New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Plu - State Board for the Licensing and Regulation of Plumbers
1. Authority and Purpose
Purpose: The Plu rules exist to ensure public health, safety, and welfare through the proper regulation of plumbing practices.
Authority: The rules are created under the authority granted by New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA), particularly RSA 329-A and related chapters concerning trades and professional licensing.
2. Definitions (Plu 101)
This section provides definitions of key terms used in the rules. For example:
“Apprentice plumber” – A person registered to learn and assist under a journeyman or master plumber.
“Journeyman plumber” – A licensed plumber who has completed an apprenticeship and passed the licensing exam.
“Master plumber” – A person qualified and licensed to plan, supervise, and install plumbing systems and employ journeymen/apprentices.
3. Licensing Requirements (Plu 300s)
This covers the qualifications and procedures for obtaining, renewing, and upgrading plumbing licenses.
Apprentice License
Must register with the Board.
Must work under direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
Required to complete an approved apprenticeship program.
Journeyman License
Must complete a specific number of work hours (e.g., 8,000 hours) as an apprentice.
Must complete required classroom instruction (typically 144 hours/year).
Must pass a written exam covering plumbing code, safety, and practice.
Master Plumber License
Must be a licensed journeyman in good standing.
Must have a specific number of years of experience as a journeyman (e.g., 2 years).
Must pass a master-level examination.
4. Licensing Exams (Plu 400s)
This section details:
The content and format of the exams.
Requirements to sit for the exams (e.g., application, fee payment, proof of experience).
Passing scores and retake policies.
5. License Renewal and Continuing Education (Plu 500s)
Licenses must be renewed periodically (usually every 2 years).
Continuing education is mandatory to renew a license. This includes updates on building codes, safety regulations, and professional ethics.
Failure to complete continuing education or renew on time may result in license suspension or revocation.
6. Ethical Standards and Professional Conduct (Plu 600s)
Covers standards that plumbers must follow, such as:
Performing work in compliance with plumbing codes and health standards.
Avoiding fraudulent or unethical behavior.
Cooperating with inspections and investigations.
Avoiding unlicensed activity.
7. Enforcement and Disciplinary Action (Plu 700s)
The Board has authority to investigate and discipline plumbers who violate laws or rules.
Disciplinary actions may include:
Fines
Suspension or revocation of license
Probation
Requirement to take remedial education
Reasons for discipline include:
Gross negligence
Fraudulent licensing
Code violations
Unsafe practices
8. Administrative Procedures (Plu 800s)
This governs how the Board operates procedurally, such as:
Hearing procedures
Rulemaking process
Petitioning for rule changes
Public participation and notice
9. Fees (Plu 900s)
Lists all the fees associated with:
License applications
Exams
Renewals
Late renewals
Duplicate license requests
10. Board Composition and Meetings
The Board typically includes licensed master plumbers and public members.
Responsibilities include reviewing applications, holding hearings, updating rules, and ensuring compliance.
Meetings are held regularly and are subject to public notice and open meeting laws.
Summary of Key Licenses
| License Type | Work Allowed | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | Assist under supervision | Register with the board; Enroll in apprenticeship |
| Journeyman | Perform plumbing work independently | Complete apprenticeship + pass exam |
| Master | Supervise, plan, contract, and employ | Experience as journeyman + pass master exam |
Why These Rules Matter
The Plu Rules are essential for:
Protecting public health (plumbing affects sanitation and water safety).
Ensuring that only qualified individuals perform plumbing work.
Upholding professional standards in the trade.
Enforcing consistent licensing and training across the state.
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