Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Provo?

Yes. Provo requires a plumbing permit for all water heater installations and replacements, including like-for-like swaps. A licensed plumber or the homeowner (owner-occupied only) can pull the permit.

How much does a plumbing permit cost in Provo?

In Provo, plumbing permit fees follow the city fee schedule: Plumbing Permit — valuation-based (see Fee schedule); State Fee — 1% of permit fee. See the Fee schedule section above for the amounts that apply to your project.

Plumbing Permit in Provo, Utah

Required for plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs including water heaters, re-pipes, and fixture additions in Provo.

Verified 2026-06-27 · Source

When you need this permit

New plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers)
Water heater installation or replacement
Water line or sewer line replacement
Gas line installation or modification
Backflow prevention device installation

Required documents

Req
Plumbing Plan
Isometric drawing showing fixture locations, pipe sizes, and drainage
Req
Contractor License
Valid Utah plumbing contractor license (DOPL)
Opt
Water Heater Specs
Manufacturer specs for water heater installations

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Plumbing Permit	Included in building permit fee for residential structures with 4 or fewer units; otherwise valuation-based per 1997 UBC table	—
State Fee	1% of permit fee	—

Review timeline

~3–7 business days

Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Provo building department

Inspection process

1
Underground/Slab
Before concrete pour — verify pipe slope, materials, cleanouts
2
Rough-In
After pipes installed, before walls closed — pressure test required
3
Final
All fixtures connected, water flowing, no leaks, proper venting verified

Tips

Water heater replacements in Provo require a permit even for like-for-like swaps.
Provo follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC) — PEX and copper are both accepted.
Gas line work requires a separate gas permit in addition to the plumbing permit.
Tankless water heater installations may require a gas line upgrade — check BTU requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Provo?: Yes. Provo requires a plumbing permit for all water heater installations and replacements, including like-for-like swaps. A licensed plumber or the homeowner (owner-occupied only) can pull the permit.
How much does a plumbing permit cost in Provo?: In Provo, plumbing permit fees follow the city fee schedule: Plumbing Permit — valuation-based (see Fee schedule); State Fee — 1% of permit fee. See the Fee schedule section above for the amounts that apply to your project.

Sources & verification

Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-27.

Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Provo building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related guides

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