North Carolina plumbing: license classes, drain cleaning and water heaters

Source: Local Help Stations (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.

Plumbing contractors in North Carolina hold a license from the state plumbing, heating and fire sprinkler board under Article 2 of Chapter 87.

What North Carolina rules say

State law defines plumbing as the system of pipes, fixtures and apparatus that supply water to a building and carry sewage or other waste away. (source: North Carolina General Assembly)
Installing or replacing water heaters or whole house water purification or treatment systems is part of licensed contracting. (source: North Carolina General Assembly)
People who only clean plumbing drains are outside the licensing law. (source: North Carolina General Assembly)
A limited plumbing contractor license covers exterior water service lines and building sewer piping two inches across or smaller. (source: North Carolina General Assembly)
Class I plumbing licenses cover all structures, and Class II licenses are for single family detached residential dwellings. (source: North Carolina General Assembly)
The board enforces Chapter 87, Article 2 of the General Statutes and its own rules in 21 NCAC Chapter 50. (source: N.C. State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors)
The board says it is self supporting and runs on license fees, with no state or federal tax funding. (source: N.C. State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors)

This page covers statewide rules only. Cities and counties can add their own permits and licenses, so check with your local building office too.

Last updated: November 2, 2026