Anyone can put “licensed plumber” on a truck. In Texas, checking whether it is true takes about two minutes, and it is the single best way to avoid paying for work you will have to redo. Here is how to look up a plumber’s license, what the different license types mean, and what to do if something does not add up.
Who licenses plumbers in Texas?
Plumbers in Texas are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), not by your city and not by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Your city handles plumbing permits and inspections, but the license itself comes from the state.
How to look up a plumber’s license, step by step
- Ask the plumber for their full name and license number. A legitimate plumber will give it to you without hesitation, and many print it on their truck, invoices, and website.
- Go to the TSBPE website at tsbpe.texas.gov and open the Public License Search.
- Search by name or license number.
- Check that the license is active, not expired, and that the name matches the person or company you are hiring.
- Note the license type (see below) and make sure it fits the job.
Texas plumbing license types, explained
The TSBPE issues several license and registration types. The ones you will run into most:
- Responsible Master Plumber: a master plumber who is responsible for a plumbing company’s work. Plumbing companies operate under one.
- Master Plumber: the highest individual license, held by experienced plumbers who have passed the master exam.
- Journeyman Plumber: a fully licensed plumber who can do plumbing work, typically for a company with a responsible master plumber.
- Tradesman Plumber-Limited: a license that is limited in the types of work and buildings it covers. Ask what the license allows if your job is more than routine residential work.
- Apprentice registration: apprentices are registered, not licensed, and must work under the supervision of a licensed plumber.
If an apprentice shows up to do the work, that can be perfectly normal, as long as a licensed plumber is responsible for the job.
Other things to check before you hire
- Insurance. Ask for proof of liability insurance. It protects your home if something goes wrong.
- A written estimate. Get the scope, price, and any trip or after-hours fees in writing before work starts.
- Permits. Water heater replacements, repipes, and sewer work often need a city permit. A licensed plumber should know when one is required and pull it.
- A labor warranty. Ask how long the work is guaranteed.
What to do if a plumber is not licensed
Do not hire them. Doing plumbing work for others without a license is against Texas law, and unlicensed work can fail inspection, void warranties, or create problems when you sell your home. If you have already been harmed by unlicensed or bad work, you can file a complaint through the TSBPE website or by calling the board at (512) 936-5200.
The short version
Get the license number, look it up at tsbpe.texas.gov, confirm it is active and matches the person you are hiring, and get the price in writing. That handful of steps filters out most of the problems homeowners run into.