Do You Need a Licensed Plumber or Electrician in Ontario? What the Rules Say

Why this matters

Ontario treats plumbing, electrical and gas work as compulsory trades. Hiring an unlicensed person for that work can void insurance claims, fail a home inspection at resale, and in the electrical case is a safety and legal issue. This is general guidance, not legal advice — check with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) and the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) for specifics.

Electrical

Any work on wiring, panels, new circuits or permanent fixtures should be done by a Licensed Electrical Contractor (LEC) registered with the ESA, who pulls the permit and arranges inspection. Swapping a like-for-like light fixture or a switch cover is generally treated as minor, but anything beyond that is licensed territory.

Ask for: ESA/ECRA licence number, proof of liability insurance.

Plumbing

Work on supply lines, drains, water heaters and anything requiring a permit needs a licensed plumber (306A). Replacing a faucet cartridge or a toilet flapper is usually fine for a handyman.

Ask for: Certificate of Qualification number, insurance.

Heating, cooling and gas

Furnaces, water heaters, gas lines and AC refrigerant work require TSSA gas technician (G2/G3) and/or refrigeration licences.

Ask for: TSSA certificate, insurance.

How BeaverFix handles it

Categories that require a licence are flagged in our system. Jobbers can't be listed in those categories until they upload the licence and insurance documents and our team verifies them. You'll see a Licence verified badge on their profile.

If a jobber who is not licensed offers to do licensed work — on or off the platform — decline and report it from the booking page.

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