Residential Plumbing Permits
- Yes, if you are altering the plumbing system in any way – repairing it, renewing it, extending it, or modifying it.
- You will need both a Building Permit Application Form and a Plumbing Information Form.
Download a Building Permit Application Form
Adobe PDF, 3 pages, 69 KB
Download a Plumbing Information Form Adobe PDF, 1 page, 34 KB - You must obtain the permit before you begin the work.
- Additional information can be found in our 'Guide to Plumbing Applications'.
Download the Guide to Plumbing Applications Adobe PDF, 2 pages, 407 KB
Do I need to hire a professional plumber?
- You may do your own plumbing work on a single detached house that you own and occupy.
- Otherwise, you will need a plumber or plumbing contractor who is licensed by the City of Thunder Bay.
- You may not hire an unlicensed plumber to do the work.
What do I need to provide to the city in addition to the completed permit application?
- Schedule 1: Plumbing designer information, completed, with designer’s signature
Download Schedule 1 Adobe PDF, 1 page, 33 KB - Isometric drawings of the plumbing system requirements and sample
- Proof of ownership (either a property deed or tax notice)
- Written authorization from the owner of the building if the application is submitted by someone other than the owner
- Permit fee
- If you are applying for water service for the first time, you will also need a water meter contract from the City Revenue Department at (807) 625-2686
What do I need to do to replace or convert to a City water supply for an existing house?
- Contact the City Engineering Department at (807) 625-2702 to determine whether the water service ends at the property line or will be extended to the house (this extension requires an additional fee).
- If you are taking responsibility for the installation, you will also need a plumbing permit. If the City installs the water service, you do not need a permit. You will need a permit for any plumbing work within the house.
Call before you dig! Contact the following agencies to check the location of underground services:
- Gas lines: 1-800-400-2255
- Thunder Bay Hydro: (807) 343-1111
- Sewer and water: (807) 625-2195
- Bell Telephone: 1-800-465-6924
- TBayTel: (807) 684-8344
- Cable television: (807) 767-4422
Plumbing Inspections
Once you receive a permit, it is your responsibility to arrange for inspections.
Call (807) 625-2280 (North Ward) or (807) 625-2868 (South Ward) at least 48 hours in advance to book an appointment. You can call at any time to leave a message.
In most cases, inspections are required at the following stages:
- Before backfilling for sewer lines constructed from a house to a septic tank or municipal system, or sewer or water pipes constructed from a building to the property line.
- Before backfilling or pouring a concrete floor for groundwork plumbing.
- Before covering walls or ceiling for drains, wastes, or vents; these must be water tested to the roof line.
- Before use or before occupancy of the building for the installation of plumbing fixtures.
- Other inspections may be performed if the Building Division determines that they are needed.
City of Thunder Bay
Building Division
| Address: | Victoriaville Civic Centre, 2nd floor 111 Syndicate Avenue S P.O. Box 800 Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5K4 |
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| Tel: | (807) 625-2574 | |
| Fax: | (807) 623-9344 | |
| Hours: |
Counter Service Only Available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm |
