PLUMBERS AND PLUMBING CONTRACTORS

MCL ch. 339, subtit. Act 407 of 2016, art. 11

in effect

MCL 339.6101 Definitions; A to J.

339.6101. Definitions; A to J. Sec. 1101. As used in this article: (a) "Apprentice plumber" means an individual who is registered under this article as an apprentice. (b) "Board" means the state plumbing board described in section 1105. (c) "Building sewer" means that part of the drainage system that extends from the end of the building drain and conveys its discharge to a public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage disposal system, or other point of disposal. (d) "Domestic water treatment and filtering equipment" means residential water treatment and filtering equipment used in 1-family and 2-family dwellings. (e) "Journey plumber" means an individual, other than a plumbing contractor or master plumber, who is qualified to engage in the practical installation of plumbing and who is licensed as a journey plumber. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

MCL 339.6103 Definitions; M to W.

339.6103. Definitions; M to W. Sec. 1103. As used in this article: (a) "Master plumber" means an individual who possesses the necessary skills and qualifications to plan and supervise the installation of plumbing and who is licensed as a master plumber. (b) "Minor repair" means a repair that involves only the clearance of stoppages, repair, or replacement of a faucet or valve or reinstallation of that same plumbing fixture and does not involve making any modifications to the plumbing system, or residential domestic water treatment and filtering equipment. Minor repair does not include any of the following: (i) The repair or replacement of a backflow preventer and air admittance valves. (ii) A repair or replacement that is only a part of a larger or major renovation or repair. (c) "Plumbing" means the practice, materials, and fixtures, in or adjacent to a building, structure, or premises, used in the installation, maintenance, extension, or alteration of all piping, fixtures, plumbing appliances, or plumbing appurtenances, as defined in the state construction code, in connection with the sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities, plumbing venting systems, medical gas systems, backflow preventers, and public or private water supply systems. (d) "Plumbing contractor" means a licensed master plumber or a person who employs a licensed master plumber full-time to directly supervise the installation of plumbing as his or her representative engaged in the business of plumbing for a fixed sum, price, fee percentage, valuable consideration, or other compensation and who is licensed as a plumbing contractor. (e) "Restitution" means the requirement that a person that is found to be in violation of this article, a rule promulgated under this article, or an order issued under this article has caused monetary damage to another and that the violator is required to compensate the injured party in an amount equal to the amount of the monetary damage caused. (f) "Water service pipe" means the pipe from the water main or other source of potable water supply to the water distributing system of the building served. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

MCL 339.6105 State plumbing board; membership; qualifications; recommendations to commission.

339.6105. State plumbing board; membership; qualifications; recommendations to commission. Sec. 1105. (1) The state plumbing board created in section 13 of former 2002 PA 733 shall continue in existence and is designated as the board for purposes of this article. (2) The board is composed of the following members: (a) The director or his or her authorized representative, the director of the department of environmental quality or his or her authorized representative, and a member or employee of the drinking water and radiologic protection division of the department of environmental quality, selected by the director of the department of environmental quality. Board members described in this subdivision shall serve as voting ex officio members. (b) Five members who are appointed by the governor for 3-year terms and who are United States citizens and residents of the state, as follows: (i) Two members who are licensed plumbing contractors who hold a master's license and have 10 years of experience as plumbing contractors. (ii) One member who is a licensed master plumber who secures permits and has 10 years of experience as a master plumber. (iii) One member who is a licensed journey plumber and has 10 years of experience as a journey plumber. (iv) One member who represents the general public. (3) The board shall recommend to the state construction code commission the promulgation of rules the board considers necessary for the safe design, construction, installation, alteration, and inspection of plumbing. The board may also recommend to the state construction code commission, after testing and evaluation, that the commission issue a certificate of acceptability under the state construction code for a material, product, method of manufacturing, or method of construction or installation of plumbing equipment. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017 [Compiler] For transfer of authority, powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities of state plumbing board to department of licensing and regulatory affairs, see E.R.O. No. 2017-1, compiled at MCL 339.3102. [Compiler] For the transfer of a position on the state plumbing board designated by the department of environmental quality to a member appointed by the director of the department of environment, Great Lakes, and energy, see E.R.O. 2019-1, compiled at MCL 324.99923. [Compiler] For the abolishment of the 10 years of experience membership requirement and designation of the ex officio members under subsection (2)(a) as non-voting members, see E.R.O. No. 2024-2, compiled at MCL 16.735.

MCL 339.6107 Plumbing contractor, master plumber, journey plumber, or apprentice plumber; license or registration required; work not requiring license; performing activities within scope of licensure or registration.

