Massachusetts Laws on When to Use a Licensed Plumber

• You can perform minor repairs yourself in Massachusetts as long as the issue doesn't affect public health.Ranch image by Alhazm Salemi from Fotolia.com
  
  Leaky faucets and stopped toilets can be frustrating, especially with the high cost of plumber's visits. Massachusetts law requires you to hire a licensed plumber for most plumbing repairs, with the exception of minor issues that are quickly fixed by tightening a valve or faucet. Calling a plumber may be expensive, but it puts you on the right side of the law and protects you from injuries related to the repairs.
  
  

Installing Plumbing Fixtures

• Massachusetts law prohibits anyone but a licensed plumber from installing plumbing fixtures such as pipes and faucets. According to the State of Massachusetts website, this law protects consumers from needless injuries and accidents related to improperly installed plumbing. Amateur plumbers may not be aware of engineering issues such as regulating backflow, which impacts the cleanliness and safety of public water, or pressure build-up, which can cause explosions.
  
  

Minor Repairs That Become More Complicated

• You are not legally required to call a licensed plumber to repair minor issues such as leaky faucets or blocked drains. However, if repairing parts of the plumbing or using other commonly available remedies such as drain-clearing chemicals fails to solve the problem, you must call a plumber. You may not replace any part of the plumbing yourself, including valves or faucets. Before hiring a plumber, you can verify his license status online or by calling the Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
  
  

Public Health Issues

• If plumbing problems become a public health issue, you must call a licensed plumber in Massachusetts. Any problem involving the sewage system is considered a public health issue, as sewage backup can leak into drinking water and cause disease.
  
  

Major Repairs

• Licensed plumbers must perform repairs involving replacement of part or all of your plumbing system. For example, repairs requiring you to replace faucets, valves, sinks or toilets all require the services of a plumber.