Can I do my own plumbing work in New Brunswick, or do I need a licensed plumber?

In New Brunswick, you cannot do your own plumbing work unless you hold a valid plumber's licence issued by the province. All plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs must be performed by a licensed plumber and require permits and inspections.

Licensing and Permit Requirements

The NB Department of Justice and Public Safety — Technical Inspection Services (TIS) issues three types of plumbing licences in New Brunswick and requires permits for all plumbing work. Unlike some provinces where homeowners can do basic plumbing on their own property, New Brunswick requires professional licensing for any plumbing system work. This includes everything from installing new fixtures to repairing existing lines.

You'll need to obtain a plumbing permit from TIS before any work begins, and the installation must be inspected before the system can be used. Contact TIS at 1-888-659-3222 or email TISFTN@gnb.ca to apply for permits. They have Service New Brunswick centres in Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, Miramichi, Bathurst, Campbellton, Edmundston, and Woodstock.

What This Means for Your Project

The licensing requirement covers all aspects of plumbing systems — water supply lines, drain and waste piping, fixture installations, and connections to municipal water or private wells. Even seemingly simple tasks like replacing a toilet or installing a new faucet technically fall under these regulations, though enforcement varies for minor fixture replacements.

For major plumbing work like bathroom renovations, kitchen remodels, or basement development, you'll definitely need a licensed professional. The plumber will handle both the permit application and coordinate the required TIS inspection once the rough-in work is complete.

Safety and Insurance Considerations

This isn't just bureaucratic red tape — plumbing work affects your home's structural integrity, water quality, and sewage disposal. Improper installations can lead to water damage, contamination, or sewage backups that create serious health hazards. Your home insurance may not cover damage from unpermitted plumbing work, and you could face costly remediation if problems arise later.

Your Next Step

Find verified licensed plumbers in our New Brunswick Construction Network directory who can handle your project properly from permits through final inspection. Get quotes from multiple contractors — plumbing costs in New Brunswick are generally 20-30% lower than major urban centers like Toronto, making professional installation more affordable than you might expect.