Licensing & Permits

Maine plumbing law requires licensing for most plumbing work, overseen by the Plumbers’ Examining Board, mandating permits and adherence to the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code. Exemptions exist for homeowners doing their own primary residence work or specific utility/HVAC tasks, while also regulating local inspectors and subsurface systems. Permits are required for new plumbing fixtures, even when a homeowners doing their own work.

Who Needs It: Anyone performing plumbing or installing plumbing systems, except for specific exempt roles or owners working on their own primary residence. New fixtures require HHE-211 (available below).

Levels: Trainee, Journeyman, and Master Plumber, each with increasing experience/exam requirements.

Permits: Required for most significant work (e.g., replacing drain/vent/water lines, relocating fixtures, adding new fixtures), with exceptions for simple faucet/fixture swaps.

Code & Standards

Governing Code: Based on the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), covering fixtures, water supply, drainage, vents, etc..

Lead-Free: All new plumbing materials must be lead-free.

Water Systems: Must provide adequate hot/cold water and proper sizing for fixtures to remain sanitary.

Key Rules

Homeowners: Homeowners can do their own work on their primary residence if they meet code standards; otherwise, a licensed plumber is required. Permitting may still be required.

Supervision: Master plumbers are responsible for their trainees and journeymen.

Local Enforcement: Municipalities appoint Local Plumbing Inspectors (LPIs) to enforce codes, but their rules can be stricter than state rules.

Subsurface Systems: Require compliance documentation before construction.