Guide to Minnesota plumbing licensing and regulations
The Yahoo Local team researched the licensing requirements that you need to know about before hiring a plumber in Minnesota.
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If you need plumbing work done in Minnesota, it's essential to hire a properly licensed plumber. Minnesota has comprehensive licensing requirements for plumbers to ensure they have the necessary training and knowledge to work safely and legally. Hiring a licensed plumber protects homeowners from non-compliant work, costly errors, accidents, and improper installations.
What exactly goes into plumber licensing in Minnesota? How can you verify you're dealing with a licensed professional? Here's everything you need to know about Minnesota's plumbing licensing requirements and how to verify them.
Minnesota plumbing licensing requirements
In Minnesota, plumbers are regulated and licensed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) , which licenses plumbers to ensure they have the necessary training and knowledge to work safely and legally. The department also administers programs for apprenticeship registration, plumbing inspections and plan review.
Minnesota has several levels of licensing that apply to plumbers: Registered Unlicensed Plumber, Journeyworker Plumber, Master Plumber and Plumbing Contractor. Here's a breakdown of each type of license and what it authorizes.
Registered Unlicensed Plumber
A Registered Unlicensed Plumber (formerly known as an apprentice) is an individual who is not yet licensed but is registered with the DLI to perform plumbing work. No work experience is required to register. These individuals may only perform plumbing work under the direct supervision of a licensed master plumber or journeyworker plumber.
Journeyworker Plumber
A Journeyworker Plumber works as an employee of, or under the direction of, a master plumber in the practical installation of plumbing. To qualify, a registered unlicensed plumber must complete 7,000 hours of practical work experience over four years and pass the journeyworker plumber exam . This work experience must include specific minimums: 2,000 hours of water distribution system installation, 2,000 hours of drain, waste and vent system installation, and 1,000 hours of fixture installation. This license authorizes statewide work for both interior plumbing and exterior water service, sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems within property lines.
Master Plumber
A Master Plumber is skilled in the planning, superintending and practical installation of plumbing, who is lawfully qualified to contract for plumbing installations and conduct the business of plumbing. This is the highest level of individual licensure and authorizes statewide work for both interior plumbing and exterior water service, sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems within property lines.
Plumbing Contractor
Businesses that contract to provide plumbing services must have a plumbing contractor license. A plumbing contractor must have at all times a licensed master plumber as a responsible individual and maintain compliance with required bond, general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance requirements. Licensed plumbing contractors carry a surety bond and liability insurance, providing additional protection for consumers.
Minnesota requires continuing education for all plumbers . Master and journeyworker plumbers must complete 16 hours of approved continuing education in each two-year license period, with at least eight hours pertaining to the State Plumbing Code. Registered unlicensed plumbers must complete two hours of approved continuing education annually. Licensing exams are offered by the DLI.
Verifying a plumber's license in the North Star State
It's important to review a plumber's licensing carefully before hiring them
Minnesota makes it easy to verify whether a plumber or plumbing business is properly licensed. The state operates a public license database that allows you to search for individuals or businesses as a guest. You can query the database to check the current status of an individual's or a business's license.
Consumer protection and filing complaints
The DLI has the authority to take administrative enforcement action against businesses and individuals that violate the laws and rules over which the department has authority. Searches can be done for plumbing enforcement actions to see if a contractor has any violations on record.
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If you need to report an issue with a plumber, you can file a complaint directly with the DLI using the complaint form available on their website. The DLI also publishes a helpful consumer guide to choosing a plumber on their website, which emphasizes that hiring a licensed, bonded and insured plumber can help protect homeowners from non-complying work, costly errors, accidents, physical injury and improper installations.
Protecting your home with proper due diligence
Ensuring your plumber is properly licensed is an essential first step toward finding a reputable contractor. Minnesota's multi-tiered licensing system provides clear standards for plumber qualifications, from registered unlicensed plumbers working under supervision to master plumbers who can plan and oversee complex projects. By verifying a plumber's license through the state's online database and confirming they carry proper insurance and bonding, you can protect your home from substandard work and ensure your plumbing project meets all state code requirements.
