1.2 Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) Supervision & Permitting

1.2 Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) Supervision & Permitting

Core Principle: In Texas, holding a Master Plumber license alone does not authorize an individual to contract with the public or operate a plumbing business. A Master Plumber must obtain the Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) designation from the TSBPE by satisfying financial responsibility requirements, completing business training, and registering as the legal qualifying licensee for the business entity.

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The Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) Designation

Under Texas Occupations Code § 1301.3576, a licensed Master Plumber who operates a plumbing contracting business—or who is employed by a company to represent its plumbing operations—must be designated with the TSBPE as the Responsible Master Plumber (RMP).

Core Legal Rules Governing RMPs

1. Single Company Rule: An individual Master Plumber may serve as the RMP for only one plumbing company or business entity at any given time. An RMP cannot "lend" or "split" their license across multiple contracting firms.
2. RMP Training Course: To receive the RMP designation, a Master Plumber must complete a 24-hour Board-approved training course covering Texas plumbing law, OSHA standards, worker's compensation, contract law, accounting, and business practices.
3. Legal Accountability: The RMP is personally and professionally responsible for all plumbing work performed under their name, permits, and supervision, ensuring full compliance with state law and local adopted plumbing codes (IPC/UPC).

+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                      RMP QUALIFICATION CHECKLIST                         |
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| [x] Active Texas Master Plumber License                                  |
| [x] Completion of 24-Hour Board-Approved RMP Training Course             |
| [x] $300,000 Commercial General Liability Insurance Certificate on File |
| [x] Designation of Only One Operating Company with TSBPE                 |
| [x] Annual 6-Hour CPE Renewal Completed                                  |
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+

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Financial Responsibility & Liability Insurance

To activate and maintain the RMP designation, the licensee must file proof of financial responsibility with the Board in the form of a Certificate of Insurance (COI) issued by an insurance carrier licensed to do business in Texas.

Mandatory Insurance Requirements

• Minimum Coverage Limit: An RMP must maintain at least $300,000 of commercial general liability insurance covering both property damage and bodily injury arising out of plumbing operations.
• Continuous Coverage: The policy must remain in continuous effect. If the insurance policy is cancelled, non-renewed, or lapses for any reason, the insurer is required to notify the TSBPE.
• Automatic Suspension: If proof of active insurance coverage is not maintained on file, the RMP designation is immediately suspended. Operating without an active RMP designation constitutes an illegal operation and subject to administrative penalties, fines up to $5,000 per violation per day, and license revocation.

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Supervision Standards: Direct vs. General

Texas plumbing law establishes two distinct levels of jobsite supervision to protect the public from substandard or dangerous installations.

Practical Application on the Jobsite

• Apprentice Scenario: An apprentice installing DWV piping in a commercial building must have a licensed Journeyman or Master Plumber on site directing their work. Leaving an apprentice alone on a commercial or residential jobsite constitutes an immediate violation of TSBPE rules.
• Journeyman Scenario: A Journeyman Plumber may rough-in an entire commercial kitchen or residential building alone under general supervision, because their 8,000 hours of training and license credential verify their independent technical competence.

SUPERVISION DECISION MATRIX:
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Is the worker a registered Apprentice?
   ├── YES ──> Requires DIRECT ON-THE-JOB supervision on ALL jobsites.
   └── NO  ──>
       Is the worker a Tradesman-Plumber Limited?
          ├── Working on 1- or 2-Family Dwelling ──> GENERAL supervision allowed.
          └── Working on Commercial / Multi-Family (>=3) ──> DIRECT ON-THE-JOB supervision required.
       Is the worker a Journeyman Plumber?
          └── ALL Jobsite Types ──> GENERAL supervision allowed.

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Municipal Permitting & Code Compliance

Under Texas law, plumbing permits are legal authorizations granted by the local municipal or county building authority (AHJ) to ensure public health standards are met.

1. Permit Pulling Authority: Only the designated Responsible Master Plumber (RMP)—or a licensed individual explicitly authorized in writing by the RMP on file with the municipality—may secure plumbing permits.
2. Permit Timing: Permits must be pulled prior to commencing work, except in genuine emergency repair situations where local ordinances permit pulling an emergency permit on the next business day.
3. Inspection Call-Ins: The RMP is responsible for scheduling required rough-in, top-out, hydrostatic test, and final inspections with the local plumbing inspector before any piping is covered, backfilled, or concealed inside walls or under slabs.

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Advertising Rules & Vehicle Lettering Requirements

TSBPE enforces strict advertising standards under 22 TAC § 367.3 to eliminate unlicensed contractors and ensure consumers can readily identify licensed professionals.

1. Mandatory License Display on All Media

The RMP's license number (e.g., M-12345 or Master Plumber #12345) must appear prominently on every form of public advertising and business communication, including:

• Print advertisements, phone directories, billboards, yard signs
• Company websites, digital ads, social media profiles, and email signatures
• Business cards, proposals, estimates, bids, invoices, and written contracts
• Television, radio, and video promotions

2. Service Vehicle Lettering Mandate

Every commercial vehicle used in the operation of a plumbing contracting business must display statutory identification:

• Location: The company name and the Master Plumber license number must be permanently affixed to both sides of the vehicle (driver and passenger doors or side panels).
• Letter Size: All letters and numerals must be at least 2 inches high.
• Contrast & Legibility: The lettering must be of a contrasting color to the background of the vehicle (e.g., white lettering on a dark blue truck, or dark black lettering on a white van) to guarantee legibility from a distance.
• Magnetic Signs: Removable magnetic signs are permitted only if they comply with the exact 2-inch height, contrast, and dual-side display requirements.