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Houston plumbing permits and rules

Source: Texas Plumbing Help (texasplumbinghelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.

Plumbing permits in Houston

Houston requires a plumbing permit to replace or install a water heater. No plan review is needed at a single family home, an inspection is required, and the permit is valid for 180 days. (source: City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center)

Fee: $34.24 for the first three heaters and $11.41 for each one after that, plus a $33.56 admin fee. (source: City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center)

A homeowner may get a Homeowner's Plumbing Permit to install and maintain plumbing if they own, occupy and have the property registered as their homestead, and do the work themselves. All work must be inspected. The minimum fee is $86.39 plus the admin fee. Bring application CE-1284 and a driver's license or proof of homestead. (source: City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center)

Plumbing Inspections: 832.394.8870, 8 am to 4:30 pm. (source: City of Houston, Houston Permitting Center)

Statewide rules that apply here

Texas plumbing licenses come from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). There are four license types: Tradesman Plumber Limited, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber and Plumbing Inspector. Licenses renew every year, and every licensee needs six hours of continuing professional education to renew. (source: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners)

A property owner does not need a plumbing license to do plumbing in the property owner's homestead (Occupations Code 1301.051). Your city can still require a permit and inspection. (source: Texas Legislature)

See water heater permits in other cities, doing your own plumbing and checking a license.

Other cities: Houston · Dallas · San Antonio · Austin · Plano · Corpus Christi · Frisco · El Paso · Irving · Round Rock · Garland · Fort Worth · Arlington · Denton · Lubbock

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

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