Do plumbers need to be licensed in Ontario?

Yes, plumbers in Ontario must be licensed through the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT) and hold a Certificate of Qualification to legally perform plumbing work. This is a provincial requirement that applies to all plumbers working in Ottawa and across Ontario.

In Ontario, plumbing is a compulsory trade, meaning anyone doing plumbing work for compensation must be properly licensed. There are different levels of plumbing licenses:

Licensed Plumber Classifications:

• Journeyperson Plumber - Can perform all plumbing work independently


• Apprentice Plumber - Must work under supervision of a licensed journeyperson


• Plumbing Contractor - Business license allowing a company to offer plumbing services

How to Verify a Plumber's License in Ottawa:
You can verify any plumber's credentials through the Ontario College of Trades website at ontario.ca/trades or by calling OCOT directly. Simply search by the tradesperson's name or certificate number. A legitimate plumber should readily provide their license number and encourage you to verify it.

What Ottawa Homeowners Should Look For:
When hiring a plumber in Ottawa, ensure they have current WSIB coverage (verify at wsib.ca/clearances), liability insurance, and proper licensing. For gas line work, plumbers also need TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) certification - verify this at tssa.org.

Permit Requirements in Ottawa:
Most plumbing work requires permits from the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424). This includes new installations, relocating fixtures, and major repairs. Your licensed plumber should handle permit applications through ottawa.ca/building. Permit fees typically range from $100-400 depending on the scope of work.

Red Flags to Avoid:
Never hire someone who can't provide their OCOT license number, offers to skip permits, demands full payment upfront, or goes door-to-door soliciting work. Unlicensed plumbing work can void your home insurance and create serious safety hazards.

Emergency Situations:
Even for emergency plumbing repairs in Ottawa, use licensed professionals. While you might pay premium rates for after-hours service, proper licensing ensures the work meets Ontario Building Code standards and protects your family's safety.

For major plumbing projects like bathroom renovations or adding a secondary suite in Ottawa, verify your plumber's credentials and ensure all permits are properly obtained before work begins.