Plumbing Contractors in Johnson City, Tennessee
Licensed Establishments
1,745
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
Winter (December-February) for emergency repairs, Spring (March-May) for new construction and remodels
Estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for estimates, same day for emergency calls
Estimate
Common Job Costs
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Drain cleaning | $150 – $350 |
| Water heater replacement | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| Toilet installation | $300 – $600 |
| Kitchen sink installation | $400 – $800 |
| Sewer line repair | $2,500 – $8,000 |
| Bathroom remodel plumbing | $2,000 – $6,000 |
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Tennessee requires a plumbing contractor license through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Must pass business and law exam, trade exam, and maintain 6 hours continuing education annually. Master plumber license requires 4 years experience plus journeyman certification. License renewal every 2 years.
Permit Requirements
Johnson City requires permits for water heater replacement, new installations, and major repairs over $1000. Permits obtained through Johnson City Development Services Department. Same-day permits available for most residential work.
Inspection Schedule
Rough-in inspection before covering work, final inspection after completion. Johnson City typically schedules within 24-48 hours of request.
Insurance Minimums
Tennessee requires $300,000 general liability and $50,000 property damage minimum for contractor licensing. Workers compensation required if employing others.
How to Get Licensed
- 1
Meet experience requirements
Complete 4 years documented plumbing experience or formal training program approved by Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
- 2
Submit application
File contractor license application with Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance including experience documentation and $300 application fee
- 3
Pass required examinations
Take and pass both business and law exam plus plumbing trade exam administered by PSI Services. $200 examination fee required
- 4
Obtain required insurance
Secure minimum $300,000 general liability and $50,000 property damage insurance from approved carrier and file proof with application
- 5
Complete license issuance
Receive license after successful examination and application review. License valid for 2 years with 6 hours continuing education required for renewal
About This Market
Johnson City's plumber market runs steady year-round with 1745 licensed establishments statewide creating solid competition. Winter freeze-ups drive emergency calls while spring construction season keeps the new work flowing. Costs stay moderate compared to Nashville or Memphis - you're looking at middle Tennessee pricing without the big city premiums. Mix of older homes needing sewer line work and new developments keeps the work diverse. Getting licensed in Tennessee means dealing with the state board, not local bureaucracy - streamlined but thorough process. Johnson City building department moves fast on permits and inspections, usually next-day turnaround. Winter emergency calls are your bread and butter here - frozen pipes and water heater failures pay premium rates. Keep your insurance current and continuing education up to date - Tennessee tracks both closely. Local competition is established but not cutthroat, and there's enough work to go around if you show up on time and price fairly.
Data Sources:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Contractors in Johnson City
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