Permit guideTorontoBuilding PermitsPlumbing & Drains
Stand-alone plumbing and drain permits
A stand-alone plumbing permit is for plumbing or drain work which is not related to other construction proposed for a building.
Check whether you need a permit
- A Stand-Alone Plumbing Building Permit is for work which is not related to other construction proposed for a building.
- If municipal sewers are available, a permit to install, replace or repair a septic tank will NOT be granted.
- Only if you are installing a backwater valve
Installing a backwater valve
Standalone drain permit for installation of a backwater valve in a house with one or two dwelling units.
General Information
- No plans are required for one and two unit houses.
- A fullport (normally open) backwater valve conforming to the appropriate CSA standard may be installed in a building drain that serves only one occupancy.
- A backwater valve that is designed to be installed in a normally closed position is prohibited from being installed in a building drain or building sewer.
- All drawings, reports, and forms, including the completed Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish, must be provided in a PDF format.
Multi-Unit and Non-Residential Buildings
- A stand-alone drain permit is required to install a backwater valve in multi-unit and non-residential buildings.
- Please see the Plumbing and Drain Permit Stand-Alone Application guide for submission requirements.
Required Forms
Apply Online
- You must now apply for a permit for a backwater valve permit using the Toronto Building Online Services Application Submission Tool.
Fees
- Backwater Valves, Manholes, Catchbasins, Interceptors and Sumps Complete with Pumps: $38.67 each
- Only if you are installing a premise isolation Backflow Prevention Device in an existing building
Installing a backflow prevention device
Stand-Alone Plumbing Permit for installation of a premise isolation Backflow Prevention Device in an existing building.
Backflow Prevention Information Templates
Based on site conditions, the following drawings may be used to apply for a plumbing permit for the installation of premises isolation backflow prevention devices.
Required Forms
Apply Online
- You may now apply for a permit for a backflow prevention device permit online using the Toronto Building Online Services Application Submission Tool.
- A User Guide is available to support your submission.
Fees
- Backflow Prevention Devices (devices requiring testing): $92.79 each
Prepare your plans0 of 2
All drawings to be drawn on standardized sized sheets, drawn to scale, fully dimensioned, signed and dated. If drawings were prepared by a qualified designer, drawings must include the designer’s name, registration number, qualification identification number, signature, and stamp/statement that the person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.
You need an account to see these 2 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.
Complete the forms4
Submit your application
- You may now apply for a permit for a stand-alone drain and stand-alone plumbing permit online using the Toronto Building Online Services Application Submission Tool.
- Apply for a Stand-alone Plumbing permit or a Stand-alone Drain Permit.
- This service allows applicants to see what documents are required and which outside approvals, if any, are applicable to the submission.
- A User Guide is available to support your submission.
- All drawings, reports, and forms, including the completed Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish, must be provided in a PDF format.
- Please do not include any personal information on your Building Plans (e.g., the homeowner’s name or phone number).
Pay the fee
Fees effective Jan. 1, 2026:
- Single Family Dwelling: $23.20 each
- All other Buildings: $30.94 each
- Water services, Sanitary and Storm Buried Piping: $214.79 flat fee
- Repairs, Replacement and Additions of Buried Plumbing and Drainage Piping, Pool Drains: $214.79 flat fee
- Inside Sanitary and Storm Piping: $2.62/linear metre
- Outside Water Services, Sanitary and Storm Piping: $2.62/linear metre
- Backwater Valves, Manholes, Catchbasins, Interceptors and Sumps Complete with Pumps: $38.67 each
- Backflow Prevention Devices (devices requiring testing): $92.79 each
- Holding Tank: $386.62 flat fee
- Septic System: $773.26 flat fee
Written from Toronto’s own pages as published on 20 October 2026. The municipality decides what a permit needs: confirm with it before you apply. Legal notice