Utah plumbing regulations and licensing for plumbers and homeowners
Curious about plumbing laws in Utah? Here's everything you need to know about the state's plumbing regulations.
Dan Thorp-Lancaster,
Sarah Drolet,
Jennifer CullenFri, February 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM UTC
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If you need plumbing work done in Utah, it's essential to hire a properly licensed plumber. Utah has comprehensive licensing requirements for plumbers at multiple levels, ensuring that professionals working in your home have the necessary training and experience. Verifying that your plumber holds the appropriate license protects you from substandard work and potential safety hazards.
What are Utah's specific plumbing licensing requirements? How can you verify a plumber's credentials? Here's everything you need to know about plumbing licensing in the Beehive State.
Utah plumbing licensing requirements
In Utah, plumbers are regulated by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), which operates under the Utah Department of Commerce. According to DOPL, the agency's mission is "Strengthening trust in Utah's professional workforce through effective licensing, balanced regulation, and consumer engagement to facilitate informed decisions." Plumbing licensing falls under DOPL's regulatory authority.
Utah offers five distinct levels of plumbing licenses, each with specific requirements and a scope of work. The Apprentice Plumber license is the entry level, requiring an employer to complete and sign a Verification of Supervision form. Apprentices work under supervision while gaining experience and completing their education.
The Journeyman Plumber license allows plumbers to work more independently. To qualify, applicants must either complete 576 classroom hours in an apprenticeship education program plus 8,000 hours of supervised experience and pass the Utah Plumber Theory and Practical exams, or accumulate 16,000 hours of supervised experience and pass the same exams.
For those focusing on residential work, Utah offers a Residential Journeyman Plumber license. This requires either 6,000 hours as a licensed apprentice plus 432 classroom hours in a three-year approved program and passing the Utah Residential Plumber Theory and Practical exams, or 12,000 hours of supervised experience and passing the exams.
The Master Plumber license represents an advanced level of certification. Applicants must either have 4,000 hours of supervisory experience as a journeyman plumber or hold an Associates of Applied Science degree from a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognized institution with 2,000 hours of supervisory experience. All applicants must pass the Utah Master Plumber Law and Rule examination before applying for the license.
Similarly, the Residential Master Plumber license requires either 4,000 hours of supervisory experience plus 4,000 hours of work experience as a Residential Journeyman Plumber, or an Associates degree with 2,000 hours of supervisory experience. All candidates must pass the Utah Master Plumber Law and Rule exam.
To maintain active licenses, Utah plumbers must complete 12 hours of approved continuing education per licensing period. Eight hours must be "core" education, while four hours can be either "core" or "professional" education.
Verifying a plumber's license in Utah
Utah makes it straightforward to verify whether a plumber holds a valid license. DOPL operates a license lookup and verification database that's accessible to the public. You can search for individual plumbers or plumbing businesses to confirm their licensing status. The database also allows you to check for any disciplinary actions taken against a plumber, giving you additional insight into their professional history.
Consumer protection and filing complaints
If you experience problems with a plumber's work or conduct, Utah provides clear channels for filing complaints. Consumers can file a complaint with DOPL online or download a complaint form and mail it to the department. Before hiring a plumber, it's wise to check the disciplinary actions database to see if any complaints have been filed against them.
Beyond verifying licensing, you should also vet plumbers through customer reviews, recommendations from friends and family, and by requesting references from previous clients. Checking whether a plumber is accredited by the Better Business Bureau can provide additional assurance.
More state licensing articles from Yahoo Local
Protecting your home with proper licensing
Hiring a licensed plumber in Utah isn't just a formality — it's a critical step in protecting your home and ensuring quality work. Utah's multi-tiered licensing system ensures that plumbers have appropriate training and experience for the work they perform. By taking time to verify credentials, check for disciplinary actions, and research potential contractors thoroughly, you can avoid the risks associated with unlicensed work. Whether you need a simple repair or a complex installation, working with a properly licensed professional gives you peace of mind that the job will be done right.
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