Thinking about tackling a kitchen or bathroom plumbing project yourself? Great—DIY can save money and be rewarding. But in Pasadena and across California, certain plumbing work requires permits and must meet specific code standards. Getting this right protects your home, your safety, and your resale value.
Our Pasadena Plumbers recommend using this guide from Pershing Plumbing to understand when you need a permit, which codes apply, and how to pass inspection the first time.
When You Do (and Don’t) Need a Permit
Every city can vary, but Pasadena generally follows California standards with local amendments. As a rule of thumb:
- Work that typically requires a permit:
- Relocating or adding fixtures (moving a sink, adding a second sink, converting a tub to a shower, adding a bidet)
- Altering drain, waste, and vent (DWV) piping in the walls/floor
- Replacing or installing a water heater (including tankless), or adding a recirculation line
- Running new water supply lines or upsizing piping
- Installing, replacing, or modifying a pressure-regulating valve (PRV) on the main
- Adding a dishwasher or relocating one (due to required air gap and drain tie-in)
- Any gas piping changes for ranges or combination boilers
- Work that may be exempt or “minor repair” (often no permit, but verify locally):
- Replacing a faucet, showerhead, toilet, or garbage disposal in the same location
- Swapping a trap under a sink like-for-like
- Replacing supply hoses or angle stops
- Replacing a worn wax ring on a toilet
Our Pasadena Plumbers recommend calling the City of Pasadena Building & Safety or checking the city’s online permit portal before you start. When in doubt, ask—permit staff will tell you quickly if your scope needs a permit.
The Codes That Govern Pasadena Kitchen/Bath Plumbing
In Pasadena, residential plumbing must comply with the California Plumbing Code (CPC, Title 24, Part 5) with local amendments. You may also touch the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) and, if energy-related items are involved, parts of Title 24. Here are the most relevant kitchen and bath code topics for DIYers:
- Water-conserving fixtures
- Showerheads: typically max 1.8 gpm at 80 psi in California
- Lavatory faucets: typically max 1.2 gpm
- Kitchen faucets: typically max 1.8 gpm (with temporary boost allowed on some models)
- Toilets: typically 1.28 gpf
- Our Pasadena Plumbers recommend buying fixtures specifically labeled as California compliant to avoid failed inspections.
- Scald protection and temperatures
- Showers and tub-showers must use pressure-balance or thermostatic valves (ASSE 1016/ASME A112.1016)
- Maximum shower outlet temperature is typically 120°F
- Our Pasadena Plumbers recommend setting your water heater to 120°F for safety and code alignment.
- Dishwasher air gap
- California commonly requires a physical, above-counter air gap on dishwashers—no hidden “high loop” substitutions
- Mount the air gap on the sink deck or countertop and route to the disposer or sink tailpiece per manufacturer specs
- Traps and vents
- Use a P-trap; S-traps are not allowed
- One trap per fixture; no double-trapping
- Maintain proper slope on horizontal drains (commonly 1/4 inch per foot for 2 1/2 inches and smaller)
- Venting must be continuous and appropriately sized; improper venting causes siphoning and sewer gas
- Air admittance valves (AAVs) are limited under the CPC and often require specific approval—don’t assume they’re allowed
- Our Pasadena Plumbers recommend planning your vent path early; venting mistakes are a top reason for inspection failures.
- Cleanouts and access
- Cleanouts must be installed at required locations and remain accessible (for example, at the base of each stack and on long horizontal runs)
- Bathtub and whirlpool pumps need accessible service panels; traps should be serviceable
- Hammer arrestors and shutoff valves
- Water hammer arrestors are typically required for quick-closing fixtures like dishwashers
- Individual shutoff valves must be installed on fixtures such as sinks and toilets and remain accessible
- Approved materials and support
- Use code-approved piping and fittings; support and strap per manufacturer and code tables
- Protect pipes within walls with nail plates where required
- Transition materials with listed adapters; no “mix-and-match” glues or off-label couplings
- Backflow protection
- Hose bibbs require vacuum breakers
- Built-in backflow prevention in faucets and fixtures must be listed and installed per instructions
If you’re not sure whether a detail is allowed, our Pasadena Plumbers recommend asking Pershing Plumbing or submitting a detail to the plans examiner with your permit—clarity upfront saves rework later.
