A Plumbing Subcontractor Agreement is an employment contract between a contractor and a professional plumber. Contractors for new construction and remodels often subcontract to plumbers with the knowledge, experience, and licensing to conduct plumbing design, installation, and repairs.
By subcontracting with a plumber, the general contractor keeps the contract with the client simple. The contractor is responsible for monitoring and paying the subcontractor under the purview of the more significant agreement with the client.
Your Agreement Should Include:
- Primary contractor name and address
- Subcontractor name and address
- Services the subcontractor will provide
- Compensation the plumber will receive for their services
- Invoicing and payment details.
When to Use
A plumbing subcontractor is often used in construction projects to design and install pipes and fixtures. They may act as a consultant on large projects or work with the construction contractor to retrofit plumbing for a remodeling project.
The subcontractor agreement allows the contractor to outsource plumbing responsibilities to a licensed and experienced plumber who can provide high-quality work within their area of specialization.
Hiring Plumbing Subcontractors
Plumbing for a residential space can be very different from business or industrial plumbing. When subcontracting, you should consider the following factors:
Materials
Plumbing materials differ depending on their intended use. Be sure to hire a plumber familiar with the system you are installing. Materials in a water treatment facility will vary significantly from those in a residential bathroom.
A skilled plumber will know which materials you should use for your project’s pipes, faucets, and fixtures to ensure optimal operation and longevity.
Scheduling
Plumbing installation occurs at several points during the construction process. By subcontracting these services, the contractor can manage the scheduling so the installation goes without causing unnecessary delays or difficulties.
Licensing
Plumbers in most states must be licensed to conduct professional work. As a contractor, you benefit from working with a licensed plumbing subcontractor, regardless of legal requirements.
Although licensed plumbers may be more expensive upfront, they are more likely to provide higher-quality work consistent with industry standards.
Do All States Require a Plumbing License?
Some states do not require plumbers to obtain a license. However, those states’ cities, towns, and municipalities may still have licensing requirements. Be sure to check your state and local laws to ensure compliance.
Certifications
Plumbers often obtain certifications to verify their expertise. Certifications a plumber may obtain include:
- Journeyman Plumber Certification
- Master Plumber Certification
- Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (CBPA)
- American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) Professional Certification
- Green Plumbing Design (GPD) Certification
- Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) Certification
- Certified Cross-Connection Control Specialist (CCCS)
Some certifications, such as journeyman and master certifications, have different requirements depending on the state or jurisdiction. For others, plumbers must complete educational and testing requirements to prove they have a high level of knowledge and experience in plumbing.
Plumbing Subcontractor Agreement Sample
Streamline the process by downloading a plumbing subcontractor agreement template in Word or PDF format:
