If you need plumbing work done in Delaware, it's essential to hire a properly licensed plumber. Delaware has strict licensing requirements for plumbers, and working with a licensed professional ensures they have the training and experience necessary to complete your plumbing work safely and correctly.
What goes into plumber licensing in Delaware? How can you verify you're dealing with a licensed plumber ? Here's everything you need to know about Delaware's plumbing licensing requirements and how to verify them.
Delaware plumbing licensing requirements
In Delaware, plumbers are regulated and licensed by the Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners , which operates under the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) . The Board's mandate is to protect the public by enforcing plumbing standards and licensing requirements.
Delaware law requires any person providing plumbing services to hold a valid master plumber license or to be directly supervised by someone who does. Unlike some states, Delaware does not issue a state-level journeyman license. Instead, apprentices and journeymen may only work under the supervision of a licensed master plumber.
Delaware plumbing apprentice
Despite the lack of official licensure, Delaware has opportunities for plumbing apprenticeships and training through registered programs. Those interested in becoming a registered plumbing apprentice can explore opportunities through the Delaware Department of Labor’s website .
For each year of a registered apprenticeship training , a minimum of 144 hours of related instruction is recommended. Upon completion of the required training and instruction, the registered apprentice is eligible for journeyperson papers. A journeyperson is nationally recognized as having a well-rounded ability in all or most aspects of their trade.
Delaware master plumber License
A master plumber in Delaware can design, install, construct, replace, service, repair, alter or modify the pipes, fixtures and other apparatus used for bringing water supply into a building and removing liquid and water-carried wastes from a building. They can also install and connect gas piping. Plumbers must pass a specialized exam to be granted a master plumber license in the state.
To be eligible to take the master plumber exam , applicants have two pathways. If you have journeyman certificate, you can submit a copy of your training program’s Certificate of Completion and proof of at least two years’ work experience under supervision of a master licensee after receiving the certificate.
Without a journeyman certificate, you must submit proof of at least seven years’ work experience under supervision of a master licensee. The Board will review your experience and, if approved, you will be notified that you may take the apprenticeship by-pass exam , offered by Delaware apprenticeship schools.
A plumber's license must be kept active and renewed every two years to be valid. Delaware also requires plumbing contractors to register with the Department of Labor under the Contractor Registration Act .
Verifying a plumber's license in the First State
Delaware makes it straightforward to verify whether a plumber is properly licensed. Plumbing licenses can be verified through the DelPros license verification portal , the state's online licensing system. You can search for a plumber by name or license number to confirm their credentials and check the current status of their license. The DPR also provides downloadable rosters in CSV format upon request for those who need more comprehensive information.
Consumer protection and filing complaints
Delaware has strong consumer protection measures for homeowners hiring plumbers and other contractors. The Delaware Department of Justice Consumer Protection Unit enforces contractor regulations requiring clear written contracts. These rules require disclosures such as contractor information, warranties and cancellation rights.
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DPR also investigates complaints of unsafe or unprofessional practices. The Board can impose disciplinary sanctions and works with the Delaware Attorney General to stop unlicensed activity. Complaints about misconduct or unlicensed activity can be filed via the DPR's DelPros system .
What to look for beyond licensing
Ensuring your plumber holds a valid Master Plumber license is an important first step toward finding a reputable contractor, but it isn't the only thing you should consider. It's a good idea to vet your plumber through customer reviews and recommendations from friends and family. You can also request references from previous customers.
You can also check if your plumber is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) . Accreditation signifies that a company goes the extra mile to operate ethically and addresses customer complaints in a timely fashion.
Plumbing work can get expensive depending on the project. That's why it pays to take time to fully research potential contractors and make sure you're comfortable with their work and the way they do business. Hiring an unlicensed plumber can expose your home to undue risk, so performing your due diligence is important to ensuring you're happy with the work and avoiding unnecessary hassles.
