Workers comp forplumbing contractors.
Service plumbers, rough-in crews, gas-line specialists, backflow testers. Class code 5183 covers most plumbing. Generally one of the lower-rate trade classes — but claims can get expensive fast when scalding, chemical exposure, or falls happen in crawl spaces.
Plumber · Commercial Mechanical · Documentary
- Real AgentNo Call Center
- Trade-FirstClass Codes Down to the Digit
- Full BookComp + Commercial
- Right CarrierMatched to Your Trade
What we see on claims
- —Burns from hot water, steam, and torches
- —Chemical exposure from drain cleaners and solvents
- —Back and knee injuries from crawl-space work
- —Cuts from pipe threading and cutting tools
- —Slip injuries on wet job sites
What drives your rate
Plumbing runs one of the lower base rates in the trades, which means pricing differences between carriers can be dramatic as a percentage. A smart market-shop here is worth doing. We write plumbing with multiple carriers and compare.
Which one's you?
Residential service plumber
3-truck operation handling service calls and small repairs. Low-complexity class code, but mileage drives premium auto separately.
New-construction plumbing subcontractor
12-person crew running rough-in on production homes. Higher payroll, but consistent trade classification = clean underwriting.
Commercial plumbing contractor
Multi-state operator with specialty work (medical gas, backflow, industrial). Complex class codes, bigger premiums, but more carrier options.
Plumbing-specific questions
Sometimes. Gas work can fall under a higher-rate code depending on the scope. If most of your revenue is gas piping or commercial gas work, you may want a split classification — it can save money.
Helpers are covered employees regardless of license status. Their wages factor into payroll at the plumbing class rate.
Generally yes, it rolls into 5183 for most small ops. Standalone backflow specialists with significant revenue may get a different code.
Figures on this page are illustrative. Your premium depends on your state, class codes, payroll, experience modifier, and carrier. Nothing here is a quote or a promise of rate.