Reading this Chicago Tribune story about insufficient water pressure made my heart sink. The homeowner in this situation is in a really bad spot. He has to do a very expensive repair or face potentially not being able to sell his house. This all happened because an unscrupulous plumber told a lie.
The vast majority of new plumbing installation will require a permit. While I don’t know if the regulations in Chicago are exactly the same as they are here in NYC, I do know that going through the process properly would have required the initial plumber to use the appropriately sized water supply line. The problem the homeowner is facing could have been totally avoided.
We all have budgets. The temptation to save money by having the plumbing work done without going through the permitting process is huge. But here’s the thing: even though you may save money up front, in the long run it could cost you so much more. One reason permits exist is to protect the homeowner in these type of situations. It costs more, and it takes time, but it’s a smart move in your lasting happiness.
Any time you’re searching for a plumber in New York, you’re going to find people who tell you they can do it for you cheaper. Before you say yes to having them work on your home, ask where these savings are coming from. Nine times out of ten, it’s not because they’re willing to pay themselves less: instead, they’ll cut corners in other areas, knowing it can be years, or even decades, before what they did or didn’t do is discovered. When a plumber says you don’t need a permit, run. Or, at a minimum, double check the facts – some very minor repairs don’t require a permit – so you know you’re safe before you move forward.
