Plumbing Board Rules

Section 361.1 DEFINITIONS

(1) APA - The Administrative Procedure Act, Chapter 2001 of the Texas Government Code. (2) Adopted Plumbing Code - A plumbing code, including a fuel gas code, adopted by the Board or a political subdivision in compliance with §1301.255 and §1301.551 of the Plumbing License Law. (3) Advisory Committee - A Board appointed committee subject to §1301.258 of the Plumbing License Law, §361.12 of the Board Rules and Chapter 2110 of the Texas Government Code, of which the primary function is to advise the Board. (4) Appliance Connection - An appliance connection procedure using only a code-approved appliance connector that does not require cutting into or altering the existing plumbing system. (5) Applicant - An individual seeking to obtain a license, registration or endorsement issued by the Board. (6) Board - The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. (7) Board Member - An individual appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate to serve on the Board. (8) Building Sewer - The part of the sanitary drainage system outside of the building, which extends from the end of the building drain to a public sewer, private sewer, private sewage disposal system, or other point of sewage disposal. (9) Certificate of Insurance - A form submitted to the Board certifying that the Responsible Master Plumber carries insurance coverage as specified in §1301.522 of the Plumbing License Law and §367.3 of the Board Rules. (10) Chief Examiner - An employee of the Board who, under the direction of the Executive Director, coordinates and supervises the activities of the Board examinations and registrations. (11) Cleanout - A fitting, other than a p-trap, approved by the adopted plumbing code and designed to be installed in a sanitary drainage system to allow easy access for cleaning the sanitary drainage system. 6 (12) Code-Approved Appliance Connector - A semi-rigid or flexible assembly of tube and fittings approved by the adopted plumbing code and designed for connecting an appliance to the existing plumbing system without cutting into or altering the existing plumbing system. (13) Code-Approved Existing Opening - For the purposes of drain cleaning activities described in §1301.002(3) of the Plumbing License Law, a code-approved existing opening is any existing cleanout fitting, inlet of any p-trap or fixture, or vent terminating into the atmosphere that has been approved and installed in accordance with the adopted plumbing code. (14) Complaint - A written charge alleging a violation of state law, Board rules or orders, local codes or ordinances, or standards of competency; or the presence of fraud, false information, or error in the attempt to obtain a license, registration, or endorsement. (15) Contested Case - A proceeding in which the legal rights, duties, or privileges of a party are to be determined by the Board after an opportunity for adjudicative hearing. (16) Continuing Professional Education or CPE - Board-approved courses/programs required for a licensee, or registrant with an endorsement, to renew his or her license, registration and/or endorsement. (17) Director of Enforcement - An employee of the Board who meets the definition of "Field Representative" and, under the direction of the Executive Director, coordinates and supervises the activities of the Field Representatives. (18) Direct Supervision - (A) The on-the-job oversight and direction of a registered Plumber's Apprentice performing plumbing work by a licensed plumber who is fulfilling his or her responsibility to the client and employer by ensuring the following: (i) that the plumbing materials for the job are properly prepared prior to assembly according to the material manufacturers recommendations and the requirements of the adopted plumbing code; and (ii) that the plumbing work for the job is properly installed to protect health and safety by meeting the requirements of the adopted plumbing code and all requirements of local and state ordinances, regulations, and laws. (B) The on-the-job oversight and direction by a licensed Plumbing Inspector of an individual training to qualify for the Plumbing Inspector Examination. (C) For plumbing work performed only in the construction of a new onefamily or two-family dwelling in an unincorporated area of the state, a Responsible Master Plumber is not required to provide for the continuous or uninterrupted on-the-job oversight of a Plumber's Apprentice's work by a licensed plumber, however, the Responsible Master Plumber must: 7 (i) provide for the training and management of the Plumber's Apprentice by a licensed plumber; (ii) provide for the review and inspection of the Plumber's Apprentice's work by a licensed plumber to ensure compliance with subparagraph (A)(i) and (ii) of this paragraph; and (iii) upon request by the Board, provide the name and plumber's license number of the licensed plumber who is providing on-the-job training and management of the Plumber's Apprentice and who is reviewing and inspecting the Plumber's Apprentice's work on the job, or the name and plumber's license number of the licensed plumber who trained and managed the