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TEXAS STATE BOARD OF PLUMBING EXAMINERS TSBPE • Protecting the health and safety of Texans since 1947
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Author name: TSBPE

Ask Kevin+ by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

The TSBPE Empowers Ask Kevin Chatbot with Deep Plumbing Code Expertise and Powerful Image Interpretation

Front Page / By

Ask Kevin+ Accepts Visual Input and Has Been Enhanced with Localized Code Guidance

Ask Kevin+ by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

AUSTIN, TEXAS – April 13, 2026 — The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is proud to announce the launch of Ask Kevin+, a significant evolution of the agency’s groundbreaking informational resource. Since its debut in October 2023, the original Ask Kevin has transformed how both the public and the plumbing industry interact with the TSBPE, averaging between 60 and 100 conversations per day. With this new “+” upgrade, the system moves beyond general licensing inquiries and becomes a powerful technical resource for the Texas plumbing community — and in doing so, makes Texas history on a national stage: Ask Kevin+ marks the first time any state regulatory agency in the United States has deployed a chatbot with dedicated regulatory code expertise, and the first to offer image analysis capabilities. That’s two national firsts for the Lone Star State.

Ask Kevin+ is designed to serve as a digital mentor and inspector in a pocket, providing licensed professionals with immediate access to complex code interpretations and regulatory guidance. But its value extends well beyond the job site. Everyday Texas consumers can now use Ask Kevin+ as an informed advocate in their corner — whether they’re reviewing a contractor’s bid before signing anything, or verifying that completed plumbing work meets code after the crew has packed up and left. This update marks a major step forward in how the agency supports the more than 70,000 licensees across Texas, while simultaneously empowering the citizens they serve.

Frank S. Denton, Chairman of the TSBPE Board, emphasized the importance of this advancement: “Ask Kevin+ is a force multiplier for safety, compliance and efficiency. By integrating the vast technical nuances of plumbing codes directly into this interface, we are providing our plumbers and the public with a level of support that was previously impossible. This is about using every modern resource at our disposal to ensure Texas remains the gold standard for plumbing regulation.”

The Capabilities of Ask Kevin+

The “+” designation introduces several industry-first features designed for the job site and the office alike:

  • Visual Analysis: In a notable expansion of functionality — and a first among state regulatory agencies nationwide — users can now upload photos of installations or equipment. Ask Kevin+ can analyze these images and relate the content to specific sections of official code books. For consumers, this means the ability to photograph completed work and get instant, code-based context on the work that’s been performed.
  • Municipal Specificity: The system’s training data includes amendments and code adoptions for over 300 Texas municipalities, ensuring that the advice provided is relevant to the user’s specific location.
  • Expanded Regulatory Coverage: In addition to plumbing-specific codes, Ask Kevin+’s training data incorporates OSHA’s 1926 standard for construction safety as well as the current Texas Accessibility Standards, equipping professionals with a broader regulatory foundation to support compliant, safe, and accessible work.
  • Direct Documentation: The assistant provides direct links to official code chapters and all TSBPE resources, cutting through the red tape to get professionals the documents they need instantly.
  • 24/7 Regulatory Support: Whether you’re a licensed plumber in the field or a homeowner evaluating a quote for potential plumbing work, Ask Kevin+ is available around the clock to answer questions about anything related to plumbing regulations in the State of Texas.
  • Responsible Guidance by Design: Ask Kevin+ is diligent about reminding users that the information provided is for reference purposes only and that they should always verify requirements with their local inspector and municipality before beginning any work. The system also consistently reinforces that all plumbing work must be performed by a licensed plumber, supporting public safety and regulatory compliance at every interaction.

Lisa G. Hill, Executive Director of the TSBPE, highlighted the impact on customer service: “Ask Kevin+ bridges the gap between the Board and the job site. We recognize that our plumbers are out in the field, often in high-pressure situations where they need answers immediately. By providing instant, code-based insights and the ability to analyze photos of real-world plumbing scenarios, we are streamlining the compliance process and helping our licensees get the job done right the first time. And for the consumers who hire them, Ask Kevin+ puts that same level of knowledge at their fingertips — helping Texans make informed decisions about the work being done in their homes.”

Ask Kevin+ is available now on tsbpe.texas.gov by clicking or touching the “Need Help” icon at the bottom left of every page or via the “Need Help? Ask Kevin” link at the top left of every page. A Facebook Messenger version is coming soon. The TSBPE continues to lead the nation in adopting innovative technology to protect the health and safety of all Texans through the regulation of the plumbing trade.

 

Media Contact:
Kevin Dick – Kevin.Dick@tsbpe.texas.gov
Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
7915 Cameron Road, Austin, Texas 78754

 

About the TSBPE:
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating plumbers in Texas. Its mission is to protect the health and safety of the citizens of Texas by ensuring that those who practice the plumbing trade are qualified and competent.

