Are you planning on undertaking some bathroom renovations for your home? Do you wish to upgrade and improve your plumbing systems, such as your hot water tank? What about a sewer line replacement or repair?

Before you jump the gun, it’s important to know if you need a plumbing permit for the job. Let’s dive right in and find out!

When Do I Need a Plumbing Permit?

Ultimately, you do not need a plumbing permit if you are undertaking maintenance, minor plumbing repairs or upgrading certain bathroom elements in your home. The most common examples include replacing or repairing a toilet, fixing faucets, repairing a leak or installing a new shower.

The key reason is that these repairs do not affect the structural integrity of your home or plumbing system. Generally, if you are doing any repair, maintenance or upgrades that alter the structure or plumbing system (such as water supply or sewer lines) of your home, you will require a permit from the City of Calgary.

According to the City of Calgary, “a plumbing permit is required when: A plumbing system is constructed, extended or altered [or a] Water and sewer lines in or around the home are replaced.”

In some cases, you might require a permit when installing or repairing a hot water tank, particularly if there are any changes to the “the gas lines located upstream from the water heater shut off valve, the venting system (e.g. size and design) [and] the type of water heater (e.g. changing from a natural draft water heater to a direct vent water heater).”

What are the Benefits of a Permit?

Having a permit before you commence any major plumbing or renovation work will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re following City bylaws while ensuring a high standard of work is being met by the plumber. Plumbers will have to follow the standard set by the work, guaranteeing a higher quality of work.

Most significantly, it also protects you against liabilities or fines in the future. Not only will you face a penalty from the City of Calgary, but if you sell your home, the buyers can make a claim against you if the work affects their home.

Is it Easy to Apply for a Permit?

To obtain a permit, you will have to meet the criteria set by the City of Calgary (including whether you legally own the home, do the work yourself or hire a professional), pay the application fee, and apply for the permit.

Should Hire a Plumber to Help Me?

Indeed, you should. Having an experienced plumber on your side (like the experts at Calgary Plumber and Drains) can make your permit application process easier. They will be able to manage your application for you, so it gets accepted without any further delays. It’s the best option if you don’t want to apply for an application yourself.

Calgary Plumber and Drains is your number one team of Calgary plumbers! Our success has been built on values such as honesty, hard work, affordable prices and superior customer service. We pride ourselves on offering clients throughout Downtown and surrounding areas with top-quality plumbing services, including leak repairs, installations, sewer and drain cleaning, toilet repairs, and water heater repairs in Calgary. As an emergency plumber in Calgary, we’re available when you’re in dire straits! For the number one plumbing company in Calgary, contact Calgary Plumber and Drains at 403-629-2920.

Signs of Sewer Line Clog

There are some key signs that your sewer line is clogged:

Water back-ups into your drain, toilet, shower and sink

You hear gurgling sounds coming from the pipes

Slow-running drains due to low water pressure

Foul odours coming from your drains

Sewage coming back up through drains

The key difference between a regular drain clog and a sewer line clog is that the former can be solved easily while the latter constantly causes these problems and tends to worsen over time.

Who to Turn to for Sewer Line Replacement in Calgary

Determine Who is Responsible for the Repair or Replacement

In most municipalities across Calgary, the homeowner is responsible for maintaining and repairing the sewer line running from their property to the mainline. If it’s on your property, it’s your job to fix it. If not, it’s the municipality. You can only determine that by getting your sewer line inspected by a professional.

Contact Your Calgary Plumber

If you suspect that your sewer line is clogged up, the first thing you should do is contact your local Calgary plumber. They will further inspect your sewer with their advanced in-pipe CCTV camera system to determine its condition and if you need sewer line repairs or a replacement.

Depending on the assessment results, your Calgary plumber can provide you with advice on the best course of action for your clogged sewer. In most cases, they will handle the work themselves without reaching out to the city or municipality.

Notify the City of Calgary

There are some situations where, unfortunately, the plumber cannot solve the problem. There might not be issues with the sewer line, but the mainline, which has affected the efficiency and quality of your sewer line.

Often, the city will work on the sewer line and inadvertently break a pipe or cause other damage, resulting in a clogged line.

If there is a problem in the mainline affecting your sewer line, you’ll have to contact the City of Calgary or your local municipality for more information and help.