Is a licensed plumber the same as a master plumber?

In NYC the license is the Master Plumber license. Journeymen and apprentices work under an LMP, who is responsible for the work and the permits.

Does Manhattan Plumbing employ the plumbers?

No. We are a referral service. Work is done by independent Licensed Master Plumbers who carry their own insurance, and we send their license details on request.

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Licensing · NYC

What a Licensed Master Plumber is, and how to check one.

In New York City, gas work, plumbing permits and Local Law 152 inspections require a plumber licensed by the Department of Buildings. Here is what that license means.

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What the license covers

A Licensed Master Plumber (LMP) holds a license issued by the NYC Department of Buildings after years of supervised experience and DOB exams. Only an LMP's business can pull plumbing and gas permits in the city, and LL152 inspections must be done by an LMP or someone working under one.

Work that needs an LMP

Gas piping repairs, new gas lines and gas restoration after a shutoff
Local Law 152 periodic gas piping inspections and DOB filings
Work that needs a DOB plumbing permit, such as repiping, new fixtures in new locations, boiler and water heater replacements
Correcting DOB plumbing violations

How to verify a license

Ask for the license number and look it up in DOB's license search before work starts. Check that the name matches the business you are hiring, that the license is active, and ask for a certificate of insurance naming the building if your managing agent requires one.

Questions

Short answers.

Is a licensed plumber the same as a master plumber?
In NYC the license is the Master Plumber license. Journeymen and apprentices work under an LMP, who is responsible for the work and the permits.
Does Manhattan Plumbing employ the plumbers?
No. We are a referral service. Work is done by independent Licensed Master Plumbers who carry their own insurance, and we send their license details on request.

Manhattan Plumbing is a referral service of DF Consulting. Work is performed by independent NYC Licensed Master Plumbers who carry their own insurance. This page is general information, not legal advice.

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