Plumbers in Los Angeles, CA

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.

How we narrowed the list

Los Angeles has thousands of licensed plumbing contractors. We left out companies whose CSLB record showed an expired license, an unresolved civil judgment or a complaint disclosure, and companies whose name on the license did not match the name they advertise under.

Permits and earthquake safety

Inside city limits, plumbing permits and inspections are handled by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. Replacing a water heater is permitted work, and California requires water heaters to be braced or strapped against earthquake movement, so the inspector will check the strapping. Our guide to water heater installation code requirements explains the rest of the checklist.

Common Los Angeles plumbing problems

Many older homes still have original cast iron or clay sewer laterals, which crack and let roots in. A sewer camera inspection shows the condition before you pay for repairs. See our guides to sewer camera inspection cost, trenchless sewer repair cost and water heater repair cost.