Trade directory · Derry metro · New Hampshire

Plumbing contractors in
Derry, New Hampshire.

A public directory of licensed plumbing contractors serving greater Derry. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Licensed Establishments
720
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
October through March - heating system failures and frozen pipe repairs drive highest demand
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for standard quotes, 2-4 hours for emergency calls
Operator average
Avg. Hourly Wage
$31/hr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

DERRY-NH · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Emergency drain cleaning
Typical range based on local emergency drain cleaning jobs.
$150 – $400
Water heater replacement
Typical range based on local water heater replacement jobs.
$1,200 – $3,500
Main sewer line repair
Typical range based on local main sewer line repair jobs.
$2,500 – $8,000
Toilet installation
Typical range based on local toilet installation jobs.
$200 – $600
Kitchen sink and faucet install
Typical range based on local kitchen sink and faucet install jobs.
$300 – $800
Bathroom rough-in plumbing
Typical range based on local bathroom rough-in plumbing jobs.
$1,800 – $4,200
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

NH
§1

Licensing Requirements

NH requires Plumbing License through Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Must pass state exam, complete 4-year apprenticeship or equivalent experience, provide proof of liability insurance. License renewal every 3 years with 21 hours continuing education.

§2

Permit Requirements

Derry requires permits for all plumbing work except minor repairs. Apply through Building Department at 14 Manning Street. Permit fees range $50-200 based on scope. Backflow prevention permits required for commercial connections.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Rough-in inspection before covering work, final inspection before occupancy. Schedule inspections 24 hours in advance through Derry Building Department. Failed inspections require re-inspection fee.

§4

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required if employees. Bonding requirements vary by municipality.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

5 STEPS
1

Complete apprenticeship or experience requirement

Complete 4-year plumbing apprenticeship program or document 8,000 hours of plumbing experience under licensed supervision

01/05
2

Apply for examination

Submit application to NH Office of Professional Licensure with $100 exam fee, proof of experience, and required documentation

02/05
3

Pass state plumbing examination

Take and pass written examination covering plumbing codes, regulations, and trade practices. Exam scheduled after application approval

03/05
4

Submit license application

After passing exam, submit license application with $120 fee, proof of liability insurance, and any additional required documentation

04/05
5

Receive license and maintain compliance

Upon approval, receive plumbing license valid for 3 years. Maintain insurance requirements and complete 21 hours continuing education for renewal

05/05
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Derry's plumber market serves 34,000 residents in a mix of older homes and new developments. High demand for water heater replacements, sewer line work on aging infrastructure, and emergency repairs during harsh winters. Competition is moderate with established local shops dominating residential work. Costs run 10-15% above state average due to proximity to Massachusetts border and skilled labor shortage. New construction in southern sections drives steady commercial opportunities. Getting licensed in New Hampshire is straightforward but takes time - expect 6-8 weeks for application processing after passing the exam. Derry's building department runs tight inspections, so know the local codes inside and out. Winter emergency calls are your bread and butter here, but summer new construction keeps the steady work flowing. Build relationships with local contractors and HVAC guys - referral network is everything in this market. Keep insurance current and permit paperwork clean - Derry doesn't mess around with compliance.

Data Sources
  • Median hourly wage
    Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics
  • Licensed establishments count
    U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
  • Licensing requirements
    New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
  • Permit requirements
    Derry Building Department municipal code
  • Population data
    U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

What does it cost to get a plumbing license in New Hampshire?

Initial license application fee is $120, plus exam fee of $100. Total licensing costs including study materials typically run $300-500 according to NH Office of Professional Licensure.

Q/02

How long does it take to become a licensed plumber in NH?

Minimum 4-year apprenticeship or equivalent 8,000 hours of experience, plus passing state exam. Application processing takes 6-8 weeks after exam completion per state licensing board.

Q/03

Do I need a permit for water heater replacement in Derry?

Yes, water heater replacement requires permit through Derry Building Department. Permit fee is typically $75-100, inspection required before final approval.

Q/04

What's the average plumber salary in New Hampshire?

Median hourly wage is $30.81 ($64,085 annually) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. Emergency service plumbers in Derry area often earn 15-20% above state median.

Q/05

How often do plumbers need to renew their license in NH?

Every 3 years with 21 hours of continuing education required. Renewal fee is $120, late renewal incurs additional penalties according to state licensing regulations.

§ F · Directory

Plumbing contractors in Derry

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