When it’s a home renovation, homeowners often wonder, “Can a general contractor do plumbing work?” In order to answer that correctly, you must be aware of the difference between a general contractor and a licensed plumber and what level of legality and capability each has. The following is what you have to know in order to make the best decision for your next project.
The Law of Contracting and Plumbing
General contractors and plumbers do have some distinct roles, and their licensing is usually also distinct in this sense. General contractors oversee and coordinate entire plumbing work in building construction projects. What’s more, general contractors can subcontract and oversee specialists, such as electricians and HVAC technicians, to perform some aspect of a project. Licensed plumbers are specialized and licensed to perform work on water, pipe, and drain systems only.
There are different legal requirements state by state and even municipality by municipality. Some general contractors can perform minor plumbing such as repairing some leaks or installing fixtures in certain areas, but anything more is usually reserved for a licensed plumber. Installation of new piping systems, sewer line repairs, or even fixing hazardous materials such as gas lines is where the licensed plumber comes in.
Homeowners have to ensure that they are in accordance by checking local ordinances as performing plumbing work without the appropriate license can result in fines or even denied claims on their insurance.
Plumbers and General Contractors Scope of Work
Understanding what each specialist does will point homeowners in the right direction. A general contractor is useful while doing complex projects, for instance, multiphased projects, like house renovation or house additions. Their main work is project management, for instance, planning, costing, hiring subcontractors, as well as quality control.
While they might have an entire list of different trades that they are skilled in, general contractors are not plumbers. Some may do plumbing work, but they are not licensed plumbers and are hence not allowed to do as much as they would be otherwise. A contractor will oversee and manage orders from vendors, but they would not do any work that would have them cutting into water lines or repairing a leak in a master water supply line.
Professional plumbers do have the training and specialized equipment to handle complicated plumbing issues. Professional plumbers are taught to find, diagnose, and repair problem issues quickly and in a way that is safe and meets building codes. Beyond minor repairs, calling a professional plumber isn’t just worth it financially; it’s crucial to the safety and life of plumbing in your home.
Finding the Proper Expert
If work is being done at your home that includes plumbing, you need to determine the scope of the work and hire the proper professionals. In most large projects, you will probably need to hire both a licensed plumber and a general contractor. If you are, say, incorporating kitchen plumbing and remodeling, your general contractor can do the design, cabinetry, and electrical fixture work, while the plumber can get all pipes and fixtures in and up to code.
Always check credentials, licenses, and experience from potential plumbers or contractors. Professionals will provide you with proof of credentials and even walk you through permits and inspection that you need to perform to legalize and make your project safe.
The Ideal Solution for Your Property
General contractors are incredibly useful as a project manager on large projects, but they are actually there to direct the work of a specialist professional and not do it themselves. Plumbing is a specialist job, and it is a job that is best left to a licensed plumber who has the technical expertise and licensing to do the job right and safely.
Whether you’re hiring a Pacific Palisades general contractor for a major renovation or looking for a general plumbing contractor, the right professionals make all the difference. No matter if you are completing a low-budget remodel or a high-end project involving plumbing construction, the right experts will, in the long run, save you time, frustration, and money. If unsure, hire qualified, licensed professionals to do your plumbing properly and in the proper manner.
Lauren Lerner is the founder of Living With Lolo, a nationally recognized Scottsdale interior designer and an Arizona licensed general contractor. She is celebrated for creating luxury homes that are warm, livable, and deeply personal, blending thoughtful design with seamless construction and curated furnishings. Recognized as one of Arizona’s top interior designers, Lauren has worked with celebrities, athletes, and executives across the country. Her work, known for its elevated yet inviting style, has been featured in multiple national publications. Guided by the belief that great design should feel as good as it looks, Lauren transforms houses into homes that truly reflect her clients’ lives.