If you need plumbing work done in Idaho, it's important to make sure you hire a reputable plumber who is properly licensed. Like many other states, Idaho has strict licensing requirements for plumbers. Making sure the one you hire is licensed ensures that they're properly trained and have the experience necessary to complete your plumbing work without issue.
What exactly goes into plumber licensing in Idaho? How can you tell you're dealing with a licensed plumber? Here's everything you need to know about Idaho's plumbing licensing requirements and how to verify them.
Idaho plumbing licensing requirements
In Idaho, plumbers are regulated and licensed by the Idaho State Plumbing Board (ISPB) , which operates under the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). The Board is responsible for administering exams, issuing licenses and registrations, enforcing the Idaho State Plumbing Code, and overseeing permit and inspection processes , as well as handling complaints against plumbing professionals.
Idaho has four main levels of licensing for plumbers, according to the ISPB: apprentice, journeyman, contractor and specialty. Here's a brief rundown of each type of license.
Idaho apprentice plumber
An apprentice Plumber must complete a four-year program that starts with the basics and prepares apprentices to take the journeyman's test. Apprentices learn from industry experts in the classroom while working on the job under the supervision of a licensed journeyman. According to the Idaho State Plumbing Code , all plumbing professionals must hold an active license or registration, and apprentices must work under a licensed journeyman.
Idaho journeyman plumber
A journeyman plumber license allows a plumber to perform plumbing work, though journeymen must work under the direction of a licensed plumbing contractor according to Idaho Code Section 54-2611 . Before applying for a journeyman license , plumbers must have 8,000 hours of work experience, complete 576 classroom hours, and pass a state-approved exam.
Idaho plumbing contractor
A plumbing contractor license is required to operate a plumbing business in the state of Idaho. To get a contractor license, the applicant must hold a current journeyman license, obtain a $2,000 compliance bond, and pass a separate contractor exam, according to the state plumbing code. Contractors may only hire licensed or registered personnel.
Idaho specialty licenses for plumbers
Idaho also offers specialty licenses for limited-scope plumbing work like appliance installation. These licenses require less experience and follow a separate license path. There are also three additional license categories that fall under this designation: specialty apprentice, specialty journeyman and specialty contractor.
In addition to the different license requirements, state code requires licensed plumbing contractors to display their license number in all advertising, including websites, print ads and directories.
Verifying a plumber's license in Idaho
Idaho makes it relatively easy to verify whether a plumber or plumbing business is properly licensed. The state operates a public license lookup tool that lets you verify the current status of any licensed plumber or contractor. DOPL also provides downloadable license rosters for broader searches. The database allows you to see the current status of an individual's or business's license and whether they've received any disciplinary actions from the board.
Consumer protection and filing complaints
The Idaho State Plumbing Code ensures all installations meet health and safety standards. Most plumbing projects require permits and inspections, providing an additional layer of consumer protection.
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If you need to report an issue with a plumber you've worked with, you can file a formal complaint directly with DOPL through its online complaint portal. The complaint process is straightforward, and the department investigates alleged violations and may impose disciplinary actions against licensed professionals who violate state regulations.
What to look for beyond licensing
Ensuring your plumber is properly licensed is a good first step toward finding a reputable contractor, but it isn't the only thing you should look for. Like with other services, 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, though some plumbers may be more willing than others to provide this information.
You can also check if your plumber is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) . Accreditation is not always a sure-fire way to vet a provider, but it signifies that a company goes the extra mile to operate in an ethical manner 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 an important step to making sure you're happy with the work and avoiding unnecessary hassles.
