Plumbers in California
California plumbing companies listed by city. Every company here held a current and active C-36 plumbing license with the Contractors State License Board on the date we checked.
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Plumbers in San Diego 6 companies
Emergency plumber · Drain cleaning · Water heater installation · Leak detection · Sewer line repair
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Plumbers in Los Angeles 5 companies
Water heater repair · Water heater installation · Sewer line repair
How to check a California plumber's license
Plumbing contractors in California are licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), and the plumbing classification is C-36. Since January 1, 2025, a license is required for any job worth $1,000 or more in labor and materials, and for any job that needs a permit or uses hired helpers, whatever the price. Most plumbing work beyond small repairs needs a permit, so in practice you should expect a licensed contractor.
The CSLB's free license check shows whether a license is active, its classifications, the contractor's bond and its workers' compensation status. A license marked exempt from workers' compensation means the contractor told the CSLB it has no employees, so anyone else who shows up to work should not be on that license's payroll.
Before you hire
- Look up the license number on the CSLB website and confirm it is current and active.
- Check that C-36 Plumbing is among the classifications.
- Look at the bond and workers' compensation sections, and any complaint disclosure.
- Get a written contract for home improvement work.
Common questions
What license does a California plumber need?
A plumbing contractor needs a CSLB license with the C-36 Plumbing classification. A B General Building license can cover plumbing as part of a larger project.
When is a contractor license required in California?
Since January 1, 2025, for any job worth $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials, and for any job that needs a permit or uses hired helpers, regardless of price.