If you’re a general contractor in Utah—or thinking about becoming one—you might be wondering: Can I do plumbing as a general contractor in Utah? It’s a smart question, especially if you want to expand your services or save time by handling multiple trades yourself. But diving into plumbing without the right credentials can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what Utah law says about general contractors performing plumbing work—and what you need to do to stay compliant, safe, and successful.
What Does Utah Law Say About General Contractors Doing Plumbing?
Utah maintains clear distinctions between general contracting and specialized trades like plumbing. According to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), general contractors are not automatically authorized to perform plumbing work—even on projects they oversee.
To be precise:
“A general contractor license does not authorize the licensee to perform specialty work such as plumbing, electrical, or HVAC unless they hold the appropriate specialty license.” — Utah DOPL Official Guidelines
This means that if your scope includes installing pipes, water heaters, or sewer lines, you likely need a separate Utah plumbing license.
When Can a General Contractor Handle Plumbing in Utah?
There are limited exceptions where general contractors may perform minor plumbing tasks:
Emergency Repairs: Temporary fixes (e.g., stopping a leak) may be allowed, but permanent repairs require a licensed plumber.
Single-Family Owner-Builder Exemption: If you’re building your own home (not for resale), you can do your own plumbing—but you must still obtain permits and pass inspections.
Minor Fixture Installation: Replacing a faucet or toilet in an existing, code-compliant system may not require a plumbing license—but this is a gray area best avoided without confirmation from local authorities.
⚠️ Important: Local jurisdictions (like Salt Lake City or Provo) may have stricter rules than the state. Always check with your city’s building department before doing any plumbing work.
Do You Need a Separate Plumbing License in Utah?
Yes—if you’re doing plumbing for clients or as part of a commercial/residential project.
Utah offers several plumbing license levels:
License Type
Experience Required
Scope of Work
Apprentice
None (must register)
Work under direct supervision
Journeyman Plumber
4 years (8,000 hours) + exam
Install, repair, modify plumbing systems
Master Plumber
2+ years as journeyman + exam
Supervise others, pull permits, own a plumbing business
General contractors who want to legally perform plumbing must hold at least a Journeyman Plumber license—or employ one on staff if running a company.
Pro Tip: According to DOPL, over 1,200 plumbing license applications are processed annually in Utah. The pass rate for the journeyman exam is around 68%, suggesting adequate preparation is essential. (Source: Utah DOPL Annual Report 2024)
Step-by-Step: How to Legally Add Plumbing to Your General Contracting Business
If you’re serious about offering plumbing services, here’s your roadmap:
Step 1: Gain Hands-On Experience
Complete 4 years (8,000 hours) of documented plumbing work under a licensed master plumber.
Keep detailed logs—DOPL may audit your experience.
Provide proof of experience and high school diploma or GED.
Step 3: Pass the Exam
The test covers Utah plumbing code, safety, design, and calculations.
Use the IPC (International Plumbing Code) and Utah Administrative Code R156-55 as primary study materials.
Consider a prep course—many contractors report a 20–30% higher pass rate with formal training.
Step 4: Maintain Your License
Renew every 2 years.
Complete 6 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours on code updates.
Once licensed, you can legally perform plumbing on any project you manage—saving subcontractor costs and improving project control.
Risks of Doing Plumbing Without a License in Utah
Ignoring licensing rules can backfire fast:
Fines: Up to $5,000 per violation under Utah Code §58-1-304.
Project Delays: Inspectors can reject unlicensed work, forcing costly re-dos.
Insurance Issues: Most liability policies won’t cover unlicensed work—leaving you personally liable.
Reputation Damage: One complaint to DOPL can trigger an investigation and public record.
In 2023, DOPL issued over 200 cease-and-desist orders to unlicensed individuals performing plumbing—many of whom were general contractors assuming they were covered.
General Contractor vs. Licensed Plumber: Key Differences
Factor
General Contractor
Licensed Plumber
Scope
Manages entire project
Specializes in water/gas piping, drainage, fixtures
Permit Authority
Can pull building permits
Can pull plumbing-specific permits
Legal Plumbing Work
❌ Not allowed (without license)
✅ Fully authorized
Training Focus
Project management, framing, scheduling
Pipe sizing, venting, code compliance, gas lines
While general contractors excel at coordination, plumbing demands technical knowledge that affects health, safety, and building integrity. That’s why Utah (like most states) treats it as a protected trade.
Q1: Can I install a water heater as a general contractor in Utah?
A: No—water heater installation is considered plumbing work and requires either a journeyman or master plumbing license. Even electric water heaters involve water connections and pressure relief valves, which fall under plumbing jurisdiction.
Q2: Do I need a plumbing license if I only do small jobs under $1,000?
A: Yes. Utah does not have a “handyman exemption” for plumbing. Any plumbing work—regardless of cost—requires a licensed plumber.
Q3: Can I hire a plumber and supervise the work as a GC?
A: Absolutely—and this is the safest route. You don’t need a plumbing license if you subcontract to a licensed plumber. Just ensure their license is active and in good standing.
Q4: What if I’m licensed in another state?
A: Utah has limited reciprocity with Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada—but only for master plumbers, and only if you’ve held your license for 5+ years. You’ll still need to pass Utah’s code exam.
Q5: How long does it take to get a plumbing license in Utah?
A: If you already have the experience, the process takes 4–8 weeks from application to exam scheduling. Without experience, it takes 4+ years of apprenticeship.
Q6: Can a handyman do plumbing in Utah?
A: No. Utah does not recognize a “handyman license.” Anyone doing plumbing—handyman or not—must be licensed by DOPL.
Conclusion
So,can you do plumbing as a general contractor in Utah? The short answer: only if you hold a valid Utah plumbing license. While it may seem like extra work, getting licensed protects your business, your clients, and your bottom line. Plus, offering in-house plumbing can be a major competitive advantage—allowing you to control schedules, pricing, and quality.
If you’re not ready to get licensed, partner with a trusted plumber instead. But never assume your general contractor license covers specialty trades—Utah’s rules are strict for good reason.
👉 Found this guide helpful? Share it with fellow contractors on LinkedIn or Facebook! And if you’re considering plumbing certification, bookmark the Utah DOPL Plumbing Page for official updates.
Stay compliant. Build smarter. Grow your Utah contracting business the right way.
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