I'm planning to replace two water heaters in my attic myself since I'm confident in my skills. However, I've learned that you need a plumber's license to pull a permit for this in Houston. I'm curious if anyone would actually check for permits later on, especially when I sell the house years down the line. Would an inspector really be on the lookout for unpermitted work?
3 Answers
In Texas, you'll often need a permit on paper, but when doing a direct replacement like yours, the inspection details aren't usually that strict. I replaced a water heater without a permit and had no issues. Just make sure it's properly vented, and don't leave the old one on the curb if you’re in a neighborhood that checks on such things. You can usually sell or scrap it for a few bucks instead!
For sure! Always better to be discreet about it.
I've heard that unless you're making huge changes, like swapping from electric to gas or moving it around, you might not need to bother with the permits. In my experience, as long as the work is done right and there aren't any leaks, you'll be fine. Just keep in mind if you're in a stricter area like Houston, make sure you're familiar with the local rules to avoid surprises later!
True, but I think Houston is pretty strict about permits, so just be careful.
Yeah, I guess if a neighbor has issues, they might report you.
Honestly, if you're just doing a straightforward swap with the same type of water heater, no one is likely to notice. Just a heads-up, since it's a gas heater, you should probably get a qualified person to disconnect and connect it for safety. But if you're a pro handyman, you should be good to go!
Thanks for the tip! I’m comfortable handling it myself but I'll keep safety in mind.
Yeah, for gas stuff, definitely better to be safe than sorry.
Got it, I won’t put it on the curb. I usually find someone to pick up my old stuff anyway.