State plumbing guide · VA
Plumbing in Virginia
Virginia runs one statewide building code, the Uniform Statewide Building Code, and licenses plumbing contractors and tradesmen through the Board for Contractors.
- Median home built
- 1985
- Built before 1980
- 42%
- Owner-occupied
- 67%
- Winter
- Regular hard freezes
- General statewide rating
- Plumbing code
- IPC
- City guides
- 3
Housing figures: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035, B25034).
Virginia city plumbing guides
How to check a plumber's license in Virginia
Virginia's Board for Contractors (DPOR) licenses plumbing contractors and certifies individual tradesmen, including master, journeyman and residential plumbers. [1]
Which plumbing code applies in Virginia
Virginia's plumbing requirements are part of the Uniform Statewide Building Code; the 2021 edition incorporates the 2021 International Plumbing Code with Virginia amendments. [2]
Seasonal problems to plan for in Virginia
- Winter
- Hard freezes: protect exposed pipes, disconnect hoses. Frozen pipes.
- Storm season
- Heavy rain: sewer backups and sump pump failures.
How old Virginia's homes are
Statewide, the median home was built in 1985 and 42% 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.
Virginia plumbing questions
How do I check a plumber's license in Virginia?
Search DPOR's license lookup for both the contracting business and the individual tradesman doing the work.
Which plumbing code applies in Virginia?
The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, whose 2021 edition references the 2021 International Plumbing Code with Virginia amendments.
Sources (3)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035, B25034) · checked 2026-10-01
- Virginia DPOR, Board for Contractors Tradesman Regulations · checked 2026-10-01
- Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, 2021 Virginia Construction Code · checked 2026-10-01