Plumber's Apprentice and who reviewed and inspected the Plumber's Apprentice's work on a job (19) Endorsement - A certification issued by the Board as an addition to a Master Plumber, Plumbing Inspector, or Journeyman Plumber License or a Plumber's Apprentice Registration, including a Drain Cleaner Registration, a Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration, and a Residential Utilities Installer Registration. (20) Executive Director - The executive director of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners who is employed by the Board as the executive head of the agency. (21) Field Representative - An employee of the Board who is: (A) knowledgeable of the Plumbing License Law and of municipal ordinances relating to plumbing; (B) qualified by experience and training in good plumbing practice and compliance with the Plumbing License Law; (C) designated by the Board to assist in the enforcement of the Plumbing License Law and Board rules; (D) licensed by the Board as a plumber; and (E) hired to: (i) make on-site license and registration checks to determine compliance with the Plumbing License Law; (ii) investigate consumer complaints filed under §1301.303 of the Plumbing License Law; (iii) assist municipal plumbing inspectors in cooperative enforcement of the Plumbing License Law; and (iv) issue citations as provided by §1301.502 of the Plumbing License Law. 8 (22) Journeyman Plumber - An individual licensed under the Plumbing License Law who has met the qualifications for registration as a Plumber's Apprentice or for licensure as a Tradesman Plumber-Limited who has completed at least 8,000 hours working under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber, who supervises, engages in, or works at the actual installation, alteration, repair, service and renovating of plumbing, and who has successfully fulfilled the examinations and requirements of the Board. (23) License - A document issued by the Board to certify that the named individual fulfilled the requirements of the Plumbing License Law and of the Board Rules to hold a license issued by the Board. (24) Licensing and Registering - The process of granting, denying, renewing, reinstating, revoking, or suspending a license, registration or endorsement. (25) Maintenance Man or Maintenance Engineer - An individual who: (A) is an employee, and not an independent contractor or subcontractor; (B) performs plumbing maintenance work incidental to and in connection with other employment-related duties; and (C) does not engage in plumbing work for the general public. (D) For the purposes of paragraph 25(B), "incidental to and in connection with" includes the repair, maintenance and replacement of existing potable water piping, existing sanitary waste and vent piping, existing plumbing fixtures and existing water heaters. (E) An individual who erects, builds, or installs plumbing not already in existence may not be classified as a maintenance man or maintenance engineer. Plumbing work performed by a maintenance man or maintenance engineer is not exempt from state law and municipal rules and ordinances regarding plumbing codes, plumbing permits and plumbing inspections. (26) Master Plumber - An individual licensed under the Plumbing License Law who is skilled in the design, planning, superintending, and the practical installation, repair, and service of plumbing, who is knowledgeable about the codes, ordinances, or rules and regulations governing those matters, who alone, or through an individual or individuals under his supervision, performs plumbing work, and who has successfully fulfilled the examinations and requirements of the Board. (27) Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement - (A) A certification entitling the holder of a Master or Journeyman Plumber License to install piping that is used solely to transport gases used for medical purposes including, but not limited to oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air, nitrogen, medical vacuum. (B) A certification entitling the holder of a Plumbing Inspector License to inspect medical gas and vacuum system installations. 9 (28) Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement - (A) A certification entitling the holder of a Master or Journeyman Plumber License to install a multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler system in a one- or two family dwelling. (B) A certification entitling the holder of a Plumbing Inspector License to inspect a multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler system. (29) Military service member - A person who is currently serving in the armed forces of the United States, in a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, or in the state military service of any state. (30) Military spouse - A person who is married to a military service member who is currently on active duty. (31) Military veteran - A person who has served in the army, navy, air force, marine corps, or coast guard of the United States, or in an auxiliary service of one of those branches of the armed forces. (32) One-Family Dwelling - A detached structure designed for the residence of a single family that does not have the