King County is hiring!
Job opening: Senior plumbing plans examiner (open through Feb. 15, 2023)
Tired of project deadlines and proposals? Tired of being out in the field? If you are code savvy, detail oriented, and are a CPD or PL01 Certified Plumber, apply for the Senior Plumbing Plans Examiner position. This is a fully remote position (except for occasional in-person trainings) with excellent pay and benefits! This position is represented by Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 32.
Upcoming opportunity: Plumbing plans examiner (will be opened later this month)
Are you an experienced plumber interested in transitioning to something less physically strenuous? King County is seeking PL01 and PL02 Certified Plumbers to join our Plan Review team. This is a fully remote position (except for occasional in-person trainings) represented by Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 32. Training provided. This opening will be posted here later this month.
Upcoming opportunity: Plumbing inspector (will be opened later this month)
King County is looking for an experienced, competent PL01 or PL02 plumber to join the Field Inspection team. Aside from occasional training, there is no requirement to check in at an office - you'll be able to go directly from your home to your assigned inspection area. This position is represented by Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 32. Training provided. This opening will be posted here later this month.
Occupancy and Use – An update of Public Health's Occupancy and Use guidance is available for review and comment. This document clarifies which projects require Plan Review and which projects may be subject to field inspection with an over-the-counter permit. To review this draft update and provide comment, please reach out to your preferred local industry group (ASPE, ASHRAE, MCA, PHCC). We will be accepting comments until January 27, 2023.
Houseboats - Starting November 22, 2023, Public Health will no longer require houseboat (floating home) projects to be submitted for Plan Review. These projects will be able to proceed with an over-the-counter permit, subject to field inspection. We are developing additional guidance regarding shore-to-home utility connection requirements and will post them online when they are available.
There is a new Referenced Standard – UL 499 – for electric heating appliances. This includes electric instantaneous water heaters (as referenced in 2021 UPC Table 501.1(1)). This new standard will come into effect July 1, 2023, with the adoption of the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code.
The standard states: “Those models with no storage or with a storage tank 3” in diameter or less do not require a pressure relief device.” This language aligns with the un-modified version of UPC 608.3, which was previously amended by Washington State, but will revert to model code language in the 2021 code cycle.
Projects submitted to Public Health – Seattle & King County under the 2021 code cycle can install these listed water heaters without a relief device, when installed in accordance with their listing. Projects submitted under a previous code cycle will be granted the same allowance with an approved AMMRF form.
Note: expansion tanks may still be required depending on the system design (see UPC 608.3). Also, UL 499 listed tankless water heaters installed contrary to the listing (i.e. recirc loop re-heat systems) still need to have a T&P relief valve.
 UL-499 (as referenced in the 2021 UPC) applies to electric instantaneous water heaters only.
Starting July 1, 2023, Public Health will begin inspecting insulation installations on plumbing systems. Field inspectors will be checking for compliance with the applicable Energy Code (Seattle or Washington State) including insulation thickness, jacketing, continuity, and workmanship. At this time, these inspections will only be required on projects that have gone through Public Health - Seattle & King County Plan Review. More information will follow once the 2021 Energy Codes are officially adopted and published.
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