Do I need to pull a permit if I plan on having all of the plumbing in my home redone with copper?

Question

I just want to make sure. I live in Garden Grove, CA. Thanks.

Answer 1

Check with the local building department if you care. I don't care; I am perfectly competent to do the work myself. Be prepared for a bit of sticker shock -- the price of copper is way up.

Answer 2

Whatever you do, DO NOT listen to Steve C! That will bring you in tremendous trouble with the law! I am a professional engineer and also the local structural building inspector. There is no need or reason to mention work that is already done for a permit application. What is needed is a plan and elevations of what you are doing. With the adoption of the IBC, finished basements have very specific egress requirements - this is normally the largest hurdle but a code requirement that must be accommodated. Now here is where the lack of permits will bite you, and I've seen this more times that I've ever asked anyone to rip-out work, and that's over 25 years. IF, something should be faulty with your work and your home is damaged or destroyed, your homeowners insurance in NOT obligated to pay you a dime. They also do not have to pay you a dime for damage to your work not permitted if something else happens (e.g., a burst pipe) and they also can drop you when the adjuster finds the work is not permitted. The adjuster will check municipal records for the permits - we have 20-30 requests per week. You will also become an at-risk insuree, meaning you will pay 4-5 times a standard premium, or be completely uninsurable for a time period (usually set by state statute) - either can jeopardize financing. When it comes time to sell, that's when you'll be in real problem territory because it is now a requirement to verify that appropriate permits were pulled as required! If you don't have it, then you will be fined (2x full permit face value), receive a demolition order, have your CO revoked, and not be able to obtain another CO for you to live there or to sell until full remedied! It will also be reported to the title company, mortgage company, and your homeowners. It becomes a real house of cards for what? Saving a few bucks? For the record, where I serve the permit fee barely covers my time for paperwork and inspection/re-inspection, clerk's time to process and issue and file the paperwork. We don't do this service for a profit, we do it for safety. Sure there is the shady side of what we due typical to urban areas, but not all of us are like that. Also, for those who think we'll never know the difference - don't count on it. A great example is a home built in 2005, selling now and the basement is fully finished with a spare bedroom, which the buyers represented it was built that way - not possible because the basement does not meet egress or minimum height requirements for finishing, which come right out of the local code. Plus, we have the original builder's plans on file.

Answer 3

If you hire a plumber they should provide everything. If you choose to do it yourself check w/ local codes and/or village regulations. In the Chicago area if it's not commercial there is no not need to pull a permit for replacement only if additions or major changes are going to take place. For cost purposes go with PVC. Copper is great but the cost of copper has increase more in the last 3 years than it has in the last 40 years. PVC has just as good pressure and being that your in Cali. I don't see deep freeze happening. Good luck.

Answer 4

Why do you want to redo all the supply lines in copper?

Last time I looked at 3/4" copper, it was nearly $40 for a 10 piece. Copper plumbing is pretty, but it ain't that pretty.

Answer 5

Legally, yup. I know a few that haven't dont it though. Depending upon your house configuration, it may actually be an easy job. If so, it won't obvious from the street and won't get a lot of attention. There's not much risk as long as a proper pressure/leak check is done so I'd likely not pull one. I also live in the OC.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

I built houses there for 15 years. You gotta pull a permit to pick your nose in CA. Freakin Freaks. Move. Now. Get out while you can. The sky is falling. Here comes da judge. The beef aint in CA.

God Bless

Answer 7

The plumbing company hired should pull the permit (and show you proof that he has) and show you his licenses, proof of insurance etc. It's for your own protection.

Answer 8

This should be done by the plumber doing your work.