Plumbing contractors in
Aurora, Colorado.
A public directory of licensed plumbing contractors serving greater Aurora. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Colorado requires Journeyman Plumber license (4 years experience, written exam) or Master Plumber license (additional 2 years experience as journeyman, business management exam). Licenses renew every 3 years with 24 hours continuing education. Apprentice registration required for entry-level work.
Permit Requirements
Aurora requires plumbing permits for water heater replacement, new fixtures, re-piping, sewer connections. Permits range $50-200. Emergency repairs under $1000 may be exempt but require notification.
Inspection Schedule
Rough-in inspection before covering work, final inspection after completion. Water heater installations require inspection within 24 hours. Sewer work requires inspection before backfill.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required for employees. Bonding requirements vary by jurisdiction but typically $25,000-50,000 for municipal work.
How to Get Licensed
Register as Apprentice
Submit apprentice application to Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies with $50 fee. Must be 18+ years old and provide proof of high school completion or equivalent.
Complete Apprenticeship
Work 8000 hours (4 years) under licensed journeyman supervision. Document all hours with detailed work records. Complete required classroom training through approved programs.
Apply for Journeyman License
Submit journeyman application with documented experience records, employer verification, and $100 fee. Must prove 8000 qualifying hours in residential, commercial, and service work.
Pass Written Examination
Take journeyman plumber exam covering codes, regulations, and trade practices. Exam administered by PSI testing centers. Must score 70% or higher to pass.
Maintain License
Renew every 3 years with 24 hours continuing education and $75 renewal fee. Keep current with code changes and safety requirements through approved training programs.
About This Market
Aurora's plumber market serves 386,000 residents with solid demand from aging housing stock built in the 1970s-90s. Competition is moderate with approximately 2528 licensed establishments statewide, but winter freeze damage and high-altitude conditions create consistent work. Water heater replacements and sewer line issues drive the highest-value jobs, with costs inflated 10-15% above national averages due to Colorado's skilled labor shortage and strict building codes. The Front Range's hard water and temperature swings beat up plumbing systems faster than most markets. Getting licensed in Colorado means navigating a legitimate apprenticeship system - no shortcuts. You need 8,000 hours documented experience for journeyman status, and the state actually verifies it. Aurora's permit process is straightforward but enforced, so don't skip inspections. Winter is when you make money - burst pipes and failed water heaters keep phones ringing. Stock freeze-proof fixtures and know your high-altitude venting codes. The market rewards contractors who can handle both residential service calls and new construction rough-in work.
- Licensed establishments countU.S. Census Bureau
- Licensing requirementsColorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
- Permit requirementsCity of Aurora Building Division
- Cost estimatesLocal market analysis and contractor estimates
- Insurance requirementsColorado state regulations and industry standards
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need to work as a plumber in Aurora, CO?
You need a Colorado Journeyman Plumber license requiring 4 years documented experience and passing a written exam, or start as a registered apprentice. Master Plumber license requires additional experience and business management exam. Source: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.
How much does a typical water heater installation cost in Aurora?
Water heater installation ranges $1200-3500 depending on unit type and complexity. Tank units run lower end, tankless and high-efficiency models hit upper range. Aurora's high altitude affects venting requirements and costs.
Do I need permits for plumbing work in Aurora?
Yes, Aurora requires permits for water heater replacement, new fixtures, re-piping, and sewer connections. Permits cost $50-200. Emergency repairs under $1000 may be exempt but require notification. Source: City of Aurora Building Division.
When is peak season for plumbers in Aurora?
October through March due to frozen pipe emergencies and heating system issues. Colorado's temperature swings and hard water create consistent winter demand for emergency services and water heater replacements.
How many licensed plumbing contractors operate in Colorado?
Approximately 2528 licensed plumbing establishments operate statewide according to census data, serving both residential and commercial markets across Colorado's growing Front Range corridor.
Plumbing contractors in Aurora
No contractors listed yet.
Run your plumbing business on The Forge.
Get listed on The Board for free. Manage leads, quotes, jobs, and follow-ups in one place. Built for trades, used by thousands of operators nationwide.