Residential Water Line Replace - Permit?

BlueHeeler

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2:03p, 1/18/26

AG

I need to replace the line from my house to the meter and plan on doing it myself. I have read through the City standards (follows IPC 2021 but requires min 1" and a tracer wire). Would most of you get a permit or just do it? Thanks in advance.

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tgivaughn

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3:55p, 1/18/26

AG

The last time this was done, it was cheap and FAST in the County by same plumber that also replaced all hose bibbs, washer connections, etc. on an 80's house.

If you are 40's/younger & love the risk, go4it and pay whatever fines - if any - later, while wife lords it over you forever. It's not brain surgery but digging in our "modeling" clay, pulling permits (if any in county), shopping parts, tools, missing aletime .... UGH at my age.

Gotta draw since me got no grammar MasterArch '76

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Ryan the Temp

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12:26a, 1/19/26

AG

Depending on where you live you may not need permits, but in jurisdictions that require permits, I think the State requires them to issue a homeowner permit for plumbing work. I can confirm that's how it works in Houston because I've obtained homeowner permits for both water and gas plumbing.

87IE

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In reply to BlueHeeler • 7:45a, 1/19/26

AG

BlueHeeler said:
I need to replace the line from my house to the meter and plan on doing it myself. I have read through the City standards (follows IPC 2021 but requires min 1" and a tracer wire). Would most of you get a permit or just do it? Thanks in advance

I'd DIY but make sure you follow code.

If you were to dig the trench and then call a plumber out I'd be willing to bet that 90+ percent of them wouldn't open a permit for it. The other 10% work in Houston or other locations that are sticklers for everything.

YellAg2004

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8:25a, 1/19/26

AG

I wouldn't spend another second worrying about pulling a permit. Dig your trench 18" deep (min.), put the line in, backfill, and be done.

ETA: The only person that would utilize the tracer wire would be you or any future owner of your house planning to do some digging. Putting a tracer on a residential service line is silly. Unless you have the equipment, you wouldn't even be able to tone out the line in the future without calling a plumber that does have the equipment.

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BlueHeeler

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3:38p, 1/19/26

AG

Thanks yall. Yes, I am just going to do it - and just follow the city code in case I get called out on it.