CH (LTC) MILTON GUTIERREZ

Congratulations to Board Member CH (LTC) Milton Gutierrez On His Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel

Agency News, Featured, Front Page, Military / By
CH (LTC) Milton Gutierrez
The TSBPE Celebrates a Milestone Achievement for One of its Own

"Coming from an immigrant family, parents who moved from Mexico to the U.S. and became citizens… I just never thought this would be something I would ever accomplish."

- CH (LTC) Milton Gutierrez, Board Member

Board Member Milton Guitierrez

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners is proud to congratulate board member CH (LTC) Milton Gutierrez on his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in the Texas Army National Guard. The promotion, backdated to December 1st, reflects years of dedicated service and perseverance — and will be formally celebrated with a pinning ceremony on Saturday, April 18th at Camp Mabry in Austin.

CH (LTC) Gutierrez currently serves as Operations Chaplain in his full-time National Guard role, with a part-time assignment as Brigade Chaplain for the 176th Engineer Brigade. His day-to-day work spans chaplain personnel management, deployment forecasting and prepartion, direct religious support and filling chaplain vacancies so that every unit has the spiritual support it needs. The promotion is expected to bring new responsibility as well, with an upcoming move to a command chaplain position overseeing the 141st Chaplain Detachment.

When asked what this milestone means to him, CH (LTC) Guitierrez did not hesitate:

“It means a lot of sweat, tears, sacrifice — long nights serving with soldiers, two deployments, time away from family. But more personally, coming from an immigrant family, parents who moved from Mexico to the U.S. and became citizens… I just never thought this would be something I would ever accomplish. This is my way of saying thank you to them.”

— CH (LTC) Milton Gutierrez, TSBPE Board Member

LTC Gutierrez serves on the TSBPE board as its public member — a role he approaches with the same outsider perspective that has defined his chaplaincy. Just as a chaplain advises commanders without holding command authority himself, he brings independent eyes to the board: asking the questions the public would ask, and advocating for the people plumbing is ultimately meant to serve.

Board Chair Frank S. Denton offered his congratulations:

“Milton has been a steady and reliable voice on our board, always putting plumbers’ and consumers’ welfare first and foremost in all his decisions. He is an honorable man with a beautiful family. It has been my honor to get to know him and work alongside him.”

— Frank S. Denton, Board Chair, TSBPE

Executive Director Lisa G. Hill also shared her congratulations:

“Milton brings integrity, thoughtfulness, and genuine care to everything he does — whether it’s serving his country or serving the people of Texas through this board. This promotion is a testament to his character and his commitment, and we couldn’t be more proud to have him as one of our own.”

— Lisa G. Hill, Executive Director, TSBPE

The entire TSBPE team extends its heartfelt congratulations to CH (LTC) Milton Gutierrez. We are honored to serve alongside him and thank him for his service.

AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMEMT REGARDING UNLICENSED PLUMBING

$4,000 Fine for Employing Unregistered Individuals Can No Longer be Reduced in Settlement

Agency News, Featured / By

RE: $4,000 Fine for Employing Unregistered Individuals to Perform Plumbing

The TSBPE vigilantly pursues enforcement action, penalties, and sanctions for individuals that employ or subcontract to unregistered individuals. The penalty for employing or subcontracting to an unregistered or unlicensed individual is $4,000 per violation.

On December 3, 2025, the Board met and determined that the Enforcement Division would no longer settle cases for a reduced penalty that involve the employment of an individual engaging in plumbing requiring a license or registration.

It is the mission of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) to protect the health and safety of Texans by ensuring our drinking water, air, and medical gases are free from contaminants. That mission is accomplished by ensuring that individuals performing plumbing have earned licensure through testing competence and registered individuals are properly supervised to learn the trade.

Beginning January 1, 2026, all violations of this nature will be assessed the full $4,000.00 per violation penalty with no option of a reduced penalty in settlement.

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners

Click or touch here for a PDF version of this notice.

CAMERON ROAD IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Update on the TSBPE’s Austin Relocation

Agency News, Featured / By

The TSBPE's Big Austin Move is (Nearly) Complete!

Austin, Texas — September 2, 2025 — Over the holiday weekend, the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) closed the doors to the East 41st Street facility it called home for nearly 50 years and officially transitioned to its new headquarters at: 7915 Cameron Road, Austin, Texas.

For background information on this relocation project including building sizes and costs, see this page.

What this Means to You

The TSBPE’s Former Office on 41st St in Austin is CLOSED: All TSBPE staff, equipment and services have made the move to the agency’s new home on Cameron Road. In other words, the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners has officially left the building. 

