State plumbing guide · TN
Plumbing in Tennessee
Tennessee sets a statewide plumbing code through the State Fire Marshal's Office and licenses plumbing contractors through a state board. Local governments enforce the code and may license individual plumbers.
- Median home built
- 1988
- Built before 1980
- 39%
- Owner-occupied
- 67%
- Winter
- Occasional hard freezes
- General statewide rating
- Plumbing code
- IPC
- City guides
- 5
Housing figures: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035, B25034).
Tennessee city plumbing guides
How to check a plumber's license in Tennessee
Plumbing contractors in Tennessee are licensed by the Board for Licensing Contractors in the Department of Commerce and Insurance, which also offers a Limited Licensed Plumber license for smaller jobs. [1]
Which plumbing code applies in Tennessee
Tennessee's currently adopted plumbing code is the 2021 International Plumbing Code, adopted by the State Fire Marshal's Office and enforced locally. [2]
Seasonal problems to plan for in Tennessee
- Winter
- Hard freezes: protect exposed pipes, disconnect hoses. Frozen pipes.
- Storm season
- Heavy rain: sewer backups and sump pump failures.
How old Tennessee's homes are
Statewide, the median home was built in 1988 and 39% 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.
Tennessee plumbing questions
How do I check a plumber's license in Tennessee?
Check the contractor with the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, and ask whether your city or county also requires a local plumbing license.
Which plumbing code applies in Tennessee?
The 2021 International Plumbing Code, adopted statewide by the State Fire Marshal's Office and enforced by the local building department.
Sources (3)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035, B25034) · checked 2026-10-01
- Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Limited Licensed Plumber application · checked 2026-10-01
- Tennessee State Fire Marshal's Office, Currently Adopted Codes · checked 2026-10-01