Short Answer
Yes, mostlyPhiladelphia requires a plumbing permit to install, alter, renew, replace or repair plumbing. No permit is needed for minor repairs with the same material, such as replacing faucets, valves and parts, for removing and re-installing a toilet when no pipes or fixtures are replaced or moved, or for stopping leaks and clearing stoppages.
Source: City of Philadelphia: Get a Plumbing Permit (linked under Sources below)
Philadelphia Plumbing Permits at a Glance
- Plumbing permits, last 12 months
- 13,866
- Median application to issue
- Not published
- Slowest quarter took at least
- Not published
- Drain, sewer and storm work
- 2,528
Who Can Apply and Do the Work
A Philadelphia-licensed master plumber must oversee the work, with an active license, current City taxes and insurance on file with L&I. Owners or authorized agents can apply, but the contractor must be identified before the permit is issued. Backflow devices need an approved technician.
What You Need Before the Permit Is Issued
- Check if the work fits the EZ permit standards, which need no plans: fixture replacement, pipe repair, water service, house drain, curb trap, lateral sealing, backflow devices and alterations in buildings with four or fewer dwellings.
- Renovations need a separate building permit.
- Connections to the water main or sewer and water meters need Philadelphia Water Department permits.
- Private water or sewer services are filed as a Site Work / Utility Permit.
What Else to Know in Philadelphia
Applications with plans are reviewed within 20 business days, or 5 with Accelerated Plan Review. Most applications without plans are processed within 5 business days, and contractors can get some permits, including house drain, water distribution, curb trap and water heater replacement, immediately.
Philadelphia Plumbing Permit Fees
| Item | Official figure |
|---|---|
| Filing fee (credited to the permit fee) | $100 |
| Water heater, one- or two-family home | $31 |
| Fixture replacement, no piping, one- or two-family home | $31 |
| Repair or replace house drain, trap and fresh air inlet, one- or two-family home | $31 |
| Repair or replace waste or water lines and stacks, one- or two-family home | $37 each pipe |
| City and state surcharges | $3 and $4.50 per permit |
From the official page cited in the Short Answer, checked October 30, 2026.
What Philadelphia's Plumbing Permit Data Shows
| Type of work | Permits | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Alterations and fixtures | 4,198 | 30% |
| Repairs | 3,129 | 23% |
| Drain, sewer and storm work | 2,528 | 18% |
| Water heaters | 1,339 | 10% |
| Gas piping | 8 | 0% |
| New construction | 12 | 0% |
| Not specified in the description | 2,652 | 19% |
Plumbing Permits Issued per Month
Types are classified from each permit's description. L&I plumbing permits in the City's open data. The feed has no application date, so no wait time is shown. Data from Philadelphia L&I Permits (Carto), October 30, 2025 to October 30, 2026.
Where Plumbing Permits Are Issued
| ZIP code | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| 19143 | 730 |
| 19146 | 663 |
| 19134 | 654 |
| 19148 | 622 |
| 19140 | 569 |
| 19132 | 520 |
Recent Plumbing Permits
| Issued | Work as described by the city |
|---|---|
| 2026-10-29 | - Approved plumbing work associated with an (Addition or Alteration) per EZ Permit Standard for Plumbing |
| 2026-10-29 | CURB TRAP, FAI, MAIN DRAIN - Approved plumbing repair work per EZ Permit Standard for Plumbing |
| 2026-10-29 | - Approved plumbing work associated with an (Addition or Alteration) per EZ Permit Standard for Plumbing |
| 2026-10-29 | - Approved plumbing repair work per EZ Permit Standard for Plumbing |
| 2026-10-29 | - Exterior Storm and Sanitary Plumbing for Residential New Construction in accordance with EZ Permit Standard |
| 2026-10-29 | CURB TRAP. FAI, MAIN DRAIN - Approved plumbing repair work per EZ Permit Standard for Plumbing |
How to Get a Plumbing Permit in Philadelphia
- Confirm the work is not exempt.
- Hire a licensed master plumber.
- Apply through eCLIPSE or at the Permit and License Center.
- Pay the balance when approved.
- Schedule inspections and get the Certificate of Approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for plumbing work in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia requires a plumbing permit to install, alter, renew, replace or repair plumbing. No permit is needed for minor repairs with the same material, such as replacing faucets, valves and parts, for removing and re-installing a toilet when no pipes or fixtures are replaced or moved, or for stopping leaks and clearing stoppages.
How many plumbing permits does Philadelphia issue?
13,866 in the 12 months to October 30, 2026. About 30% were alterations or fixture work and 23% repairs, based on the permit descriptions.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Philadelphia?
Yes. It is a plumbing permit; the fee is $31 for a one- or two-family home, and a contractor can often get it issued immediately.
Can I do my own plumbing in Philadelphia?
Permitted plumbing work must be overseen by a Philadelphia-licensed master plumber. Minor same-material repairs and clearing stoppages need no permit.
Related Permit Guides
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.
- City of Philadelphia: Get a Plumbing Permit (phila.gov)
- Philadelphia L&I Permits (Carto) (opendataphilly.org)