characteristics of a multiple family dwelling and is not primarily designed for transient guests or for providing services for rehabilitative, medical, or assisted living in connection with the occupancy of the structure. (33) Party - A person or state agency named or admitted as a party to a contested case. (34) Paid Directly - As related to §1301.255(e) of the Plumbing License Law, "paid" and "directly" have the common meanings and "paid directly" means that compensation for plumbing inspections must be paid by the political subdivision to the individual Licensed Plumbing Inspector who performed the plumbing inspections or the plumbing inspection business which utilized the plumbing inspector to perform the inspections. (35) Person - An individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, governmental subdivision or public or private organization of any character other than an agency. (36) Petitioner - A person requesting the Board to adopt, amend or repeal a rule pursuant to §2001.021 of the Texas Government Code and §361.14 of the Board Rules. (37) Plumbing - (A) All piping, fixtures, appurtenances, and appliances, including disposal systems, drain or waste pipes, multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler systems or any combination of these that: supply, distribute, circulate, recirculate, drain, or eliminate water, gas, medical gasses and vacuum, liquids, and sewage for all personal or domestic purposes in and about buildings where persons live, work, or assemble; connect the building on its outside with the source of water, gas, or other liquid supply, or combinations of these, on the premises, or the water main on public property; and carry waste water or sewage from or within a building to the sewer 10 service lateral on public property or the disposal or septic terminal that holds private or domestic sewage. (B) The installation, repair, service, maintenance, alteration, or renovation of all piping, fixtures, appurtenances, and appliances on premises where persons live, work, or assemble that supply gas, medical gasses and vacuum, water, liquids, or any combination of these, or dispose of wastewater or sewage. Plumbing includes the treatment of rainwater to supply a plumbing fixture or appliance. The term "service" includes, but is not limited to, cleaning a drain or sewer line using a cable or pressurized fluid. (38) Plumbing Company - A person who engages in the plumbing business. (39) Plumbing Inspection - Any of the inspections required in §1301.255 and §1301.551 of the Plumbing License Law, including any check of multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler systems, pipes, faucets, tanks, valves, water heaters, plumbing fixtures and appliances by and through which a supply of water, gas, medical gasses or vacuum, or sewage is used or carried that is performed on behalf of any political subdivision, public water supply, municipal utility district, town, city or municipality to ensure compliance with the adopted plumbing and gas codes and ordinances regulating plumbing. (40) Plumbing Inspector - Any individual who is employed by a political subdivision or state agency, or who contracts as an independent contractor with a political subdivision or state agency, for the purpose of inspecting plumbing work and installations in connection with health and safety laws, ordinances, and plumbing and gas codes, who has no financial or advisory interests in any plumbing company, and who has successfully fulfilled the examinations and requirements of the Board. (41) Plumbing License Law or PLL - Chapter 1301 of the Texas Occupations Code. (42) Pocket Card - A card issued by the Board which: (A) certifies that the holder has a Responsible Master Plumber License, Master Plumber License, Journeyman Plumber License, Tradesman Plumber-Limited License, Plumbing Inspector License, or a Plumber's Apprentice Registration; and (B) lists any Endorsements obtained by the holder. (43) Political Subdivision - A political subdivision of the State of Texas that includes a: (A) city; (B) county; (C) school district; (D) junior college district; (E) municipal utility district; (F) levee improvement district; 11 (G) drainage district; (H) irrigation district; (I) water improvement district; (J) water control improvement district; (K) water control preservation district; (L) freshwater supply district; (M) navigation district; (N) conservation and reclamation district; (O) soil conservation district; (P) communication district; (Q) public health district; (R) river authority; and (S) any other governmental entity that: (i) embraces a geographical area with a defined boundary; (ii) exists for the purpose of discharging functions of government; and (iii) possesses authority for subordinate self-government through officers selected by it. (44) P-Trap - A fitting connected to the sanitary drainage system for the purpose of preventing the escape of sewer gasses from the sanitary drainage system and designed to be removed to allow for cleaning of the sanitary drainage system. For the purposes of drain cleaning activities described in §1301.002(2) of the Plumbing License Law, a p-trap includes any