339.6107. Plumbing contractor, master plumber, journey plumber, or apprentice plumber; license or registration required; work not requiring license; performing activities within scope of licensure or registration. Sec. 1107. (1) A person shall not engage in or work at the business of a plumbing contractor, master plumber, journey plumber, or apprentice plumber unless that person is licensed or registered under this article. Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), only a licensed master or journey plumber shall perform plumbing. A licensed master plumber shall be in charge and responsible for proper installation and conformance with the state construction code. Plumbing shall not be performed unless the plumbing contractor who is responsible has obtained a permit from the state or a governmental subdivision authorized to issue permits. (2) A license under this article is not required to perform any of the following work: (a) Minor repair work. (b) The installation of a building sewer or water service pipe, if a permit is secured from the responsible enforcing agency and inspections are performed. The installations shall comply with the applicable parts of the state construction code. (c) The installation of domestic water treatment and filtering equipment that requires modification to an existing cold water distribution supply and associated waste piping in buildings if a permit is secured, required inspections performed, and the installation complies with the applicable parts of the state construction code. If the enforcing agency determines a violation exists, the responsible installer must correct it. (d) The installation by a homeowner of his or her own plumbing, building sewer, or private sewer in his or her single-family dwelling if a permit is secured. (e) The installation of medical gas piping, if the installation is performed under the supervision of a licensed plumbing contractor. (3) This article does not prevent a person from performing any activities within the scope of licensure or registration under any other licensure or registration act or applicable codes for that licensed or registered professional adopted pursuant to law. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

MCL 339.6109 Plumbing contractor, master, or journey license; examination.

339.6109. Plumbing contractor, master, or journey license; examination. Sec. 1109. An individual who is applying for a plumbing contractor, master, or journey license is eligible for examination if he or she complies with article 4 and establishes to the satisfaction of the board that he or she meets any applicable experience requirement or an equivalent of that experience requirement for the particular class of licensure, by use of a notarized statement from current and past employers and master plumbers. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

MCL 339.6111 Plumbing contractor license; issuance; conditions; operation of branch offices; supervision or control of plumbing operations; display of business sign.

339.6111. Plumbing contractor license; issuance; conditions; operation of branch offices; supervision or control of plumbing operations; display of business sign. Sec. 1111. (1) To qualify for a plumbing contractor license, the applicant must either hold a master plumber license or employ the holder of a master plumber license as his or her representative. (2) Only an individual who is a sole proprietor, a partner in a partnership, an officer of a corporation, or a member of a limited liability company may apply for licensure as a plumbing contractor. (3) The department shall issue a plumbing contractor's license to an individual who does all of the following: (a) Files a completed application on a form provided by the department that includes the following information: (i) A statement listing the complete address of each place where the applicant has resided and has been engaged in business during the last 5 years including the length of time at each residence and types of businesses engaged in or employments. (ii) The name of the individual who is applying for the license, the name of the business, and the location of the place for which the license is desired. (iii) The name of the business owner, president of the corporation, or a member or manager of the limited liability company and the name of the individual who is applying, if different from the name of the business owner, president, or member or manager and his or her title. (iv) The name, residence address, and license number of the licensed master plumber who represents the person. (b) Pays the applicable examination fee established under section 207 and passes an examination provided for by the board and the department. (c) Pays the license fee described in article 4. (4) A licensed plumbing contractor may operate 1 or more branch offices in this state under the same business if a licensed master plumber is in charge and has the responsibility of supervision at each branch. (5) If a license is issued to a plumbing contractor represented by a master plumber, the plumbing contractor and the master plumber are jointly and severally responsible for exercising the supervision or control of the plumbing operations necessary to secure full compliance with this article, the rules promulgated under this article, and all other laws and rules related to the installation of plumbing. (6) Both a person, unless the person is a plumbing contractor, and the master plumber are jointly and severally responsible for exercising the supervision or control of the plumbing operations necessary to secure full compliance with this article, the rules promulgated under this article, and all other laws and rules related to the installation of plumbing. (7) If a plumbing contractor is represented by a licensed master plumber who ceases to represent the plumbing contractor, the plumbing contractor has 30 days after the date the master plumber no longer represents the plumbing contractor in which to designate another licensed master plumber as the representative of the plumbing contractor. The plumbing contractor shall notify the department in writing of the change. (8) A licensed plumbing contractor shall display in a conspicuous place at the entrance of the place of business a sign that states the name of the business and the name of the licensed master plumber and license number in letters that are at least 3 inches high. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

MCL 339.6113 Master plumber's license; issuance; requirements; condition of renewal; responsibility for payment of fee; notice that master plumber ceasing representation of contractor.

