Get Quotes from Top Plumbers in Jersey City, NJ

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Plumber in Jersey City?

Per section 13:32-1.4 of the New Jersey Administrative Code, any plumbing project within Jersey can only be handled or must be supervised by a licensed master plumber. Operating without a license could lead to civil penalties, including a maximum fine of $20,000 for each violation.

The New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers (SBEMP) regulates plumbers in Jersey and issues plumbing licenses to eligible individuals. Master plumbers are the only set of plumbers that can apply for licensure in the city. Journeyman plumbers and Apprentice plumbers, on the other hand, are required to register with the Board before performing plumbing services. To become a registered journeyman plumber, interested persons must have completed a four-year state-certified apprenticeship or obtained a bachelor's degree in plumbing, mechanical, or sanitary engineering fields from an accredited college. On the other hand, a person must have trained under a journeyman or master plumber before they can register as an apprentice plumber.

However, anyone interested in obtaining a master plumber license must satisfy certain requirements, such as being at least 21 years of age, completing a four-year approved apprenticeship program, and acquiring at least one year of experience as a journeyman plumber. Alternatively, applicants must have a baccalaureate in plumbing, mechanical, or sanitary engineering from an accredited college and have one year of experience as a journeyman plumber. In addition, applicants must pass a licensing exam and file a $3,000.00 bond as spelled out in Section 45:14C-26 of the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers Law.

Application for a plumbing license can be made online via the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) MyLicense Online Licensing portal. To make inquiries regarding this application, interested persons can contact the DCA at (888) 656-6225 if within New Jersey or (973) 424-8150 if calling from outside the state. Also, Jersey City residents can confirm a plumber's license by checking the DCA license search portal or by contacting the SBEMP at (973) 504-6420.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Plumbers in Jersey City?

Plumbers in Jersey City typically charge about $35.78 per hour on average. However, this rate varies depending on job complexity and the number of hours the plumbing job will take. Nonetheless, getting estimates from several plumbers near you will help you find the best rates so you can settle for the one you're comfortable with. Estimates should describe the work to be done, an itemized list of products and services, and their prices. Ensure that everything you're expecting is listed in the estimate, and when you select a contractor, make sure the estimate is included as part of your contract.

A plumber in Jersey City earns an annual average wage of $74,420. Below is a breakdown of the mean hourly wages for plumbers in Jersey compared with plumbers in other parts of New Jersey and other major cities in the country:

Do You Comply with the Jersey City Building Code for Plumbing?

Aside from going for a licensed plumber, it is also good to ensure that the professional you want to hire for your plumbing project is conversant with the Plumbing Code applicable in Jersey City. This will help to ensure that your plumbing project is compliant with city requirements and up to city standards.

The applicable Plumbing Code in Jersey City is the 2018 National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC), and this Code regulates the designs, installation, and inspection of plumbing and sanitary systems across the city. It covers plumbing systems like hangers and supports, private potable water supply systems, vents, fixtures, faucets and fittings, sanitary drainage, special piping, water storage systems, and water supply and distribution.

You can contact the Jersey City Office of the Construction Code Official at (201) 547-5055 or via email for more information regarding the plumbing code.

Will You Get the Plumbing Permits as Required by the Jersey City Code?

According to section 5:23-2.1 of the New Jersey Administrative Code, a construction permit is mandatory before any construction, enlargement, repair, renovation, alteration, reconstruction, or demolition work can be done on any building or structure in Jersey City. However, there are some exceptions to this permit requirement. For instance, construction permits are not required for ordinary plumbing maintenance like replacing hose bib valves, ball cocks, domestic clothes washers and domestic dishwashers, repair of leaks involving the replacement of piping, clearance of stoppages, and replacement of traps.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) issues plumbing permits through the Division of Codes and Standards. Homeowners or contractors are responsible for obtaining plumbing permits and for paying the required fees. Interested applicants can apply for plumbing permits by submitting a complete plumbing application form to the Office of the Construction Code Official in person at:

After submitting a complete application, the Jersey enforcement agency must examine the permit application within 20 business days. Sometimes, the plumber may be required to submit plumbing plans and specifications with the permit application, as these plans and specifications must be approved before the commencement of work. Before issuing a permit, the construction official can carry out a preliminary inspection to examine the building.

After the permit is issued, plumbing work can begin immediately. An original copy of the construction permit should be kept on the site of operations until the completion of the plumbing work. Every permittee in Jersey City should note that they must schedule inspections with the construction official at different stages of the project. Inquiries regarding permits and inspections can be directed to the Jersey City Office of the Construction Code Official at (201) 547-5055 or via email.

What Kind of Plumbing Services Do You Offer?

Before asking anyone to work on your plumbing system, ensure you verify that the plumber you want to hire is the best fit for the job. Plumbers in Jersey City are required to have different types of licenses based on their level of experience. Hence, homeowners must ensure their intended plumber is adequately equipped and has the skill level required for their plumbing needs. For instance, an apprentice plumber might not be able to perform certain plumbing services that a master plumber will be proficient in.

Hence, homeowners must do their due diligence to hire the right plumber and know the cost of certain plumbing services in the city so they can budget adequately. Listed below are some common cost estimates for plumbing services in Jersey City:

Do You Offer Emergency Plumbing Services in Jersey City?

Household leaks can waste about 900 billion gallons of water yearly in the United States, equivalent to the household water use of nearly 11 million homes annually. According to the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority, residents of Jersey City currently pay over $10 per hundred cubic feet as water and sewer charges. These water and sewer bills are likely to increase if there are plumbing defects or emergency plumbing situations causing water wastage in the home. Jersey City residents face a variety of plumbing emergencies, which include frozen pipes, bathroom clogs, leaky faucets, and sewer line leakage.

When you need emergency plumbing services, you can use Yelp and Better Business Bureau to search for qualified plumbers near you to deal with the relevant situation. However, ensure that any plumber you hire is licensed. You can verify your intended plumber's license by utilizing the DCA license search portal or by contacting the SBEMP at (973) 504-6420.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Plumbers in Jersey City?

It is obligatory for registered plumbers in Jersey City to maintain commercial general liability insurance in accordance with Section 13:45A-17.12 of the New Jersey Administrative Rules of the Division of Consumer Affairs. The commercial general liability insurance policy is expected to have a minimum coverage of $500,000 per occurrence.

According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) carried out by the New Jersey Department of Health, the construction industry accounted for 28% of workplace fatalities, which was the highest proportion. Given the amount of risk involved in providing plumbing services, homeowners must consider hiring the services of insured plumbers, so they won't be liable to pay the cost of any damage or accidents associated with their project.