Get Quotes from Top Plumbers in Buffalo, NY

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Plumber in Buffalo?

All plumbing projects in Buffalo must be handled by a plumber with the appropriate plumbing license. Failure to obtain a license before offering plumbing services is prohibited, and offending plumbers can be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than 60 days, or a combination of fines and imprisonment. The Buffalo Permit and Inspection Service is charged with the regulation of plumbers in the city, and it typically provides a 7-day grace period for any unlicensed plumber to desist from acting without a license.

The Buffalo Permit and Inspection Service administers Journeyman and Master Plumber licenses to qualified candidates. A minimum of 8,000 hours of experience working under a Master Plumber is required to apply for a Journeyman license. On the other hand, the required qualification for a Master Plumber license application is a minimum of 6000 hours as a Journeyman Plumber.

Before applying for a Journeyman or Master Plumber license, candidates must register with the city's Examining Board of Plumbers and proceed to procure a certificate of competency issued by this board. Once the interested plumber has obtained the certificate of competency, the next step is to apply for the applicable plumbing license by downloading the appropriate application form. The completed form and the certificate of competency should be presented to the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services office using the address below:

You can direct queries concerning plumber licensing and certificates of competency by contacting the Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspections at (716) 851-5067. You can also verify that your intended plumber has been duly licensed by accessing Buffalo's list of licensed contractors webpage and looking up the plumber's profile. If your plumber's profile appears on this page, then your plumber has a valid license.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Plumbers in Buffalo?

Getting and comparing price estimates from different plumbers near you not only helps you determine whether a plumber's pricing is outrageous or appropriate, it also can go a long way in saving you money. Nevertheless, it is important also to note that the cost of plumbers in Buffalo is determined by various factors, including the nature of your plumbing project, the cost of materials, and the type of license that the plumber holds. For example, a plumber with a master plumbing license would likely charge more than a plumber with a Journeyman license for the same service, as they generally have a higher level of proficiency.

Plumber in Buffalo earns an annual average wage of $67,200. Below is a breakdown of the average hourly wages for plumbers in Buffalo compared with plumbers in other parts of New York State and other major cities in the country:

Do You Comply with the Buffalo Building Code for Plumbing?

Hiring a plumber who is not only properly licensed but also knowledgeable about the city's plumbing code helps to guarantee that your plumbing project is done according to the required standards. Doing this also protects you from potential code violations and any penalties that may result from these violations. The Plumbing Code of New York State (PCNYS), which Buffalo uses, is a set of regulations designed to govern the installation, alteration, repair, relocation, additions, replacement, use, and maintenance of plumbing systems. Such plumbing systems include fixtures, faucets, and fittings, subsurface drainage piping, water supply and distribution, and fire sprinklers.

The code also provides the minimum standard requirements for plumbing projects and protects the health, property, and public welfare of Buffalo residents. Plumbing code-related queries can be directed to the Plumbing Inspections Office of the Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspection Services at (716) 851-5067.

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

Generally, a plumbing permit is required for any plumbing work that involves the replacement, removal, or rearrangement of plumbing systems in Buffalo. However, according to Section 105 of the Plumbing Code of New York State, certain types of maintenance tasks are excluded from the need for a permit if completed by a licensed plumber. This exempted work includes repairing urinal flush valve systems, as well as fixing leaks in drains or vent pipes. Furthermore, minor repairs to existing faucets, supply tubes, and fixtures do not require a permit. It is important to obtain the required permits for any plumbing project before commencing the work since failing to do so might result in fines and other penalties.

Buffalo plumbing permits are issued by the Commissioner of Permit & Inspection Services. Master plumbers and homeowners can apply for a plumbing permit by downloading a plumbing permit application form and mailing the completed form to the Commissioner of Permit & Inspection Services at the following address:

Note that for a plumbing permit to be issued for a new plumbing project or alteration, stipulated permit fees must be paid.

Furthermore, all plumbing work for which a permit is required is subject to inspection by the city's Plumbing Inspections Office. These inspections are performed to ensure that the plumbing work is done according to the minimum standards prescribed by the Plumbing Code of New York State. Inspection requests can be made to the Plumbing Inspections Office by calling (716) 851-5067. You can contact the Plumbing Inspections Office of the Department of Permit and Inspection Services at (716) 851-5067 to direct inspection-related queries or to get further assistance on the city's plumbing work inspection process.

What Kind of Plumbing Services Do You Offer?

Plumbers in Buffalo often provide a wide range of services, ranging from repairing or replacing broken piping and fixtures in existing buildings and structures to installing pipe and plumbing systems in new construction. These plumbing services are generally classified into four types, namely leak detection and repair, drain cleaning services, installations and replacements, and inspection and maintenance. Hence, it is beneficial always to confirm that the plumber you intend to hire is skilled enough to handle the work at hand.

Additionally, understanding what sort of plumbing work you require will assist you in locating the appropriate plumber. For example, while a Journeyman plumber may be able to fix vent pipe leaks and unclog drain stoppages, more major work, such as piping system installs and repairs, is best left to Master Plumbers.

Some common cost estimates for plumbing services in Buffalo include:

Do You Offer Emergency Plumbing Services in Buffalo?

Plumbing issues that are ignored for an extended period can lead to the loss of over 10,000 gallons of water each year. These plumbing issues include problems like clogged toilets, burst pipes, and faulty sump pumps. With the residents of Buffalo currently paying over $22.83 per 22,000 cubic feet as water charges, it is beneficial to fix these plumbing issues as soon as possible.

While it may be tempting to contact any plumber near you to fix an emergency plumbing issue, it is always in your best interest to make sure that the plumber is duly licensed and skilled enough to perform the job. It is also advisable to utilize the services of a qualified plumber who is familiar with the city plumbing code. You can use third-party websites such as Better Business Bureau or Yelp to locate these types of plumbers near you. Additionally, you should verify that any plumber you hire is duly licensed by looking up the plumber details in Buffalo's list of licensed contractors' webpage.

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

Home improvement contractors working in Buffalo are typically required to have current and valid general liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000 and provide proof of this insurance when applying for a license. However, journeymen or Master Plumbers are not required to obtain insurance before a license or permit is issued. Nevertheless, it is beneficial to ensure that your intended plumber has valid general liability insurance. Hiring an insured plumber protects you and your plumber against the costs of property damage or injuries that may occur as a result of the plumbing project. As such, you should always request proof of insurance from your intended plumber and verify it by contacting the relevant insurance provider.

If you have further inquiries regarding the insurance policy and requirements for Buffalo plumbers, you can contact the Plumbing Inspections Office of the Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspection Services at (716) 851-5067.