Water & Sewer Connection Permits

A Water Connection Permit is required to install or replace water services from PWD infrastructure to the property. A Sewer Connection Permit is required to install or replace private sewer laterals.

For all work in city streets the plumber must also secure lane closure permits through the Philadelphia Streets Department website.

The plumber must contact the Streets Department Highway District to verify street opening and backfill.

Permitting Procedure

The following steps should be followed in order to obtain a PWD Water and/or Sewer Connection Permit.

For repairs to existing water or sewer connections, skip to step 2.


1. Apply for your pre-permit(s) through PWD Water Transport Records

To request a water and/or sewer connection pre-permit, email WTR@phila.gov with the following:

  • Project address
  • Approved Utility Plan
  • Flow Test
  • A list of each proposed lateral/service where a pre-permit is needed, including:
    • Pipe size
    • Pipe material
    • Lateral/service type
  • Plumber’s License number and Fire Suppression Contractor’s license number (when applicable)

2. Contact the PWD Permit Unit to convert your Pre-Permit to water and/or sewer connection permit(s)

Request your permits by emailing Jason.Pezzetti@phila.gov with the information and documents specified below.

Only five permit requests may be processed at a time by the PWD Permit Unit.

Your permit request must be made at least one day in advance of your appointment. This will allow time for the PWD Permit Unit to generate the invoice(s) and email the information back to you.

Once the PWD Permit Unit provides a copy of the invoice(s), please review and verify that all information is correct prior to payment. Once a permit is paid for, edits cannot be made without a cancellation request and refund. Following a cancellation request and refund, you must apply for a new replacement permit and submit new payment.

The following information and documents must be provided via email:

Required for all Connection Permits:
  • Pre-permit application, completed and approved
  • Plumber’s name and registered license number
  • OPA addresses for service (shown on pre-permit application)
    • NO AKA’s will be accepted
  • Current PA-1 call number
  • Size of street opening in approximate square feet (sq. ft.)
    • 18 sq. ft. minimum; extra cuts increase square feet in 9 sq. ft. increments.
  • Approved Utility Plan
Required for Water/Fire Service Connection Permits:
  • Water service size
  • For new water service type: specify 13, 13R, or 13D
  • Specify domestic water service, fire service, or combined domestic/fire service
  • CP-100 (required for 5 or more residential units and all commercial buildings)
  • Large Water Service (4″ and greater): Provide completed CP-100 form
  • For Fire Service only, plumber must provide letter from Fire Suppression Contractor to obtain permit
Required for New Sewer Connection or Sewer Lateral Repair Permits
  • Sewer lateral size
  • Sewer lateral type – Combined/Storm/Sanitary

3. The PWD Permit supervisor will email you a copy of the invoice(s) to bring to your appointment.

You will need to present the invoice(s), Payment Vouchers, and Quick Vouchers to the Revenue Cashier to make your payment during your scheduled appointment.

PWD will no longer accept payment by mail for connection permits.

Note that if the Registered Plumber has any outstanding payments PAST DUE for more than 30 days, PWD may not generate any new permit invoices.


4. Schedule an appointment with the Revenue Payment Unit.

  • No walk-in appointments are allowed.
  • Submit your information at the Department of Revenue’s Qless registration site
  • Revenue is scheduling limited appointments daily between 8 a.m. and 4:50 p.m. to comply with social distancing guidelines.
  • There is a limit of 5 permit requests in one appointment.
  • Do not schedule a same-day appointment for a new permit. You’ll need to allow at least one day for the generation of your invoice in Step 2.

5. Pick up your permit(s).

After making payment with the Revenue Payment Unit, the Registered Plumber, Fire Suppression Contractor, or a representative on their behalf must visit the PWD counter on the basement floor of the Municipal Services Building to obtain the printed permit.

The clerk at the PWD Permit Desk will validate the permit or permits and print a paper copy.


6. After the permits are received, schedule the required inspections/taps:

  • Sewer Connection Permits – refer to the Sewer Connections and Repair Manual for instructions on how to schedule the lateral inspection
  • Water Connection Permits

Please anticipate a 10-12 week lead time from the date you submit your request for installation. You will receive a confirmation email with the details needed to follow up on the status of your request.
Alternatively, you can inquire about status by calling (215) 685-9645.

You can also apply for your Water and/or Sewer Connection Permit(s) in person.

To do so, please bring the required information and documents listed in Step 2 to the PWD Permit Desk on the basement floor of the Municipal Services Building.

Once the permit is invoiced, go to the Revenue Payment Unit to make the payment.

After payment is made, the Registered Plumber or Fire Suppression Contractor or a representative must revisit the PWD Permit Desk on the basement floor of the Municipal Services Building to obtain the printed permit.

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