Plumber Licensing in Oregon

Oregon Plumber License Verification

In Oregon, professional plumbing work, encompassing installations, repairs, and alterations, legally mandates appropriate licensure. Only minor maintenance tasks, such as unclogging drains or repairing leaky faucets, may be performed without a license. The primary authority for plumbers is the State Plumbing Board, operating under the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS), which administers the plumbing program outlined in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 693.

The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) issues individual plumbing licenses, including Journeyman Plumber, Water-Treatment Installer, Residential Water-Heater Installer, and Solar Heating and Cooling Installer. To become a Journeyman Plumber, individuals must complete a four-year apprenticeship program, consisting of 8,000 hours of supervised work and 576 hours of classroom instruction, followed by passing comprehensive written and practical examinations. Journeyman Plumber licenses expiring on April 1, 2026, require 24 hours of continuing education for renewal, which includes specific hours in code changes, Oregon rules and law, and code-related topics.

For plumbing businesses, the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) issues the Plumbing Business Contractor license. Obtaining this license requires the business to employ a licensed Journeyman Plumber as a supervising plumber, complete 16 hours of training on business law and practices, pass a business examination, and register the business with the Oregon Secretary of State.

Insurance and Bonding Mandates

Plumbing contractors in Oregon are subject to specific insurance and bonding requirements to operate legally. All plumbing contractors are mandated to carry liability insurance. The minimum coverage typically required is $300,000 for property damage and $100,000 for general liability per occurrence.

Furthermore, if a plumbing contractor employs staff, workers' compensation insurance is a mandatory requirement. Contractors must also obtain a surety bond, which is filed with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). The specific bond amount varies depending on the contractor's endorsement, with examples such as $15,000 for a general plumbing contractor license, $55,000 for a Commercial Specialty Contractor Level 1 (CSC1), and $80,000 for a Commercial General Contractor Level 1 (CGC1). This bond must be submitted with the license application and remains continuous until formally canceled.

Permitting and Local Regulations

All plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in Oregon must adhere to the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC), which is adopted and interpreted by the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD). The 2023 OPSC, effective October 1, 2023, is based on the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Permits are essential for various plumbing projects, including the replacement of water heaters, alterations to concealed piping, and all new plumbing installations, ensuring compliance with state safety standards. Minor repairs, such as fixing faucets, typically do not necessitate a permit.

Permits are generally obtained from the relevant local building department. Licensed contractors may have the option to apply for and purchase certain permits online through the State of Oregon's ePermitting website. Once a permit is issued, it must be kept on-site and readily accessible for inspection. Permits have validity periods, expiring if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended for 180 days or more.

Official Oregon Resources

Validation Disclaimer

Regulations can change. We recommend contacting the Oregon licensing board directly before performing any work. Unlicensed contracting may carry significant legal penalties in this jurisdiction.