Quick Answer
Do you need a plumbing permit in Toronto? If you're adding or relocating plumbing fixtures, installing new piping, or adding backflow/backwater devices — yes. If you're simply replacing a fixture in the same location (new toilet, new faucet) — no. Stand-alone plumbing permits qualify for Express Services (3 business day review). Fees start at $23.20 per fixture. Check your project →
When You Need a Plumbing Permit
Permit Required
- New plumbing fixtures — adding a toilet, sink, shower, or tub where there wasn't one
- Relocating fixtures — moving a toilet, sink, or drain to a new location
- New water services — connecting to municipal water supply
- Sanitary/storm piping — new or modified buried drainage piping
- Backwater valves — installing flood protection valves
- Backflow prevention devices — protecting the municipal water supply
- Pool drains — plumbing connections for swimming pools
- Adding a bathroom where one didn't exist
- Basement apartment plumbing — adding a kitchen and bathroom for a second suite
No Permit Required
- Replacing fixtures in the same location — swapping an old toilet for a new one, replacing a faucet, installing a new showerhead
- Cosmetic bathroom updates — new vanity in the same spot, new tub in the same footprint
- Sump pump installation (explicit exemption)
- Replacing existing supply lines to a fixture staying in the same location
The rule is simple: same spot = no permit. New spot = permit.
Source: When Do I Need a Building Permit? — Toronto
2026 Plumbing Permit Fees
All fees effective January 1, 2026 (4% COLA increase).
Single-Family Dwellings (SFD)
| Item | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
| Plumbing fixtures | $23.20 each |
| Water services, sanitary/storm piping | $214.79 flat |
| Repairs/replacement of buried piping, pool drains | $214.79 flat |
| Backwater valves, manholes, catchbasins | $38.67 each |
| Backflow prevention devices | $92.79 each |
All Other Buildings (Multi-Res, Commercial)
| Item | 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
| Plumbing fixtures | $30.94 each |
| Other items | Same rates as above |
Minimum Fee
The minimum permit fee for any work is $214.79 (2026). So even if you're adding one fixture ($23.20), the minimum applies.
Example: Adding a Basement Bathroom (SFD)
- Toilet: $23.20
- Sink: $23.20
- Shower: $23.20
- Buried piping: $214.79
- Backwater valve: $38.67
- Total: ~$323 (or $214.79 minimum, whichever is greater — in this case, the itemized total)
Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, or Amex (up to $20,000).
Source: Toronto Building Permit Fees
Express Services: The Fast Lane
Here's the good news: stand-alone plumbing and drain permits qualify for Express Services — Toronto Building's fast-track review stream with a 3 business day review goal.
This means if your project is purely plumbing (no structural work, no additions), you can get your permit significantly faster than the standard 10-day House Stream.
How to Submit for Express Services
- Email your application to bldapplications@toronto.ca
- Or submit through the Toronto online portal
- Include all required drawings and the completed application form
What Qualifies as "Stand-Alone"
The plumbing work must not be bundled with structural, addition, or other major renovation work. Examples that qualify:
- Adding a backwater valve (common after basement flooding)
- Installing a backflow prevention device
- Adding plumbing for a new laundry room (plumbing only, no structural changes)
If your plumbing is part of a larger renovation — say a basement renovation or kitchen renovation — it's included in that project's permit and follows that review stream.
Source: Express Building Permits — Toronto
How to Apply
Step 1: Determine if You Need a Permit
Use the "Permit Required / Not Required" list above. Replacing in place? No permit. Adding or moving? Permit.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
- Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish (updated February 16, 2026 form)
- Plumbing drawings showing fixture locations, pipe routing, connections to municipal services
- Schedule 1: Designer Information — who designed the plumbing layout
- For backwater valves: installation details and valve specifications
Step 3: Submit
For stand-alone plumbing: submit for Express Services (3-day review). For plumbing as part of a renovation: include in the overall permit application.
Step 4: Inspections
Plumbing inspections happen at key stages:
- Underground/rough-in: Before pipes are covered (critical — inspector must see the work before drywall goes up)
- Final: After fixtures are installed and connected
Want someone else to handle this? Apply with PermitEasy →
Common Mistakes
1. Moving a Fixture Without a Permit
"I'm just moving the toilet 3 feet to the left" — that's a permit. Any fixture relocation involves modifying drain and supply lines, which requires a permit and inspection.
2. Skipping the Rough-In Inspection
If you close up the walls before the plumbing inspector sees the rough-in work, you may have to open the walls back up. This is expensive and frustrating. Schedule the rough-in inspection before drywalling.
3. Not Getting a Backwater Valve Permit
Many Toronto homeowners install backwater valves after basement flooding — smart move. But the installation requires a permit ($38.67 + minimum fee). Some homeowners skip the permit, which can create issues at resale.
4. DIY Plumbing Without Inspections
Unlike electrical work (where homeowners can do their own work with ESA inspection), plumbing permit inspections go through the City. Make sure inspections are booked regardless of who does the work.
5. Forgetting That Adding a Bathroom = Multiple Permits
A new bathroom often involves:
- Plumbing permit (fixtures + piping)
- Building permit (if walls are being modified)
- HVAC permit (if adding ventilation/exhaust)
- Electrical permit (through ESA — lighting, fan, GFCI outlets)
Backwater Valves: A Toronto Essential
After Toronto's history of basement flooding, backwater valves are increasingly common. Here's what to know:
- Permit fee: $38.67 per valve (plus minimum fee of $214.79)
- Express eligible: Yes (stand-alone plumbing permit)
- The City of Toronto has historically offered subsidy programs for backwater valve installation — check toronto.ca for current availability
- Installation must be done by a licensed plumber and inspected
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace a toilet in Toronto?
No — if you're replacing a toilet in the same location with no changes to the drain or supply lines, no permit is required.
How much does a plumbing permit cost?
Fixtures cost $23.20 each for single-family homes (2026). New buried piping is a $214.79 flat fee. The minimum total permit fee is $214.79 regardless of scope.
Can a plumber pull the permit for me?
Yes. Your plumber can submit the application as an authorized agent. They'll need a signed Owner's Authorization form.
How long does a plumbing permit take?
Stand-alone plumbing permits qualify for Express Services — 3 business days review goal. If part of a larger renovation, it follows that project's review timeline (10+ business days for House Stream).
Do I need a plumbing permit to install a dishwasher?
If you're connecting a dishwasher to existing plumbing in a spot that was already plumbed for one, generally no. If you're running new supply and drain lines to a new location, yes.
Ready to Get Your Plumbing Permit?
Plumbing permits are straightforward — especially with Express Services available for stand-alone work. Check if your project needs a permit → or let PermitEasy handle the application →.
Fees current as of January 1, 2026. Sources: Building Permit Fees — Toronto, When Do I Need a Building Permit?, Express Building Permits