Work needing permits
The Ontario Building Code governs plumbing, and the Town of Whitby's building division issues permits and inspections. As a general guide, a permit is usually required when work adds, extends or materially changes the plumbing system. Common examples include:
- Adding a new bathroom, kitchen or laundry where none existed.
- Moving fixtures to new locations with new drain and vent piping.
- Fitting a sewer backflow valve.
- Replacing or repairing a building sewer or water service.
- Basement finishing that includes plumbing rough-ins.
- Adding a secondary suite with its own plumbing.
Like-for-like replacement of fixtures in the same location, such as swapping a faucet or toilet, generally does not require a permit. Rules can change, and the town is the final authority, so confirm with the building division for your specific project.
Homeowner versus contractor
In Ontario, homeowners may do some plumbing work on their own house, subject to permit requirements. Anyone working as a plumber for others generally needs to be a licensed plumber or apprentice under the province's trade rules. When you hire us, the work is carried out by qualified tradespeople, and we can take out the permit for work that needs one.
If you plan to do your own work, the permit is in your name and you arrange the inspections. Bring a drawing that shows fixture locations, drain sizes and vent routing. Inspectors appreciate clear plans.
Inspections
| Stage | What is checked |
|---|---|
| Underground | Drains below the slab before backfill |
| Rough-in | Drains, vents and supply in open walls, often under test |
| Final | Fixtures installed, connected and working |
Drain and vent piping is often tested by filling it with water or air and checking for leaks. Do not close walls until the rough-in has passed. If an inspector asks for changes, they are made before the next stage.
Why it matters later
When you sell, a buyer or their home inspector may ask whether work had permits. Work done without a permit tends to surface later, during a home sale or a claim adjuster's visit. Our choosing a plumber note covers questions to ask contractors, and our emergency checklist is worth printing for any household. For larger jobs, see repiping and bathroom renovation plumbing.
Preparing a permit application
For most residential plumbing permits, the town will want a description of the work, the property address, and a drawing or layout showing fixtures and pipe sizes. Larger projects may also need building plans. Allow time for review before work begins, and keep a copy of the permit on site during the job. Once the final inspection passes, file the record with your house papers. It answers questions from future buyers and insurers in a single page.
If plans change partway through, such as an added fixture or a relocated drain, tell the inspector before the change is built rather than after.
Asked on the phone
Does swapping out a toilet require a permit?
Generally no, for a like-for-like replacement in the same location. Moving it to a new spot usually does.
Who books the inspection?
The permit holder. If we take out the permit, we arrange the inspections.
What if earlier work was done without a permit?
Talk to the Town's building division. Sometimes the work can be opened for inspection after the fact.