Question 1

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes. Fees and who may pull the permit vary by city. Houston charges $34.24 plus a $33.56 admin fee; Garland charges $150 plus a 4.5% technology surcharge.

Question 2

Do plumbers need a license in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. TSBPE licenses Tradesman Plumber Limited, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber and Plumbing Inspector. A homestead owner doing their own plumbing is exempt from licensing.

Question 3

Can a homeowner do their own plumbing in Texas?

Accepted Answer

State law says a property owner does not need a plumbing license for plumbing in their own homestead. Most cities still require a permit and inspection, and El Paso only issues trade permits to licensed, registered contractors.

Question 4

Do I need a permit to replace a faucet or toilet in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Austin, Plano and Irving exempt replacing fixtures at existing connections. San Antonio covers toilet replacement by a licensed contractor in its LSR program.

Question 5

How much is a water heater permit in Texas?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the city. Houston: $34.24 plus a $33.56 admin fee. Garland: $150 plus a 4.5% surcharge. Dallas lists a $100.00 minimum plumbing permit fee in a 2017 handout.

Question 6

What does a Texas city inspect on a water heater?

Accepted Answer

Garland lists a temperature and pressure relief valve, a cold water shutoff and, in a garage, elevation when the ignition source is under 18 inches above the floor.

Question 7

How do I check if a Texas plumber is licensed?

Accepted Answer

Use the TSBPE Public License/Registration Search, or call TSBPE at (512) 936-5200.

Question 8

Does a Texas homeowner need a plumber for gas line work?

Accepted Answer

In Corpus Christi, yes: new or altered natural gas systems must be installed by a state licensed plumber. Other cities vary.

Question 9

What is the penalty for unlicensed plumbing in Texas?

Accepted Answer

A Class C misdemeanor, and TSBPE can charge up to $5,000 per violation per day.

Question 10

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in Houston?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in Dallas?

Accepted Answer

Dallas's plumbing handout (dated 2017) says no permit is needed to replace accessible traps or to repair or replace parts in kind. A permit is required to replace a water heater, and the minimum permit fee is $100.00.

Question 12

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in San Antonio?

Accepted Answer

San Antonio's Licensed Self Reporting (LSR) program lets a licensed contractor replace an existing water heater connected to the existing venting, gas or electric circuit in the same location, and then get the permit within three working days after finishing the work.

Question 13

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in Austin?

Accepted Answer

Austin's list of residential plumbing work exempt from permits includes stopping leaks in drains or pipes (unless the pipe must be replaced), clearing stoppages including removing and reinstalling a toilet, and repairing or replacing fixtures, exposed traps, supply valves or faucets when no other changes are involved.

Question 14

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in Plano?

Accepted Answer

Plano's permit list (revised 2016) says plumbing work, replacing or adding a water heater, water softeners and replacing water or sewer lines need permits. Repairs such as washers and faucets are exempt, and so is replacing fixtures on existing plumbing.

Question 15

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in Corpus Christi?

Accepted Answer

Corpus Christi's homeowner guide says a plumbing permit is needed to install a gas or electric water heater, add water lines or connect to sewer lines. Clearing stoppages and stopping leaks do not need one.

Question 16

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in Frisco?

Accepted Answer

Frisco offers self service permits with immediate access when replacing water heaters and for minor plumbing projects.

Question 17

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in El Paso?

Accepted Answer

El Paso issues trade permits only to contractors licensed by the state and registered with the city (Ord. No. 18508). A homeowner may not get mechanical, electrical, plumbing, irrigation or fire systems permits unless appropriately licensed and registered.

Question 18

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in Irving?

Accepted Answer

Irving does not require a permit to replace fixtures or appliances at existing connections, except water heaters. A water heater permit needs no plans.

Question 19

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in Round Rock?

Accepted Answer

Round Rock offers standalone trade permits for homeowners whose work is limited to mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems. A tank to tankless water heater replacement needs a gas piping chart, and gas tests have their own instructions.

Question 20

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in Garland?

Accepted Answer

Garland requires a permit to replace a water heater: $150 plus a 4.5% technology surcharge.

Question 21

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in Fort Worth?

Accepted Answer

Fort Worth says changing, installing, moving or repairing plumbing, including water heaters and shower pans, requires a plumbing permit. Plumbing fixture replacement and cosmetic remodels do not need a permit.

Question 22

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in Arlington?

Accepted Answer

Arlington lists water heater replacement among common homeowner projects that need a permit and inspection.

Question 23

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in Denton?

Accepted Answer

Denton says water heater replacement does not require plans, but it does require a permit. A plumbing permit is also required if a water or drain line is cut to make a repair or if parts are replaced.

Question 24

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater or do plumbing in Lubbock?

Accepted Answer

Lubbock lists water heater replacement and adding new plumbing lines as work that requires a permit. Minor part replacement to make a unit work, such as replacing a faucet, typically does not.

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