Usually no permit
- Swapping a fixture where the old one stood
- Clearing a drain or main line
- Trading a water heater for the same type (gas work follows its own rules)
- Repairing a leak on existing pipe
Usually a permit
- Adding a bathroom, kitchen or laundry
- Moving fixtures to new drain locations
- Installing a backwater valve
- Replacing a sewer lateral or adding a new drain under the slab
- Major repiping inside walls
Rules change and details matter, so confirm with Toronto Building for your exact job. We tell you what we believe applies before we start.
Rules change and details matter, so confirm with Toronto Building for your exact job.
From the counter
How inspections work
- Permit applied for, often with a simple drawing.
- Underground drains inspected before the trench is filled.
- Rough-in inspected before walls close, often with a water or air test on the drains.
- Final inspection once fixtures are in.
Selling later? Buyers' lawyers and inspectors can ask about permits for basement bathrooms. Open or missing permits slow down a sale.
Gas work
Gas piping and appliances in Ontario fall under the Technical Standards and Safety Authority. Licensed gas technicians do the work and follow those requirements.
The subsidy link
For backwater valves, Toronto's flooding subsidy has asked for a permit plus a passed inspection. If you plan to apply, check the current paperwork before booking so nothing is missed.
Questions
Who files the permit paperwork?
Owner or contractor may file it. We settle which of us does before the job begins.
Do permits slow down the job?
Inspections add scheduling steps, so plan a little extra time. They also protect you when selling.