integral trap of a water closet, bidet, or urinal. (45) Public Water System - A system for the provision to the public of water for human consumption through pipes or other constructed conveyances. Such a system must have at least 15 service connections or serve at least 25 individuals at least 60 days out of the year. Two or more systems with each having a potential to serve less than 15 connections or less than 25 individuals, but owned by the same person, firm, or corporation and located on adjacent land will be considered a public water system when the total potential service connections in the combined systems are 15 or greater or if the total number of individuals served by the combined systems total 25 or greater, at least 60 days out of the year. Without excluding other meanings of the terms "individual" or "served," an individual shall be deemed to be served by a water system if the individual lives in, uses as the individual's place of employment, or works in a place to which drinking water is supplied from the water system. 12 (46) Respondent - A person charged in a complaint filed with the Board. (47) Responsible Master Plumber or RMP - A licensed Master Plumber who: (A) allows the person's Master Plumber License to be used by only one plumbing company for the purpose of offering and performing plumbing work; (B) is authorized to obtain permits for plumbing work; (C) assumes responsibility for plumbing work performed under the person's license; (D) has submitted a certificate of insurance as required by §1301.3576 of the Plumbing License Law and §367.3 of the Board Rules (E) has completed and submitted a certificate of completion of a training program as required by §1301.3576 of the Plumbing License Law and §363.26 of the Board Rules;] (E) [F)] When used in Board forms, applications or other communications by the Board, the abbreviation "RMP" shall mean Responsible Master Plumber. (48) Registration - A document issued by the Board to certify that the named individual fulfilled the requirements of the PLL and Board Rules to register as a Plumber's Apprentice. (49) Rule - An agency statement of general applicability that implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy, or describes the procedure or practice requirements of the agency. The term includes the amendment or repeal of a prior rule but does not include statements concerning only the internal management or organization of the agency and not affecting private rights or procedures. (50) Supervision - The general oversight, direction and management of plumbing work and individuals performing plumbing work by a Responsible Master Plumber, or a licensed plumber designated by the RMP. (51) System - An interconnection between one or more public or private end users of water, gas, sewer, or disposal systems that could endanger public health if improperly installed. (52) Tradesman Plumber-Limited Licensee - An individual who has completed at least 4,000 hours working under the direct supervision of a Journeyman or Master Plumber as a registered Plumber's Apprentice, who has passed the required examination and fulfilled the other requirements of the Board, who constructs, installs, changes, repairs, services, or renovates plumbing for one-family or two-family dwellings under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber, and who has not met or attempted to meet the qualifications for a Journeyman Plumber License. (53) Two-Family Dwelling - A detached structure with separate means of egress designed for the residence of two families ("duplex") that does not have the characteristics of a multiple family dwelling and is not primarily designed for transient guests or for providing services for rehabilitative, medical, or assisted living in connection with the occupancy of the structure. 13 (54) Water Supply Protection Specialist - A Master or Journeyman Plumber who holds the Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement issued by the Board to engage in customer service inspections, as defined by rule of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the installation, service, and repair of plumbing associated with the treatment, use, and distribution of rainwater to supply a plumbing fixture or appliance. (55) Water Treatment - A business conducted under contract that requires experience in the analysis of water, including the ability to determine how to treat influent and effluent water, to alter or purify water, and to add or remove a mineral, chemical, or bacterial content or substance. The term also includes the installation and service of potable water treatment equipment in public or private water systems and making connections necessary to complete installation of a water treatment system. The term does not include treatment of rainwater or the repair of systems for rainwater harvesting. (56) Yard Water Service Piping - The building supply piping carrying potable water from the water meter or other source of water supply to the point of connection to the water distribution system at the building. (b) Any term not defined in this section shall have the definition set out in §1301.002 of the Plumbing License Law.