339.6113. Master plumber's license; issuance; requirements; condition of renewal; responsibility for payment of fee; notice that master plumber ceasing representation of contractor. Sec. 1113. (1) The department shall issue a master plumber's license to an individual who is at least 18 years old and who does all of the following: (a) Files a completed application on a form provided by the department. (b) Pays the applicable examination fee established under section 207 and passes an examination provided for by the board and the department. (c) Pays the initial or renewal license fee required under section 1121. (d) Holds a journey plumber license issued under this article or former 2002 PA 733 and has gained 4,000 hours of experience in work as a journey plumber over a period of not less than 2 years immediately preceding the date of his or her application. (2) As a condition of renewal of a master plumber's license, the master plumber must demonstrate the successful completion of a course, approved by the board, concerning any update or change in the state construction code within 12 months after the update or change in that code. This requirement applies only during or after those years that the state construction code is updated or changed. (3) A licensed master plumber shall represent only 1 plumbing contractor at any given time. (4) A master plumber who is also a plumbing contractor is only responsible for payment of the plumbing contractor initial or renewal license fee and is not responsible for also paying the master plumber initial or renewal license fee under section 1121(7). (5) If a master plumber who represents a plumbing contractor ceases to represent the plumbing contractor, the master plumber shall notify the department in writing within 30 days after the date his or her representation of the contractor ceases. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

MCL 339.6115 Journey plumber's license; issuance; requirements; affidavit stating amount of experience; condition of renewal.

339.6115. Journey plumber's license; issuance; requirements; affidavit stating amount of experience; condition of renewal. Sec. 1115. (1) The department shall issue a journey plumber's license to an individual who is at least 18 years of age and who does all of the following: (a) Files a completed application on a form provided by the department. (b) Pays the applicable examination fee established under section 207 and passes an examination provided for by the board and the department. (c) Pays the license fee described in article 4. (d) Meets either of the following: (i) Has at least 6,000 hours of experience gained over a period of at least 3 years as an apprentice plumber in the practical installation of plumbing under the supervision of a master plumber. (ii) While serving in the armed forces, served as a plumber or in an equivalent job classification; was honorably discharged from that military service in the 1-year period preceding the date the license application is filed; and has, and provides with his or her application an affidavit signed by a commanding officer, supervisor, or military superior with direct knowledge of the applicant's service that states that he or she has, at least 6,000 hours of entry-level experience in and basic knowledge of each of the following: (A) The terminology of the plumbing trade and the ability to make practical calculations. (B) Knowledge related to drainage systems. (C) Knowledge related to plumbing fixtures. (D) Knowledge related to water and backflow protection. (E) Knowledge related to storm and special wastewater disposal. (F) Knowledge related to testing and inspections of plumbing. (G) Knowledge related to venting. (2) If an applicant who otherwise meets the requirements of subsection (1)(d)(ii) has not attained 6,000 hours of entry-level experience or does not have basic knowledge in each of the areas described in subsection (1)(d)(ii)(A) to (G), he or she may provide with his or her application an affidavit signed by a commanding officer, supervisor, or military superior with direct knowledge of the applicant's service that states the amount of experience the applicant has attained and of which of the areas described in subsection (1)(d)(ii)(A) to (G) the applicant has basic knowledge, and the department may in its discretion grant the applicant credit toward the 6,000-hour experience requirement of subsection (1)(d)(i) based on the applicant's experience. (3) As a condition of renewal of a journey plumber's license, the journey plumber must demonstrate the successful completion of a course, approved by the board, concerning any update or change in the state construction code within 12 months after the update or change in that code. This requirement applies only during or after those years that the state construction code is updated or changed. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

MCL 339.6117 Apprentice plumber; registration; requirements.

339.6117. Apprentice plumber; registration; requirements. Sec. 1117. (1) An individual who is employed as an apprentice plumber shall register with the department on a form provided by the department not later than 30 days after employment. (2) An apprentice registration is invalid after 5 years from the date of initial registration unless the registered apprentice applies for and takes the examination for journey license. The registration of an apprentice who has applied for a journey license remains valid after the 5-year period until either a license is issued or the apprentice fails to take the examination. (3) On request by the apprentice to the board, the board may grant an extension of an apprentice registration for a period of time as determined appropriate by the board. (4) An apprentice plumber shall, as the apprentice plumber's principal occupation, be engaged in learning and assisting in the installation of plumbing under the direct, on-site, in-person supervision of a journey or master plumber. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017; Am. 2024, Act 172, Eff. Apr. 2, 2025

MCL 339.6117a Ratio requirements for apprentices on jobsite; violations; penalties.

