How to Find Plumbing Code Requirements
If you plan to do any type of plumbing around your house, you may need to know the plumbing code requirements in your area. Simple repairs, such as fixing a toilet or replacing a water heater, do not require an inspection and can be done by yourself or a licensed plumber. There are some plumbing jobs, however, that do require a permit and an inspection. These jobs would include new construction, enlargements, repairs, relocations and demolitions. This means that you need to know the plumbing codes for your area, so you will know whether you need a permit and later an inspection by one of your city's officials. There are a few ways to locate the plumbing code requirements for your area. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Visit your local city hall or county office building. In most cities, the plumbing code requirements can be found at a Codes Enforcement office or Building Permits office wherever you go to get a permit for the job you are planning. There is an actual book containing all the plumbing codes which you can purchase.
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Go online. You can also purchase plumbing code books online. However, you should first visit your city government's website to determine which codes the city follows. Most operate under some version of the International Codes. For example, in Johnson City, Tenn., the city adheres to the 2006 International Codes. You can also visit the website for the International Code Council (see link in References). Here, you can find a list of codes available and order the appropriate plumbing code book.
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Visit your public library. Your public library may have the plumbing code requirements for your area. Be sure to check first under which codes your area operates. If the library does have this available, it is a free resource, unlike all the others previously listed.
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Consult with a licensed plumber you trust. Many plumbers will have their own copy of the plumbing code requirements for your area. If you have a good working relationship with a plumber or if you are planning on hiring a particular plumber for a particular job, ask him if he has a copy of the plumbing codes book for you area.
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Tips & Warnings
Knowing the plumbing code requirements for your area will help you to determine if a job you are planning does need a permit and an inspection. Having this knowledge can save you time and money later by not having to redo or stop work for which you need a permit that was never obtained. Even if you do perform the plumbing work yourself, having knowledge of the plumbing code requirements can help you act as a troubleshooter and make sure your licensed plumber is following the codes. Once again, this will save you time and money.
Most everyday types of repair plumbing--whether it is fixing a toilet, replacing a water heater, installing a new faucet inside and out and even running a new water line--do not require a permit and an inspection by the city. If you are planning a major change--installing a new bathroom or running a sewer line--you may need a permit. For major jobs, it is always wise to check with your local government officials first to determine if you might need a permit to proceed.
