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1. Do I need a permit to change my hot water heater?

Yes, a permit is required, because as hot water is heated it rapidly expands. Hot water heaters are designed to withstand this pressure, through the addition of safety devices. When a hot water heater is installed improperly, they have been known to explode. In some cases they were literally propelled through the roof of a single family residence. Prior to installing a new hot water heater, we require a permit to cover the inspection of the replacement. This inspection is scheduled after the new hot water heater is in place and prior to the heating of water.

2. Why do I need a permit for my lawn sprinkler system?

Lawn sprinkler, or irrigation systems connected to potable water are required to be protected by one of the following options:

1. Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)
2. Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
3. Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventor (RPB)

These devices are designed to be installed at the point of connection to the potable water system, to keep contanments from being pulled back into your drinking water through the sprinkler heads. Some possible sources of contamination would be lawn fertilizers and chemical pesticides that are found in the water that has a tendency to pool around low sprinkler heads on your system.