Why Licensing (and Certification) Matters When Choosing a Plumbing Contractor
When you hire a plumbing contractor, credentials matter. At MCM Plumbing®, we hold multiple active contractor licenses issued by the
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). That means your project is performed by a qualified, insured, and legally accountable contractor— whether it’s residential, commercial, or underground utility work throughout Merced County and the Central Valley.
From sewer emergencies to trenchless pipe rehab and high-demand water heater work, using a properly licensed contractor protects your property, your budget, and your peace of mind. It also helps shield homeowners from serious liability risks that come with unlicensed or uninsured work.
- A – General Engineering Contractor: Authorizes civil and infrastructure work such as water and sewer mains, utility services,
trenchless pipe bursting, and other underground installations for public and private projects. - C-36 – Plumbing Contractor: Covers plumbing systems including water, gas, waste, venting, backflow prevention, and commercial water heater installations.
- C-34 – Pipeline Contractor: Focuses on pipeline construction, replacement, and rehabilitation—ideal for trenchless boring, sewer laterals, and long-run water or drain line upgrades.
Licensing isn’t just paperwork—it proves we follow California safety codes, building standards, and environmental rules. For you, that means proper permitting, code-compliant installation, and work backed by bonding and insurance.
Important: Always verify any contractor’s license. Unlicensed individuals sometimes advertise fake numbers or use a business license
number as if it were a CSLB license. If someone is unlicensed and a worker gets injured on your property without proper workers’ compensation, the homeowner can be held financially responsible. The liabilities are high—so checking credentials up front matters.
How to protect yourself when hiring any contractor:
- Verify the license number on CSLB’s official lookup and confirm the business name matches the record.
- Ask to see the contractor’s pocket license and proof of active general liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
- Make sure the license classification matches the work (plumbing, pipeline, civil/utility work, etc.).
You can verify our licensing anytime here: CSLB License Lookup.
Professional Certifications
Next, here are our professional certifications and what they allow MCM Plumbing® to do on the job. These credentials reflect industry and
manufacturer training for specialized systems:
- AWWA — Certified Backflow Assembly Tester View official AWWA site
About: Michael C. Morin / MCM Plumbing® is an AWWA Certified Tester. This means we are trained to test, document, and evaluate backflow assemblies and identify cross-connection risks—helping keep drinking water safe.- Perform certified backflow assembly testing and provide compliant test reports (where local rules allow)
- Recommend corrective actions to protect potable water supplies
- Follow AWWA procedures for testing, record-keeping, and reporting when working with utilities and inspectors
- Jet — Installation, Service & Maintenance Certification View official Jet Inc. site
About: Michael C. Morin / MCM Plumbing® is Jet certified. This confirms factory training on Jet aerobic wastewater systems, including installation, start-up, and service to meet manufacturer specs and local health requirements.- Install and commission Jet systems when authorized or factory-trained
- Perform manufacturer-recommended maintenance and troubleshooting
- Provide start-up paperwork and coordinate testing with permitting / health authorities
- Infiltrator — AES Wastewater Treatment System Installer Certification View official Infiltrator site
About: MCM Plumbing® is certified to install the Infiltrator AES wastewater treatment system. This confirms training on AES combined treatment and dispersal methods and supports proper installation for permitting and warranty protection.- Install and commission Infiltrator AES wastewater treatment and dispersal systems per manufacturer requirements
- Coordinate with County Environmental Health for plan review, permits, and system approval
- Provide start-up checks and documentation to support warranty and permitting needs
- Rinnai — Tankless Water Heater Certified Installer View official Rinnai site
About: MCM Plumbing® is certified by Rinnai to install and commission Rinnai tankless water heaters to manufacturer requirements.- Install and commission Rinnai tankless water heaters to manufacturer specifications
- Perform warranty-authorized start-ups and troubleshoot system issues
- Advise on sizing, venting, and gas supply requirements to meet code and performance needs
- Navien — Tankless Water Heater Certified Installer View official Navien site
About: MCM Plumbing® is certified by Navien for installation and service of Navien tankless water heaters and combi units.- Install and commission Navien tankless water heaters and combi units per manufacturer instructions
- Perform manufacturer-supported troubleshooting and maintenance
- Advise on proper venting, clearances, and gas/water supply for safe, efficient operation
- NDS — Professional Drainage Contractor (PDCC) View NDS PDCC information
About: NDS PDCC certification confirms training in stormwater and site drainage methods, including proper product selection and manufacturer-approved installation techniques for long-term performance.- Design and install landscape and site drainage using NDS-recommended products
- Use manufacturer-approved installation methods to support performance and warranty claims
- Advise on surface and subsurface drainage that aligns with local stormwater and grading rules
Want a licensed local professional on your project? Contact MCM Plumbing today for service backed by real credentials.
Trademark Notice: MCM Plumbing® is a registered trademark owned exclusively by MCM Plumbing. Unauthorized use of the name, logo, or likeness is prohibited without written consent.