Obtain Plumbing Permit
Plumbing permits protect you, your home, and future owners by ensuring work meets safety codes. While permits add time and cost, they're essential for any bathroom remodel involving fixture relocation, new supply lines, or drain modifications.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1-14 days approval
Difficulty
Moderate (paperwork)
Cost
$50-$500
Why Plumbing Permits Matter
Skipping permits might seem like a way to save time and money, but it creates serious risks:
- Code compliance verification — Inspectors catch improper slopes, inadequate venting, and cross-connection hazards that cause major problems later
- Insurance protection — Water damage from unpermitted work may not be covered; insurers can deny claims
- Resale protection — Unpermitted work must be disclosed and can kill deals or require costly corrections
- Legal liability — If unpermitted plumbing causes damage to neighbors or tenants, you're personally liable
What Requires a Plumbing Permit
Permit Required
- Moving toilet, sink, shower, or tub location
- Adding new fixtures (second sink, bidet, etc.)
- Modifying drain lines or venting
- Running new water supply lines
- Replacing water heater
- Converting tub to shower or vice versa
- Installing new bathtub or shower pan
Usually No Permit Needed
- Replacing faucets in same location
- Swapping toilet (same location/type)
- Replacing showerhead or hand shower
- Fixing leaks with like-for-like repairs
- Replacing sink drain assembly
- Installing new toilet seat
- Replacing supply line hoses
Important Note
Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. Always verify with your local building department. Some cities require permits for any plumbing work, while others are more lenient. When in doubt, ask—permit offices typically answer questions free of charge.
Step-by-Step Permit Process
Step 1: Determine Permit Requirements
Contact your local building department to confirm what permits are needed for your specific project. Be specific about your planned work.
Information to Provide:
- • Your property address
- • Current fixture count and locations
- • Proposed fixture count and locations
- • Any structural changes involved
- • Whether a licensed plumber is doing the work
Pro Tip
Many building departments now have online permit portals where you can research requirements, submit applications, and schedule inspections. Search "[your city] building permit portal" to find yours.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation
Gather the documents needed for your application. Requirements vary, but typically include:
Basic Applications
- • Completed permit application
- • Property owner information
- • Contractor license number (if applicable)
- • Project description
- • Permit fees
Complex Projects May Need
- • Floor plan showing fixture locations
- • Isometric plumbing diagram
- • Specifications for fixtures
- • Structural details if walls are affected
- • Energy compliance forms
Step 3: Submit Application and Pay Fees
Submit your completed application with all required documents. Most jurisdictions offer multiple submission methods.
Typical Fee Structure:
Step 4: Wait for Approval
Processing time depends on project complexity and department workload.
1-3 days
Simple replacements
3-7 days
Fixture relocation
1-2 weeks
Major reconfigurations
Step 5: Display Permit and Schedule Inspections
Once approved, your permit must be posted at the job site. You'll need to schedule inspections at key milestones.
Typical Inspection Points:
Rough-In Inspection
Before walls are closed. Inspector checks drain slopes, venting, pipe sizes, and connections.
Final Inspection
After fixtures installed. Inspector tests for leaks, proper operation, and code compliance.
Who Pulls the Permit?
Understanding who is responsible for obtaining permits is important before work begins.
Licensed Plumber Pulls Permit
Most common scenario. Benefits include:
- • Plumber is responsible for code compliance
- • Their license is on the line, ensuring quality
- • They know local codes and inspection requirements
- • Required in many jurisdictions
General Contractor Pulls Permit
When managing overall bathroom remodel:
- • GC coordinates all permits (building, plumbing, electrical)
- • Single point of responsibility
- • May subcontract plumbing work to licensed plumber
- • Verify GC has appropriate license type
Homeowner Pulls Permit
Where allowed (varies by jurisdiction):
- • Must be owner-occupied primary residence
- • You assume full responsibility for code compliance
- • Work must meet same standards as licensed work
- • Some jurisdictions require passing a test
Red Flag Warning
Never let a contractor ask you to pull the permit for work they're doing. This is often a sign they're unlicensed or trying to avoid responsibility. Legitimate contractors pull their own permits.
Common Plumbing Code Requirements
While codes vary by location, these are typical requirements inspectors check:
Drain Lines
- Slope: 1/4" per foot minimum for proper drainage
- Toilet drain: 3" minimum diameter
- Sink/shower drain: 1.5-2" diameter
- Cleanout access: Required at specific intervals
Venting
- Every fixture: Must be vented to prevent siphoning
- Vent stack: Must extend through roof
- Wet venting: Allowed in some configurations
- Air admittance valves: Permitted in some jurisdictions
Water Supply
- Shutoff valves: Required at each fixture
- Anti-scald: Pressure-balancing or thermostatic valves
- Backflow prevention: On certain fixtures
- Pipe support: At specified intervals
Fixture Placement
- Toilet clearance: 15" from center to walls/objects
- Front clearance: 21" minimum in front of toilet
- Shower size: 30" x 30" minimum interior
- Accessibility: ADA requirements if applicable
What If Inspection Fails?
Don't panic if an inspection doesn't pass. It's common and usually fixable.
Get Written Correction List
Inspector provides specific items that need correction. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
Make Corrections
Your plumber addresses each issue. Keep work accessible until re-inspection.
Schedule Re-Inspection
First re-inspection is usually included. Additional re-inspections may incur fees ($25-$75 typical).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to move bathroom plumbing?
Yes, in most jurisdictions. Moving fixtures like toilets, sinks, or showers typically requires a plumbing permit because it involves modifying drain lines, water supply lines, and venting. Simple fixture replacements in the same location usually don't require permits.
How much does a plumbing permit cost?
Plumbing permit costs typically range from $50 to $500 depending on your location and scope of work. Most residential bathroom remodels fall in the $75-$250 range. Some jurisdictions charge a flat fee while others calculate based on the number of fixtures or project value.
Can a homeowner pull their own plumbing permit?
This varies by jurisdiction. Some areas allow homeowners to pull permits for work on their primary residence, while others require a licensed plumber. Even where allowed, homeowners must meet the same code requirements and pass the same inspections as licensed professionals.
What happens if I do plumbing work without a permit?
Unpermitted work can result in fines, required removal of work, issues selling your home, insurance claim denials, and liability for water damage. If discovered, you may need to open walls for inspection and pay retroactive permit fees with penalties.
How long does it take to get a plumbing permit?
Simple plumbing permits are often issued same-day or within 1-3 business days. More complex projects requiring plan review may take 1-2 weeks. Expedited processing is available in many jurisdictions for an additional fee.
Permit Checklist
- Confirmed permit requirements with local building department
- Verified who will pull the permit (plumber, GC, or self)
- Gathered required documentation (plans, specifications)
- Submitted application and paid fees
- Received approved permit
- Posted permit at job site
- Scheduled rough-in inspection
- Passed rough-in inspection (before closing walls)
- Scheduled final inspection
- Passed final inspection
- Received permit sign-off/certificate
Ready for the Next Step?
With your plumbing permit in process, it's time to obtain your electrical permit for any electrical work in the bathroom.