Welcome to the website of the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, an agency within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. We appreciate your visit to our homepage and we look forward to assisting you.
Although our building in Gardiner, Maine is not open to the public due to the COVID-19 health emergency, our staff remains available to resolve your complaints, answer your questions, and continue to deliver high-quality services to consumers and regulated industries.
Please contact us by email or by phone or through our other online services, and we will assist you.
You may follow this link to the Secretary of State's office to view a list of board members. Members of the public should not contact board members with questions or comments. All questions, comments or any other board-related matters must be directed to the Board’s administrator. (Matthew.S.Kaply@maine.gov 207-624-8605)
Purpose
The Plumbers' Examining Board was established to preserve and protect the health of the people of the State of Maine by insuring the existence of adequate safety and health standards for plumbing installations, to examine and license persons performing plumbing in the State of Maine.
The primary responsibilities of the Board are to establish and determine qualifications and oversee the administration of examinations of any person applying to act as a plumber, to investigate all complaints of noncompliance of violations of the current board law or rules, to recommend suspension or revocation to the Administrative Court under the APA of all licensees found to be guilty of fraud, deceit, negligence or misconduct.
Staff Announcements
UPC Training Videos Available
In November and December 2022, there was online Zoom UPC training sessions available to all licensed plumber and plumbing inspectors. Those four Zoom sessions were recorded and now available if you missed the opportunity to attend. Please click the link below to access the trainings.
Plumbers’ Examining Board Announces new Senior Plumbing Inspector
The Plumbers’ Examining Board announces that Michael Day has been named Senior Plumbing Inspector. Mike joined the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation in 2021, after 30+ years in business, the last 4 of which he spent as a plumbing and heating instructor at KVCC. In addition to his master plumbing license, Mike holds oil, solid fuel and gas licenses. As the sole state plumbing inspector, Mike covers the whole state. He may be reached by cell phone at 207-592-6362 or by email at michael.w.day@maine.gov.
Updated Guidance and Retiring of Covid-19 Prevention Checklists, May 26, 2021 (PDF)
Notice Regarding License Verification Requests (PDF)
Effective March 1, 2019, the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) will no longer issue paper license verifications. License verifications are available, free of charge, on OPOR’s official database, https://www.pfr.maine.gov/ALMSOnline/ALMSQuery/Welcome.asp?board=4460. This database is updated in real time as changes occur. The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation considers this information to be a secure, primary source for license verification.
Information and Resources
Examination Information Bulletin
The Maine Plumbers’ Examining Board has contracted with PROV, Inc. to provide its examinations for approved candidates. The Candidate Information Bulletin (PDF) helps explain the rules and processes candidates will need to undertake to complete the testing requirements for their professional licenses.
Rulemaking
Notice of Agency proposed rulemaking (PDF) – Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation – Plumbers’ Examining Board – Chapter 4 (Installation Standards) – Written Public Comments may be emailed to plumbers.board@maine.gov or mailed to the Plumbers’ Examining Board, 35 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0035 no later than Monday, November 22, 2021 by 5:00 pm.
2021 UPC – Effective January 1, 2022
The Plumbers’ Examining Board has adopted a rule repealing the current 02-395, Chapter 4, Installation Standards, replacing it with a rule with the same title and in the same location that adopts and establishes installation rules and incorporates by reference into board rule the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, Copyright © 2020, 29th edition, Third Printing, May 2021, as the standard for plumbing installations in the State of Maine, subject to the exclusions and amendments as set forth in the rule. Please visit this link for a copy of the rule. The newly adopted Chapter 4 will be effective January 1, 2022.
To purchase a 2021 UPC book please contact IAPMO: https://iapmomembership.org/store/
To view the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code ebook please use the following link: https://epubs.iapmo.org/2021/UPC/
2018 PHCC Uniform Plumbing Code Presentation
2018 PHCC Uniform Plumbing Code Presentation (pdf)
2015 Common Plumbing Code Issues (pdf)
License Delivery
Future correspondence from the Plumbers' Examining Board will be sent to you by email, so please be sure to keep your contact information current. Follow this link to verify your contact information.
License Descriptions
Veterans Preference Policy (adopted February 2017)
MILITARY EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation wants to make sure that individuals who have military experience and training and who wish to obtain a plumbing license receive appropriate credit for their military training and experience. If you have military experience and training in the plumbing field and want to become licensed in Maine as a Master or Journeyman Plumber, please contact Matt Kaply (207-624-8605) or email the office before submitting an application. We will explain the application process and assist you in preparing your application for licensure.
Air Testing
On March 9, 2011, the Plumbers' Examining Board voted to allow the testing of plastic schedule 40 DWV piping systems with 5 psi maximum of air. For safety purposes, when testing with air, a listed 6 psi relief valve is required. Click here for a copy of the policy (PDF).
Requirement to Report Convictions and Changes of Contact Information Within 10 Days of the Occurrence
The Maine State Bureau of Identification provides the ability for individuals to request criminal history records maintained by the Maine State Police, State Bureau of Identification. This records search will provide you with all conviction and adjudication information for crimes committed within the State of Maine that the Bureau of Identification currently has on record, as well as pending cases less than one year old.
Laws & Rules
Plumbers' Examining Board Laws & Rules (PDF)
Informational
EPA's Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rule (PDF)