Learn When You Need a Plumbing Permit for Home Remodels or Repairs (2024)

When you begin planning a plumbing repair or project, some of the first things you should consider are permit requirements. Many homeowners think permits are only required for major remodels, but some seemingly small plumbing projects will also need to be permitted by the county.

If you hire a plumber to do the job, they will often be able to help with what plumbing permits are needed. But smaller plumbing work—which some DIY homeowners prefer to handle—will also require some research and a potential permit to comply with local building codes.

Plumbing Codes

There are national plumbing codes to help standardize work done by plumbers. However, local state and county regulations must be followed as a priority since they supersede all others. Because there can be differences dependent on location, it's always best to check the local building and plumbing codes and laws before starting any plumbing project.

Plumbing and building safety codes are put in place for the protection of the public, so they should not be ignored. Get a permit whenever it is required for your plumbing project, and be sure you know what work will require a permit and what can be done without one.

If you cannot find answers online or the building code's wording is confusing or unclear, you can always contact the building and safety department by phone or go to the office in person.

Jobs That Require a Permit

County regulations are different, but most will require a permit for big plumbing jobs such as those listed below.

• Re-pipes: A re-pipe requires changing out all of the water supply pipes in the home, so it's considered a significant project. Re-pipes are usually done by a professional plumber, and require a permit.
• Drain line replacements: Replacing the drain pipes is a large job that will most often require a permit.
• Sewer replacement: Any work involving sewer lines is likely to require a permit because of safety codes that must be met.
• Water heater: Replacing a water heater is considered a large plumbing project and will most often require a permit from the county. There are water heater safety regulations that need to beobserved.
• Moving existing plumbing to a different location: Whenever plumbing is moved from one location to another, it is considered a remodel. Building code requirements must be observed, and a permit will be required.
• Additions and upgrades: Projects such as installing dual sinks or building entire new bathrooms when renovating, will all impact your home's plumbing system, and need permits.

What Plumbing Projects Do Not Require a Permit?

Although a majority plumbing installations, pipe replacements, and renovations do require a permit, most everyday repairs and upgrades around the house generally do not. This means you can unclog a toilet or drain, change a shower head or faucet, and carry out routine water heater maintenance yourself without needing to file any paperwork.

Patching leaks and emergency leak repairs in general also don't require permits, as long as the fixes don't involve replacing the pipes—if you find a leak is more serious than you thought, it's best to call a plumber who can help determine if a permit is needed in your county.

Getting a Plumbing Permit

Depending on where you live and local regulations around what types plumbing projects can be completed by a DIYer, your ability to apply for a plumbing permit as a homeowner may vary—if you're not able to apply for the permit yourself for a specific project, a professional plumber or contractor will be able to help with both the application process and the project itself.

If you can obtain a plumbing permit yourself for a project, head to the building and safety department for your county of residence. Most counties have the permit requirements listed on their website, and a quick search of “plumbing permits [your county]” should take you right to the information you need. Permit information for all trades, including plumbing, will be listed together.

Start by filling out an application online (this can also usually be done by mail, but expect a slower process). If the work is complex or over a certain cost, you may also need to submit plans and details about how the project will be completed or file additional forms.

Once everything is filled out and ready, you can pay the filing fee and an expedited review fee if needed and available to submit the permit for approval. Once it's approved, you may to pay any remaining permit fees assigned to your specific project type before works can officially begin.