Plumbing Permits Toronto 2025: When You Need One & How to Apply

Why Plumbing Permits Exist

Plumbing permits aren't just bureaucratic hassle—they exist to protect you and your community:

• Safety: Improper plumbing can cause flooding, sewage backups, and contaminated water
• Code compliance: Ontario Building Code sets minimum standards for safe installations
• Insurance protection: Permitted work is covered; unpermitted work may void claims
• Property value: Documented permits show work was done properly
• Public health: Cross-connections and improper venting are health hazards

The permit fee ($100-$500) is trivial compared to the cost of water damage from a botched water heater install or a sewage backup from improper drain work.

What Requires a Plumbing Permit

Permit Required:

• Water heater installation: Tank or tankless, new or replacement
• Adding new fixtures: New toilet, sink, shower, tub, laundry
• Moving fixtures: Relocating any fixture to a new position
• Changing pipe size: Upsizing or downsizing supply or drain
• New drain lines: Adding drains or extending existing
• Altering vents: Adding, removing, or modifying vent pipes
• Backwater valve: Installation requires permit + rebate eligibility
• Water service replacement: New line from street to house
• Sewage ejector/sump pump: New installation
• Bathroom/kitchen addition: Any new plumbing rough-in

Permit Usually NOT Required:

• Faucet replacement: Same location, no pipe changes
• Toilet replacement: Same location on existing flange
• Sink replacement: Same location, same drain position
• Garbage disposal: Adding to existing sink (grey area—check)
• Supply line replacement: Flexible connectors under fixtures
• P-trap replacement: Maintenance repair
• Drain cleaning: No permit needed for clearing blockages
• Minor repairs: Fixing leaks, replacing washers/gaskets

Plumbing Permit Costs in Toronto

Fees are set by the City of Toronto and updated periodically. Your plumber should include the permit fee in their quote.

How the Permit Process Works

Step 1: Hire a Licensed Plumber

In Ontario, only licensed plumbers can pull plumbing permits. This is non-negotiable. The plumber must hold a valid 306A license (Plumber) and be registered with the Ontario College of Trades (now Skilled Trades Ontario).

Step 2: Permit Application

Your plumber applies for the permit, typically online through Toronto's building permit system. Required information includes:

• Property address and owner information
• Description of work to be performed
• Licensed plumber credentials
• For major work: drawings showing fixture locations, pipe routing

Step 3: Permit Issuance

Simple permits (water heater, single fixture) are often issued same-day or next-day. Complex projects may require plan review (1-2 weeks).

Step 4: Rough-In Inspection

For work inside walls, an inspector must see the plumbing before drywall goes up. This verifies:

• Correct pipe materials and sizes
• Proper drain slopes
• Adequate venting
• Secure fastening

Step 5: Final Inspection

After completion, the inspector verifies everything works properly—fixtures installed, no leaks, water heater operational, etc.

Step 6: Permit Closure

Once inspections pass, the permit is closed in the City's system. This becomes part of your property's record.

Consequences of Skipping Permits

Insurance Issues

If unpermitted plumbing work causes water damage or flooding, your insurance company can deny the claim. They'll investigate the cause, discover the work was unpermitted, and you'll be liable for all damages—potentially tens of thousands of dollars.

Selling Your Home

Home inspectors and buyers' lawyers look for permit history. Unpermitted work discovered during a sale can:

• Require you to obtain retroactive permits (with penalties)
• Force tear-out and redo of work to current code
• Reduce sale price or kill the deal entirely
• Remain as a disclosure issue for future sales

Municipal Penalties

The City of Toronto can issue fines for unpermitted work. While enforcement is complaint-driven (they don't actively hunt for violations), if work is discovered during other inspections, renovations, or neighbor complaints, penalties apply.

Safety Hazards

Unpermitted work isn't inspected. Common problems include:

• Improper water heater venting (carbon monoxide risk)
• Cross-connections contaminating drinking water
• Inadequate venting causing sewer gas backup
• Improper drain slopes causing backup

Special Cases

Backwater Valve Permits

Installing a backwater valve requires a permit—but this also qualifies you for the City of Toronto's rebate program (up to $1,250). Your plumber handles both the permit and rebate paperwork.

Condo Plumbing

In condos, any plumbing work typically requires:

• City permit (same as freehold homes)
• Condo board approval (their form/process)
• Proof of insurance from contractor
• Sometimes engineering review for structural impacts

Heritage Properties

Heritage-designated homes may have additional requirements—work visible from street or affecting heritage features needs Heritage Preservation review. Most plumbing is internal and unaffected, but discuss with your plumber if your home has heritage status.

Emergency Repairs

Emergency repairs (burst pipes, etc.) can proceed immediately to stop the emergency. The permit should still be obtained after—typically next business day. Keep documentation of the emergency.

How to Verify a Plumber Is Licensed

Before hiring, verify your plumber holds valid credentials:

Skilled Trades Ontario

Ontario's licensing body for plumbers. Use their public registry to confirm the plumber holds an active 306A (Plumber) certificate.

Questions to Ask

• "What is your license number?"
• "Will you pull the permit for this work?"
• "Is the permit fee included in your quote?"
• "Will you schedule the inspection?"

Any hesitation about permits is a red flag. Licensed plumbers understand permits are required and handle them routinely.