Plumbing and HVAC rules in Tennessee

In Tennessee, plumbing jobs of $25,000 or more need a CMC-A contractor classification from the Board for Licensing Contractors. Smaller jobs need a Limited Licensed Plumber license where the state issues permits and inspects, and larger cities license plumbers locally.^{1, 2, 3}

Tennessee's Board for Licensing Contractors licenses HVAC, refrigeration and gas piping work under its CMC-C classification, which requires an exam.¹

Tennessee has adopted the 2021 International Plumbing Code as a state minimum standard, and exempt local governments may adopt their own code if it's at least as strict.⁴ Tennessee has also adopted the 2021 International Mechanical Code as a state minimum standard.⁴

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

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