Plumbing and HVAC rules in North Dakota

What the state says about plumbing and heating and cooling work, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and your city or county can have rules of its own.

Checked September 23, 2026

Plumbing licensing

Anyone doing plumbing in North Dakota must hold a master, journeyman or apprentice license from the State Plumbing Board. Businesses on jobs over $4,000 also need a contractor license from the Secretary of State.^{1, 2, 3}

Heating and cooling licensing

In North Dakota, cities issue master and journeyman HVAC licenses after a statewide reciprocity exam, and jobs over $4,000 also need a contractor license from the Secretary of State.^{4, 3}

Plumbing and mechanical codes

North Dakota's State Building Code includes the 2024 International Mechanical Code, which local governments adopt and enforce.⁵

Permits to replace a water heater, furnace or AC

Ask your local building department whether replacing a water heater, furnace or AC needs a permit where you live.

Backflow testing

If your home has a backflow preventer, your water utility can tell you whether it needs testing and who can test it.

Sources

What plumbing and HVAC work costs in North Dakota

Published national ranges for plumbing, water heater, sewer, AC, heat pump and furnace jobs, and a planning estimate for your own job.

Plumbing, heating and cooling costs in North Dakota

Contractors in North Dakota

162 plumbers and heating and cooling contractors are listed in North Dakota. 34 hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county, or ask for quotes and we'll pass your job to contractors near you.

Cite this page

“Plumbing and HVAC rules in North Dakota.” PlumbingInformationSite.com, updated September 27, 2026. https://plumbinginformationsite.com/nd/rules/