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Auburn plumbing board outlines homeowner exam, proposes resolution to allow simple fixture replacements
Summary
The City of Auburn plumbing board described its role and membership and previewed a forthcoming resolution that would let residents replace simple fixtures without hiring a master plumber; the board also outlined a $10 homeowner exam that permits limited DIY work.
Seth Jensen, Auburndirector of municipal utilities, told the City Council on Feb. 27 that the citymaintains a plumbing board whose stated mission is "to protect public health, safety and welfare of residents in particular for the installation of laterals to city sanitary storm and portable water main systems." Jensen said the board plans to bring a resolution to council in the coming weeks that would allow residents to replace simple household plumbing fixtures without hiring a city master plumber.
The proposed change would not remove existing permit requirements, Jensen said, but would let homeowners perform certain low-risk tasks themselves. "Right now, it is, believe it or not, illegal to, replace, say, your toilet in your in your own home," Jensen said. The resolution the board plans to present would specifically permit fixture replacements such as faucets, toilets, shower heads, garbage disposals, dishwashers and P-traps.
The plumbing board is chaired by Jensen and includes plumbing inspector Joe Saluca, unpaid volunteers and practicing plumbers Greg Gallagher and John Sanford, and journeyman plumber Vince Clano; Crystal Nevadomski serves as the board secretary. Jensen said the board also administers exams and certifies new master plumbers and drain layers in Auburn and periodically recommends updates to the local plumbing code.
Jensen described an existing pathway for homeowners who want to perform more extensive plumbing work: a residential plumbing homeowners exam administered by code enforcement or plumbing inspection office for $10. If a resident passes the exam they may perform plumbing work in their principal residence (up to a two-family unit), Jensen said. He added that the exam requires study and that the most difficult portion is drawing a one-line plumbing schematic.
Jensen also summarized recent code changes: the city amended its membership requirement so master plumbers may live outside Auburn provided their business operates within the city, which helped restore a full board quorum. He said the plumbing board has reviewed the cityrevolving loan program and recommended staff and council increase the maximum loan amount for sewer and water costs; Jensen did not specify dollar amounts.
The board and Jensen emphasized that current plumbing permit requirements remain in force, and residents who plan work still must pull a permit, he said. Council did not take formal action on the planned resolution during the Feb. 27 meeting; Jensen said the item will appear before the council for review and potential approval in the coming weeks.
Auburn officials urged residents to contact the code enforcement or plumbing inspection offices for details on the exam and permitting process.
