How to Find a Licensed Plumber in Austin, TX

How to Find a Licensed Plumber in Austin, TX

Texas Plumbing Licensing

Unlike most states, Texas has a separate licensing body for plumbers: the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). This is separate from TDLR, which licenses HVAC and electricians.

Verify any Austin plumber at: tsbpe.texas.gov → License Search.

License types to look for:

Licensed Plumber (LP): Fully licensed, can work independently

Responsible Master Plumber (RMP): Can run a plumbing company, pull permits

Journeyman Plumber: Can work under RMP supervision

For most residential work, a journeyman plumber doing the work under an RMP is acceptable and standard.

Common Austin Plumbing Costs

JobTypical Cost

|---|---|

Leaky faucet repair$150–$300 Toilet replacement$200–$400 Water heater installation (tank)$900–$1,600 Drain line clog clearing$150–$350 Slab leak detection$150–$300 Slab leak repair$500–$3,500 Water softener installation$800–$2,000 Full repipe (PEX)$4,000–$12,000

After-Hours Plumbing in Austin

Plumbing emergencies (burst pipe, sewage backup) happen at all hours. Emergency/after-hours calls typically add $150–$250 to the standard rate. Keep 2–3 licensed Austin plumber numbers in your phone — during extreme weather events (freezes, flooding), wait times can be days.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Can you give me your TSBPE license number? (verify it)

Do you pull permits for this type of work?

Do you offer a warranty on labor?

Is it flat-rate or hourly?

Do you have general liability insurance?

Find licensed plumbers in Austin through ContractorLeads101.