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How to check a Texas plumber's license and complain
Source: Texas Plumbing Help (texasplumbinghelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Look up a plumber with the TSBPE Public License/Registration Search on tsbpe.texas.gov. To complain, download TSBPE's General Complaint Form, a PDF. TSBPE: (512) 936-5200, Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm. (source: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners)
The form (Revised June 2022) asks you to type or print in ink, then sign and date it. It says you will receive an update on the status of the complaint investigation every 90 days. TSBPE enforcement: (512) 936-5249. (source: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners)
City registration
| City | Registration rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | Master plumbers must register their state license with the city before pulling permits. | (source: City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Garland | Without a homeowner permit, a master plumber registered with the city pulls the water heater permit. | (source: City of Garland) checked November 2, 2026 |
| El Paso | Trade permits only go to state licensed contractors registered with the city. | (source: City of El Paso Planning and Inspections) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Corpus Christi | Call 361-826-3240 to check if a contractor is registered. | (source: City of Corpus Christi Development Services) checked November 1, 2026 |
| Fort Worth | Applicants must be a registered building contractor or qualify for a homestead permit. | (source: City of Fort Worth Development Services) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Arlington | A contractor must be registered as a business to obtain permits. | (source: City of Arlington Planning and Development Services) checked November 2, 2026 |
| Lubbock | A contractor doing the work for a homeowner must be registered with the city. | (source: City of Lubbock Building Safety) checked November 2, 2026 |
On this site: Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Texas? · Do plumbers need a license in Texas? · Can I do my own plumbing in Texas? · Plumbing jobs that do not need a permit in Texas cities · Plumbing permit fees in Texas cities · What inspectors check on a Texas water heater · How to check a Texas plumber's license and complain · Gas line and tankless work in Texas cities · Penalties for unlicensed plumbing in Texas · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE): File a Complaint (checked November 2, 2026)
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE): General Complaint Form (PDF, Revised June 2022) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center: Water Heater Permit (HPWCODE1101) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Garland: Water Heater Replacement (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of El Paso Planning and Inspections: Homeowner Affidavit for Building Permits (PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Corpus Christi Development Services: Homeowner's Guide to Permitting (PDF) (checked November 1, 2026)
- City of Fort Worth Development Services: Residential Information (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Arlington Planning and Development Services: Building Permits and Inspections FAQs (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Lubbock Building Safety: Residential Permitting (checked November 2, 2026)
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