Get Quotes from Top Plumbers in New Orleans, LA

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Plumber in New Orleans?

Before performing plumbing jobs for city residents, plumbers in New Orleans must register with the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana. In addition, plumbers undertaking any plumbing work costing $10,000 or more are further required to obtain a contractor's license from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Plumbers who fail to obtain the appropriate licenses will be subject to fines of up to 5,000 dollars, or imprisonment for up to three months, or both a fine and imprisonment per day of violation.

The SPBL issues various licenses, including apprentice, tradesman, journeyman, and master plumber licenses. Interested persons can apply for a plumbing license by satisfying licensing requirements, submitting a completed license application form, and paying the requisite licensing fees to the SPBL. Note that licensing requirements typically vary and depend on the plumbing license type. For example, apprentice plumbing license applicants are required to be at least 16 years old, be physically capable, possess a high school diploma or GED, be employed by a plumbing contracting agency in Louisiana, and complete an apprenticeship program.

Similarly, journeymen plumbing license applicants must complete an apprenticeship program or be in their last year of the program and pass a license examination. However, this apprenticeship program may be waived for applicants with 8,000 hours or five years of supervised work hours under a journeyman or master plumber.

Although New Orleans does not maintain any reciprocity program with other cities or states, journeyman licensing requirements may be waived for individuals with valid licenses from other states. However, note that these individuals are still required to pass the required licensing examination. Inquiries regarding plumbing license requirements and processes can be directed to the SPBL at (225) 756-3434. However, interested persons can specifically make inquiries regarding Natural Gas Fitters, Master Natural Gas Fitters, Medical Gas Verifiers, or Medical Gas Installers licenses by contacting the SPBL administrative office by email.

Residents can verify a New Orleans plumber's license using the license online verification tool maintained by the LSLBC.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Plumbers in New Orleans?

When planning to hire a plumber in New Orleans, it is advised that you have an idea of the average hourly rate for your plumbing project. This rate typically depends on the nature of your plumbing work, the cost of obtaining permits, and the cost of required plumbing materials. You can easily find out the average hourly rate for your project by comparing estimates from at least three plumbers near you. Additionally, comparing estimates helps to determine extortionate charge rates so you can avoid them.

A plumber in New Orleans earns an annual average wage of $57,950. Below is a breakdown of the Average hourly wages for plumbers in New Orleans compared with plumbers in other parts of Louisiana and other major cities in the country:

Do You Comply with the New Orleans Building Code for Plumbing?

The New Orleans Rules of the Sewerage And Water Board contains a set of rules that guide how plumbing works are performed within the city. It also regulates the use of specific plumbing systems, including sewerage, water supply, and drainage systems. To this end, the Rulebook outlines safety standards for installing, repairing, designing, modifying, replacing, and maintaining plumbing systems in New Orleans, as well as the minimum standard requirements for plumbing materials to be used during plumbing works.

Since the Sewerage and Water Board Rulebook is technical, hiring a licensed plumber who understands the Rulebook is best to ensure that your plumbing work complies with any relevant requirements. Violating the rulebook attracts a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 30 days or both. If you have questions about this Rulebook, you can contact the New Orleans Sewerage And Water Board at (504) 529-2837.

Will You Get the Plumbing Permits as Required by New Orleans Code?

The New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board is responsible for issuing plumbing permits for plumbing works within the city, and plumbing permit applications must be made at least 24 hours after the commencement of any plumbing project. However, per the Rules of the Sewerage And Water Board, specific plumbing works can be done without a permit, and such works include:

• The repair of leaks,
• Unblocking pipes, or
• Replacing broken traps, pipes, or fixtures.

The Sewerage and Water Board usually reviews and processes for around two weeks, depending on the workload of the Board and the time it takes to complete an inspection of the relevant plumbing project. Interested persons who would like to apply for a plumbing permit or make permit-related inquiries can do so by contacting the Sewerage and Water Board at (504) 529-2837. Alternatively, you can physically visit the Board's Office and make these permit-related inquiries or permit applications at:

What Kind of Plumbing Services Do You Offer?

Ensuring your intended plumber has the skill and experience to handle your plumbing project effectively is crucial when hiring a plumber. This is because plumbers in New Orleans offer various services depending on their level of expertise, area of specialization, and workforce. However, note that the skill of a plumber and the nature of your plumbing work majorly determine this plumber's charges. Nonetheless, below are some cost estimates for some common plumbing services in New Orleans:

Do You Offer Emergency Plumbing Services in New Orleans?

The average household in the country wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water yearly due to plumbing leaks alone. Not only do such leaks cause water wastage and increase your water bills, but they can also damage your home, thereby reducing the value of your property during real estate appraisals. Thus, it is important to treat water leaks and waste as emergencies. While all plumbing problems require urgent attention, some issues require even more attention, known as emergencies. Such emergencies include overflowing toilets, broken pipes, and clogged drainages.

When an emergency occurs, you should contact a plumber immediately to tackle the situation. However, before the plumber arrives, it is advisable to plug leaks or seal off the area to prevent further damage. Third-party websites like Yelp or Better Business Bureau are helpful resources for finding plumbers near you capable of quickly handling your plumbing emergency. However, you should always verify a plumber's license before hiring this plumber. New Orleans plumber licenses can be verified using the online verification tool maintained by the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Plumbers in New Orleans?

Per state law, master plumbers must be insured before obtaining, renewing, or reviving a master plumber license. Required insurance includes workers' compensation insurance, motor vehicle bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, and comprehensive general liability. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, every 99 minutes, a worker died from work-related injuries within the country in 2019.

With this in mind, it is crucial to ensure you hire a plumber with insurance to avoid the financial implications of injuries or accidents during your plumbing job. You can always confirm if a plumber is duly insured by asking the plumber to provide proof of insurance. Also, you can contact the Sewerage and Water Board with any inquiries on insurance requirements at (504) 529-2837.