Common Questions

Do you inspect all areas of Montgomery County?

We provide inspection services for all areas of the county (excluding the cities of Centerville, Dayton, Oakwood and Kettering). However, Public Health will continue to issue permits and provide oversight of on-premise sewer, water and irrigation/deduct meter installations.

When are permits required?

Permits are required for the installation, construction, alteration or repair of the plumbing, drainage or water supply system in any building or structure including replacement fixtures.

When do I secure my permit?

Excepting emergencies, all permits must be secured before work commences. All inspections must be arranged immediately. The permit holder is responsible for scheduling inspection of completed work.

What is the current plumbing code for Montgomery County?

All plumbing systems must be installed in accordance with Chapter 4101:3-1 through 4101:3-13 of the Ohio Administrative Code; designated as the 2007 “Ohio Plumbing Code.”

As a homeowner, what is the procedure for securing plumbing permits?

Homeowners may obtain plumbing permits for installations in their own home. If a homeowner wishes to obtain a permit to install their own plumbing system, they are required to complete an affidavit provided by our office, which must be notarized. Homeowners are required to post an additional $50.00 cash bond which will be refunded approximately 6 weeks after final inspection. Should additional fixtures be installed that were not indicated on the permit, or additional inspections be required above those authorized in the fee schedule, the appropriate amount will be deducted from the cash bond. If a homeowner is installing an appliance, sewer, water, deduct meter or backflow device, they will not be required to pay the additional bond, but will be required to complete an affidavit. Authorization is required for on-premise tap-in permits when performing sewer, water and irrigation/deduct meter installations. It is recommended to call Public Health or your local sewer and water purveyor for assistance. New installations or alterations for residential properties on septic systems must be approved by Public Health’s Household Sewage Treatment program prior to the issuance of plumbing permits.

What are elevations and how do I calculate them?

Section 715.1 of the Ohio Plumbing Code requires specific measures to prevent sewage backflow from the sewer main back into a structure. A backwater valve is required to be installed to protect plumbing fixtures whose overflow rim is below the next upstream manhole in the public sewer system. Information outlining the elevation of the high manhole rim (street level) and low fixture shall be provided prior to issuance of permits. This information is not required for sewer, water, deduct meter, backflow, replacement and appliance permits. Back water valve image

What is the cost of a plumbing permit?

The fee for a new installation permit is $35.00 and a replacement installation permit is $25.00. The fee for each fixture or device installed is $11.00. Sewer, water and deduct/irrigation meter permits are $40.00.

If I have questions, when can I talk to a plumbing inspector?

Plumbing inspectors are available for questions between 8:00 – 8:30 am. The plumbing supervisor is available for questions between 8:00 – 9:00 am or from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Appointments are available with the supervisor upon request between 8:00 – 9:00 am or from 3:00 – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

You must call (937) 225-4421 for an appointment.

What is the procedure for inspection requests?

All inspection requests must be made at least one day in advance. Know the location (refer to your permit receipt) before calling. Give the permit number, the lot or house number, and the street name of the location being called for inspection. Approximate time schedules for inspections can be obtained between 8:00 – 8:30 am the day of the inspection. In order to fulfill all inspection requests, special times/appointments will not be accepted. Any new premise is not to be occupied until after final plumbing inspection has been approved.

How do I request a refund for a permit secured in error?

If a permit is secured in error, a refund may be requested provided we have not conducted any inspections on your permit. A written request to the Health Commissioner is required and must be submitted to the plumbing office for review. After review and approval, you should receive your refund in approximately six weeks.

What is Backflow Prevention?

All major plumbing code bodies address protection against backflow. All potential or existing cross connections must be protected from backflow by the installation of a proper backflow prevention device. Consult Public Health for more specific information on code requirements. Click here to view backflow image