Metro Nashville Sewer Permit Requirements Explained (2026)

A sewer permit is not just a bureaucratic hoop. It exists to protect public health, the municipal sewer system, and your property value. Metro Nashville's sanitary sewer network serves more than 200,000 connections across Davidson County, and every repair or replacement that ties into that system needs to meet code. A permit triggers an inspection, and an inspection creates a documented record that the work was done correctly. That record protects you at resale, with your insurer, and if a warranty claim ever arises.

For a broader look at compliance, inspections, and TDEC standards, see our full Nashville Sewer Compliance Guide.

Not every sewer call needs a permit. Here is where the line falls in Metro Nashville's jurisdiction:

• Full sewer line replacement — always requires a permit, whether done by traditional excavation or trenchless methods like pipe bursting or CIPP lining.
• New sewer connections — tapping into the Metro main for new construction or an addition always requires a permit and MWS approval.
• Major sewer line repairs — structural repairs that alter or replace a section of the lateral (such as sectional point repair, pipe bursting, or relining) typically require a permit.
• Sewer reroutes or relocations — changing the path of the line requires both a permit and often an updated site plan.
• Routine drain cleaning or clog clearing — generally does not require a permit, because you are not altering the pipe itself.
• Camera inspections — diagnostic only and do not require a permit.

The permit process in Davidson County follows a clear sequence. Understanding it upfront prevents delays and surprises on the day of the repair.

1. Pre-Work Diagnosis

   A licensed contractor runs a sewer camera inspection to identify and document the problem, its location, and the condition of the line. This footage becomes part of the permit application.

2. Permit Application

   The contractor submits the application to Metro Water Services, including the scope of work, repair method (excavation, CIPP, pipe bursting), site location, and any supporting documentation. MWS reviews and issues the permit before work can begin.

3. Permitted Work

   Once the permit is approved, the repair or replacement is performed according to the permitted scope. Any deviation from the approved plan may require a permit amendment.

4. MWS Inspection

   Before the trench is backfilled or the line is returned to service, an MWS inspector verifies the work meets code: correct materials, proper connections, adequate slope, and compliance with TDEC environmental standards.

5. Sign-Off and Documentation

   The inspector signs off, the permit is closed, and the homeowner receives documentation. This record should be kept permanently for insurance, warranty, and resale purposes.

Prodigy operates across both Davidson County (Metro Nashville) and Williamson County (Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, Nolensville). The permitting process differs between the two:

Tennessee state law requires a contractor license for plumbing and sewer work, and Metro Nashville requires the contractor pulling the permit to be properly licensed and insured. Here is why that matters to you as a homeowner:

• Permit responsibility: A licensed contractor pulls the permit in their name, taking legal responsibility for the work meeting code.
• Inspection coordination: They schedule and manage the MWS inspection so you do not have to navigate the process yourself.
• Insurance protection: Licensed and insured contractors carry liability coverage. If something goes wrong during the job, you are protected.
• Warranty validity: Many product and workmanship warranties require installation by a licensed professional. Unlicensed work can void them.
• Resale protection: A closed permit with a licensed contractor on record gives a buyer's inspector and title company confidence the work was done right.

Skipping the permit might seem like a shortcut, but the consequences are significant:

• Stop-work orders: Metro Nashville can issue an immediate stop-work order, halting the job until the situation is resolved and a permit is obtained after the fact.
• Fines: Municipal fines for unpermitted work can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the scope and whether it is a repeat violation.
• Forced re-excavation: MWS may require the contractor to excavate and expose completed work so it can be inspected after the fact, adding thousands in cost.
• Resale complications: A title search or buyer's inspection that flags unpermitted sewer work can delay or kill a sale, or force a price reduction.
• Voided warranties and insurance issues: Manufacturers and insurers can deny claims tied to work that was not permitted and inspected.
• Environmental liability: If unpermitted work causes a sewage discharge into waterways or groundwater, TDEC can pursue additional state-level penalties.