Service overview
Plumbing work needs to be done by a licensed master plumber.
Plumbing work includes the construction, alteration, or repair of any of the following systems or components:
- Drainage
- Cesspools
- Traps
- Waste vents
- Water piping
- Fixtures attached to plumbing elements, excluding gas or electric heaters
Who
Individual plumbers can apply for this license.
Requirements
Other licenses and registrations
Insurance
You must provide a Certificate of Insurance that includes these minimum amounts:
- General Liability: $500,000 per occurrence
- Automobile Liability Insurance: $300,000
- Worker’s Compensation:
- $100,000 per accident
- $100,000 per employee
- $500,000 policy limit
Experience
To qualify, you must be registered as a Philadelphia Journeyman Plumber for a minimum of one year.
Alternatively, you may submit proof of a similar authorization granted by any other state or local jurisdiction with equal or greater qualification requirements. This is subject to approval by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).
Testing and certification
You must have proof of successful completion of the Philadelphia Master Plumber Examination. This exam is administered by the International Code Council.
The exam must reference the current version of the Philadelphia Code and associated standards or your application must be submitted within 12 months of successful completion of the exam.
Proof of employment
If you are not self-employed, submit a statement of current or prospective employment. This statement must be on company letterhead and signed by the employer.
Photo identification
2 in. x 2 in., color
Tax compliance
The contractor must be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
Where and when
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Cost
A non-refundable application fee of $50 is applied to the license fee. The balance of the license fee is due upon application approval.
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How
You can apply for this license online using eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
Online
Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If the application isn’t approved, you will receive an email stating what is missing or required.
In person
L&I can review most applications while you wait.
Renewal requirements
This license must be renewed annually. You can renew online through eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center.
To renew your license, you must be current on City of Philadelphia taxes.
A note about deactivation
A master plumber may choose to temporarily deactivate a license by submitting a request to L&I online or by calling 311. Call (215) 686-8686 if outside Philadelphia.
When a license is deactivated:
- All business operations must stop.
- All advertisements must be removed.
- The plumber’s journeyman license is reactivated.