Plumbing work for Burnaby strata buildings
This page is for strata and property managers with repiping, drainage, backflow testing or other plumbing work coming up. Tell us the building, the job and the timing. The City of Burnaby is a member of Metro Vancouver. See Metro Vancouver member jurisdictions.
Who is responsible for plumbing in a BC strata
Pipes that run inside a floor, wall or ceiling between two strata lots, or between a lot and common property, are common property under the Strata Property Act s. 1. So are pipes inside a lot that serve another lot or the common property. That includes facilities for water, sewage, drainage, gas and heating. The strata must repair and maintain common property under s. 72. Bylaws can shift some responsibility, so check them. Sources: Strata Property Act s. 1 and s. 72.
Burnaby plumbing permit rules
When you need a permit
Burnaby's Plumbing Bylaw 2000 (No. 11148) requires a permit before building, extending, altering, renewing, repairing or maintaining a plumbing system. No permit is needed to replace or repair a fixture, fixture outlet pipe, valve, faucet or sprinkler head, to clear plugged soil or waste pipes, or to repair water pipe leaks. Replacing or repairing a subsoil drainage system is also listed as no permit. If the job includes a sprinkler head or other fire protection work, say so when you book. Source: Burnaby Plumbing Bylaw 2000 s. 8(1) and 8(2).
Who can pull the permit
In a strata building, only a plumbing contractor or sprinkler contractor can be granted the permit. The owner exception is for a single family home the owner lives in. Source: same bylaw, s. 8(9).
Inspection before use
After plumbing is built, repaired, renewed or altered, it cannot be put into use until the Plumbing Inspector has inspected it. Work cannot be covered until it is inspected and approved. Source: same bylaw, s. 7(3) and 7(4).
Annual backflow testing in Burnaby
Required backflow preventers must be field tested every year, no later than the anniversary of the last test, and after install, repair or relocation. Only a tester certified by the BC Water and Waste Association (or another approved body) can test and report. Results go to the Plumbing Inspector within 10 days. Source: same bylaw, s. 13(5) to 13(7).
Plumbing, gas and your depreciation report
The building's plumbing systems are a required item in every BC depreciation report, along with fire protection. See Surrey strata depreciation reports and Strata Property Regulation s. 6.2(2)(b)(iii). Gas work is a separate compulsory trade: gasfitters must be registered apprentices, trade qualifiers or certified journeypersons with SkilledTradesBC. Compulsory trades include Gasfitter Class A and Class B and Steamfitter/Pipefitter. Source: SkilledTradesBC certification.
How a free intro works
- You name the building, the plumbing job and the timing.
- We match you with a vetted local plumbing contractor who can take it.
- We set up the intro.
The first intro is free. No commission.
Free quotes in exchange for a review
We line up 2 or 3 vetted plumbing contractors to quote one job at no cost to you or the strata. If it saves you time, all we ask is a short review.
Burnaby strata plumbing questions
Who is responsible for a leak between two strata units?
Pipes inside a floor, wall or ceiling that separates two strata lots are common property under the Strata Property Act. The strata corporation must repair and maintain common property. Bylaws can change some responsibilities, so check yours.
Does plumbing work in a Burnaby strata need a permit?
Usually, yes. Burnaby requires a permit before building, altering, renewing, repairing or maintaining a plumbing system. Replacing a fixture, faucet or valve, clearing a plugged drain and fixing a water pipe leak do not need one.
Can the strata pull its own plumbing permit?
No. In Burnaby, only a plumbing contractor or sprinkler contractor can get a permit for work in a building. The owner exception only covers a single family home the owner lives in.
How often do backflow preventers need testing in Burnaby?
Every year, no later than the anniversary of the last test, and again after installation, repair or relocation. A certified tester must do it and send the results to the Plumbing Inspector within 10 days.
Is plumbing part of our depreciation report?
Yes. BC rules require a depreciation report to cover the building's systems, including plumbing.
Is gas work handled by the same trade?
Not always. Gasfitter is a compulsory trade in BC. Anyone doing that work must be a registered apprentice, trade qualifier or certified journeyperson with SkilledTradesBC.
How does the free intro work?
Tell us the building, the plumbing job and your timing. We connect you with a vetted local plumbing contractor who can take it. The first intro is free.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed September 2026.
Other strata services we set up intros for
- Vancouver strata Electrical Planning Reports
- Vancouver strata roofing contractors
- Surrey strata depreciation reports
- North Vancouver strata fire inspections
- Book a free intro
- Booked Intros home
Burnaby electrical is the contractor intro page for electrical work.
Plumbing work coming up at a Burnaby building?
Tell us the building, the job and the timing. We set up a free first intro with a vetted local plumbing contractor. Want to compare? We will line up 2 or 3 vetted plumbers to quote the job at no cost to you or the strata. All we ask in return is a short review.