Illinois plumbing help: state plumber licenses and homeowner rules
Source: Local Help Stations (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Illinois is one of the states that licenses plumbers statewide, through the Department of Public Health under the Illinois Plumbing License Law.
What Illinois rules say
- Under the Illinois Plumbing License Law (225 ILCS 320), the Department of Public Health licenses plumbers, plumbing contractors, apprentices, irrigation contractors and retired plumbers. (source: Illinois Department of Public Health)
- All planning, design and installation of plumbing must be done by licensed plumbers or licensed apprentice plumbers. (source: Illinois General Assembly)
- To get licensed, a plumber must pass a state exam after working 48 to 72 months as a licensed apprentice. (source: Illinois Department of Public Health)
- Every plumbing contractor must register with the state, pay an annual fee and carry liability, property damage and workers' compensation insurance. (source: Illinois Department of Public Health)
- Licensed plumbers must complete 4 hours of continuing education for each annual renewal. (source: Illinois General Assembly)
- An owner or renter living in a single family home may do their own plumbing if it meets the Illinois State Plumbing Code, and the work is subject to inspection by the Department of Public Health or by the local government if it retains a licensed plumber as an inspector. (source: Illinois General Assembly)
- A homeowner or renter doing their own plumbing may not hire anyone but a licensed plumber to help. (source: Illinois General Assembly)
- A licensed plumber may sponsor no more than 2 licensed apprentices at the same time. (source: Illinois General Assembly)
- If a plumber sponsors 2 apprentices at once, one of them must have at least 2 years of experience as a licensed apprentice. (source: Illinois General Assembly)
This page covers statewide rules only. Cities and counties can add their own permits and licenses, so check with your local building office too.
More Illinois topics
Sources
- Illinois Department of Public Health: Plumbing (checked November 2, 2026)
- Illinois General Assembly: 225 ILCS 320/3, Illinois Plumbing License Law, licensed plumbers and homeowner exemption (statute text) (checked November 2, 2026)
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