Get Quotes from Top Plumbers in Minneapolis, MN

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber in Minneapolis

Residents of Minneapolis are billed approximately $3.68 per 748 gallons of water used. With an average household in US consuming 300 gallons of water per day, a typical water bill in the city is less than $60. However, undetected leakages and delayed plumbing repairs may see several dollars added to your utility bill. You can save this money and save the city water by hiring a qualified plumber to fix the wastages. While you can get plumber referrals from friends, family, or other home improvement contractors, you should ask your intended plumber the following question before hiring this plumber to ensure you are making a good pick:

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Plumber in Minneapolis?

Only plumbers who have been duly licensed in Minneapolis by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) can offer their services to city residents. Failing to obtain the appropriate plumbing license before providing plumbing services is a misdemeanor, which is punishable with fines of up to $10,000 for each violation.

The DLI issues plumbing licenses to eligible individuals. However, plumbing licenses are categorized into different types with different eligibility requirements. For example, to apply for a journeyworker plumber license, applicants must complete a four-year apprenticeship program or hold a restricted journeyworker or master plumber license and acquire at least two years of practical plumbing experience while holding this license.

Meanwhile, to apply for a master plumber license, applicants must have been licensed as a journey plumber for at least one year or hold a restricted master plumber license and acquire at least five years of practical plumbing experience while holding this license. Applicants who meet the relevant eligibility requirements can proceed to sit for the relevant licensing exams. To sit for a licensing examination, applicants must complete and submit an Individual Plumber License Examination Application and the required fees to the DLI. When the DLI approves the application, applicants will receive instructions on exam scheduling. After passing the relevant examination, applicants will further receive instructions on paying for the relevant journeyworker or master plumber licenses.

For further questions regarding plumber licensing processes, requirements, and related matters, interested persons can contact the DLI at (651) 284-5031 or via email.

Minnesota maintains an active plumbing reciprocity program with North Dakota and South Dakota. Accordingly, licensed plumbers from these states can operate in Minneapolis if they hold a valid plumbing license from their states and submit a completed Reciprocity Application form to the DLI. This application can also be made online.

Before hiring any plumber in Minneapolis, ensure you verify this plumber's licensing status. You can do this by utilizing the license and registration number lookup provided by the DLI.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Plumbers in Minneapolis?

How much plumbers charge in Minneapolis depends on factors like the cost of plumbing materials, permits required, the type of service being offered, the workforce, and the plumber's experience level. Therefore, plumbers' hourly charge rates vary. Advisably, before hiring a plumber in the city, you should compare quotes from at least three different plumbers near you. Doing this will help you determine the average rate for your plumbing work and make better-informed budgeting decisions.

A plumber in Minneapolis earns an annual average wage of $82,060. Below is a breakdown of the average hourly wages for plumbers in Minneapolis compared with plumbers in other parts of Minnesota and other major cities in the country:

Minneapolis Plumber's Hourly Average Wage
$39.45
Minnesota Plumber's Hourly Average Wage
$36.58
Los Angeles Plumber's Hourly Average Wage
$29.04
New York City Plumber's Hourly Average Wage
$35.78
Houston Plumber's Hourly Average Wage
$26.71
Philadelphia Plumber's Hourly Average Wage
$33.19
Jacksonville Plumber's Hourly Average Wage
$22.43
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Do You Comply with the Minneapolis Building Code for Plumbing?

All plumbing projects carried out in Minneapolis must be done according to the 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code, which the city adopted with certain city-specific amendments. This Code regulates the design, installation, alteration, repairs, and replacement of plumbing systems in Minneapolis. The Code also provides the minimum standards plumbing works must satisfy to ensure the public safety, health, and welfare of city residents while they use plumbing equipment or systems in the city.

Therefore, besides confirming the licensing status of plumbers in the city, you should also ensure that your intended plumber is well-versed with this Plumbing Code. Doing this will ensure your projects do not violate Code requirements, as Code violation is a misdemeanor punishable with a maximum fine of $1,000. If you have any inquiries or need more information about this Plumbing Code, you can contact the Minneapolis Construction Code Services at (612) 673-3000. Alternatively, you can contact the city's Construction Code Services by calling 311 or by email.

Will You Get the Plumbing Permits as Required by Minneapolis Code?

In Minneapolis, plumbing works that involve the construction, alteration, remodeling, and repairs of plumbing systems in the city can only be performed after the relevant permits have been obtained. The Development Review Center of the Minneapolis Department of Community Planning & Economic Development is responsible for issuing permits. However, it is essential to note that certain plumbing works can be carried out without plumbing permits. These works include:

  • The replacement of the internal working components of existing water closets, faucets, or valves.
  • The replacement or resetting of water closets when the work does not include alterations to the existing plumbing piping systems.
  • Minor repairs of broken or leaking plumbing fixtures like sink faucets that do not require alteration to the existing plumbing piping system
  • Replacement of cleanout plug, dishwasher, or garbage disposal

Homeowners or licensed plumbers can apply for plumbing permits at the Minneapolis Development Review Center. At this Center, applicants would be required to sign in at a check-in counter, after which the Center representatives will put them through the plumbing permit application processes. Applicants can visit the city's Development Review Center at:

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Avenue South,
Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 673-3000
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday

Alternatively, applicants can request a printable application form by contacting the Development Review Center at (612) 673-3000 or by email. Where relevant, applicants must attach documents like zoning approval or inspection plan review to the completed form. It is important to note that if a homeowner is applying, their ID address must match the property address where the permit will be used. Applicants can also obtain their plumbing permits by completing an application online. Where required, zoning or inspection plans can be uploaded for review.

