State sources
Statutes, rules, and the board
| Document | What it is | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 32 M.R.S. Chapter 49 | Plumbers statute: licensing, board powers, inspections | Maine Revised Statutes, Title 32 |
| 02-395 CMR Chapter 4 | Installation Standards — adopts the 2021 UPC with Maine exclusions and amendments | Secretary of State rule chapters (02-395) |
| 02-395 CMR Chapters 1–3 | Advisory rulings; complaints; licensing requirements | Same rule index as above |
| Plumbers’ Examining Board | Board page: adoption notices, UPC purchase/e-book links, applications | maine.gov — OPOR |
| 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code | The adopted base code (purchase or e-book via IAPMO) | IAPMO |
| Title 30-A (municipal) | Permits, LPI system, definition of plumbing, penalties | Maine Revised Statutes, Title 30-A |
| Subsurface Wastewater Disposal Rules | Septic-side rules (separate track) | DHHS Subsurface Wastewater program |
| 02-658 CMR (Maine Fuel Board) | Gas-side rules, incl. Chapter 13, gas appliance installation | Secretary of State rule chapters (02-658) |
Reading order
How to research a Maine plumbing question
- Fix the date. When was (or will be) the permit issued? That selects the UPC edition and the amendment version.
- Read the amendment first. Open Chapter 4 and check whether Maine amends, excludes, or replaces the UPC section in question — before reading the model text.
- Read the UPC section as amended.
- Check the statute if the question involves licensing, permits, exemptions, or enforcement rather than installation detail.
- Ask the LPI. The local inspector is the authority having jurisdiction on the job; municipalities can be stricter than the state minimum.
Plain-language guide, not legal advice. This site summarizes Maine plumbing statutes, board rules, and the adopted plumbing code for general information. Code editions, amendments, and fees change; municipalities may apply stricter local requirements. Always confirm current requirements with the Maine Plumbers’ Examining Board, your Local Plumbing Inspector (LPI), and the adopted code text before performing or specifying work.