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The Auburn City Council approved a resolution amending the plumbing code at its March 20 meeting. Among the changes was allowing residents to obtain permits for fixture replacements. Under the regulation that was adopted in 2010, plumbing permits could only be issued to individuals "proven qualified and competent by the plumbing board to install plumbing and drainage in this city."

Seth Jensen, the city's director of municipal services, is chair of the plumbing board. He explained the limitations of the previous rules at the council's Feb. 27 meeting.

"All residents within the city of Auburn must hire a master plumber to perform any plumbing work and obtain a permit to do that," he said, adding, "It is, believe it or not, illegal to replace, say, your toilet in your own home. You need to hire a master plumber."

The updated regulation approved by the City Council allows residents to obtain a permit for fixture replacements in an owner-occupied single-family or two-unit home. The eligible fixture replacements include dishwashers, garbage disposals, refrigerators with water connections, showerheads, sink faucets, sink P-traps, toilets and washers.

The approved plumbing work is for fixtures "requiring no plumbing work beyond the fixture shutoff or immediate drain condition," according to the new regulation. For other plumbing projects, homeowners are required to take a test to ensure they understand the city's plumbing code, according to Jensen. The exam costs $10.

If residents pass the test, they will be allowed to perform any plumbing work within their home, Jensen said.

Auburn Mayor Jimmy Giannettino told the council the idea for updating the plumbing regulations came from constituents. He was contacted by residents who did not understand why they had to hire a plumber for fixture replacements. Their complaint wasn't about the cost of hiring a plumber, he continued, but in trying to find someone willing to do those small jobs.

"I want to thank the plumbing board for listening and being open to amending these rules," Giannettino said. "I think it's gonna go a long way with property owners here in the city of Auburn."