Plumbing Permits for Homeowners
In some cases, homeowners may apply for a plumbing permit and complete the work themselves, without hiring a contractor. All work must be inspected.
When can I apply for a "homeowner's" plumbing permit?
You can apply for a “Homeowners” plumbing permit if you:
- own and live in single family residence where work will be completed
- continue to live in single family residence for one year after work is completed
- complete the work yourself (any “helpers” must be bonded and registered)
- live in Hamilton County outside cities of Cincinnati and St. Bernard
No, I do not meet these requirements:
You must hire a registered and bonded plumbing contractor to do the work.
Yes, I meet these requirements:
Complete and submit the following information:
- Homeowner’s Information and Agreement Form (must be notarized)
- Completed Application for Permit to Install Plumbing
You must have a building permit number before a plumbing permit can be issued. Contact your local building department for more information.
Inspection process
Once your plumbing permit has been issued and depending on the type of work to be done, a series of inspections will occur as your work progresses.
For same day inspections, contractors must call the Plumbing Division and request an inspection between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. After that time, same day inspections cannot be accommodated.
Lower Rough Inspection
Inspection of all sanitary drainage piping beneath a basement floor or underground. Approved piping must sustain 5 pounds per square inch of air or a 10 foot head of water for 15 minutes.
Upper Rough Inspection
Inspection of piping, sanitary, and water lines inside the house prior to dry wall. Inspection includes all completely installed plumbing excluding fixtures. Approved system must sustain 5 pounds per square inch of air and a 10 foot head of water for 15 minutes.
New Buildings
An MSD or Sewage Disposal permit number is required before an upper rough plumbing inspection will be conducted on new construction. Contact MSD at (513) 244-1332 or the Health District’s Water Quality Division at (513) 946-7862, to obtain a Sewage Disposal permit.
Water Line Inspection
Inspection of the water line from the water meter to the building. Must be inspected prior to final inspection. Line installation, depth, and material must be approved.
Final Plumbing Inspection
Inspection of all set plumbing fixtures: toilet, water heater, sinks, etc. System must pass a final air test.
Air Test
Plug off the sanitary sewer, cap off vent with water in all traps, apply air pressure to the entire drainage and vent systems or equivalent to at least one inch water column. Maintain for fifteen minutes.