Plumbing Contractors in Clarksville, Tennessee

Avg. Hourly Wage

$28.57/hr

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Avg. Annual Wage

$59,426/yr

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Licensed Establishments

1,745

U.S. Census Bureau

Peak Season

November through February - heating system failures and frozen pipe repairs drive winter demand

Estimate

Avg. Response Time

24-48 hours for quotes, same-day for emergency calls

Estimate

Common Job Costs

ServiceCost Range
Drain cleaning$125 – $275
Water heater installation$1,200 – $2,800
Toilet replacement$300 – $650
Kitchen faucet installation$180 – $400
Sewer line repair$2,500 – $8,000
Bathroom remodel plumbing$3,500 – $12,000

Licensing Requirements

Licensing Requirements

Tennessee requires Plumbing Contractor License through Department of Commerce and Insurance. Must pass PSI exam, show 4 years experience or apprenticeship completion, carry $10,000 surety bond. License renews annually with 8 hours continuing education.

Permit Requirements

Clarksville requires permits through Gas and Water Department for water/sewer connections, new installations, and major repairs. Permit fees range $25-150 depending on scope.

Inspection Schedule

Rough-in inspection before covering work, final inspection after completion. Schedule 48 hours in advance through Clarksville Codes Department.

Insurance Minimums

General liability $300,000 minimum required by state. Workers compensation mandatory if employees. Bond requirement $10,000 for contractor license.

How to Get Licensed

  1. 1

    Meet Experience Requirements

    Document 4 years plumbing experience or complete state-approved apprenticeship program. Gather employment verification letters and apprenticeship certificates.

  2. 2

    Obtain Surety Bond

    Purchase $10,000 surety bond from licensed surety company. Bond protects customers and state from contractor defaults. Shop rates from multiple providers.

  3. 3

    Pass PSI Exam

    Schedule and pass PSI contractor exam covering plumbing code, business law, and trade knowledge. Study materials available through PSI and trade organizations.

  4. 4

    Submit Application

    Complete online application through TN Department of Commerce and Insurance. Include experience documentation, bond, insurance certificates, and $300 fee.

  5. 5

    Receive License

    Department reviews application and issues license typically within 4-6 weeks. License must be renewed annually with continuing education and fees.

About This Market

Clarksville's plumber market runs steady with Fort Campbell driving consistent residential demand and older housing stock requiring frequent repairs. Competition is moderate with around 40 established shops serving Montgomery County. Water heater replacements and drain cleaning make up bulk of service calls, while new construction and renovations drive higher-margin work. Costs track 15% below Nashville rates but labor shortage keeps pricing firm. You need a state contractor license, not just journeyman certification, to pull permits and run jobs in Clarksville. City requires permits for most work beyond basic repairs, and inspectors know their code. Winter freeze-ups create cash flow spikes but summer new construction keeps crews busy year-round. Build relationships with local supply houses and get your Tennessee license sorted before you bid anything - they check.

Data Sources:

Median hourly wage $28.57: Bureau of Labor Statistics1745 licensed establishments in TN: U.S. Census BureauLicensing requirements and fees: TN Department of Commerce and InsurancePermit requirements: Clarksville Gas and Water DepartmentInsurance minimums: Tennessee Contractor Licensing Board

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a plumber license cost in Tennessee?
Initial plumber contractor license costs $300 application fee plus $10,000 surety bond (typically $100-300 annually). Annual renewal is $75 plus 8 hours continuing education. Source: TN Department of Commerce and Insurance.
How much do plumbers make in Clarksville?
Median wage is $28.57 per hour or $59,426 annually according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Experienced contractors with their own shops typically earn significantly more through markup and efficiency.
Do I need permits for plumbing work in Clarksville?
Yes, permits required for water heater replacement, new fixtures, water/sewer line work, and remodeling. Basic repairs like unclogging drains typically don't need permits. Contact Clarksville Gas and Water Department.
How long does Tennessee plumber licensing take?
4-6 weeks after submitting complete application with experience documentation and bond. Must schedule PSI exam separately. Processing time varies by application completeness and background check.
What insurance do plumbers need in Tennessee?
State requires $300,000 general liability minimum, workers compensation if you have employees, and $10,000 surety bond. Many contractors carry higher limits for commercial work and customer confidence.

Contractors in Clarksville

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