Keep in mind that plumbing work — such as the replacement of a toilet –– may also have to comply with San Francisco’s Residential Water Conservation Ordinance. For more information, call the DBI’s Housing Inspection Services at (415) 558-6220 for a booklet explaining these requirements.

Before undertaking any plumbing work, also make sure to consult the DBI’s comprehensive online booklet, How to Obtain a Permit for 1 & 2 Family Dwellings which will provide you with more details, including exactly which types of plumbing jobs are exempt from permit(s).

In addition, This Old House online offers various archived articles in its “Plumbing” section. You’ll also find an excellent "plumbing primer” as part of its From the Ground Up series.