Where submissions of plans are required before a permit can be issued, submitted plans must first be reviewed and approved by the Minneapolis Development Review. Once approved, the applicants can pay the necessary fees either by check, cash, or credit or debit cards. Applicants should note that they are responsible for scheduling inspections for their projects before completing the project. Inspections can be scheduled by calling the inspector's phone number indicated on their permit. You can contact the Minneapolis Development Review Center for all permitting inquiries at (612) 673-3000 or 311 or by email.

What Kind of Plumbing Services Do You Offer?

Plumbers in Minneapolis offer a variety of services, which generally range from residential to commercial plumbing services. Such services involve sewer line cleaning, drain line inspection, installation, and replacement of plumbing fixtures. Regardless of the type of plumbing job you are hiring a plumber for, ensure this plumber specializes in handling the relevant plumbing service. Not only that, but also ensure that you can afford the services of your preferred plumbers.

Provided below is a list of the average costs of common plumbing services offered in Minneapolis:

Remodel or home addition
$4,530 - $5,800
Toilet installation or replacement
$160 - $171
Clearing drain clog or blockage
$130 - $158
Bathtub installation
$1,990 - $2,400
Drain line video inspection
$270 - $310.
Gas line installation
$31 - $45
Septic system installation
$7,640 - $9,000
Septic tank cleaning or pumping
$280 - $330
Sewer line cleaning
$180 - $275
Sewer line installation and repair
$62 - $80
Sump pump installation
$885 - $1,270

Do You Offer Emergency Plumbing Services in Minneapolis?

It is estimated that household leaks waste about 1 trillion gallons of water each year, enough to supply the country's water needs of three megacities. Most of these leaks are due to plumbing faults like dripping faucets, leaking valves, or worn toilet flappers. Therefore, it is essential to treat all plumbing problems as emergencies, regardless of how inconsequential they appear. Fixing these problems within a reasonable time saves your household from health hazards like molds and reduces further damage to your plumbing system and building's structure. Due to the emergency nature of these plumbing problems, it is advisable to hire duly licensed and qualified plumbers to handle these types of issues.

You can find qualified plumbers near you by utilizing third-party review websites like Google Review, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau. Note that it is necessary to verify the licensing status of plumbers you find on these websites. You can easily do this by utilizing the license and registration number lookup provided by DLI. This is to ensure that the plumber you hire is eligible to offer services within the city and possesses a valid plumbing license.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Plumbers in Minneapolis?

In 2019, over 37,000 nonfatal work-related injuries were recorded amongst plumbers across different parts of the country, including Minneapolis. Considering the likelihood of workplace hazards during plumbing work, hiring insured and bonded plumbers is essential because this protects you from incurring liability when a workplace injury or accident occurs during your plumbing work.

In any case, all licensed plumbers in Minneapolis are required to carry general liability insurance with a minimum coverage stipulated as follows:

  • $50,000 for one person per occurrence
  • $100,000 for more than one person per occurrence
  • $10,000 for property damage per occurrence

In addition to this, plumbers must maintain a surety bond of at least $25,000, and plumbers with at least one employee must maintain workers' compensation insurance coverage. It is a homeowner's responsibility to confirm that their intended plumber possesses an active insurance policy and the appropriate surety bond amount. To do this, you can request for their insurance certificate issued by their insurance provider or a certificate of insurance issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). For more information on Minneapolis insurance and bonding requirements, you can contact the DLI at (651) 284-5034.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Plumber in Minneapolis

In August 2021, Prosecutors in Hennepin County charged a contractor with theft by swindle for allegedly duping 53 Minnesota customers, including Minneapolis residents, out of more than $1 million in up-front payments for work that was never completed. Sadly, there are a lot more residents of Minneapolis who fall victim to unscrupulous and deceptive contractors like this.

As such, when planning to hire plumbers near you for any services, you should take the necessary steps to ensure you do not fall victim to such scams. Generally, you can look out for signs like pressure tactics, lack of a valid license, reluctance to provide work references, demands for full or large upfront payments, and door-to-door solicitation. You can also take the following steps:

  • Be cautious of door-to-door solicitations for plumbing repair
  • Always verify the licensing status of your intended plumber by using the license and registration number lookup provided by DLI.
  • Ensure you execute a written contract and where the relevant clauses are not understandable, ensure you seek clarification.
  • Confirm if your intended plumber has an active general liability insurance plan and maintains an active bond.
  • Avoid paying more than 10% of the project's total value or $1,000, whichever is less.
  • Keep proper records of receipts and other documents related to the project.

If you have a complaint against a Minneapolis plumber, you can report it to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) online, by email, or in person. For email or in-person submissions, you can download a complaint form and email the completed form or submit it to the address indicated on the top left corner of the form.

It is important to note your restitution is not guaranteed after filing your complaint. If you seek restitution, you can file a civil action at the Hennepin County District Court. However, endeavor to engage the services of a qualified attorney for an assessment of your case before filing this action. You can utilize the Find a Lawyer directory provided by the Minnesota State Bar Association to find active Minneapolis lawyers near you.