Does a plumber need to be licensed?
In most US states a plumber must be licensed for any job above a small dollar threshold. Hiring unlicensed voids insurance and resale protection.
State-by-state requirements
Most states require plumbers to hold a valid license for any job above ~$500. Some require trade-specific licensing for plumbing regardless of dollar amount. Check your state contractor board for exact thresholds.
Why licensed pros cost slightly more
Licensed plumbers carry insurance, follow code, pull permits, and are accountable to a regulator. That overhead shows up in the quote — but it protects you from $10k+ surprises.
Risks of unlicensed work
Voided homeowner insurance, mandatory disclosure at resale (which kills your sale price), no recourse if work is defective, and personal liability if a worker is injured on your property.
How Fixxy verifies pros
Every Fixxy plumber uploads a current license and Certificate of Insurance during onboarding. Documents are reviewed before the pro can accept jobs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a plumber's license?
Most state contractor boards have a free online lookup. Fixxy also displays verified credentials on every pro profile.
What if my state doesn't license plumbers?
Then liability insurance becomes the most important credential. Always require a current Certificate of Insurance.
Are unlicensed pros ever okay?
For purely cosmetic or low-risk work under your state's threshold, yes. For anything involving permits or safety systems, never.
Keep reading
What it costs
Before you call a pro
Common problems
Questions answered
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- What are common plumbing problems?
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- How much does a plumber cost?