Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Water Heater in Atlanta?

September 5, 2025

If you’re planning to swap out an old water heater for a new one, you’re probably wondering: do I need a permit in Atlanta? In most cases, yes—replacing a water heater typically requires a plumbing (and sometimes gas/electrical) permit and an inspection to ensure the installation is safe and code-compliant. This protects your home, your warranty, and your homeowner’s insurance.

Below, we’ll cover when a permit is needed, who can pull it, how inspections work, and how Fix & Flow Plumbing Co. makes the process easy for Atlanta homeowners.

When Is a Permit Required for Water Heater Replacement?

Jurisdictions around metro Atlanta generally require permits for replacing or relocating water heaters—whether gas, electric, tankless, or hybrid. The City of Atlanta processes these as “technical” or trade permits and conducts inspections for safety items like venting, gas connections, T&P discharge, seismic/strapping where applicable, pan and drain, expansion control, bonding, and clearances.

Helpful resources:

Who Can Pull the Permit?

Typically, a licensed plumber or the property owner can apply, but many municipalities require a licensed contractor to perform and permit gas and plumbing work. If you’re selling your home or filing a warranty claim later, a permitted and inspected install helps avoid headaches.

At Fix & Flow, we handle permitting for our installations and coordinate the inspection so you don’t have to juggle paperwork or scheduling.

What Does the Inspector Look For?

While every install is unique, inspectors generally verify:

Correct venting and combustion air for gas units, plus proper gas shutoff and drip leg.
Dedicated electrical circuit and disconnect for electric units, and bonding where required.
T&P relief valve discharge routed to an approved location and sized/material per code.
Thermal expansion control (e.g., expansion tank) when required by local pressure conditions.
Drain pan and drain line where a leak could damage finishes below.
Clearances and access to service panels and controls.

Georgia adopts the International Plumbing Code with state amendments; see the Georgia amendments for water-heater-specific provisions.

How Long Do Permits and Inspections Take?

For a like-for-like replacement, trade permits are often issued quickly online, and inspections are typically scheduled soon after installation. Timelines vary by jurisdiction and workload. The City of Atlanta provides online portals for applications and scheduling to streamline the process.

What If I Skip the Permit?

Skipping the permit can lead to failed home inspections during a sale, insurance or warranty issues, fines, or being required to open walls to verify concealed work. It’s not worth the risk—especially for gas appliances and scald/pressure safety components.

Choosing the Right Replacement: Tank, Tankless, or Hybrid?

Updating your system is a great time to consider efficiency and recovery rate. Explore your options:

Conventional Tank Water Heaters – dependable and budget-friendly.
Tankless Water Heaters – endless hot water and potential energy savings.
Hybrid (Heat Pump) Water Heaters – excellent efficiency and rebates may apply.

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Even “simple swaps” involve gas, venting, high-amperage electrical, scald protection, and pressure relief systems—each with safety and code requirements. Reputable sources note that replacements typically require permits and inspections to verify compliance. If you’re unsure, lean on a licensed pro.

How Fix & Flow Makes It Easy

We’ll assess your setup, size the right heater, pull the permit, perform a clean, code-compliant install, and coordinate inspection. You’ll get clear, upfront pricing and friendly service from a local Atlanta team.

Call Fix & Flow Plumbing Co. at 404-800-3569 or request service online.

Related Services & Helpful Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need a permit to replace a water heater in Atlanta?

In most situations, yes. The City of Atlanta treats water heater replacements as permitted trade work, with inspection after installation. Check the City’s technical permit page and online permitting portal for current requirements.

How much does the permit cost?

Fees vary by jurisdiction and scope. Atlanta publishes fee schedules for trade permits and offers an online application. Your Fix & Flow estimator will include permitting in your proposal so there are no surprises.

Can I pull my own permit?

Homeowners can sometimes pull permits, but many jurisdictions require a licensed contractor for gas and plumbing work. Using a licensed plumber helps ensure the work, inspection, and documentation are all handled correctly.

Will a permit delay my hot water?

Trade permits are typically issued quickly for like-for-like swaps, and inspections are scheduled promptly. We coordinate everything to minimize downtime.

What if my existing installation isn’t to current code?

We’ll bring the replacement up to current standards (for example, expansion control, pan/drain, venting, bonding, and clearances). That’s one of the biggest advantages of permitted work: you leave with a safe, documented installation.