339.6117a. Ratio requirements for apprentices on jobsite; violations; penalties. Sec. 1117a. (1) The ratio of journey plumbers or master plumbers who provide direct, on-site, in-person supervision as required under section 1117 to an apprentice is on the basis of 1 journey plumber or master plumber to not more than 2 apprentices. The department or an enforcing agency shall enforce the ratio on a jobsite basis. (2) If a plumbing contractor violates this section, the plumbing contractor is subject to the following punishments: (a) For a first violation, a $5,000.00 administrative fine. (b) For a second violation, a $10,000.00 administrative fine. (c) For a third violation, a suspension, for not less than 90 days, of the plumbing contractor's plumbing contractor license. After 90 days, the plumbing contractor may have the license reinstated if the plumbing contractor passes the plumbing contractor examination described in section 1111. (3) The department shall pay any money collected under this section for an administrative fine to the enforcing agency that discovered the violation that resulted in the administrative fine. (4) If the department issues an order for a violation of this section, the department is entitled to actual costs and attorney fees related to the investigation and adjudication of the violation. Add. 2024, Act 172, Eff. Apr. 2, 2025

MCL 339.6119 Master plumber; inactive license; issuance as active; holding active master and journey plumber license.

339.6119. Master plumber; inactive license; issuance as active; holding active master and journey plumber license. Sec. 1119. (1) An individual who is licensed as a master plumber may request that the master plumber license be retained by the department as an inactive license for a period that does not exceed 3 years. (2) The department shall issue an inactive master plumber license as an active license if requested by the licensee, the licensee pays the relicensure fee described in article 4 at the time of the request, the licensee holds a journey plumber license, and the licensee has renewed his or her journey plumber license each year since the license has been inactive. (3) An individual shall not simultaneously hold an active master plumber license and journey plumber license. An individual who holds an active master plumber license may work as a journey plumber. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

MCL 339.6121 Fees.

339.6121. Fees. Sec. 1121. (1) A license or apprentice registration issued under this article must be renewed not more than 60 days after the renewal date. It is the responsibility of a licensee or registrant to renew a license or registration. The department shall send a renewal application to the last known address of a licensee or registrant on file with the department. Every holder of a license or registration issued under this article shall promptly notify the department of a change in his or her business or residence address. The failure of a licensee or registrant to notify the department of a change of address does not extend the expiration date of a license or registration. The department may issue licenses for up to 3 years in duration. (2) The annual fees for initial licensure, apprentice plumber registration, or renewal of a license and registration issued under this article are as follows: (a) Journey plumber $ 40.00. (b) Apprentice plumber $ 15.00. (3) The holder of a license or apprentice registration that is not renewed within 60 days of expiration may be relicensed only by applying to the board for relicensure and paying the annual renewal fee and the following relicensure fee: (a) Journey plumber $ 50.00. (b) Apprentice plumber $ 20.00. (4) An individual who is requesting renewal of a license under subsection (3) within 3 years after the license is expired is not subject to reexamination for the license but is required to pay the relicensure fee and the annual renewal fee for each year the license was not renewed. An individual who fails to renew a license for more than 3 consecutive years is required to meet the experience and other requirements and take an examination for the class of license requested. (5) Examination fees under this article are as follows: (a) Plumbing contractor $ 100.00. (b) Master plumber $ 100.00. (c) Journey plumber $ 100.00. (6) The department shall issue an initial master plumber or plumbing contractor license for a period of up to 3 years. A master plumber or plumbing contractor license is renewable for periods of 3 years. If an individual is applying for an initial license or relicensure at a time other than between April 30 and June 30 of the year in which the department issues renewal licenses, the department shall compute and charge the license fee on a yearly prorated basis beginning the year of application until the last year of the 3-year license period. (7) Subject to section 1113(4), the initial and renewal fees for a master plumber or plumbing contractor license issued under this article are as follows: (a) Plumbing contractor $ 300.00. (b) Master plumber $ 300.00. (8) The holder of a plumbing contractor or master plumber license that is not renewed within 60 days of expiration may be relicensed only by applying to the board and paying the renewal fee and a $100.00 relicensure fee. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

MCL 339.6123 Plumbing inspector; prohibited conduct.

