Ask for the license number, then verify it on your state licensing board's free online lookup. Confirm it's active, matches the company name, and covers the type of work.
Do all states license plumbers?
No. Most do, but Pennsylvania, Missouri, New York and some others handle it at city or county level instead. In those states, verify with the local jurisdiction where the work is happening.
What insurance should a plumber carry?
General liability, which covers damage to your property, and workers' compensation, which covers injury to their employees on your property. Ask for a certificate of insurance.
Is it illegal to hire an unlicensed plumber?
Rules vary, but in most licensed states it's the contractor who is violating the law, not you. The practical risk to you is different: denied insurance claims, failed inspections, and problems when you sell.
Plumbing emergency right now?
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Call (888) 876-3092PlumbLinker is a referral service. We connect you with independent licensed plumbers — we do not perform plumbing work ourselves.