State plumbing guide · DC
Plumbing in District of Columbia
Washington, DC writes its own construction codes and licenses plumbers through its Board of Industrial Trades. Rowhouses, very old pipe and lead service lines in older homes shape many repairs.
- Median home built
- 1960
- Built before 1980
- 66%
- Owner-occupied
- 41%
- Winter
- Regular hard freezes
- General statewide rating
- Plumbing code
- IPC
- City guides
- 1
Housing figures: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035, B25034).
District of Columbia city plumbing guides
How to check a plumber's license in District of Columbia
DC licenses plumbers and gas fitters through the Board of Industrial Trades in the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. [1]
What shapes plumbing in District of Columbia
DC Water reports tap water hardness typically around 70 to 120 ppm (3 to 9 grains per gallon), peaking in warmer months. [3]
District of Columbia's older housing stock
Statewide, the median home was built in 1960 and 66% of homes predate 1980. Homes like that were usually built with copper or galvanized supply, cast iron drains, clay or cast iron sewer laterals. The city guides below show how much that varies within the state.
Which plumbing code applies in District of Columbia
The District of Columbia Plumbing Code (2017) consists of the 2015 International Plumbing Code as amended by the DC Plumbing Code Supplement, part of the 2017 DC Construction Codes. [2]
Seasonal problems to plan for in District of Columbia
- Winter
- Hard freezes: protect exposed pipes, disconnect hoses. Frozen pipes.
- Storm season
- Heavy rain: sewer backups and sump pump failures.
District of Columbia plumbing questions
How do I check a plumber's license in District of Columbia?
Verify the master plumber license with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
Which plumbing code applies in District of Columbia?
The 2017 District of Columbia Plumbing Code, based on the 2015 International Plumbing Code with DC amendments.
Sources (4)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035, B25034) · checked 2026-10-01
- DC DLCP, Board of Industrial Trades · checked 2026-10-01
- DC Department of Buildings, 2017 DC Construction Codes · checked 2026-10-01
- DC Water, How hard is the water in the District of Columbia? · checked 2026-10-01