Section 367.7 RESPONSIBILITIES OF RMP-MEDICAL GAS PIPING SYSTEMS

(a) A person may not offer to install pipe used solely to transport gases for medical purposes unless the person has secured the services, in accordance with §367.9 (b) of this title, of at least one RMP who holds a current Master Plumber License with a current Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement issued by the Board. (b) The RMP with the Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement shall be responsible for the general supervision of the installation and ensuring that: (1) all pipe used solely to transport gases for medical purposes is installed by the company; and (2) all medical gas pipe assembly, brazing, and installation of required pipe markings is performed only by a licensee who holds a current Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement issued by the Board.

Section 367.4 STANDARDS OF CONDUCT, PLUMBING INSPECTORS

(a) In addition to complying with the requirements of §367.3 of this title, a Plumbing Inspector shall not: (1) have any financial, or advisory interest in any plumbing company; and (2) represent or indicate in any manner that the Plumbing Inspector is employed by or a representative of the Board or the State of Texas unless, in fact, the Plumbing Inspector is employed by the Board or the State of Texas. (b) A Plumbing Inspector shall not perform a plumbing inspection unless and until he or she has submitted proof of affiliation with a political subdivision in a form specified by the Board. An affiliation is established if the inspector is employed by or under contract with a political subdivision to perform plumbing inspections or employed by a qualified plumbing inspection company under contract with a political subdivision to perform plumbing inspections. (c) A Plumbing Inspector shall only accept compensation for performing a plumbing inspection from the political subdivision with jurisdiction over the jobsite where the inspection is performed or a qualified plumbing inspection business under contract with a political subdivision. A political subdivision may contract with a qualified plumbing inspection business to perform an inspection only if the business utilizes a licensed Plumbing Inspector to perform the inspection. This subsection does not apply to an inspection subject to §1301.255 of the PLL. (d) A Plumbing Inspector shall consistently and equitably, to all persons enforce the Plumbing License Law, Board Rules, and plumbing codes adopted under §367.2(a) of this title, and all local ordinances regulating plumbing codes adopted by the political subdivision(s) within the Plumbing Inspector's jurisdiction. (e) A Plumbing Inspector shall include his or her Plumbing Inspector License number on any document produced in connection with an inspection, including but not limited to: (1) a green tag or other document used to show plumbing work has passed inspection; (2) a notice of correction or other document used to show plumbing work has failed inspection; or 74 (3) any correspondence, including but not limited to emails.

Section 367.5 RESPONSIBILITIES OF RMP-GENERAL

(a) In addition to obtaining the certificate of insurance required by §367.6 of this title, a Master Plumber shall complete the training program required by §363.26 of the Board Rules in order to initially qualify as an RMP. This subsection does not apply to a Master Plumber who meets the requirements of §363.26 (a) of the Board Rules. (b) A Master Plumber may act as the RMP of record for only one person at a time. An RMP wishing to be removed or added as an RMP of record shall submit to the Board written notification of the change, in a form specified by the Board, within ten (10) business days after the effective date of the change. (c) The RMP of record shall be knowledgeable of and responsible for all contracts and agreements to perform plumbing work secured and permits obtained under his or her Master Plumber License. An RMP of record is not absolved of these responsibilities even if: (1) the job of obtaining a permit is delegated to another person; or (2) the RMP did not personally draft or sign the contract or agreement. (d) The RMP of record is responsible for the general supervision and management of plumbing work performed under his or her license and individuals performing plumbing work pursuant to contracts secured under his or her license, regardless of whether the individuals are employees or subcontractors. This includes: (1) ensuring that all permits are obtained and inspections are requested in accordance with all applicable plumbing codes; (2) ensuring that all individuals performing plumbing work under the RMP's license hold a current applicable license or registration for the work being performed; (3) ensuring that a licensee is present and providing direct supervision at all job sites where one or more registrants are engaged in plumbing; and (4) ensuring that all service vehicles display the information required by §367.10 of this title. (e) An RMP acting in accordance with subsection (d) of this section has fulfilled his or her responsibility to the client and employer to ensure that the plumbing work performed under the RMP's license will protect public health and safety by meeting the requirements of all applicable plumbing local and state codes, ordinances, rules regulations and laws regulating plumbing.

