Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Do I need a plumbing PERMIT?

Journeyman Jay Plumbing (Jay Bortnik) has recently become bonded.

This is a big deal.  So please continue reading.

To do more than repairing (or replacing) toilets, faucets, sinks, valves, leaks, etc., a plumber has to become "bonded" (see surety bond) to access ("pull") City of Edmonton Mechanical Permits (Plumbing, Gas).

Any "construction, reconstruction, replacement, alteration or extension of any plumbing system" requires a permit from the City of Edmonton.

As well, the City of Edmonton, could require you (the home owner) to get a development permit and/or a building permit.  I also found out that I cannot get my mechanical permit (for the job I would be working on) until a building permit has been entered (ie. new basement bathrooms).

Why do you need these permits?
http://www.chba.ca/renovating/before-begin/building-permits.aspx  (a more general discussion on permits)

The City of Edmonton even requires permits for bathrooms that are already half done (as a lot of new houses already have the pipes in the floor for "future" basement bathrooms.  A lot of people often assume that they don't need nor want permits for what they are doing (as evidenced by a few estimates we have done recently).

REMEMBER permits are for your protection.

If a plumber cannot "pull" their own mechanical (plumbing/gas) permit, he shouldn't be doing your job.  Also remember, not everyone calling themself a plumber is actually a plumber.  Ask for their Alberta Certified Journeyman CARDS (Plumbing and Gas) before engaging their services.  Only a Certified Journeyman can charge for their services.  And only a "bonded" Certified Journeyman can pull permits (for more than repair and fixture replacement) from the City of Edmonton.

Hopefully this helps you decide on the right plumber.




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