Emergency Permits
Emergency Permits | Emergency Plumbing | Plumbing | Philadelphia
When a burst pipe floods your South Philly rowhome at midnight or a leaking water heater threatens your Center City condo during rush hour, you need more than a wrench—you need HEP’s fast-track permit expertise and round-the-clock emergency plumbing team. Our licensed technicians arrive with digital permit access in hand, so repairs begin the moment we knock, not days later. We cut through municipal red tape, coordinate city inspectors, and bring the right parts to every job, restoring water, heat, and peace of mind before the next cheesesteak cools.
From Old City lofts to Roxborough colonials, Philly homeowners rely on us because we handle the paperwork, the fix, and the cleanup in one seamless visit. Transparent pricing, 24/7 live dispatch, and a workmanship guarantee mean there’s no guesswork—just swift relief and a home that’s code-compliant and dry. When every second counts, call HEP for emergency plumbing that’s as reliable as the Liberty Bell is iconic.
FAQs
Do I need a plumbing permit for emergency repairs in Philadelphia?
Yes. Even when the work is performed to stop an active leak, restore water service, or correct a hazardous condition, the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) still requires a plumbing permit. The City allows licensed master plumbers to begin the repair right away, but a permit application—classified as an “Emergency Plumbing Permit”—must be filed with L&I within 3 business days of starting work.
How fast can you secure an emergency plumbing permit?
Because the repair may already be in progress, our office files the emergency permit electronically the same day we are called. L&I typically issues confirmation within 24 – 48 hours, provided that the contractor is licensed and insured, the scope of work is clearly described, and any necessary photos are uploaded. Physical copies are then placed on-site for the inspector.
What plumbing situations qualify as an emergency under Philadelphia code?
L&I considers a situation an emergency when it poses an immediate threat to health, safety, or property. Common examples include burst water supply lines, major drain or sewer backups, failed water heaters that are actively leaking, gas leaks involving piping downstream of the meter, and frozen pipes that have cracked. Routine fixture replacements, planned renovations, or upgrades are not treated as emergencies and must follow standard permit procedures.
Can I start the repair before the permit is formally issued?
Yes—if the work cannot wait without causing additional damage or creating a safety hazard, a licensed master plumber may begin immediately. However, the plumber must document the condition (photos/video), keep detailed notes on the scope of work, and submit the emergency permit application no later than 3 business days after starting. Failure to file on time can lead to violations and fines.
Are inspections required after emergency plumbing work is completed?
Usually, yes. Most emergency permits mandate at least one rough-in or final inspection by an L&I plumbing inspector to verify code compliance. The inspection request is made online once the repair is finished. If walls or floors need to be closed immediately, photos of the open work should be provided in addition to the inspection. Gas-piping repairs require a pressure test witnessed by the inspector.
What information do you need to file an emergency plumbing permit on my behalf?
We will ask for: • Property address and owner’s contact information. • Brief description of the emergency (e.g., “burst ¾-inch copper supply in basement”). • Photos or video of the damage prior to repair if available. • Scope of corrective work, including pipe sizes, materials, and locations. • If gas piping is involved, the total developed length and BTU load of the affected branch. • Authorization letter or email from the owner (for tenant-occupied buildings). Having this information ready lets us upload a complete, code-compliant application and speed up permit approval.