Codes & permits
Chicago plumbing licenses & permits
Chicago adds a layer on top of State licensing: City licenses, City permits, a City plumbing code and separate rules for sewer work.
Calls are answered by a referral service that connects you with a local plumbing provider. How this works
Licensing
A plumbing contractor licensed by the State of Illinois must also obtain a City of Chicago plumbing contractor license to perform plumbing work in Chicago. Contractor licenses are issued by the Board of Plumbing Examiners through the Department of Buildings, and new licenses must be applied for by a City-licensed plumber who owns or is an officer of the business.
A licensed and bonded plumbing contractor is required to perform most types of plumbing work in Chicago. A limited exception lets an owner, occupant or lessee do the work personally; it does not allow hiring anyone other than a licensed plumbing contractor.
Source: City of Chicago — Does my project require a licensed plumbing contractor?
Permits
| Pathway | Covers (examples from City pages) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Express Permit — Plumbing Work | Repair or replacement of an existing water heater; plumbing work adding up to 5 water supply fixture units | Online; licensed contractor |
| Plumbing Maintenance (Monthly) | Ongoing maintenance work under a monthly permit | Excludes replacing a domestic water heater |
| Standard permit | Larger or more complex work | Plan review may apply |
| Sewer permit (DOB) | Connecting, constructing, altering, repairing, rodding or cleaning sewers | Licensed drainlayer only; limited call-in exceptions; CDOT/MWRD permits may also apply |
Removing and replacing any drain, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, or a concealed trap, requires a permit and inspections.
Sewer work and drainlayers
Sewer permits can only be obtained by a licensed drainlayer. Since January 1, 2022, licensed plumbing contractors can obtain a courtesy drainlayer license. Exceptions allow in-kind replacement of up to 20 feet of existing sewer or rodding of a public sewer when the licensed drainlayer calls it in.
Source: City of Chicago DOB — Sewer Permits; City of Chicago DOB — Drainlayer License
Verify a contractor
Use the City’s list of licensed plumbing contractors and ask who will pull the permit.
What we could not confirm
- Contractor license fee and bond amount (third-party figures conflict).
- The definition and scope of the code’s "minor repairs" exception.
- Specific changes for plumbing in the 2026 Chicago Construction Codes and any grace period.
- Whether a same-location toilet or faucet replacement needs a permit.
Check with the official source before relying on these points.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do my own plumbing in Chicago?
The City allows an owner, occupant or lessee to perform some work personally in limited cases. That exception does not allow hiring anyone other than a licensed plumbing contractor. Permits and inspections still apply.
Who can get a sewer permit?
Only a licensed drainlayer. Since January 1, 2022, licensed plumbing contractors can obtain a courtesy drainlayer license for this purpose.
Which code applies to my project during the 2026 transition?
The City states that plumbing work must follow the edition of the Chicago Plumbing Code in effect when the permit application is filed. The Department of Buildings issued a transition memo in October 2026; ask DOB or your provider which edition applies.
Sources
- City of Chicago DOB — Plumbing Contractor License Official / primary
- City of Chicago DOB — Plumber License Official / primary
- City of Chicago — Does my project require a licensed plumbing contractor? Official / primary
- City of Chicago — Express Permit Program: Plumbing Work Official / primary
- City of Chicago — Plumbing Maintenance (Monthly) permits Official / primary
- City of Chicago DOB — Sewer Permits Official / primary
- City of Chicago DOB — Drainlayer License Official / primary
- City of Chicago DOB — Modernizing Chicago’s Construction Codes Official / primary
- Municipal Code of Chicago, Ch. 14A-4 (Permits) Official / primary
- City of Chicago — Licensed plumbing contractors list Official / primary
Information can change; official sources control.