Permit Me to Heat That Water: Cary’s Rules for Water Heater Installation (Without Getting Burned)

Introduction: It’s Just a Water Heater… Right?

You’d think swapping out an old water heater would be a weekend DIY project. You know, a wrench here, a twist there, a celebratory shower. But wait! If you’re in Cary, NC, there’s one very important thing standing between you and those glorious suds:

🛑 Permits and code compliance.

That’s right. Installing a water heater in Cary isn’t just about connecting a few pipes and flipping a breaker. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or local handyman, the Town of Cary wants you to follow the rules—or risk fines, failed inspections, and unsafe setups.

Let’s break down exactly what you need to know about water heater permits, inspections, and local building codes in Cary (and how to make the process less painful than a cold shower).

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Do You Really Need a Permit to Install a Water Heater in Cary?

Short answer: YES.

According to the Town of Cary’s Building Safety Division, a permit is required for any replacement or new installation of a water heater—gas or electric.

💡 Why? Because water heaters deal with electricity, pressure, and hot water—all of which can be dangerous if not installed properly. Permits ensure work meets North Carolina Residential Code and local safety regulations.

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When Do You Need a Permit?

Scenario	Permit Required?
Replacing an old electric water heater?	✅ Yes
Upgrading to a tankless system?	✅ Yes
Switching from gas to electric?	✅ Yes
Moving location of your heater?	✅ Yes
Minor repair (replacing element only)?	❌ No
Installing one in new construction?	✅ Yes

Even if you’re just replacing your 15-year-old clunker in the garage, you still need a permit. The only time you might not need one is for non-structural repairs like changing out a thermostat or heating element.

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What Are the Local Rules and Codes in Cary?

Here’s what Cary inspectors are looking for when they inspect a water heater install:

1. Proper Electrical Connections

Cary follows North Carolina Electrical Code—which means:

• Correct breaker size (typically 30A for 240V heaters)
• Properly sized wiring (10 AWG is common)
• A disconnect within sight of the unit (or lockable breaker)

⚡ Tip: Don’t wrap wires with painter’s tape and hope for the best.

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2. Expansion Tank Required

Even for electric heaters, Cary requires an expansion tank if you have a closed water supply system (which most homes do). This protects against pressure buildup and water hammer.

🤯 Skipping the expansion tank is one of the most common failed inspection reasons in Cary.

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3. T&P (Temperature & Pressure) Valve and Discharge Line

Cary’s rules say the T&P relief valve must:

• Be factory-installed or approved
• Have a discharge pipe extending within 6 inches of the floor
• Discharge to an approved drain location (no garden hose into the yard, sorry)

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4. Drain Pan and Drain Line

If your water heater is installed above finished floors (like in an attic, closet, or upstairs laundry room), you’ll need:

• A corrosion-resistant drain pan under the unit
• A drain line to outside or an approved plumbing drain

🚨 Forget this, and you’re one leak away from ruining hardwood floors.

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5. Clearance and Accessibility

Cary code enforcers are picky (in the best way). Your water heater must:

• Have adequate clearance around it
• Be readily accessible for maintenance or inspection

Translation: Don’t box it in like your in-laws’ Christmas decorations in the attic.

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How Do You Get a Permit in Cary?

1. Apply Online:
   Go to Cary’s ePermits Portal, register/log in, and select “Plumbing/Mechanical permit”.
2. Pay the Fee:
   Residential water heater replacement permits are usually under $100.
3. Schedule the Inspection:
   Once installed, you’ll need a final inspection. Most get scheduled next day if requested early.

📞 Pro Tip: If you hire a licensed plumber (like us!), we handle all of this for you.

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Can You DIY Your Water Heater Install?

Yes, if you’re the homeowner and it’s your primary residence—but it’s risky. You’ll still need to:

• Pull the proper permit
• Meet code requirements
• Pass the final inspection

❗ DIY installs that fail inspection can cost more to redo than hiring a pro from the start.

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Why Hire a Local Pro in Cary?

Here’s why most Cary homeowners call us:

✅ We know local code like the back of our pipe wrench
✅ We pull permits and handle inspections
✅ Install fast and pass first time. We are the fastest in Cary and other RTP areas!! (at least we believe so)
✅ Protect your flooring, wiring, and sanity. We take extra care
✅ We show up with the right parts (and no duct tape)

👉 Looking for installation help?
We now offer licensed water heater installation in Cary with permit handling included.

FAQ – water heater installation cary