Michigan plumbing: who may do the work and when a permit is needed
Source: Local Help Stations (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Plumbing in Michigan is governed by the Michigan Plumbing Code and the plumbing article of the Skilled Trades Regulation Act.
What Michigan rules say
- Only a licensed master or journey plumber may perform plumbing, with a licensed master plumber in charge of the job. (source: Michigan Legislature)
- Plumbing work may not begin until the enforcing agency has issued a permit. (source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs)
- Fixing only the working parts of a faucet or valve, or clearing a stoppage, needs no permit as long as the piping and fixtures are not altered. (source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs)
- A homeowner may install plumbing, a building sewer or a private sewer in their own single family home without a license if a permit is secured. (source: Michigan Legislature)
- Installing home water treatment and filtering equipment needs no plumbing license if it is permitted and inspected. (source: Michigan Legislature)
- Both the plumbing contractor license number and the master plumber license number must be recorded on the permit application. (source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs)
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 Michigan topics
Sources
- Michigan Legislature (legislature.mi.gov): MCL 339.6107, Skilled Trades Regulation Act: plumbing license required; work not requiring a license (statute text) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes: Plumbing Permit Information (checked November 2, 2026)
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