Dealing with a dishonest or unprofessional plumber can be incredibly frustrating—especially when you’ve paid for services that were never completed, done poorly, or worse, caused damage to your home. If you’re in Michigan and need to file a complaint against a plumber, you’re not alone. Fortunately, the state offers clear pathways to hold licensed professionals accountable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to file a complaint against a plumber in Michigan, including who to contact, what evidence to gather, and what to expect during the process.
Why Should You File a Complaint Against a Plumber in Michigan?
Filing a formal complaint isn’t just about getting justice for yourself—it also protects other homeowners from experiencing the same issues. According to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), hundreds of complaints are filed annually against licensed tradespeople, including plumbers. Many of these lead to investigations, fines, license suspensions, or even revocations.
“Consumer complaints are essential to maintaining professional standards in licensed trades,” says a LARA spokesperson. “They help us identify patterns of misconduct and ensure public safety.”
If your plumber:
- Performed substandard work
- Overcharged without justification
- Was unlicensed
- Failed to honor a contract
- Caused property damage
…then filing a complaint is not only your right—it’s a responsible action.
Step-by-Step: How to File a Complaint Against a Plumber in Michigan
Step 1: Verify the Plumber’s License Status
Before filing a complaint, confirm whether your plumber is licensed. In Michigan, all plumbing contractors must be licensed by LARA under the Mechanical Contractors Act.
✅ How to check:
- Go to the LARA License Verification portal
- Search by name, business, or license number
- Note the license status (Active, Inactive, Expired, Revoked)
⚠️ Important: Only licensed plumbers can be disciplined by LARA. If the plumber was unlicensed, you may need to report them to local authorities or the Attorney General’s office instead.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Strong evidence significantly increases the chances of a successful investigation. Collect:
- Signed contract or estimate
- Invoices and payment receipts
- Photos or videos of poor/damaged work
- Emails or text messages showing communication
- Witness statements (if applicable)
- Before-and-after comparisons of the plumbing issue
Organize these in chronological order. Digital copies are acceptable, but keep originals safe.
Step 3: Submit a Formal Complaint to LARA
File your complaint through the Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL), which oversees plumbers in Michigan.
🔗 Official Complaint Form:
Michigan LARA Complaint Portal
What to include in your complaint:
- Full name and contact info of the plumber/business
- Date(s) of service
- Detailed description of the issue
- How it violated Michigan plumbing codes or professional standards
- Attach all supporting documents
💡 Tip: Be factual, calm, and specific. Avoid emotional language—stick to what happened, when, and how it affected you.
Step 4: Wait for Acknowledgment & Investigation
After submission:
- LARA will send a confirmation email within 5–7 business days
- The plumber is notified and given 21 days to respond
- A licensing investigator reviews both sides
- The case may be referred to the Disciplinary Subcommittee
The entire process typically takes 60–120 days, though complex cases can take longer.
Step 5: Possible Outcomes
If LARA finds merit in your complaint, consequences for the plumber may include:
| Outcome | Description |
|---|---|
| Warning Letter | For minor first-time violations |
| Fine | Up to $5,000 per violation |
| License Suspension | Temporary loss of license |
| License Revocation | Permanent ban from practicing |
| Mandatory Training | Required education on code compliance |
Note: LARA does not handle refunds or financial compensation. For monetary recovery, consider small claims court.
What If the Plumber Isn’t Licensed?
Michigan law requires all plumbing work over $600 to be performed by a licensed master plumber or under their supervision. If your plumber was unlicensed:
- Report to LARA anyway—they track unlicensed activity
- File a report with your local city or county building department
- Contact the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team:
📞 1-877-765-8388
🌐 www.michigan.gov/ag
Unlicensed plumbing isn’t just illegal—it’s dangerous. Poor installations can lead to leaks, mold, or even gas line hazards.
According to a 2023 study by the National Association of Home Builders, unlicensed contractors account for 22% of all home repair disputes in the Midwest—many involving plumbing failures.
Common Reasons for Plumbing Complaints in Michigan
Based on LARA data from 2024, the top reasons Michiganders file complaints include:
- Failure to complete agreed-upon work (38%)
- Shoddy workmanship violating plumbing codes (29%)
- Overcharging or hidden fees (18%)
- Unlicensed operation (12%)
- Poor communication or ghosting (3%)
These issues often stem from rushed jobs, lack of oversight, or outright fraud. Filing a complaint helps regulators spot repeat offenders.
Can You Get Your Money Back?
While LARA cannot force a plumber to refund you, you still have options:
- Small Claims Court: For disputes under $7,000 in Michigan. No lawyer needed.
- Credit Card Dispute: If you paid by card, request a chargeback within 60–120 days.
- Homeowner’s Insurance: Some policies cover damage from faulty plumbing (check your coverage).
Always document everything—courts and insurers rely heavily on paper trails.
For more on consumer rights in service contracts, see Wikipedia’s overview on consumer protection laws.
FAQ Section
Q1: How long do I have to file a complaint against a plumber in Michigan?
You generally have up to 6 years from the date of service to file, but it’s best to act quickly while evidence is fresh and memories are clear. LARA recommends submitting within 90 days.
Q2: Is there a fee to file a plumbing complaint in Michigan?
No. Filing a complaint with LARA is completely free for consumers.
Q3: Will the plumber know it was me who filed the complaint?
Yes. Michigan law requires LARA to share your complaint with the licensee so they can respond. However, your contact information is kept confidential from public records unless the case goes to a formal hearing.
Q4: What if the plumber fixed the issue after I complained—should I withdraw?
You can request to withdraw, but LARA may still proceed if they find evidence of broader violations (e.g., repeated code breaches). It’s okay to update your complaint with new information.
Q5: Can I complain about a plumbing company, not just an individual?
Absolutely. Complaints can be filed against businesses, LLCs, or sole proprietors. Just include the business name and license number (if applicable).
Q6: Where else can I report a bad plumber in Michigan?
Besides LARA, consider:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB.org)
- Google Reviews (to warn others)
- Your local township or city inspector
- Michigan Attorney General (for fraud)
Conclusion
Knowing how to file a complaint against a plumber in Michigan empowers you to protect your home, your wallet, and your community. Whether you’re facing botched pipes, inflated bills, or an unlicensed handyman posing as a pro, Michigan’s regulatory system is designed to support you—if you speak up.
Don’t let a bad experience go unreported. Take action today using the steps above, and help ensure higher standards across the industry.
👉 Found this guide helpful? Share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Nextdoor to help other Michigan homeowners avoid plumbing pitfalls!
Your voice matters—and together, we can keep Michigan’s trades honest, skilled, and accountable.
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