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7915 Cameron Road is open for business: In-person administrative services begin today, September 2, at 7915 Cameron Road in Austin.

Practical Exams in Austin Will Resume this Fall: The TSBPE’s brand new on-site practical exam center at Cameron Road is still under construction and will reopen this fall. In the meantime, computer-based exams remain available through Pearson VUE statewide, and the Waco practical testing site is operating as usual.

Online Services Remain the Fastest Option: As always, the quickest way to renew a license, submit an application, update a Certificate of Insurance, change an address, and more is through the Online Licensing System.

The TSBPE’s Hours of Operation Have Changed: In order to better serve the plumbing industry, the TSBPE has shifted its hours of operation to 7:30am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday. These new operating hours begin with the opening of the Cameron Road facility on September 2, 2025.

Looking Forward

The TSBPE’s move to 7915 Cameron Road marks a major step forward for the agency and the plumbing profession in Texas. The new facility offers more space to accommodate staff and services, expanded parking for visitors, and a modern, state-of-the-art practical exam center designed to better serve licensees and applicants. These improvements ensure that the agency is well-positioned to continue supporting plumbers, apprentices, and consumers across Texas for decades to come.

An artist's rendering of the new TSBPE headquarters.

TSBPE Announces Relocation to Larger, State-Owned Building in Austin

Agency News, Featured / By

Move Brings More Exam Capacity and Significant Savings

Austin, Texas — July 17, 2025 — The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is pleased to announce plans to relocate its Austin headquarters this summer to a new, state-owned facility located just 4 miles away on Cameron Road in Austin.

Artist rendering of the new TSBPE headquarters.
Artist’s Rendering of the new TSBPE Headquarters on Cameron Road in Austin.

The agency has operated out of its current location at 929 East 41st Street since 1981. The move marks a significant milestone for the TSBPE, which has outgrown the 15,273 square-foot leased space. The new facility offers approximately 23,533 square feet—providing much-needed room for staff, expanded visitor and examinee parking, and the continued development of the agency’s on-site practical examination center.

Relocating to a state-owned facility also comes with a very significant financial incentive. “The building on Cameron Road not only gives us the space we need to better serve the plumbing industry and the public,” said Lisa Hill, Executive Director of the TSBPE, “it also saves the agency a significant amount of money by eliminating our annual lease cost of over $353,000.”

The transition is being coordinated in partnership with the Texas Facilities Commission (TFC), which identified the Cameron Road site as a cost-effective solution. While the new building requires some updates and build-out, the long-term financial and operational benefits are clear.

Frank S. Denton, Chair of the TSBPE Board, emphasized the importance of the move: “This relocation reflects our continued commitment to operating efficiently while meeting the growing demands placed on the agency. The expanded space will allow us to enhance our examination facilities and better support the next generation of Texas plumbers, while reducing agency operating cost.”

Administrative services will continue at the 929 E. 41st Street location until August 31, ensuring uninterrupted support for licensees and the public during the transition. While practical exams have not yet ceased in Austin, the ability to schedule an exam in Austin has been suspended until the new exam center is up and running. The TSBPE’s Waco testing facility remains fully operational and accepting examinees. Additionally, computer-based exams are available as always through Pearson VUE at over 60 testing centers across Texas.

The TSBPE expects to complete the move by September 2025 and will offer communication updates on tsbpe.texas.gov and Facebook as the transition progresses. 

PARDON OUR DUST! After more than 40 years in the same spot, we’re upgrading to a new home. Thanks for your understanding during this exciting transition!

Map of Texas Hill Country

Texas Hill Country Flooding: TSBPE Response and Resources

Agency News, Featured, High School / By
LICENCED PLUMBING COMPANY contact LIST

In light of the devastating flooding impacting Texas Hill Country, the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) extends its deepest concern to all Texans affected by this disaster.

Floodwaters can cause serious damage to plumbing systems, including contamination of drinking water, gas line hazards, and compromised water heaters, piping, and septic systems. If your home or business has been affected:

  • Homeowners are allowed to do their own plumbing work, subject to specific municipal requirements—Texas law permits property owners to perform plumbing repairs in their own homestead without a license. However, regardless of who performs the work, permits and inspections may still be required to ensure safety.
  • Report substandard or suspected unlicensed work directly to the TSBPE using our online complaint form or by calling 512-936-5200.

For Licensed Plumbers:

  • Exercise extreme caution when working in flood-damaged structures.
  • Be vigilant about potential contamination in plumbing systems.
  • Document all repair work thoroughly for customers’ insurance claims.
  • Remember that even during emergencies, proper permits must be obtained when required by local authorities.

