Home › Do plumbers need a license in Texas?

Do plumbers need a license in Texas?

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

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)

Three endorsements may be added to a Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber or Plumbing Inspector license: Medical Gas Piping Installation, Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist, and Water Supply Protection Specialist (rainwater systems). (source: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners)

Endorsements renew once every three years. (source: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners)

Who does not need a license

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)

There is also an exemption for some rural properties, such as property not required to be platted or not connected to a public water system outside a city. It covers plumbing other than plumbing done with new construction, repair or remodeling (Occupations Code 1301.052). Read the statute or call TSBPE before relying on it. (source: Texas Legislature)

Penalties

Doing plumbing that needs a license without one, or employing unlicensed people to do it, is a Class C misdemeanor (Occupations Code 1301.508). TSBPE can also charge an administrative penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation, and each day a violation continues is a separate violation (1301.702). (source: Texas Legislature)

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)

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

Last updated: