Plumbing contractors in
Richmond, Virginia.
A public directory of licensed plumbing contractors serving greater Richmond. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Virginia requires a Class A Contractor license for plumbing work over $1,000. Must pass business law exam and trade-specific exam, provide financial statements, carry required insurance. Journeyman Plumber license requires 4-year apprenticeship or equivalent experience plus state exam. Master Plumber license requires additional 2 years experience beyond journeyman. All licenses renewed every 2 years with continuing education requirements.
Permit Requirements
Richmond requires permits for new installations, water heater replacements, and major repairs. Permit fees range $50-200 depending on scope. Same-day permits available for emergency repairs.
Inspection Schedule
Rough-in inspection before covering work, final inspection after completion. Schedule 24 hours in advance through Richmond Building Department.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000, worker's compensation if employees, surety bond $50,000 for contractor license
How to Get Licensed
Complete apprenticeship or experience requirement
Complete 4-year plumbing apprenticeship program or equivalent work experience under licensed plumber. Document all training hours and work history.
Pass Journeyman Plumber exam
Schedule and pass Virginia Journeyman Plumber examination through PSI Services. Exam covers codes, regulations, and technical plumbing knowledge.
Apply for Class A Contractor license
Submit application to Virginia Board for Contractors including financial statements, insurance documentation, and designated employee qualifications.
Pass contractor examinations
Pass both Virginia Business Law exam and plumbing trade exam. Business exam covers contracting regulations, trade exam covers technical plumbing work.
Submit required documentation
Provide surety bond, general liability insurance proof, financial statements, and any additional documentation requested by the Board.
Receive license and maintain compliance
Upon approval, receive Class A license. Renew every 2 years with continuing education requirements and updated insurance documentation.
About This Market
Richmond's plumber market runs steady year-round with 2,722 licensed establishments statewide creating solid competition. Winter drives emergency calls from frozen pipes and furnace issues, while spring brings renovation work. Historic homes in Fan District and Church Hill mean dealing with old cast iron and galvanized systems. New construction in Short Pump and Midlothian keeps commercial and residential new-build work flowing. Costs reflect median wage of $28.28/hour but emergency calls command premium rates.
To work Richmond, you need that Class A license for anything over $1,000 - no shortcuts. The state exam is thorough and financial requirements are real. Richmond Building Department moves fast on permits if you know the system, but they're strict on inspections. Winter emergency response separates successful shops from struggling ones. Know your way around old Richmond systems and stay current on code - the city doesn't mess around with enforcement.
- Median hourly wageBureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics
- Licensed establishments countU.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
- Licensing requirementsVirginia Board for Contractors
- Permit requirementsRichmond Building Department
- Insurance minimumsVirginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a plumber make per hour in Richmond, VA?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, plumbers in Virginia earn a median wage of $28.28 per hour or $58,822 annually. Richmond rates typically align with state medians.
What license do I need to work as a plumber in Richmond?
Virginia requires a Journeyman Plumber license for basic work and Class A Contractor license for jobs over $1,000. Both require state exams and the contractor license needs financial documentation per Virginia Board for Contractors.
Do I need permits for plumbing work in Richmond?
Yes, Richmond Building Department requires permits for new installations, water heater replacements, and major repairs. Permits cost $50-200 and require inspections at rough-in and completion stages.
How long does it take to get a plumbing license in Virginia?
Journeyman license requires 4-year apprenticeship plus passing state exam. Class A Contractor license requires business law exam, trade exam, insurance proof, and financial statements - process takes 6-8 weeks after application submission.
What insurance do plumbers need in Virginia?
Virginia Board for Contractors requires minimum $300,000 general liability insurance and $50,000 surety bond for Class A license. Worker's compensation required if you have employees.
Plumbing contractors in Richmond
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.