Resources:

  • Out-of-state plumbers who want to help with recovery efforts in Bandera, Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, Travis, San Saba and Williamson counties can apply for a temporary license from the TSBPE. These licenses are reviewed on a case-by-case basis; for more information, call 512-936-5200.
  • Plumbers who are unable to complete their July continuing education (CE) due to recovery work may contact the TSBPE at 512-936-5200 to request a possible Disaster Relief CE waiver.
  • Our Online Licensing System remains available for all licensing needs.

We remain committed to the health and safety of all Texans. Please stay safe, follow local emergency orders, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our office for assistance.

TSTC Student Jonathan Gann stands on the SkillsUSA competition floor wearing his gold medal.

TSTC Student Wins National Plumbing Championship at SkillUSA Competition

Agency News, Featured, High School / By
Victory Underscores the TSBPE’s Commitment to Educational Pathways to the Plumbing Trade in Texas

ATLANTA, GA – July 2025 – The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) and Texas State Technical College (TSTC) are proud to announce that TSTC Waco student Jonathan Gann has won the gold medal in plumbing at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference held recently in Atlanta. This national championship follows TSTC’s impressive sweep of all three medals in the plumbing category at the state-level competition earlier this year.

Photo credit: TSTC

“This is a strong indicator of the overall quality of our faculty and our plumbing program,” said Mike Reeser, Chancellor of Texas State Technical College. “These accomplishments by our students in head-to-head intercollegiate competition validate the confidence TSBPE placed in us when they decided to provide our graduates with expedited access to entry-level certification. We’re so very proud of Jonathan and all our medal winners.”

Frank S. Denton, Chairman of the TSBPE, was equally as thrilled with the big win: “Jonathan’s national victory is a testament to the caliber of plumbing education we strive to support across Texas. Jonathan’s win, along with our ongoing partnership with TSTC, show that supporting quality technical training produces world-class professionals who will uphold the integrity and safety of our industry when they enter the workforce.”

Lisa G. Hill, Executive Director of the TSBPE, added: “The success of TSTC students on both state and national stages reinforces our commitment to supporting educational pathways that prepare the next generation of licensed plumbers.”

The TSBPE and TSTC partnership, which includes a TSBPE Exam Center on TSTC’s Waco campus, creates streamlined opportunities for qualified graduates to enter the plumbing profession. Sixty high schools and seven trade schools in Texas currently offer similar plumbing programs developed by the TSBPE and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) with the first crop of graduates from these programs having just finished their studies in May/June of 2025. These new graduates, including TSTC’s competition winners, represent the next generation of licensed plumbing professionals ready to serve communities across Texas.

For more information about plumbing licensing in Texas, visit tsbpe.texas.gov

###


About the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is responsible for licensing and regulating the plumbing industry in Texas. With a focus on protecting the public health and safety, TSBPE ensures that all plumbers meet the necessary requirements and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and expertise. For more information, visit: tsbpe.texas.gov

About Texas State Technical College
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) is a public two-year college dedicated to providing students with the necessary skills and education to excel in their chosen career fields. With a strong focus on hands-on training, TSTC offers a wide range of programs in various industries, including plumbing, to prepare students for the workforce and ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to succeed. See tstc.edu for more information.

About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is America’s proud champion of the skilled trades. Representing nearly 380,000 career and technical education students and teachers, SkillsUSA chapters thrive in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. SkillsUSA’s mission empowers students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. A vital solution to the skills gap, where more in-demand skilled trades positions are available than qualified professionals to fill them, SkillsUSA has served over 14 million difference-making members since 1965. For more, visit skillsusa.org

Master License Card

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Upcoming Change to Master Plumber Requirements

Agency News, Featured / By

The TSBPE is pleased to announce that starting September 1, 2025, the experience requirement for a licensed Journeyman Plumber to become a Master Plumber will be reduced from four years to two years. This change was recently passed by the Texas Legislature and signed by the Governor.

What This Means for You:

  • All Master Plumber applications will be updated on September 1, 2025.
  • Until then, applications must meet the current four-year requirement or one year with a DOL program certificate.
  • Applications received before September 1 that don’t meet current requirements will be withdrawn and denied.
  • Rejected applicants must submit a new application on or after September 1, 2025.

In other words:

  • DO NOT APPLY FOR THE MASTER EXAM IF YOU DON’T MEET THE CURRENT REQUIREMENTS.
  • IF YOU MEET THE NEW REQUIREMENTS, WAIT UNTIL AFTER SEPTEMBER 1 TO SUBMIT A MASTER EXAM APPLICATION.


Adherence to the rules above will save time and prevent unnecessary application processing. Again, if a plumber doesn’t meet the criteria in place on the day they submit their application, they will be denied and forced to start the process over again.

Thank you for your patience during this transition!

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Next Board Meeting

TBD

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