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Consumer Advice - Plumbing

Ensure that your Plumber is licensed.  

  • Everyone who provides plumbing services must have their own individual license.

 Working ‘under someone’s license’ is illegal. 

Know what each level of licensing means:

  • A person who is licensed as an Apprentice is authorized to assist with providing plumbing services, and must be supervised at all times by a licensed Journeyman or Master
  • A person who is licensed as a Journeyman is authorized to provide plumbing services under the direction of a Master and may work without supervision.  If a Journeyman is working without the Master on site, then the Master must be available to assist or to inspect the work at all times. 
  • A Master license is the highest level of licensure. A Master is authorized to work independently, enter into contracts, and pull permits.  Only a Master who is Insured may enter into contracts or pull permits. 

These descriptions apply to both Plumber/Gasfitters and Natural Gasfitters. 

  • You may use our License Search feature to verify if someone is licensed. 

Know your jurisdictions

There are three counties in Maryland that do not fall under the jurisdiction of the MD State Board of Plumbing:

  • Baltimore County-  Governed by the Baltimore County Plumbing Board.  You must have a valid Baltimore County license or certificate to work in this county.  You may contact them by phone at 410-887-3620 or by email.
  • Prince George’s and Montgomery County  - governed by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). You must have a valid WSSC license to work in these counties.  You may contact them at 301-206-4001 or by email. 

How to Contact the Board. 

  • If you have questions about licensing, insurance information, or how to file a complaint, please contact The Board of Plumbing at 410-230-6379 or via email at [email protected]