339.6123. Plumbing inspector; prohibited conduct. Sec. 1123. An individual who is licensed under this article and employed or acting as a plumbing inspector shall not engage in, or be directly or indirectly connected with, the plumbing business, including, but not limited to, the furnishing of labor, materials, or appliances for the construction, alteration, or maintenance of a building or the preparation of plans or specifications for the construction, alteration, or maintenance of a building, and shall not engage in any work that conflicts with his or her official duties. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

MCL 339.6125 Issuance of plumbing permit by governmental subdivision.

339.6125. Issuance of plumbing permit by governmental subdivision. Sec. 1125. (1) A governmental subdivision may not exempt itself from the licensing requirements of this article and may not engage in or require local licensing. (2) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (3) and (6) and section 1107, the state or a governmental subdivision shall issue a plumbing permit only to a licensed plumbing contractor. The state or a governmental subdivision shall require the plumbing contractor to record his or her current plumbing contractor license number on the permit application. A licensed plumbing contractor shall designate 1 or more licensed master plumbers who are employed full-time who directly supervise the installation of plumbing to obtain permits using the license number of the plumbing contractor. The master plumber's license number must also be recorded on the permit application. (3) In those instances where business or industrial procedure requires the regular employment of a full-time licensed master plumber, a licensed master plumber is authorized to secure permits for installations of plumbing on the premises owned or occupied and used by the business provided the licensed master plumber physically supervises the plumbing work and represents only the business or industrial employer. The employer and the licensed master plumber shall sign an annual affidavit, furnished by the department, and the affidavit shall be provided to and kept on file by the department. The department shall determine the filing fee for an affidavit. A new affidavit must be filed before permits will be issued if the licensed master plumber's employment is terminated. The affidavit shall contain the following: (a) The name and business address of the person employing the licensed master plumber. (b) The name, address, and license number of the licensed master plumber. (c) A statement to the effect that the employer and licensed master plumber will comply with the provisions of the act regulating installation of plumbing in this state. (4) A plumbing contractor who is licensed under this article who performs work in a governmental subdivision shall register his or her license with the enforcing agency that issues permits and provides inspection services if required by the enforcing agency. The registration is valid until the expiration date of the plumbing contractor license. Each governmental subdivision in this state must grant registration to a plumbing contractor who is licensed under this article if a fee, in an amount determined by the governmental subdivision and that does not exceed $15.00, is paid to the governmental subdivision. (5) Master plumbers, journey plumbers, and apprentice plumbers shall carry their licenses and a form of identification that includes his or her photograph. If requested by an enforcing agency, a licensee or apprentice registrant shall present his or her license or registration and a form of identification that includes his or her photograph. (6) If the plumbing, reconstruction, alteration, or repair of pipes, tanks, or fixtures is performed without compensation by an individual who is licensed under this article for or on behalf of a charitable organization, the owner of the property on which the work is performed may obtain the permit required under subsection (2). This subsection applies only to the reconstruction, renovation, or remodeling of a 1-family to 4-family dwelling. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

MCL 339.6127 Violation of asbestos abatement contractors licensing act; review; suspension or revocation of license.

339.6127. Violation of asbestos abatement contractors licensing act; review; suspension or revocation of license. Sec. 1127. The board shall review the license of an individual if it receives notice from the department that the individual has violated the asbestos abatement contractors licensing act, 1986 PA 135, MCL 338.3101 to 338.3319, and may suspend or revoke that license for a knowing violation of that act. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

MCL 339.6129 Provision in conflict with Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state construction code act.

339.6129. Provision in conflict with Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state construction code act. Sec. 1129. Any provision of this article that is inconsistent or in conflict with the Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state construction code act is superseded by that act to the extent of the inconsistency. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

MCL 339.6131 Lost or destroyed license or registration; reissuance; fee; statement.

339.6131. Lost or destroyed license or registration; reissuance; fee; statement. Sec. 1131. If a license or registration issued under this article is lost or destroyed, the department shall issue a new license or registration, without examination, if a fee of $30.00 is paid and an application for a new license or registration is submitted, accompanied by a written statement made by the licensee or registrant that the license or registration was lost or destroyed. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

MCL 339.6133 Liability of person or state for damages.

339.6133. Liability of person or state for damages. Sec. 1133. This article shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility or liability of any person owning, operating, controlling, or installing plumbing for damages to individuals or property caused by any defect in the plumbing, and this state shall not be held as assuming that responsibility or liability by reason of the inspection or examination of that plumbing, the issuance of a certificate of approval, or the grant of a license or certificate under this article. 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

Source: Michigan Legislature (legislature.mi.gov)URL: https://legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/Chapter%20339.xmlFetched: 10/20/2026