How to Check If Your Plumber Is Licensed and Insured in Georgia
I recently came across a Nextdoor post from one of my neighbors of a nightmare plumbing experience they were going through. For those unfamiliar, Nextdoor is a social media app that allows you to engage with everyone in your local community. Anyways, he had hired a local plumber that was referred to him by family or friends (I don’t recall) for a basic pressure regulator job. The plumber arrived late, and then asked to borrow buckets and towels for the job because he didn’t bring the proper tools with him. This was obviously strange and annoying, but things got even worse.
After working for a while, the plumber simply left without warning. The leak remained unfinished with drywall left behind damaged as well. The homeowner immediately reached back out to the plumber, but the plumber responded with aggression and annoyance of his own, even demanding full payment before anything had even been finished and refusing to send an invoice. What should’ve been a quick, clean fix turned into a disaster job with damage left behind. So, the homeowner did all they could at this point and posted their story to Nextdoor in order to warn others about this plumber.
I replied to the post to share a helpful tool that everyone should already be using to vet plumbers, electricians, and any other contractors they might be considering hiring. Easily accessible to every Georgia homeowner is the license status of every Georgia contractor. The homeowner used the tool and quickly discovered that the nightmare plumber he had trusted had zero current plumbing licenses — every one they had held at some point had been neglected to the point of expiration. That’s a huge red flag, and here’s why.
Why a Plumbing License Matters
In Georgia, getting a plumbing license takes time, training, and testing. Licensed plumbers must work under supervision, pass exams, and keep learning to continuously renew it.
A license proves that the plumber knows how to do the job right. It also shows they passed background checks and are registered with the state. If something goes wrong, you have protection. If they’re unlicensed, you’re left with the mess.
We take that seriously. Our team operates under a Master’s plumbing license that’s always active. We also carry insurance and handle permits when needed. That’s how we protect homeowners—and ourselves—from future problems.
If you find that a plumber you’re looking into doesn’t have a current license, they’re either unqualified or unserious about their plumbing work. The best thing you can do in this situation is simply walk away and find a plumber you can trust.
Why You Should Use Insured Plumbers
Every licensed plumber should carry general liability insurance and workers’ comp. This protects your home if they cause damage, and it covers injuries if someone gets hurt on your property.
Unlicensed contractors often don’t carry coverage. If they flood your basement or cut a gas line, you're the one paying for repairs. If they fall off a ladder? They could sue you.
We carry insurance because it’s the right thing to do. If something goes wrong, you won’t be stuck—we’ve got it covered.
Unlicensed or Uninsured Plumbers Are a Real Problem in Cumming
That Nextdoor post showed how quickly a simple job can go wrong. Our neighbor needed a small part replaced. Instead, they dealt with delays, damage, threats, and confusion.
When they used this tool and found that every license under that business name had expired, it was no surprise that the experience was a disaster. It was upsetting for them to know that they could’ve vetted the plumber themselves so easily ahead of time, but really exciting that they now had this tool they could tell others about.
Before hiring anyone, always verify their license and insurance. It only takes a minute: here’s how.
How to Check a Plumber’s License in Georgia
Use the online search tool to easily verify any plumber’s license:
Go to https://goals.sos.ga.gov/GASOSOneStop/s/licensee-search
Choose “Search by Individual” or “Search by Business.”
Enter their name and city.
Confirm the license is marked “Active” in the Plumbing category.
If no active license appears, do not hire that person. Walk away.
How to Check a Plumber’s Insurance in Georgia
Use the online search tool to easily verify any company’s insurance:
Go to https://www.ewccv.com/cvs/?ref=https://sbwc.georgia.gov/
Read through and accept the “Terms of Use.”
Enter the company name.
Confirm the company is listed with a policy number.
If no active insurance policy appears, do not hire that company. Move along.
Plumber Red Flags to Watch For in Georgia
There are plenty of warning signs when a plumbing company is untrustworthy. Watch out for:
No license number or excuses about it
No tools, missing gear, or asking to borrow yours
No written estimate or refusal to provide an invoice
Cash-only or demands for full payment upfront
Aggressive or threatening communication
Professional plumbers don’t behave that way. If anything feels off, simply trust your gut! There are so many wonderful plumbers across Georgia that will safely and happily serve your home best. Make sure you get one of the good ones!
The Dangers of Unlicensed Plumbing Work
We’ve been called in to clean up jobs gone wrong. Many times, the previous plumber wasn’t licensed—and it showed.
Here’s what we’ve seen:
Water heaters installed without proper venting
Sewer lines laid flat, causing backflow
Pressure valves reversed, stressing the whole system
Gas leaks left uncapped or unchecked
Sharkbite fittings installed underground, bound to fail
When that happens, cities can shut the job down. Homeowners get fined. And insurance won’t cover repairs if unlicensed work caused the issue.
Why Georgians Trust Rx-Plumbing & Drain
We’re not a fly-by-night operation. We’re licensed, insured, and committed to doing things right the first time. Our team trains regularly to stay current on codes and techniques.
We pull permits, follow regulations, and explain every step. If there’s ever an issue, we own it and fix it. That’s why our customers stick with us—and why our reviews speak for themselves. Seriously, check out our Google reviews!
FAQs About Licensed and Insured Plumbing in Georgia
Is it illegal to work as a plumber without a license?
Yes. Georgia law requires plumbers to hold an active license for most plumbing work.
Can I be fined for hiring a plumber who isn’t licensed?
Yes. If city inspectors find unlicensed work, they may fine you and halt the job.
How do I check a Georgia plumber’s license status?
Use the Georgia license lookup tool. Make sure it says “Active” under Plumbing.
What happens if an unlicensed plumber damages my home?
You’ll likely pay for repairs yourself. There’s no bond or insurance protecting you.
Why does Georgia licensing matter so much in plumbing?
It means the plumber has real training, has passed exams, and understands Georgia code.
Can a handyman do plumbing work legally in Georgia?
No. They can’t handle water lines, gas, or drainage unless they’re licensed.
What kind of insurance should a plumber have?
General liability and workers’ comp. Ask for proof. Don’t accept vague answers. Or use this Georgia Worker's Comp lookup tool yourself.
What should I do if I already hired an unlicensed plumber?
Stop the job. Call a licensed plumber to assess the work. You may need to redo it to pass any necessary inspections.
Protect Yourself With Cumming’s Top-Rated Plumber
When you let someone work on your plumbing, you’re trusting them with more than pipes. You’re trusting them with your home’s safety and your sanity!
We’ve seen too many people burned by bad hires. That’s why we’re committed to showing up, doing things right, and standing behind our work.
If you’re looking for a licensed, insured plumber in Georgia who cares about the neighborhood, give us a call. We’ll do the job right—and we’ll make sure you’re protected every step of the way.
