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Certifying Plumbers for Their Licenses

Official:Amending Chapter 9-1000 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled “Trades,” and amending Title 4 (“The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code”) Subcode “P” of the Philadelphia Code, entitled “The Philadelphia Plumbing Code” to add provisions related to the creation and administration of the Master Plumber and Journeyman Plumber examinations.

Sponsor: Councilmember Driscoll

Introduced: May 8, 2025

: Committee on Licenses and Inspections

government infrastructure procurement

Plain-Language Summary

This bill proposes changes to Philadelphia's plumbing code by adding provisions for creating and administering exams for master plumbers and journeyman plumbers.

What This Bill Does

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Establishes requirements for master plumbers, including a written examination and annual license fee.
Adds provisions for creating and administering exams for master plumbers and journeyman plumbers.
Requires applicants for a journeyman plumber's license to submit an application on a form provided by the Department, including their name and home address.
Imposes a requirement that a person must be licensed with the Department to work as a journeyman plumber.

Both Sides

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The case for

By establishing a formal licensing system for master and journeyman plumbers, this bill ensures public safety by ensuring that only qualified and trained individuals are working on plumbing systems, reducing the risk of substandard work and potential hazards such as gas leaks and water damage. This benefits the community by protecting residents from potential harm and costly repairs. Additionally, licensed plumbers are more likely to conduct work in a professional and timely manner, which in turn benefits homeowners and businesses who require plumbing services.

The case against

This bill establishes a costly and burdensome regulatory framework for plumbers, imposing annual fees on licensed master plumbers and requiring the Department to administer exams and maintain records on all journeyman plumbers. The bill forces individuals to submit personal information, including their home address, to obtain a license, creating a government database of private citizen information. The bill also vests significant administrative power in the Department, creating a new layer of bureaucracy and enforcement burden that will ultimately be borne by taxpayers.

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