Most large plumbing projects will require a permit before the work is done. If you hire a plumber to do the job, they will often discuss what plumbing permits are needed. Smaller plumbing work, which is more often handled by the homeowner, may also require a permit to comply with local building codes.
Plumbing Codes
There are national plumbing codes to help standardize work done by plumbers. However, the local state and county regulations must be followed since they supersede all others. For this reason, you must check the local requirements for plumbing and other construction permits. To be safe, check the local building and plumbing codes and laws before starting any plumbing project. Be sure you know what work will require a permit and what can be done without one. 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. The place to check for plumbing permit requirements is the building and safety department for the county where your house is located. Most counties have the permit requirements listed on their website. A quick search for “plumbing permits [your county]” should take you right to the information you need. The permit information for all trades, including plumbing, will be listed together. If you cannot find permit requirements listed online, you can contact the building and safety department by phone or go to the office in person. It is also a good idea to contact them when you are unclear about whether the work you are planning to do requires a permit. Sometimes the wording for the building code is difficult to interpret, so it is a good idea to double-check.
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 is 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 be observed. 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.
