Do I Need to Hire a Licensed Plumber in Austin? Your Essential Guide for Homeowners

Plumbing problems can be stressful — especially when you’re standing over a leak, clogged drain, or a water heater that just stopped working. One of the most common questions Austin homeowners ask is:

Do I need a licensed plumber, or can I fix this myself?

In Texas, the law is very clear:

You only have TWO legal options for plumbing repairs:

1. Do the work yourself (as the homeowner)

2. Hire a state-licensed plumber working under a valid Master Plumber license

Anything else—including handyman plumbing—is illegal and can void insurance coverage.

This guide explains everything you need to know to stay safe, avoid fines, and protect your Austin-area home.

What Are the Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed Plumber?

Choosing an unlicensed person — including a handyman — can lead to:

⚠️ Illegal Work (Texas Law Violation)

Only homeowners or licensed plumbers working under an active Master Plumber may perform plumbing work in Texas.

Hiring an unlicensed person violates state law and can result in fines, unsafe installations, and insurance denial.

⚠️ Unsafe Repairs

Unlicensed workers often lack code training, resulting in:

• Gas leaks

• Carbon monoxide hazards

• Flooding

• Mold

• Sewer backups

• Fire hazards

⚠️ No Insurance Coverage

Texas homeowners insurance denies claims when work is done by:

❌ a handyman❌ an unlicensed plumber❌ an insured person doing illegal work

You could be left paying thousands out of pocket.

When Is It Mandatory to Hire a Licensed Plumber for Home Repairs?

In Texas, you must hire a licensed plumber if the work involves:

✔ Gas lines (natural or LP)

Absolutely mandatory — gas work is high-risk and strictly regulated.

✔ Water heaters

Installations or repairs always require licensing.

✔ Sewer lines or drain systems

Root intrusion, replacements, and repairs are licensed-only.

✔ Underground piping

Including slab leaks or tunneling work.

✔ Work requiring a permit

Such as major pipe replacements, structural changes, or venting.

✔ Anything beyond simple fixture swaps

If it involves internal piping, code compliance, or safety concerns, it must be done legally.

Learn more about our Sewer Repair

Do I Need a Licensed Plumber for Simple Jobs Like a Faucet or Toilet Replacement?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

Homeowners may legally perform some small repairs, including:

• Replacing a faucet

• Switching out a toilet

• Replacing supply lines

• Installing showerheads

But you must hire a licensed plumber if the repair includes:

• Pipe modifications

• Valve replacements

• Leak repairs inside walls

• Drain repairs

• Gas-connected fixtures

• Anything requiring a permit

And remember: Even a “simple” faucet installation can cause flooding, structural damage, or insurance issues if done incorrectly. When in doubt, call a licensed professional.

Check out our General Plumbing Options

Can Homeowners Legally Do Their Own Plumbing in Texas?

✔ Yes — with limitations.

Homeowners may NOT work on gas plumbing

If your repair involves natural gas or LP gas, you legally cannot touch it.

According to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE): Gas work must be performed by a licensed plumber due to the risk of explosion, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fire.

TSBPE Plumbing License Law (Texas Occupations Code

CO safety guidance:U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

✔ Homeowners may perform simple, non-gas plumbing tasks

Examples include:

• Replacing a toilet

• Installing a faucet

• Switching out supply lines

• Installing a showerhead

However, many plumbing tasks require permits, even for homeowners.

Austin Permitting Office

Before starting any project involving drainage, venting, or major repairs, call your local permitting office for guidance.

✔ When to call a licensed professional

Call a plumber immediately if the repair involves:

• Gas lines

• Sewer lines

• Underground piping

• Plumbing inside walls

• Water heaters

• Permit-required work

• Anything you’re unsure about

What are the risks of hiring an unlicensed plumber?

It is illegal in Texas.

Handymen are not legally allowed to perform any plumbing tasks, including “small jobs” like:

• Replacing faucets

• Swapping toilets

• Installing garbage disposals

• Repairing leaks

• Working on sewer lines

• Working on supply lines

TSBPE definition of plumbing (broad and comprehensive)

Penalties for illegal plumbing

• Minimum $2,000 fine

• Names published on the state’s enforcement actions list

• Handyman’s insurance does not cover illegal plumbing

• Homeowners’ insurance denies claims for damage caused by unlicensed work

Texas Department of Insurance

⚠️ Why handyman plumbing is dangerous

Unlicensed work often leads to:

• Flooding

• Mold growth

• Gas leaks

• Sewer gas exposure

• Fire hazards

• Carbon monoxide poisoning

And because it’s illegal, you pay out of pocket for the damage.

Real Case in Round Rock (True Story)

What you're seeing in the photo below is handyman work that almost killed one of our Round Rock customers. A handyman vented her gas water heater into the attic (instead of out the roof) and that metal pipe spewed out carbon monoxide into her house for an entire year. She was having headaches and nausea every day and couldn't figure out why. If that's not bad enough, that metal pipe is also butted right up against that wood, which is illegal and a fire hazard. They've also drilled the hole through a load-bearing glue lam. Our customer could've died from poisoning, fire AND second floor collapse at any time in the last year, all from one person's shoddy work.

FAQs: Licensed Plumbers in Texas

Where Can I Find Reviews of Licensed Plumbers in My Area?

You can find verified ratings and reviews on:

• Google Business Profiles

• Yelp

• Nextdoor

• Angi

• Better Business Bureau (BBB)

The Plumbinator proudly maintains hundreds of 5-star reviews from Austin-area homeowners.

How Can I Verify That a Plumber Is Properly Licensed in Texas?

Texas makes license verification easy.

Search the plumber’s name or license number here:

👉 Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners License Lookuphttps://tsbpe.texas.gov/verify-a-license/

Make sure they are:

✔ currently active✔ properly licensed (Tradesman, Journeyman, Master)✔ working under a Master Plumber’s number

If they can’t provide this info — don’t hire them.

Is It Illegal for a Handyman to Do Plumbing in Texas?

Yes. Texas law prohibits handymen from performing any plumbing work.

This includes:

• Replacing faucets

• Swapping toilets

• Fixing leaks

• Installing disposals

• Working on drains

• Any pipe repair

Handymen performing plumbing can be:

• Fined

• Reported to TSBPE

• Denied insurance coverage

And YOU, as the homeowner, would be left with liability if anything goes wrong.

Is It Safe to Hire a Licensed Plumber Doing Side Work?

Sometimes, but only if they follow the law.

A licensed plumber can legally do side work only if:

• They have written permission from their Master Plumber

• The work is performed under that Master’s license

• They can show proof of insurance

If not, the work is considered unlicensed, dangerous, and uninsured.

Always verify:

• Their license

• Their Master Plumber’s license

• Their permission

• Their insurance

No exceptions.

Why Does Homeowners Insurance Require Licensed Plumbing Work?

Insurance companies require plumbing work to be:

• Legal

• Code-compliant

• Performed by licensed professionals

If you hire an unlicensed person and the work causes damage (even months later):

❌ Claims are often denied❌ Warranties are void❌ Liability falls on the homeowner

Hiring licensed, insured plumbers protects:

• Your home

• Your wallet

• Your safety

• Your coverage

Need a Licensed Plumber in Austin? We’re Ready to Help.

Whether you’re dealing with leaks, backups, gas concerns, or water heater issues, we’ll take care of it quickly, legally, and safely.

📞 Call The Plumbinator: 512-786-1771

Serving Austin, Round Rock, Hutto, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander & surrounding areas.