Section 365.1 LICENSE, ENDORSEMENT, AND REGISTRATION CATEGORIES: SCOPE OF WORK PERMITTED

(a) Pursuant to §1301.002 and §1301.351of the Plumbing License Law and §361.1 of the Board Rules, the scope of plumbing work an individual may perform is dictated by the type of license, endorsement, registration, or combination thereof held by the individual. (b) An individual who holds a current Master Plumber License and meets the requirements of a Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) under §1301.3576 of the Plumbing License Law and §367.3(a) of the Board Rules: (1) may advertise or otherwise offer to perform or provide plumbing to the general public; (2) may enter into contracts or agreements to perform plumbing; (3) shall obtain plumbing permits to perform plumbing work; (4) may perform plumbing work without supervision; and (5) shall supervise plumbing work performed by other licensees or registrants. (c) An individual who holds a current Journeyman or Master Plumber License may perform or supervise plumbing work: (1) under the supervision of an RMP; and (2) only under contracts or agreements to perform plumbing work secured by an RMP or a person who has secured the services of an RMP in accordance with §367.3(a)(2) of the Board Rules. (d) An individual who holds a current Tradesman Plumber-Limited License may: (1) perform or supervise plumbing work on one or two-family dwellings: (A) under the supervision of an RMP; and (B) only under contracts or agreements to perform plumbing secured by an RMP or a person who has secured the services of an RMP in accordance with §367.3(a)(2) of the Board Rules; or (2) assist in the installation of plumbing other than for one or two-family dwellings under the on-the-job supervision of a Journeyman or Master Plumber. (e) An individual who holds a current Plumbing Inspector License may perform plumbing inspections as an employee or independent contractor of a political subdivision or state agency for compliance with health and safety laws and ordinances. 52 (1) An individual who holds a current Plumbing Inspector License with a current Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement may perform inspections of piping that is used solely to transport gases used for medical purposes. (2) An individual who holds a current Plumbing Inspector License with a current Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement may perform inspections of plumbing work associated with the treatment, use and distribution of rainwater to supply a plumbing fixture, appliance, or irrigation system. (3) An individual who holds a current Plumbing Inspector License with a current Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement may perform inspections of multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler systems installed in a one or two-family dwelling. (f) An individual who holds a current Journeyman or Master Plumber License with a current Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement may install piping that is used solely to transport gases used for medical purposes: (1) under the supervision of an RMP who holds a current Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement; and (2) only under contracts or agreements to perform medical gas piping installations secured by an RMP who holds a current Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement or a person who has secured the services of an RMP, in accordance with §367.3(a) (2) of the Board Rules, who holds a current Medical Gas Piping Installation Endorsement. (g) An individual who holds a current Journeyman or Master Plumber License with a current Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement may: (1) perform Customer Service Inspections pursuant to 30 Tex. Admin. Code §290.46(j). Minimum Acceptable Operating Practices for Public Drinking Water Systems; or (2) install, service or repair plumbing associated with the treatment, use and distribution of rainwater to supply a plumbing fixture, appliance, or irrigation system: (A) under the supervision of an RMP who holds a current Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement; and (B) only under contracts or agreements to perform, install, service, and repair plumbing associated with the use and distribution of rainwater to supply a plumbing fixture, appliance, or irrigation system secured by an RMP who holds a current Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement or a person who has secured the services of an RMP, in accordance with §367.3(a) (2) of the Board Rules, who holds a current Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement. (3) A Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement shall not be used in lieu of a Plumbing Inspector License to perform plumbing inspections required under §1301.255 and §1301.551 of the Plumbing License Law; however, a Plumbing Inspector may perform the inspection described in paragraph (1) of this subsection even if the individual does not hold a Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement. 