In the past when I lived in more rural areas I installed two water heaters myself over the years. I was able to pull a permit and have the inspector come out and sign off, not just water heaters but we are talking all plumbing, electrical etc. I learned the code and did it right.
Fast forward a decade and now I live in a larger city where only licensed plumbers can pull permits to replace a water heater. The bids I received were $1060 to $1400 to replace a 50 Gallon (6 Year) Basic NG Unit, simple drop in install on a newer 10 year old home. I picked up the replacement for $450 out the door with my discount and installed it in under 2 hours. I also replaced the two FIP pipes and put in a new pan. It was the exact height as the old one and so no problems just dropping it in and hooking up the connections, no need to modify the vent, no leaks, works like a charm.
Now I need it permitted with an inspection sticker as I plan to sell the house in the near future. I called two plumbing companies here and they say they wont pull a permit on a water heater they did not install.
The normal permit is $32 but its probably more since its after the fact, still should not be too bad, I'm willing to pay whatever the fines are on top.
Should I keep calling around? Is it not unreasonable to ask a plumber to come check my work, pay them $200 for 15 minutes of their time and the $30-$60 or whatever the inspections are?
Fast forward a decade and now I live in a larger city where only licensed plumbers can pull permits to replace a water heater. The bids I received were $1060 to $1400 to replace a 50 Gallon (6 Year) Basic NG Unit, simple drop in install on a newer 10 year old home. I picked up the replacement for $450 out the door with my discount and installed it in under 2 hours. I also replaced the two FIP pipes and put in a new pan. It was the exact height as the old one and so no problems just dropping it in and hooking up the connections, no need to modify the vent, no leaks, works like a charm.
Now I need it permitted with an inspection sticker as I plan to sell the house in the near future. I called two plumbing companies here and they say they wont pull a permit on a water heater they did not install.
The normal permit is $32 but its probably more since its after the fact, still should not be too bad, I'm willing to pay whatever the fines are on top.
Should I keep calling around? Is it not unreasonable to ask a plumber to come check my work, pay them $200 for 15 minutes of their time and the $30-$60 or whatever the inspections are?