How to Pull a Homeowner Plumbing Permit in Pasadena
Permitting is straightforward if you prepare. Here’s a simple roadmap:
- Define your scope
- Specify exactly what’s moving, what’s new, and what’s being replaced.
- Gather model numbers for fixtures and valves.
- Create basic drawings
- A simple floor plan and an isometric or schematic for DWV and water supply is often enough for small projects.
- Show pipe sizes, slopes, vent connections, and cleanout locations.
- Submit your application
- Apply through the City of Pasadena permit center or online portal (depending on the project type).
- Pay fees and respond to any plan check comments.
- Schedule inspections
- Rough-in inspection: before closing walls; the inspector checks pipe sizing, venting, trap arms, slope, support, nail plates, and valve types.
- Final inspection: after fixtures are set; the inspector checks air gaps, shutoffs, escutcheons, leaks, flow rates, and function.
Our Pasadena Plumbers recommend being onsite during inspections with a printout of your approved plans, a flashlight, and access to all valves and cleanouts.
Common DIY Inspection Failures (and How to Avoid Them)
- Missing dishwasher air gap or incorrect routing
- S-traps, double traps, or trap arms too long/too steep
- Undersized or improperly tied-in vents
- Inaccessible cleanouts or tub traps
- No hammer arrestors for dishwasher/ice maker
- Fixture shutoffs buried inside walls or behind drawers
- Unsupported PEX or copper, missing nail plates at stud penetrations
- Non-compliant fixture flow rates
- Mixing valves not pressure-balanced or exceeding max temps
- Using unlisted couplings or wrong cement/primer for plastic piping
Our Pasadena Plumbers recommend a pre-inspection checklist walk-through—spotting these items early keeps your project on schedule.
Risks of Skipping the Permit
- Fines or stop-work orders, plus re-inspection fees
- Insurance claim denials after leaks or water damage
- Lower resale value or required retroactive permits during escrow
- Costly tear-outs to expose concealed work for an inspector
Permits protect you. They also create a paper trail proving your kitchen or bath was built to code—a big plus when you sell.
DIY vs. Hire a Pro: Where Pershing Plumbing Fits
DIY-friendly tasks:
- Replacing faucets, showerheads, supply hoses, and angle stops
- Swapping a toilet or under-sink trap like-for-like
- Installing a garbage disposal or dishwasher in the same location (still follow air gap rules)
Call Pershing Plumbing for:
- Any drain/vent relocation or addition
- Converting a tub to a shower or moving a shower valve
- New water lines, home pressure issues, or PRV work
- Water heater replacements (tank or tankless), recirculation systems, or mixing valves
- Gas line alterations
- Projects on a tight timeline that need to pass inspection the first time
Our Pasadena Plumbers recommend bringing us in for a code/permit consult even if you plan to DIY most of the work. A one-hour planning session can save days of rework.
Pasadena-Pro Tips to Pass the First Time
- Use California-compliant fixtures and valves; keep spec sheets on site.
- Label pipe sizes and vent connections on your rough-in for the inspector.
- Provide clear access to every shutoff, trap, and cleanout.
- Pressure-test water lines and perform a standing water test on drains before inspection.
- Photograph work before covering—great documentation if questions arise.
- Our Pasadena Plumbers recommend setting shower valve limit-stops during final trim so your temperatures test under 120°F.
Need Permit-Ready Plumbing? Pershing Plumbing Can Help
Pershing Plumbing helps Pasadena homeowners plan, permit, and pass inspections for kitchen and bath projects. Whether you want a quick code consult or full-service installation, we’ll make sure your work meets the California Plumbing Code and local requirements—without surprises.
- Permit guidance and plan review
- Dishwasher air gaps, venting corrections, and trap/cleanout upgrades
- Water heater and PRV replacements, leak detection, and repiping
- Fast scheduling and friendly, local expertise
Our Pasadena Plumbers recommend starting with a quick project review. Contact Pershing Plumbing to get your kitchen or bath renovation code-compliant and inspection-ready.