To check if a plumber is registered in Ontario, ask for their Certificate of Qualification number for trade code 306A (Plumber) and look it up on the Skilled Trades Ontario public register at skilledtradesontario.ca — the search is free, takes under two minutes, and confirms whether the certificate is active, expired, or nonexistent. Plumbing is a compulsory trade in Ontario, which means it is illegal for anyone to work as a plumber without either a valid 306A certificate or a registered apprenticeship with a certified journeyperson supervising. Beyond the certificate, a proper check in 2026 a...
Skilled Trades Ontario is the provincial agency that issues and tracks trade certifications, and its public register is the single authoritative source for confirming a plumber's credentials. Ask the plumber for the exact name on their certificate and their certificate or membership number, then search the register on skilledtradesontario.ca. A valid result shows the tradesperson's name, the trade (306A Plumber), and the status of the certificate. What you want to see is an active, in-good-stand...
Plumber (306A) is a compulsory trade in Ontario, unlike many voluntary construction trades. Compulsory status means certification is legally required to perform the work, and enforcement officers can issue penalties for uncertified plumbing work. Handyman-style plumbing by an uncertified person is n...
A WSIB clearance certificate proves the plumber's workplace insurance account is in good standing and, critically, protects you as the homeowner. If an uninsured worker is injured in your home, you can be exposed to liability for their injury costs. Clearance certificates are free and can be requested by anyone through the WSIB website using the business's legal name or account number, so you don't have to take the plumber's word for it. Independent operators with no employees may hold optional ...
Ask for a certificate of insurance issued directly by the plumber's insurance broker, not a photocopied card. In Ontario, $2 million in commercial general liability is the standard minimum for residential plumbing work, and the certificate should show the policy number, coverage limits, and expiry date. Next, check the HST number on the quote: any business in Canada earning more than $30,000 annually must register and charge HST, and you can validate a GST/HST number free through the Canada Reve...
Cash-only demands, requests for 50%+ up front, and pressure to sign immediately are the three most common patterns in Ottawa plumbing scams. Pay by credit card, cheque, or e-transfer so there's a record, and keep every receipt for warranty claims.
A 306A plumbing certificate does not authorize gas work. If your job involves a gas water heater, gas boiler, gas line for a range or barbecue, or a gas furnace connection, the person doing that portion must hold a TSSA-issued gas technician certificate (G3, G2, or G1, in increasing order of scope). The Technical Standards and Safety Authority maintains the registry and lets you confirm a certificate is valid. Many Ottawa plumbers hold both credentials, but plenty hold only one, and gas work per...
In Ottawa, many plumbing jobs require a plumbing permit from the City — typically anything that alters, extends, or adds to the drain, waste, vent, or water distribution system, such as moving a bathroom, adding a basement bathroom, replacing a water service, or installing a backwater valve. Simple fixture swaps like replacing an existing faucet or toilet in the same location generally don't. A licensed plumber will pull the permit as part of their scope and arrange the City inspection; that ins...
Ottawa's Residential Protective Plumbing Program has historically offered grants toward backwater valves, sump pumps, and related flood protection — but eligibility requires a permitted, inspected installation by a licensed plumber. Skipping the permit forfeits the rebate.
Ask for the plumber's Certificate of Qualification number for trade 306A and search it free on the Skilled Trades Ontario public register at skilledtradesontario.ca. An active certificate confirms they are legally qualified. The register lists individuals, so if you're hiring a company, verify the certified plumber who will actually be on site.
Yes. Plumber (306A) is one of Ontario's compulsory trades, meaning it is illegal to perform plumbing work without a valid Certificate of Qualification or a registered apprenticeship supervised by a certified journeyperson. Uncertified plumbing work can result in penalties and is not covered by most warranties or insurance.
At minimum, $2 million in commercial general liability insurance plus WSIB coverage. Request a certificate of insurance directly from their broker and a free WSIB clearance certificate through the WSIB website. Independent operators without employees may carry optional WSIB coverage instead, so ask what protection they hold.
Only if they also hold a TSSA gas technician certificate (G3, G2, or G1). A 306A plumbing certificate does not authorize gas piping, gas water heater, or gas boiler connections. Verify gas credentials separately through the Technical Standards and Safety Authority before any gas appliance work.
Usually yes for anything that alters, adds to, or extends drain, waste, vent, or water supply piping — including basement bathrooms, relocated fixtures, water service replacement, and backwater valves. Straight fixture replacements in the same location generally don't. Your licensed plumber should pull the permit and arrange the City inspection.