Do You Need a Permit to Replace a Hot Water Tank in New Westminster?

New Westminster’s plumbing rules separate a fixture swap from new plumbing work, and a hot water tank sits close to that line. This guide covers electric tanks.

Do you need a permit to replace a hot water tank in New Westminster?

Possibly not, for a like-for-like replacement, but confirm first. The City’s Plumbing Permit Guide says a permit is not required “when replacing plumbing fixtures (C.S.A approved only).” Schedule C of the City’s Planning and Development Fees and Rates Bylaw lists items considered plumbing fixtures, and the list includes both “hot water heater” and “hot water storage tank.” That list sets how fees are counted; applying it to the exemption is our reading. The City’s plumbing permit application also has a line for water heaters.

The same guide says a permit is required to “install plumbing fixtures and system components” and to “alter or extend an existing plumbing systems.” Moving the tank, rerouting its piping, or putting a tank where there wasn’t one is that kind of work. The guide does not name water heaters directly, so call the Building Division (contact card above) before work starts.

How much is a plumbing permit in New Westminster in 2026?

Bylaw No. 8541, 2025 set the 2026 plumbing fees, in force from January 1, 2026:

• $169.00 minimum permit fee, covering one to four fixtures
• $39.00 for each additional fixture

The plumbing fee schedule sets no separate re-inspection fees; the City’s building permit schedule does, starting at $169.00 for a third inspection caused by non-compliant work. Ask the Building Division which applies to your permit.

Who can apply, and what does the City ask for?

• A plumbing contractor provides evidence of a current City of New Westminster business licence.
• A homeowner provides evidence of home ownership, and a homeowner doing the plumbing work personally signs a declaration of plumbing knowledge and responsibility for the project. The City’s older application form asks for a trade qualification, so confirm the homeowner route with the Building Division.
• Fees are paid in full when you apply, and the City emails the permit once it is issued.
• If the plumbing is part of a larger project, the building permit has to be issued first, unless the work is exclusively plumbing.

Can you replace your own electric tank in New Westminster?

Only in a single detached house. The BC Building Code limits plumbing work to a certified plumber, a supervised apprentice, or “the registered owner and occupant or intended occupant of the single detached dwelling in which plumbing work will occur.” Townhouse and condo owners need a certified plumber or a supervised apprentice.

Does a hot water tank have to be strapped in New Westminster?

Yes. Sentence 9.31.6.2.(3) of the BC Building Code says that where Smax for Site Class C is greater than 0.37, service water heaters “shall be secured to the structure to prevent overturning.” The lowest value for any Vancouver Region location in the code’s Table C-3 is 0.736, about twice the trigger. The code sets no strap count or position; its explanatory note shows one method.

Is there a rebate for a heat pump water heater?

Switching an electric tank to a heat pump water heater can qualify for a rebate through CleanBC’s Home Renovation Rebate Program, which has its own list of eligible electricity utilities. If your power comes from New Westminster’s own electric utility, confirm eligibility with the program before you buy. The home has to be a year-round primary residence, condos and apartments in multi-unit buildings are not eligible, and a licensed contractor has to do the install.

The electrical side of a tank swap may need its own permit. Ask the City who issues it.

If your electric tank in New Westminster is leaking right now, see our emergency plumbing service, and our guide to the signs of a hidden water leak covers what to check first. To plan a replacement, contact us and we will tell you what the job needs before any work starts.