Plumbing Company Employee Handbook Template

Plumbing companies face unique challenges: working in customers' homes, handling hazardous situations, navigating complex licensing requirements, and managing expensive tools. A plumbing company employee handbook helps you address all of these while protecting your business and team.

This guide covers everything you need to include in a plumbing-specific handbook, plus a free template to get you started.

Why plumbing companies need a specialized handbook

Generic employee handbooks don't address the specific challenges plumbing businesses face:

• High-risk work environment — Trenching, confined spaces, hot work, chemical exposure
• Licensing requirements — State licenses, apprenticeship programs, continuing education
• Expensive equipment — Tool policies, inventory management, loss prevention
• Customer-facing work — Plumbers represent your company in customers' homes
• Code compliance — Building codes, permits, inspections vary by jurisdiction

A specialized handbook protects your business, ensures compliance, and helps plumbers understand expectations from day one.

Download the template

Get started with our free employee handbook template. It includes all the standard sections, which you can customize with plumbing-specific policies.

This is our general template. Add the plumbing-specific sections outlined below to make it complete for your plumbing business. Need help customizing? See our step-by-step handbook guide.

Key sections for plumbing company handbooks

Beyond standard handbook content, plumbing companies need these specialized sections:

Safety policies to include

Plumbing work involves significant safety hazards. Document these critical areas:

Trenching and excavation

• OSHA trenching requirements (shoring, sloping, shielding)
• Call before you dig (811) requirements
• Soil classification and inspection
• Emergency egress from trenches
• Competent person requirements

Confined space entry

• Permit-required confined space identification
• Atmospheric testing procedures
• Entry permits and attendant requirements
• Rescue procedures
• Ventilation requirements

Chemical handling

• Drain cleaning chemicals (acids, caustics)
• Soldering materials and flux
• PVC cement and primers
• Proper storage and transportation
• SDS access and training

PPE requirements

• Safety glasses for all work
• Gloves appropriate to the task
• Steel-toed boots on job sites
• Hard hats in construction zones
• Hearing protection when needed

Licensing and certification requirements

Plumbing is a licensed trade in most states. Your handbook should clarify:

State licensing

• Apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber requirements
• Supervision ratios (apprentices to journeymen)
• Scope of work for each license level
• Consequences for working outside license scope

Specialty certifications

• Backflow prevention — Testing and certification requirements
• Medical gas — If applicable to your work
• Gas piping — Additional certification in many states
• Water heater — Some jurisdictions require specific certification

Continuing education

• Hours required for license renewal
• Approved course requirements
• Company-sponsored training opportunities
• Time off and reimbursement for training

Customer service policies

Plumbers work in customers' homes and businesses. Set clear expectations:

Professional conduct

• Arrive on time or call ahead if delayed
• Introduce yourself and explain the work
• Wear shoe covers or remove shoes when requested
• Clean up work area completely
• No smoking, eating, or using phone excessively on site

Communication

• Explain problems and solutions in plain language
• Get approval before additional work
• Provide written estimates when required
• Handle complaints professionally

Property protection

• Use drop cloths and protection materials
• Report any pre-existing damage
• What to do if you cause damage
• Securing the home when leaving

Template vs. digital handbook

Plumbers are rarely in the office. Consider whether a digital solution makes sense:

Frequently asked questions

What should be in a plumbing company employee handbook?

A plumbing company handbook should include safety procedures (trenching, confined spaces, chemical handling), licensing requirements, tool and equipment policies, vehicle use, customer service standards, and emergency procedures. Plus all the standard employment policies like anti-discrimination, leave policies, and performance expectations.

Do plumbing companies need employee handbooks?

Yes, plumbing companies benefit from handbooks due to safety risks, licensing requirements, and customer-facing work. A handbook documents safety procedures, ensures compliance, protects against liability, and maintains consistent service quality. Most plumbing shops are small businesses — even with a few employees, documented policies protect you.

What safety policies should a plumbing handbook include?

Plumbing safety policies should cover trenching and excavation safety (OSHA requirements), confined space entry procedures, hot work and soldering safety, chemical handling for drain cleaners and solvents, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout procedures.

How do I handle licensing requirements in the handbook?

Document which licenses are required for each role, supervision requirements for apprentices, scope of work limitations, continuing education requirements, and consequences for working outside license scope. Keep it updated as requirements change.

How do I get plumbers to acknowledge safety policies?

Have each employee sign an acknowledgement form confirming they've received and understood the handbook. This is especially important for plumbing companies — documented safety acknowledgments protect you during OSHA inspections or after incidents.