How to Verify a Licensed Plumber in Rhode Island

Rhode Island requires plumbers to hold a license from the RI Board of Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters, while plumbing contracting businesses must be registered with the RI Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board. Both credentials must be active before any plumbing work begins. Fines for unlicensed plumbing work in Rhode Island can reach $5,000 per violation — but the real cost of unlicensed work typically falls on the homeowner.

This guide covers plumber licensing in Rhode Island, how to verify both individual and business credentials, what bond is required, and what else to confirm before signing a contract.

Does Rhode Island require plumbers to be licensed?

Yes. Individual plumbers in Rhode Island must hold a license from the RI Board of Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. Plumbing contracting businesses must also be registered with the RI Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB) at crb.ri.gov. Both licenses must be active. Fines for performing unlicensed plumbing work in Rhode Island can reach $5,000 per violation, and courts may find contracts with unlicensed contractors unenforceable.

Rhode Island's plumbing licensing requirement covers all residential and commercial plumbing work. There is no project-size threshold below which a license is not required. Out-of-state plumbers performing work in Rhode Island must also hold valid Rhode Island credentials.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that waterborne disease outbreaks in the United States are frequently linked to plumbing cross-connections and improper installations. Licensed plumbers are trained to prevent exactly these kinds of failures, which is why Rhode Island requires licensing for all plumbing work.

What plumber license types does Rhode Island issue?

The RI Board of Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters issues Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Apprentice Plumber licenses. A Master Plumber holds the highest individual license, qualified to supervise others, pull permits, and serve as the qualifier for a plumbing contracting business. A Journeyman Plumber can perform most plumbing work under master supervision. Apprentices must work under direct supervision and are not independently licensed.

License tiers:

• Master Plumber— Full authorization to design, supervise, and permit plumbing work. Required as the qualifier for licensed plumbing contracting businesses.
• Journeyman Plumber— Licensed to install, repair, and replace plumbing systems under master oversight. The most common license for field plumbers.
• Apprentice Plumber— Must work under direct supervision. Enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program.

If the work involves gas lines, confirm the plumber also holds a gas fitter license or that the work is within the scope of their existing plumber license. Rhode Island's plumbing board covers both plumbing and gas fitting.

What bond does a Rhode Island plumbing contractor need?

Plumbing contractors registered with the Rhode Island CRLB must carry a $10,000 surety bond as a condition of registration. The bond is a minimum consumer protection if the contractor fails to complete work or violates licensing requirements. Beyond the bond, verify general liability insurance (at least $300,000 for residential projects) and workers' compensation for all employees. Call the insurer directly to confirm active coverage before any work begins.

How do I verify a plumber's license in Rhode Island?

Check individual plumber licenses through the RI Board of Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters, and verify the contracting business at crb.ri.gov. Both searches are free. Confirm the individual holds a Master or Journeyman license, the business registration is active, and both expiration dates are current. If either credential is expired or cannot be found, the contractor is not currently authorized to perform plumbing work in Rhode Island.

What to confirm in each lookup:

• Individual license type— Master or Journeyman Plumber from the Plumbers and Gas Fitters Board.
• Individual license status— Active and not expired, suspended, or revoked.
• CRLB business registration— Active at crb.ri.gov.
• Expiration dates— Both credentials must be current.
• Complaint history— Review any disciplinary actions through either board.

What happens if I hire an unlicensed plumber in Rhode Island?

Unlicensed plumbing work in Rhode Island means failed inspections, denied insurance claims, and no bond to recover against if work is defective. Courts may also find the contract unenforceable, leaving you with limited legal options if the work was done poorly. The $5,000 fine falls on the contractor — but the water damage, mold, and structural problems from bad plumbing fall on you.

CheckLicensed.com lets you verify any Rhode Island plumber's credentials for just $0.99. Check individual licenses through the RI Board of Examiners of Plumbers and business registrations at crb.ri.gov, or use CheckLicensed.com to confirm both before any plumbing work begins.