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Plumbing

How to get licensed for Plumbing in Michigan

Each row links to the controlling §statute on our laws mirror. The ↗ icon links to the original Michigan source.

License CategoriesMCL 339.6125
MCL 339.6111
ExaminationMCL 339.6109
Experience RequiredMCL 339.6107
FeesMCL 339.6121
MCL 338.2206
MCL 339.6113
MCL 339.5707
Continuing EducationMCL 339.2504A
Penalties for Unlicensed WorkMCL 339.5737

Plumbing laws & codes that apply in Michigan

MCL (20 sections)
  • MCL 339.6111 MCL

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

    SKILLED TRADES REGULATION ACT (EXCERPT)

    Act 407 of 2016

    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.

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  • MCL 339.6111 MCL

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

    (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.

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  • MCL 339.5737 MCL

    MCL 339.5737 — Electrical contracting; license required; classes of work

    (h) Any work involved in the use, maintenance, operation, dismantling, or reassembling of motion picture and theatrical equipment used in any building with approved facilities for entertainment or educational use and that has the necessary permanent wiring and floor and wall receptacle outlets designed for the proper and safe use of that theatrical equipment, but not including any permanent wiring.

    (i) Work performed by a person that is licensed as a mechanical contractor in a classification described in section 807(2)(a), (b), (d), (e), and (f), a person that is licensed as a plumbing contractor under article 11, and employees of those persons, while performing maintenance, service, repair, replacement, alteration, modification, reconstruction, or upgrading of control wiring circuits and electrical component parts in existing mechanical systems defined in the Michigan mechanical code and the Michigan plumbing code, including, but not limited to, energy management systems, relays and controls on boilers, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning compressors and condensers, fan controls, thermostats and sensors, and all interconnecting wiring associated with the mechanical systems in buildings that are on the load side of the unit disconnect, that is located on or immediately adjacent to the equipment, except for life safety systems wiring.

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  • MCL 339.6125 MCL

    MCL 339.6125 — Issuance of plumbing permit by governmental subdivision

    SKILLED TRADES REGULATION ACT (EXCERPT)

    Act 407 of 2016

    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.

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  • MCL 339.6125 MCL

    MCL 339.6125 — Issuance of plumbing permit by governmental subdivision

    (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.

    History: 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

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  • MCL 339.6107 MCL

    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

    SKILLED TRADES REGULATION ACT (EXCERPT)

    Act 407 of 2016

    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.

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  • MCL 339.6111 MCL

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

    (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.

    History: 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

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  • MCL 339.6107 MCL

    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

    (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.

    History: 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

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  • MCL 339.6105 MCL

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

    (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.

    History: 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017 Compiler's Notes: 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.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.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.

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  • MCL 339.5711 MCL

    MCL 339.5711 — Electrical contractor's license; requirements

    SKILLED TRADES REGULATION ACT (EXCERPT)

    Act 407 of 2016

    339.5711 Electrical contractor's license; requirements.

    Sec. 711.

    The department shall issue an electrical contractor's license to a person that meets the requirements described in article 2 and either of the following:

    (a) Is an individual who holds a master electrician's license.

    (b) Has at least 1 full-time employee who is a master electrician, resides in this state, and is actively in charge of and responsible for Michigan electrical code compliance of all installations of electrical wiring and equipment.

    History: 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

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  • MCL 339.6105 MCL

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

    SKILLED TRADES REGULATION ACT (EXCERPT)

    Act 407 of 2016

    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.

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  • MCL 339.6109 MCL

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

    SKILLED TRADES REGULATION ACT (EXCERPT)

    Act 407 of 2016

    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.

    History: 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

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  • MCL 339.6125 MCL

    MCL 339.6125 — Issuance of plumbing permit by governmental subdivision

    (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.

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  • MCL 339.5727 MCL

    MCL 339.5727 — Sign specialty contractor's license; requirements; failure to pass examination; condition of renewal; license not required

    SKILLED TRADES REGULATION ACT (EXCERPT)

    Act 407 of 2016

    339.5727 Sign specialty contractor's license; requirements; failure to pass examination; condition of renewal; license not required.

    Sec. 727.

    (1) Subject to section 731(5), the department shall issue a sign specialty contractor's license to a person that does all of the following:

    (a) Meets the requirements described in article 2.

    (b) Meets 1 of the following:

    (i) Is an individual who holds a sign specialist's license.

    (ii) Has at least 1 full-time employee who is a sign specialist, resides in this state, and is actively in charge of and responsible for Michigan electrical code compliance of all installations, maintenance, connection, and repair of electric signs and related wiring.

    (c) Provides evidence of public liability insurance coverage.

    (2) A licensed electrical contractor is not required to have a sign specialty.

    History: 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

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  • MCL 339.6123 MCL

    MCL 339.6123 — Plumbing inspector; prohibited conduct

    SKILLED TRADES REGULATION ACT (EXCERPT)

    Act 407 of 2016

    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.

    History: 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

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  • MCL 339.6113 MCL

    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

    (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.

    History: 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

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  • MCL 339.2404 MCL

    MCL 339.2404 — Evidence of good moral character; proof of identity; examination; issuance of residential maintenance and alteration contractor's license; scope of crafts and trades; place of business; branch office license; duration of license; renewal; documentation of continuing competency requirements

    (4) A residential builder or residential maintenance and alteration contractor shall maintain a place of business in this state. If a residential builder or residential maintenance and alteration contractor maintains more than 1 place of business in this state, the department shall issue a branch office license to the builder or contractor for each place of business maintained by the builder or contractor.

    (5) The department shall issue the license of a residential builder and residential maintenance and alteration contractor for a period of 3 years in duration.

    (6) An applicant for renewal of a residential builder or maintenance and alteration contractor license shall state to the department that he or she has a current copy of the Michigan residential code and meets the appropriate requirements regarding continuing competency described in this article or rules promulgated under this article.

    (7) A licensee shall maintain documentation, for at least 5 years, of activities that meet the continuing competency requirements under this article.

    History: 1980, Act 299, Imd. Eff. Oct. 21, 1980 ;-- Am. 1980, Act 496, Eff. Mar. 31, 1981 ;-- Am. 1981, Act 83, Imd. Eff. July 1, 1981 ;-- Am. 1984, Act 193, Imd. Eff. July 3, 1984 ;-- Am. 1988, Act 463, Eff. Sept. 1, 1989 ;-- Am. 2007, Act 157, Eff. June 1, 2008 ;-- Am. 2010, Act 151, Imd. Eff. Aug. 23, 2010 ;-- Am. 2014, Act 176, Imd. Eff. June 17, 2014 ;-- Am. 2018, Act 527, Eff. Mar. 28, 2019 Popular Name: Act 299

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  • MCL 339.6113 MCL

    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

    SKILLED TRADES REGULATION ACT (EXCERPT)

    Act 407 of 2016

    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.

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  • MCL 339.6133 MCL

    MCL 339.6133 — Liability of person or state for damages

    SKILLED TRADES REGULATION ACT (EXCERPT)

    Act 407 of 2016

    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.

    History: 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

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  • MCL 339.6121 MCL

    MCL 339.6121 — Fees

    (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.

    History: 2016, Act 407, Eff. Apr. 4, 2017

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