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Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?
Most jurisdictions require a plumbing (and sometimes gas/electrical) permit for water heater replacement; a few exempt like-for-like replacement by a licensed contractor.
General pattern only. Your city's rule is what counts; pick it below.
| City | Answer |
|---|
| Austin, TX | Unverified, confirm locally
We could not find an official Austin page that explicitly states whether a like-for-like water heater replacement needs a permit. Austin issues stand-alone 'Plu… |
| Phoenix, AZ | Depends on your project
No permit is required when a licensed contractor replaces an existing water heater in a one- or two-family home. DIY (homeowner) water heater replacement requir… |
| Charlotte, NC | Depends on your project
Like-for-like replacement in the same location by a licensed contractor does not need a permit. Replacing with a different type (or changing fuel, capacity, loc… |
| Columbus, OH | Permit required
Replacing a hot water tank requires a permit (no plan review). |
| Denver, CO | Permit required
Residential water heater replacement requires a plumbing quick permit (issued online without plan review). Denver's plumbing exemptions cover only like-for-like… |
Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.