PLUMBING x MEMPHIS x TENNESSEE

Plumbing contractors in Memphis, Tennessee.

Operating as a licensed plumbing contractor in Memphis requires compliance with both Tennessee state licensing and local Shelby County regulations. Contractors must first obtain individual plumber licenses (journeyman or master level) through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, followed by a contractor license that requires bonding and insurance. The process involves passing state examinations, demonstrating required experience levels, and maintaining annual renewals with continuing education. Local operations require a Shelby County business license and obtaining permits through the Memphis & Shelby County Health Department for most plumbing work. The permit process includes plan review, fee payment, and mandatory inspections at rough-in and completion stages. Insurance requirements include general liability coverage and workers compensation, with minimum coverage levels set by state law but often increased by local market demands and commercial client requirements.

State License
VerifyTennessee
Permit Issuer
MemphisBuilding dept.
Plan Review
Verifybusiness days
Start-Up
In Memphis market, typical plumbing project costs include: drain cleaning $150-$400, water heater installation $1,200-$2,500, toilet replacement $300-$800, k...Plumbing
FILE · PLUMBING x MEMPHIS x TENNESSEE
Compliance Dossier
Public
File
Verify with issuing agencies
State AuthorityTennessee licensing authority
CountyShelby County
City AuthorityMemphis building department
StatuteVerify locally
InsuranceVerify minimums
ReciprocityVerify with state board
FILE PLUMBINGLOCATION MEMPHIS, TENNESSEETYPE COMPLIANCE GUIDE
VERIFIED Verify with issuing agenciesSTATUS PUBLIC REFERENCE
What's specific to MemphisWhat this leaf carries beyond the Tennessee state file.
State license floor
Tennessee requires all plumbing contractors to obtain a license through the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors. Pl...
Local permit office
Plumbing permits are required through the Memphis & Shelby County Health Department's Plumbing Division for most installations, repairs, and alterations. Per...
Insurance check
Tennessee requires plumbing contractors to carry minimum general liability insurance of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate. Workers' compensation...
§ 01 · Permit Stack

Three layers govern Plumbing work in Memphis.

The state license sets the floor; the county and city control permits, inspections, and local rules in Memphis.

State - Floor
Tennessee licensing authority
Tennessee requires all plumbing contractors to obtain a license through the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors. Pl...Renewal rules
County - Overlay
Shelby County
County recordsHealth or zoning checks
City - Where you file
Memphis building department
Plumbing permits are required through the Memphis & Shelby County Health Department's Plumbing Division for most installations, repairs, and alterations. Per...Inspections

Read it bottom-up.

The city is usually where the permit is filed, but the state floor and county overlay still apply.

This file exists to show what changes when the trade is Plumbing and the jurisdiction is Memphis, Tennessee.

Source · State, county, and city issuing authoritiesLast verified · Verify with issuing agencies
§ 02 · Specs Ledger

Every requirement, with a number on it.

Each row names the issuing authority, cost, timeline, citation, and status behind the requirement.

RequirementIssued byCostTimeCitationStatus
License requirementsTennessee requires all plumbing contractors to obtain a license through the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors. Pl...
State / local board
Verify
Verify
Verify
VERIFY
Permit requirementsPlumbing permits are required through the Memphis & Shelby County Health Department's Plumbing Division for most installations, repairs, and alterations. Per...
Local building department
Verify
Verify
Verify
VERIFY
Insurance requirementsTennessee requires plumbing contractors to carry minimum general liability insurance of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate. Workers' compensation...
Carrier / issuing authority
Verify
Verify
Verify
VERIFY
§ 03 · Year-One Cost

What it costs to start Plumbing in Memphis.

A practical floor for Memphis, Tennessee. Verify each amount with the issuing authority.

Year-one ledger
Memphis, Tennessee · Plumbing
Published rangeGenerated guide summaryIn Memphis market, typical plumbing project costs include: drain cleaning $150-$400, water heater installation $1,200-$2,500, toilet replacement $300-$800, k...
Year-one floorVerify
Excludes tools, vehicle purchase, payroll, and marketing.
Compared locally
Memphis, Tennessee

In Memphis market, typical plumbing project costs include: drain cleaning $150-$400, water heater installation $1,200-$2,500, toilet replacement $300-$800, k...

Most contractors miss
The local rule.

Plumbing permits are required through the Memphis & Shelby County Health Department's Plumbing Division for most installations, repairs, and alterations. Per...

Faster path
Verify before filing.

Confirm the issuer, fee, and timeline before submitting the first permit.

§ 04 · Path to First Job

From day zero to first inspection.

A practical path for Plumbing contractors in Memphis.

1
Day 0
Verify license
State board
2
Day 7
Insurance and bond
Carrier
3
Day 14
Local registration
City / county
4
Day 21
File permit
Building dept.
5
Day 30
Inspection
Inspector
6
Day 45
Renewal tracking
Self-managed
§ 05 · Compliance Checklist

Check them off.

Each item names the issuing authority, cycle, and citation.

01
Obtain Tennessee Journeyman or Master Plumber license through state board
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
02
Apply for Tennessee Plumbing Contractor license with required bond and insurance
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
03
Register for Shelby County business license and obtain tax ID
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
04
Secure general liability insurance ($300K minimum) and workers compensation
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
05
Apply for specific job permits through Memphis & Shelby County Health Department
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
06
Schedule required inspections (rough-in and final) for each permitted job
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
07
Maintain current license renewals and complete annual continuing education
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
08
Keep detailed records of all work performed and permits obtained
Verify with the issuing authority before work starts.
VerifyVerify
Issuing authorityIssuing authority
§ 06 · Local Enforcement Data

Violations cited most in Memphis.

When confirmed local data is unavailable, this section stays marked for verification.

#1 verify
VerifyMemphis

Permit not confirmed

Verify local enforcement data before work starts.

PenaltyVerify
#2 verify
VerifyMemphis

Lapsed local registration

Local registrations can renew on a different cycle than state licenses.

PenaltyVerify
#3 verify
VerifyMemphis

Insufficient insurance

Local minimums can sit above the state floor.

PenaltyVerify
§ 08 · Related

Adjacent files.

These are the documents Iris tracks for you.

Store licenses, permits, policies, and renewal dates in one place.