Do you need a permit to replace a water heater?

Why permits exist for water heaters

Loveland, Colorado's Building Division explained it to its city council in 2021. Water heaters connect to the drinking water supply without a backflow preventer, and on gas models the inspector checks the gas line for leaks and the exhaust venting, because a bad vent can put carbon monoxide in the house. The city said about a quarter of water heater installs needed at least one re-inspection (see our Loveland page).

Our guides to backdrafting and expansion tanks cover two of the things an inspection catches.

Massachusetts

State rules (248 CMR 3.05) require a permit before plumbing or gas work is installed, replaced or repaired, and the licensed plumber or gas fitter pulls it. A gas water heater needs both. What towns charge for a residential replacement:

• Marshfield: $40 plumbing plus $40 gas (Marshfield page).
• Quincy: $60 for a hot water heater needing plumbing and gas (Quincy page).
• Hingham: $50 plumbing plus $50 gas (Hingham page).
• Bridgewater: $70 plumbing plus $70 gas (Bridgewater page).

The state gas code also says no vented gas appliance may be installed or replaced unless a carbon monoxide detector is on the same floor. See our carbon monoxide guide.

Colorado

Loveland's Building Division says state rules (3 CCR 720-1) require a permit and inspection for all residential water heater installations, whether a licensed plumber or the homeowner does the work, and that self-inspection isn't allowed. Fort Collins lists a $65 building permit fee per water heater, with a homeowner affidavit if you do the work yourself (see our Fort Collins page).

A permit can also trigger the state's CO alarm law. Dacono's summary says a CO alarm is required within 15 feet of the entrance to each bedroom whenever a building permit is needed for adding or replacing a fuel-fired appliance (see our Dacono page).

Idaho

The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses says a permit is required when any electrical, plumbing or HVAC work is performed. In Nampa, homeowners may apply for permits on their own primary or secondary residence without registering as a contractor (see our Nampa page). Coeur d'Alene's fee list shows a $50 plumbing processing fee plus $10 per fixture, with water heaters listed (see our Coeur d'Alene page).

Pennsylvania

Rules vary by municipality, so call the borough or township office. Strasburg Borough says permits are required for water heater replacement (see our Strasburg page). Myerstown's permit guide requires a permit to convert to a different fuel, such as oil to gas (see our Myerstown page).

What skipping it costs

Most towns charge more when work starts before the permit. Marshfield and Quincy double the fee. Hingham doubles it and adds $150. Bridgewater raised its penalty to triple the fee. Coeur d'Alene adds a charge equal to the permit fee.

Dacono's permit page puts it plainly: most contractors will pull the necessary permits, but spell it out in your contract. Our DIY replacement guide covers what's involved if you're allowed to do it yourself, and our replacement page covers having it done.

Local pages mentioned

• Loveland, CO
• Bridgewater, MA