Texas Plumbing Guide: License Lookup, Permits and Costs

Independent guide to Texas plumbing rules, with sources. Not a plumbing company.

Texas licenses plumbers at the state level through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), and the board's Public License Search shows each license type, status, insurance and disciplinary fields. Most Texas cities require a plumbing permit and an inspection to replace a water heater; published fees include a $91.05 minimum in Houston, $88 in Garland and $50 in Denton and Little Elm. Published cost guides put a Texas plumber at $45 to $200 an hour, most often $75 to $150, with trip, after-hours and permit fees added on top. The sewer lateral from a house to the city main is normally the owner's responsibility in Texas, but where the owner's section ends is set by each city. The guides linked below go through each rule, the sources and what to ask a contractor. Plumber Club is an independent guide and does not perform plumbing work.

Person fixing a sink pipe with a wrench.

Texas plumbing guides

Texas guides with sources: TSBPE license lookup, water heater permits, plumber cost per hour, sewer line to the street, toilet or sink permits, connecting to city sewer, work done without a permit, water shutoff at the street. Plumber Club is an independent guide, not a plumbing company.

In most Texas cities, yes: a plumbing permit and an inspection. Published fees include a $91.05 minimum in Houston, $88 in Garland and $50 in Denton and Little Elm. Confirm with your city before the work starts.

Through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) Public License Search. It shows the license type, status, insurance on file and any disciplinary history.

The lateral from the house to the city main is normally the property owner's responsibility, but where the owner's section ends is set by each city. Check the local utility's rules before hiring.