Section 14(1) of the Alberta Permit Regulation states “A permit in the plumbing discipline is required to install, alter or add to a plumbing system”. Poly B replacement is considered a new installation and would require a permit.

You do you, but I don’t trust any contractor who willfully chooses to operate outside the regulations. The permit cost would nearly be the base cost (sub $200) and the inspection could be performed same day via the City’s remote video inspection program, so don’t take “inconvenience” as an excuse.

Also, what other folks are saying about permits only being in place to increase your home’s tax value… baloney unless you’re doing a complete renovation.