Project Plans and Permitting
Residential and commercial plumbing projects require a plumbing permit. In order to get a permit, a plumbing plan must be submitted to the Health Department prior to starting plumbing work.
This applies to any plumbing that is installed or altered. It includes replacement cards for the installation of water heaters and dishwasher transmittal sheets.
The submitted plumbing plan should indicate any and all fixtures to be installed or altered, in addition to information about water service and building sewers. The reverse side of the plan (abstract) requires a drawing showing the location, connections, and types of materials to be installed.
Once the plan is approved and a permit is obtained, plumbing work may begin and an inspection will be conducted as work proceeds. A final inspection is required as part of all plumbing permits issued.
Plumbing permits are issued in accordance to Allegheny County Health Department Rules and Regulations, Article XV, "Plumbing" (external link to the latest/2022 version ICC code).
Approximately 14,000 plans are filed, reviewed, and have permits issued by the Health Department annually.
Special note for landlords: In Allegheny County, landlords must hire a Master Plumber to make repairs or modifications to the plumbing in their rental units. A landlord can only make plumbing repairs to their own residence, not their rental units.
Where to Get a Plumbing Permit
Certain plumbing permits, including Level 1 Plans, Level 2 Plans, Transmittals and Blue Cards, can now be filed online. For all other plumbing permits, including commercial plan reviews, please call the main number at 412-578-8036.
There are two Plumbing Inspection Offices in Allegheny County where you can get a plumbing permit in-person:
Pittsburgh Office
2121 Noblestown Rd., Room 207
Pittsburgh, PA 15205.
Clack Office
3901 Penn Ave., Building 5
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
(Lawrenceville)
Questions? Please contact the main plumbing office at 412-578-8036.
Important Plan and Permitting Documents