Dishwasher replacement in Massachusetts (Cambridge, Woburn: insurance, house, contractors)

[Shrewsburried]

Laws without enforcement become guidance. I've replaced my toilets, outlets, light fixtures, breakers, etc. and the town inspector has yet to crucify me.

As others have stated, its a 'plug'n'play' device so I'm doubtful a town has permit requirements, but even if it does I doubtful anyone will enforce it - how would they?

[gf2020]

Originally Posted by robr2

In Massachusetts, any installation that is connected to the water supply requires a plumbing permit pulled by a licensed plumber.

Where can I find that code requirement?

[robr2]

Originally Posted by gf2020

Where can I find that code requirement?

Plumbers and Gas Fitters Consumer Fact Sheet

[MikePRU]

Originally Posted by robr2

In Massachusetts, any installation that is connected to the water supply requires a plumbing permit pulled by a licensed plumber. In terms of straight replacement - dishwasher, faucet, toilet - it doesn't happen. Further, any product that connects to the water supply is supposed to be "approved" by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters in order to be installed in MA. Note that installed is not the same as sold.

We had a new construction listing in our office this year that failed the final inspection from the building department because of this. The builder bought and installed some fancy tub from Lowe's and it turns out it's not approved by the state. He had to replace it which of course caused all kinds of problems.

[gf2020]

Originally Posted by robr2

Plumbers and Gas Fitters Consumer Fact Sheet

That's not actually legal code, it's more of a consumer affairs web site.

I think most people would categorize replacing a dishwasher as a "minor repair".

[bugelrex]

Originally Posted by chicagoliz

We had a new dishwasher installed (and had a bit of a fiasco in terms of getting it to fit) by one of the local appliance chains. No one ever said anything about a permit.

Do you mind if I ask which store location and how much you paid for installation? I'm thinking of doing the exact same thing in Newton

[robr2]

Originally Posted by gf2020

That's not actually legal code, it's more of a consumer affairs web site.

I think most people would categorize replacing a dishwasher as a "minor repair".

Having been in this industry for 25 years, I can tell you that replacing a dishwasher is not considered a minor repair. Repairing a leaky faucet or clearing a drain is a minor repair. Once you start adding or replacing items connected to the water system, it requires a permit.

Now most people aren't going to bother pulling a permit to replace a dishwasher, faucet, toilet, water heater, etc. And most inspectors aren't going to knock on your door if you put an old toilet on the curb. But if you have a dumpster in the driveway and no permit in the window, you will get a friendly visit.

[robr2]

Originally Posted by MikePRU

We had a new construction listing in our office this year that failed the final inspection from the building department because of this. The builder bought and installed some fancy tub from Lowe's and it turns out it's not approved by the state. He had to replace it which of course caused all kinds of problems.

That happens quite a bit. Many of my customers won't even look at a product line if it isn't Mass Approved.

Getting Mass Approval isn't that hard. As long as the product has passed the testing of a certified testing agency, it's filling out forms and paying the fee to the Commonwealth.

[chicagoliz]

Originally Posted by bugelrex

Do you mind if I ask which store location and how much you paid for installation? I'm thinking of doing the exact same thing in Newton

Yale Appliance in Natick. I can't remember how much installation was - it might have been $100? For a while it looked like the new dishwasher wasn't going to fit, and they worked with us, giving us various options. In the end they were able to fit it in, although they had to send out a second guy. But I was relieved that they weren't going to charge us a restocking fee or give us any hassle if the dishwasher didn't fit. When we were in Pennsylvania, we had the same issue, and had bought an oven and microwave at the same time as the dishwasher, and the dishwasher didn't fit, and they were going to charge us a fee for restocking it.

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by gf2020

Where can I find that code requirement?

At your town hall or city hall. You ask the building inspector. Every town is different.

A dishwasher in most kitchens is hooking the waste drain pipe into the garbage disposer, connecting a piece of ROMEX to power it, connecting the coiled copper hot water feed, and screwing the tabs at the top of the dishwasher to the fastening point under the counter top so it doesn't move.

I use mom & pop appliance stores who actually still do service rather than big box stores. I'm perfectly capable of installing my own dishwasher but I'd rather have them get rid of the old one for me.