Plumbing Licensing in Quebec

Plumbing work in Quebec is regulated through two bodies. The Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ) acts as mandatary of the RBQ, issuing contractor licences for plumbing and heating work (subclass 15.5 for plumbing). The CMMTQ verifies the professional qualifications of plumbing and heating contractors. Individual plumbers working on construction sites must hold a CCQ journeyman competency certificate. The plumber apprenticeship consists of four periods of 2,000 hours each (8,000 hours total, approximately 4 years). Alternatively, a Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP) in plumbing and heating (1,680 hours) combined with work experience can lead to qualification. All plumbing work must comply with the Quebec Construction Code. Red Seal endorsement is available.

Ask for the contractor's CMMTQ licence number and verify it on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Individual plumbers should hold a CCQ competency certificate.

(1) No Certificate of Qualification - this is a compulsory trade in Ontario (2) Refuses to provide a written quote or only gives vague verbal estimates (3) Pressures you into immediate, expensive repairs without explaining alternatives (4) No WSIB coverage or liability insurance (5) Suggests unpermitted work to save money on permits

(1) Do you hold a Certificate of Qualification from Skilled Trades Ontario? (2) Do you carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage? Can I see proof? (3) Will you provide a written, itemized quote before starting work? (4) Do you offer a warranty on parts and labour? (5) Will permits be required, and will you handle pulling them?

Yes, plumbings in Quebec are expected to carry liability insurance.

The Red Seal endorsement is a nationally recognized certification that allows tradespeople to work across all Canadian provinces and territories without additional testing. A Red Seal-endorsed tradesperson has met a standardized level of competency.

In Quebec, most contractors performing construction work must hold an RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence. You can verify any contractor's licence on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Always ask for the licence number and verify it before hiring.

Typical rates for plumbings in Quebec range from $90-$200/hour. Type and complexity of the job, accessibility of pipes, whether permits are required, emergency vs. scheduled service (emergency rates are 1.5-2x standard), age and condition of existing plumbing, fixture quality, and whether the home has older lead or galvanized pipes that need replacement.