A permit may be required when you are replacing a water heater. The permit requirements for replacing a water heater may vary by municipality. In many cases, a simple replacement without any other changes to the heating unit type or location will not require a permit.
At EVAM Canada, we have more than 25 years of experience in helping our customers navigate water heater installation in their homes. As leaders in our industry and proud members of our community, we take great care in understanding municipal regulations and always follow the rules set by local governments. We understand that navigating how to get a permit for your water heater installation can feel confusing. In this post, we help you understand why a permit is necessary and provide helpful insight into knowing when and how to get one for your job.
Need some extra support, or looking for guidance in choosing a water heater? Connect with the experts at EVAM Canada. We look forward to helping you choose the right option for your home and will communicate the process with you every step of the way. We also provide emergency water heater repair services to ensure your home is always safe and comfortable.
Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Water Heater?
Municipalities often require permits to ensure that completed work is done according to code and follows zoning laws. Yet not all jobs will require a permit. If you’ve wondered, is a permit required to replace a water heater that is broken with a similar new unit, the answer is often no. However, if you are looking to add a water heater to a new construction home, change the type of fuel used for heating, or move a water heater to a new location, the answer will likely be yes. Understanding your obligations to obtain a permit is an important step, and you’ll want to stay on top of this to protect yourself as a homeowner.
Who Is Responsible for Obtaining a Water Heater Installation Permit?
When it comes to permits for building or other work completed in your home, it is always your responsibility to ensure that the appropriate permits have been obtained. However, this does not always mean that you personally have to apply for the permit. In many cases, the contractor completing your work will obtain the permit for you. This can be a good choice for many homeowners, as for some, the process of applying for a permit can feel like a hassle.
Can I Skip Getting a Permit?
No, you can’t skip a permit for water heater installation if your municipality requires it. Not only is it illegal to not obtain a permit as required, a lack of permit can also void your warranty. Though it may seem like unnecessary red tape, it is crucial that you follow all local regulations when completing any work within your home. Even if it is just a simple replacement of your current water heater and no upgrades are taking place, always know your permit requirements and obtain them as necessary.
How Do I Get a Permit for My Water Heater Installation?
Determining how to apply for a permit can vary for each city or municipality. Below are some helpful links to the cities that we most frequently conduct work in. We can help you determine which permits are required for the work you need completed and can help ensure that you have them before work begins.
Mississauga – In Mississauga, permits are not typically required when replacing a water heater if a similar unit is installed in the same location as the existing unit and no changes to plumbing or the power supply are made. Review the building permit applications for Mississauga to learn when a permit is required. Be sure to speak with your contractor to know when you need to obtain one and what information needs to be provided. Accessing a permit for water heater installation is simple when you’ve completed all the required steps.
Milton – In Milton, permits are not typically required when replacing a water heater if a similar unit is installed in the same location as the existing unit and no changes to plumbing or the power supply are made. Review the application for a permit for Milton to determine if a permit is required for your water heater replacement. Be sure to obtain the correct permit and double-check that all essential information is provided. Your contractor should have all the information needed to receive a permit.
Oakville – In Oakville, permits are not typically required when replacing a water heater if a similar unit is installed in the same location as the existing unit and no changes to plumbing or the power supply are made. Review the permit application for Oakville to learn more about whether your job requires one. If you are unsure whether you will need a permit, always connect with your local permit office to ask questions. Though obtaining a permit is often straightforward, you’ll need to ensure you have all of the required information for approval.
Burlington – In Burlington, permits are not typically required when replacing a water heater if a similar unit is installed in the same location as the existing unit and no changes to plumbing or the power supply are made. Review the building permit applications for Burlington to determine if your job requires a permit. Your HVAC contractor can also help you determine if your water heater replacement will require a permit.
When you’re in need of a new water heather, having the unit installed shouldn’t be a headache. By choosing EVAM Canada as your trusted provider for water heater installation, you can feel confident that the job has been done correctly and according to local regulations. We look forward to providing you with the best possible experience and are always here to offer guidance and support.
See our previous post, 5 Reasons to Upgrade to a Tankless Hot Water Heater, to help you determine which type of water heater is ideal for your home when it comes time to replace yours.
