There are three different registrations that may be added to a Plumber’s Apprentice Registration. They include:
- Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration;
- Drain Cleaner Registration; and
- Residential Utilities Installer Registration.
The Drain Cleaner Registration may also be added to a Tradesman Plumber-Limited License.
Eligibility Requirements
Drain Cleaner-Restricted
You may register as a Drain Cleaner-Restricted if:
- you are currently registered as a Plumber’s Apprentice in Texas; and
- you receive a passing score on the Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registrant Verification of Training Affidavit
Drain Cleaner
You may register as a Drain Cleaner if:
- you are currently registered as a Plumber’s Apprentice in Texas;
- you have at least 4,000 hours working in the plumbing trade as a Drain Cleaner-Restricted; and
- you receive a passing score on the Drain Cleaner Verification of Training Affidavit.
Residential Utilities Installer
You may register as a Residential Utilities Installer if:
- you are currently registered as a Plumber’s Apprentice in Texas;
- you have at least 2,000 hours working in the plumbing trade as a Plumber’s Apprentice; and
- you receive a passing score on the Residential Utilities Installer Verification of Training Affidavit.
Scope of Work Permitted
Drain Cleaner-Restricted
A Plumber’s Apprentice who holds a Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration may clear obstructions in building drains and sewers through any existing code-approved opening under the general supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. All other plumbing work performed by a Drain Cleaner-Restricted must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensee.
Drain Cleaner
A Plumber’s Apprentice or Tradesman Plumber-Limited who holds a Drain Cleaner Registration may install cleanouts and remove and reset p-traps for the purpose of eliminating obstructions in building drains and sewers under the general supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. All other plumbing work performed by an Apprentice with a Drain Cleaner Registration must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensee. All other plumbing work performed by a Tradesman with a Drain Cleaner Registration must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensee unless the work is for a one or two-family dwelling.
Residential Utilities Installer
A Plumber’s Apprentice who holds a Residential Utilities Installer (RUI) Registration may construct and install yard water service piping and building sewers for one and two-family dwellings under the general supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. All other plumbing work performed by a RUI must be performed under the direct supervision of a licensee. A RUI may not install piping for gas service or supervise a Plumber’s Apprentice.
How to Apply for a Registration
To obtain a registration you must submit a completed application, a Verification of Training Affidavit, and an $18 fee to the TSBPE. Applicants for the Drain Cleaner and Residential Utilities Installer Registrations must also submit Employer Certification Form(s). If you have been convicted of a felony, you must submit a Supplemental Criminal History Information Form (SCHIF).
Drain Cleaner-Restricted Registration Application
Drain Cleaner Restricted Verification of Training Affidavit*
Drain Cleaner Registration Application
Drain Cleaner Verification of Training Affidavit*
Residential Utilities Installer Registration Application
Residential Utilities Installer Verification of Training Affidavit*
Employer’s Certification Form (ECF)
Supplemental Criminal History Information Form
*If you do not receive a passing score on the Verification of Training Affidavit, you will have to submit a new affidavit before your application can be approved.
Fees
The fees are the same for all three registrations:
Registration Application Fee: $18
Renewal Fee: $18
Late Renewal Fee (expired less than 90 days): $9
Late Renewal Fee (expired more than 90 days): $18