What plumbing work can be done without a license? Detailed Guide
The requirements for plumbing work depend upon the location where you want to do plumbing work without a license. In various regions, some plumbing work must require a license because of safety concerns. On the other hand, there is some minor plumbing work that anyone can do without a license. But before doing any task, you must know what plumbing work can be done without a license.
Keep in mind that before performing any plumbing task, it is essential to check which plumbing task you can do without a license and ensure that you are completely familiar with all the resident laws and rules. In this article, we will give you all the details of the work you can do without a license.
What plumbing work can be done without a license?
Here we will discuss the major details of plumbing tasks that do not require any license to carry on.
Simple Maintenances:Â
Basic maintenance, such as changing or replacing the showerhead and faucet washer, On the other hand, repairing the leaky kitchen basin pipe, These maintenance tasks might not require a plumbing license.
Installing New Toilet Seats:
Installing and replacing the new toilet seats is typically considered a little task that any plumber can handle, even without a license.
Replacing Faucets:Â
Exchanging out present equipment such as sinks, toilets, showers, and changing kitchen basin faucets. But keep in mind that if they need a general plumbing adjustment then you need a license.Â
Clean out pipes:
If you wonder about What plumbing work can be done without a license then you can easily clean the unclogged toilets, showers, and sinks by using a drain snake, plunger, and any chemical drain cleaner.

Swapping Water Filters:Â
Installing and swapping the water filtration system didn’t need a license. But it is essential to make sure that you can do the work correctly because it is also concerned with health issues.Â
Replacing Shower Heads:Â
In case you are wondering what plumbing work can be done without a license, any plumber can easily install or replace the hand or head showers is normally measured as a nominal task that doesn’t need any type of plumbing license. However, you need to know the standard shower handle height during renovation process.
Replacing Valves:Â
The valves are easily replaced by any plumber who doesn’t have a license. These valve replacements include such as shut-off valves under the toilets or sinks.Â
Set up of appliance:Â
Attaching the pieces of equipment that are used to connect all the water line systems of your house such as the washing machine and dishwashers. This work might not need a license but you still need to follow all the guidelines.Â
Replacing the sink parts:Â
You can easily Replace or Repair all the small short sections or leaks in the sink because it doesn’t require any difficult modification.Â

Fixing Leaks Pipes:Â
If your water drips from leaky pipes then, you can wrap the joint by using a plumber’s tape. This is among the minor plumbing tasks that do not require any special permission from higher authorities.Â
What plumbing work requires a license?
The specification of plumbing work will depend upon the location and the rules and regulations of your plumbing authority and local government. A lot of plumbing licenses are require for some tasks such as substantial modification, composite installation, or possible control of public safety and health. Here are some tasks that must require a plumbing license.Â
- Heater Installation
- Sanitary Plumbing
- Full Bathroom Plumbing Renovation, like installing a bathtub on the floor
- Pipe Installation
- Gas Lines
- Major Modifications and RepairsÂ
- Commercial Plumbing
- Installation of Backflow Prevention devices
- Plumbing VentilationÂ
- Installation of Fire Sprinkler SystemÂ
- Pipe ReplacementÂ
Is a plumbing license required to do any plumbing task?
Yes, in a lot of places, a plumbing license is essential to do some specific tasks. Like in Florida you just repair some unclogged drains and broken pipes without a license. On the other hand, in California, if the project’s worth is above $500 then it is important that you must have a license.Â
In a lot of regions, plumbing is considered an expert profession that must require a license. The license must make sure that the work is done safely. Furthermore, little plumbing work such as unclogging or faucet the drains doesn’t need a license.Â
However, some complex plumbing tasks like installing gas lines, new pipes installation, and handling sewer systems must require a plumber’s license. These complex plumbing tasks require a license because of some potential risks.Â

Pros and Cons of doing plumbing work without a License:
What plumbing work can be done without a license Pros and Cons.
Pros | Cons |
You can save your money. | Incorrect plumbing grows mildew and mould. |
Plumbers are Insure | Wrong water pressure |
Capacity as a DIYer to complete the task. | Incorrect scrutiny leads to serious fines and penalties. |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Is it illegal to do your own plumbing in Massachusetts?
Plumbing permits are given to only licensed plumbers. You can only do minor work without a license. Otherwise, it is illegal to work on major plumbing tasks or repairs in Massachusetts.Â
Q. Do plumbers have to be licensed in Maryland?
Yes, a plumber must require a license to work any plumbing task in Maryland. To get your legal license first, you start your work as a beginner plumber. Then, you need to work under a licensed plumber for 4 years. After that, you are able to apply for your own license.Â
Q. Can I do my own plumbing in Virginia?
It completely depends upon the town of Virginia where you are going to conduct the plumbing work. Moreover, you might need one or more permits.Â
Bottom Lines:
Keep in mind that, if you are going to do some minor task as a plumber then, it is essential to follow all the safety principles. Keep an eye on what plumbing work can be done without a license and you must have a complete knowledge of local laws and regulations.Â
Follow all the instructions of the manufacturer if you are unsure about the plumbing tasks. Furthermore, the best thing is that you can consult with an expert and professional plumber for work safety and correctness.Â
It is best to research the details and laws of your region before doing work without a license. Keep in mind that rules and regulations change with time so keep up-to-date with news laws of your region.Â