Do I need a permit for this?

Robert,

I live in Saugus and about six to eight months ago, I had a water heater installed in my garage.

I asked then, if we needed a permit, and the installer told me “No.” He said at the time there was no reason to get a permit because it constituted as a repair.

I believed it until I saw my neighbor’s window with a big white card on it. When I asked my neighbor what this was he told me it was a city permit card, required to be posted during any renovations so that the Building Department knows that there is a permit for any work happening should they happen to pass by the property.

With that said, he let me know that the card was for having his hot water heater replaced, and that yes you need a permit for this.

With this information it seems that I’ve broken the law through this contractor, now what do I do? I’m nervous and don’t want to be in trouble. — Victoria A.

Victoria,

Don’t worry. The Building Department is there for your safety, and you won’t be in trouble over this.

What you’ll need to do is to go back to your installer and let them know that this did need a permit, and that you need for him to follow through. If you are unable to move forward in this way, then head down to Building and Safety and pull the permit yourself.

I’d take a few photos with me to ease in the process, and they’ll gladly help you through this.

You’ll then schedule for the inspector to come out and they’ll simply be looking for the necessary safety factors on installation such as strapping, proper TNP venting, mounting surface, etc.

Once the inspector confirms that this was all done properly, you’ll have a “pass” on your inspection, and this will be on record.

The reason that this is all necessary is for safety. As I’ve said so many times before, and will continue to say, Building and Safety is there for all of our protection.

Water heaters can be very dangerous when not installed properly; they can actually explode and cause death.

Proper installation and protection measures need to be in place for the time when or if it should fail.

Please do this ASAP, so that you have confirmation that this was done properly and that you and your family and neighbors are safe. Good luck.

Robert Lamoureux has 38 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at robert@imsconstruction.com.