State plumbing guide · DE
Plumbing in Delaware
Delaware sets one plumbing code for the whole state through its Division of Public Health, and every local government must enforce it. Master plumbers are licensed by a state board.
- Median home built
- 1988
- Built before 1980
- 41%
- Owner-occupied
- 74%
- Winter
- Regular hard freezes
- General statewide rating
- Plumbing code
- IPC
- City guides
- 0
Housing figures: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035, B25034).
How to check a plumber's license in Delaware
Delaware's Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners issues master plumber licenses. [1]
Which plumbing code applies in Delaware
Delaware's Division of Public Health adopts the 2021 International Plumbing Code with amendments as the State of Delaware Plumbing Code, and every political subdivision must enforce it. [2]
Seasonal problems to plan for in Delaware
- Winter
- Hard freezes: protect exposed pipes, disconnect hoses. Frozen pipes.
- Hurricane season
- Know your main shutoff; watch for backups after storms.
How old Delaware's homes are
Statewide, the median home was built in 1988 and 41% of homes predate 1980. Homes like that were usually built with copper or CPVC supply, plastic drains, and in some homes gray polybutylene supply pipe. The city guides below show how much that varies within the state.
Delaware plumbing questions
How do I check a plumber's license in Delaware?
Verify the master plumber license through Delaware's Division of Professional Regulation license lookup.
Which plumbing code applies in Delaware?
The State of Delaware Plumbing Code, based on the 2021 International Plumbing Code with amendments, enforced by every local government.
Sources (3)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035, B25034) · checked 2026-10-01
- State of Delaware, Business First Steps: Master Plumber · checked 2026-10-01
- Delaware Administrative Code, Title 16 §4455 State of Delaware Plumbing Code · checked 2026-10-01