Question 1

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the city. Phoenix, Glendale and Gilbert exempt licensed contractor replacements; Mesa, Chandler, Surprise and Goodyear exempt like for like; Tucson, Scottsdale and Flagstaff require a permit.

Question 2

Do I need a permit for a tankless water heater in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

In Tucson and Mesa, yes. Tucson also requires detailed plans.

Question 3

Do I need a permit for a gas line in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Yes in Tucson, Glendale and Scottsdale for fixed gas piping.

Question 4

Do I need a permit to replace a toilet in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Not in Tucson if it goes in the same location.

Question 5

Can an Arizona homeowner do their own work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the home is for your own occupancy and not for sale or rent (A.R.S. 32-1121(A)(5)). A sale within one year is evidence it was built for sale.

Question 6

Does a handyman need a license in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

Not for casual or minor jobs under $1,000 total that do not need a building permit, as long as any advertising says "not a licensed contractor" (A.R.S. 32-1121(A)(14), advertising rule at (A)(14)(c)). The exemption never covers gas or fuel connections or fire safety work (A.R.S. 32-1121(D)).

Question 7

Can a handyman replace a gas water heater in Arizona?

Accepted Answer

No, not without a contractor license. The under $1,000 exemption does not apply to any work that connects to natural gas, propane or other fuel (A.R.S. 32-1121(D)).

Question 8

Does an Arizona contractor need a written contract?

Accepted Answer

Yes for contracts over $1,000 with a property owner. It must include the license number, price, deposits and your right to complain to ROC (A.R.S. 32-1158).

Question 9

How long do I have to file a complaint against an Arizona contractor?

Accepted Answer

Two years. The statute counts from completion of the project (A.R.S. 32-1162); ROC counts remodels and repairs from when work was last performed.

Question 10

How much can the Arizona recovery fund pay?

Accepted Answer

Up to $30,000 per claimant, and no more than $200,000 in total for any one contractor license (A.R.S. 32-1132.01 and 32-1139).

Question 11

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Phoenix?

Accepted Answer

Phoenix does not require a permit to replace an existing water heater in a one or two family home when a licensed contractor does it. The contractor must verify the certification mark, install per the manufacturer's instructions and follow the codes.

Question 12

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Tucson?

Accepted Answer

Tucson requires a permit and inspection to replace a tank water heater with the same type and size, to install a new one or change fuel type, and for any solar water heater. A tankless water heater needs a permit and detailed plans.

Question 13

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Mesa?

Accepted Answer

Mesa requires no permit for residential replacement of gas and electric water heaters of equal or lesser rating with a like for like model. Replacing a storage gas water heater with a tankless or on demand gas water heater needs a permit. Notify the gas utility before placing gas appliances into service.

Question 14

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Chandler?

Accepted Answer

Chandler exempts like for like replacement of residential water heaters and water softeners from permits (Homeowner Building Permit Manual, rev. 4/09/26).

Question 15

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Scottsdale?

Accepted Answer

Scottsdale requires a plumbing permit to install, alter, reconstruct or repair any plumbing or gas system, and for water heater replacement. Most single family plumbing work needs no plan review and is a "minimum" permit you can get online.

Question 16

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Glendale?

Accepted Answer

Glendale says you do not need a permit to replace a water heater if a licensed contractor installs it (residential only). Replacing drain pipes and installing, replacing or extending gas pipe need permits.

Question 17

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Surprise?

Accepted Answer

Surprise exempts replacement of an existing water heater of the same size, type and method of operation, but only if the old one was installed with a valid building permit (local amendments effective January 1, 2026).

Question 18

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Flagstaff?

Accepted Answer

Flagstaff says a building permit is needed to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system regulated by city codes. Its exemption list has no like for like water heater exemption; plumbing exemptions cover stopping leaks and replacing faucets, water closets and sinks.

Question 19

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Gilbert?

Accepted Answer

Gilbert exempts replacement gas water heaters of equal or less BTU rating and electric water heaters of equal or less amperage or voltage rating from permits, when installed by an Arizona licensed contractor. Tankless systems are not included, and the units must be listed and labeled by a nationally recognized testing agency.

Question 20

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Goodyear?

Accepted Answer

Goodyear requires no permit for residential water heater units with like for like replacements installed by a contractor.

Question 21

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Yuma?

Accepted Answer

Yuma says new construction, remodels and electrical, mechanical or plumbing work generally need a permit and inspection. Some minor work does not, but Yuma does not list the exemptions on its permit page, so ask before you start.

Frequently asked questions