53 (h) An individual who holds a current Journeyman or Master Plumber License with a current Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement may install a multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler system in a one or two-family dwelling: (1) under the supervision of an RMP who holds a current Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement; and (2) only under contracts or agreements to perform multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler system installations secured by an RMP who holds a current Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement or a person who has secured the services of an RMP, in accordance with §367.3(a)(2) of the Board Rules, who holds a current Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist Endorsement. (i) An individual who holds a current Plumber's Apprentice Registration may assist a licensee with the installation of plumbing: (1) under the direct supervision of a person licensed by the Board; (2) under the supervision of an RMP; and (3) only under contracts or agreements to perform plumbing work secured by an RMP or a person who has secured the services of an RMP. (j) In addition to the scope of work described in subsection (i) of this section, an individual who holds a current Plumber's Apprentice Registration and a current Residential Utilities Installer Registration may construct and install only yard water service piping and building sewers for one or two-family dwellings: (1) under the supervision of an RMP; and (2) only under contracts or agreements to perform plumbing work secured by an RMP or a person who has secured the services of an RMP in accordance with §367.3(a)(2) of the Board Rules. (k) In addition to the scope of work described in subsection (d) or (i) of this section, an individual who holds a current Tradesman Plumber-Limited License or Plumber's Apprentice Registration and a current Drain Cleaner Registration may install cleanouts and remove and reset p-traps for the purposes of eliminating obstructions in building drains and sewers: (1) under the supervision of an RMP; and (2) only under contracts or agreements to perform plumbing work secured by an RMP or a person who has secured the services of an RMP in accordance with §367.3(a)(2) of the Board Rules. (l) In addition to the work described in subsection (i) of this section, an individual who holds a current Plumber's Apprentice Registration and a current Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration may clear obstructions in sewer and drain lines through any existing code-approved opening: (1) under the supervision of an RMP; and 54 (2) only under contracts or agreements to perform plumbing work secured by an RMP or a person who has

Section 367.2 CODE REQUIREMENTS

(a) To protect the health and safety of the citizens of this state, the Board adopts the following plumbing codes: 71 (1) the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials; and (2) the 2018 International Plumbing Code, as published by the International Code Council and the codes incorporated by reference within the 2018 International Plumbing Code, including: (A) the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code; and (B) the 2018 International Residential Code. (b) To ensure the proper design, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems within its jurisdiction, a political subdivision may adopt a plumbing code with any amendments necessary to address local concerns provided that the amendments do not substantially vary with the rules or laws of this state. (c) Plumbing must be installed in accordance with all applicable plumbing codes adopted by the political subdivision in which the plumbing is being installed. (1) Plumbing installed by an individual licensed under the PLL in an unincorporated area of the county or other area where no plumbing code has been adopted must be installed in accordance with a plumbing code adopted under subsection (a) of this section. (2) A plumbing installation that was started prior to the Board's adoption of the plumbing codes listed in subsection (a) of this section may be completed under the requirements of the codes in effect at the time permits for the installation were issued or work on the installation commenced. (3) In addition to all applicable plumbing codes, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP-Gas) piping must be installed in accordance with all applicable rules adopted by the Texas Railroad Commission. (d) Any piping connecting a plumbing fixture, including a water closet, to a potable water supply shall be installed to prevent the back flow of nonpotable substances into the potable water system in accordance with the applicable plumbing code and state laws. Water closet fill valves (ball cocks) shall be of the antisiphon, integral vacuum breaker type with the critical level (the air inlet portion of the vacuum breaker) installed at least one (1) inch above the flood level rim of the fixture (the inlet of the water closet overflow tube). (e) Plumbing installed in compliance with a code adopted under subsection (a) or (b) of this section must be inspected by a Plumbing Inspector licensed under the PLL and Board Rule §367.4 of this title (relating to Standards of Conduct - Plumbing Inspectors). (f) A licensee or registrant shall not install, and a person shall not require a licensee or registrant to install, plumbing that is not in compliance with the Plu