Trade directory · Houston metro · Texas

Plumbing contractors in
Houston, Texas.

A public directory of plumbing contractor businesses serving greater Houston. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Employer Establishments

8,320

U.S. Census Bureau

Peak Season

May through September. Summer heat drives water heater failures and increased cooling system demand. Also correlates with new construction and renovation projects before school year.

Market estimate

Avg. Response Time

24-48 hours for routine quotes in metro Houston. Emergency calls typically get same-day response or next-morning callback. High competition means faster response times than state average.

Operator average

Avg. Hourly Wage

$29/hr

Bureau of Labor Statistics

§ J · OPEN JOBS

Plumbing jobs in Houston

00 OPEN

0 open jobs in Houston.

The controlled job pilot is not open yet.

§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

HOUSTON-TX · LOCAL ESTIMATES

Service

Description

Cost Range

Emergency service call (nights/weekends)

Typical range based on local emergency service call (nights/weekends) jobs.

$150 – $350

Drain cleaning (standard residential)

Typical range based on local drain cleaning (standard residential) jobs.

$200 – $500

Water heater replacement

Typical range based on local water heater replacement jobs.

$1,200 – $2,500

Toilet repair or replacement

Typical range based on local toilet repair or replacement jobs.

$150 – $400

Leak detection and repair

Typical range based on local leak detection and repair jobs.

$250 – $800

Full bathroom rough-in (new construction)

Typical range based on local full bathroom rough-in (new construction) jobs.

$2,000 – $4,500

§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

§1

Licensing Requirements

Texas requires Master Plumber license, Journeyman Plumber license, or Apprentice Plumber registration through Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Master requires 5+ years field experience, 200+ classroom hours, and passing master exam. Journeyman requires 4+ years experience, 144 classroom hours, journeyman exam. Apprentice requires sponsorship by licensed plumber, 8000+ hours on-job training over 4-5 years, 576 classroom hours. All exams administered by TSBPE. Licenses renew biennially (every 2 years) with continuing education requirements: 6 CEU hours for master/journeyman, completion of apprentice hours for apprentices.

§2

Permit Requirements

City of Houston requires plumbing permits for any work involving water supply, drainage, or gas lines. Residential single-family work often qualifies for expedited permitting. Permits issued by Houston Building Services Department. Plan review typically 3-5 business days. Commercial work requires more detailed submittals. Gas line work requires separate gas license endorsement or coordination with licensed gas fitter. Most municipal jurisdictions in greater Houston follow International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2021 or 2024 edition.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Rough plumbing inspection required before walls are closed (typically after trim-out, before drywall). Finished plumbing inspection conducted before certificate of occupancy. For new construction, inspections occur at rough stage and final stage. Repairs and alterations may require inspection depending on scope—inspectors have discretion based on permit classification. Emergency repairs often allowed without pre-work permit but may require post-work documentation.

§4

Insurance Minimums

Texas does not mandate specific insurance minimums for plumbers by statute, but industry standard is $1M general liability, $1M plumbing errors and omissions coverage. Workers compensation required if contractor has employees (no exemption for sole proprietor in Texas). Many commercial clients and municipalities require $2M general liability. Bonding sometimes required for public works projects.

§ C · ReadyDocs Compliance

Compliance research unavailable

View source dossier ↗

Source status: unavailable · 7/12/2026

Detailed instructions are withheld because the source is not available for verification.

§ M · DoorBase

Local market snapshot

181 ZIPs

Population3,206,570

Household income$69,860

Home value$334,300

Median rent$1,525

Unemployment4.30%

Job growth0.70%

Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 7/17/2026.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

7 STEPS

Step 1: Secure an apprenticeship sponsorship

Find a licensed journeyman or master plumber willing to sponsor you as an apprentice. This is non-negotiable—you cannot register without a sponsor. Verify the sponsor is currently licensed with TSBPE. Sign a formal apprenticeship agreement that documents start date, work schedule, and training plan. Your sponsor will register you with TSBPE once agreement is signed.

01/07

Step 2: Enroll in accredited trade school

Register for a classroom training program (typically 144 hours for journeyman track, 576 hours for apprentice over 4-5 years). Approved schools in Houston area: UTI (Universal Technical Institute), NCI (National Careers Institute), Houston Community College HVAC/Plumbing program, and others approved by TSBPE. Balance classroom (evenings/weekends common) with 2,000 work hours per year logged through your sponsor.

02/07

Step 3: Log verified work hours

Work under your sponsor's supervision and have them verify/sign off on your hours on TSBPE-required time cards or digital logs. Accumulate 8,000 total documented hours (typically 2,000/year × 4 years for journeyman path). Hours must span approved categories: rough-in, finish, repair, new construction, etc. TSBPE randomly audits hour records; falsified logs result in permanent license denial.

03/07

Step 4: Complete classroom requirements

Finish all required classroom hours through approved trade school. Obtain official transcript or completion certificate. Minimum passing grade typically 70%. Topics cover plumbing code (IPC), safety, math, blueprint reading, water/gas systems, drainage, and local regulations. Submit transcript to TSBPE as part of exam application.

04/07

Step 5: Apply for journeyman exam

Once hours and classroom are verified complete, submit TSBPE exam application with fees (typically $200-300). Include work verification from sponsor, transcripts, and exam fees. TSBPE reviews; if approved, you receive exam authorization. Schedule test at approved testing center (usually 2-3 weeks out).

05/07

Step 6: Pass journeyman plumber exam

Sit for 4-hour written exam covering Texas Plumbing Code, IPC standards, safety, and practical scenarios. Passing score is typically 70% (varies by TSBPE). Test is administered by PSI or NCEES testing centers in Houston area. Results usually available within 1-2 weeks. Upon passing, TSBPE issues journeyman license valid for 2 years.

06/07

Step 7: Renew biennially and pursue master

Renew journeyman license every 2 years by paying renewal fee and completing 6 CEU hours (continuing education). To advance to master, accumulate 5+ total years experience (1+ additional year beyond journeyman), complete master-level classroom hours, then apply for and pass master exam (similar format to journeyman but more complex code and design scenarios). Master license allows independent operation and apprentice supervision.

07/07

§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Houston's plumber market runs hot year-round—8,320 licensed establishments statewide means competition is real, but Houston metro takes the lion's share. You've got new construction booming in the suburbs, aging infrastructure in the core city driving repair work, and coastal humidity that accelerates water damage and corrosion. Summer peaks are brutal for emergency calls; water heater failures spike when ACs are maxed out and hot water demand drops. Costs run higher than national averages because of the heat load on systems and the sprawl—travel time between jobs eats into margins. Median wage sits at $29.22/hour, but experienced master plumbers in the metro pull significantly more through service calls and contracting. Material costs track above national average due to aggressive new construction demand and supplier concentration. Competition from franchise operations and large mechanical contractors keeps pricing compressed on routine jobs, but specialty work and emergency calls maintain better margins.

Data Sources

Median hourly wage
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics, plumber category
Licensed plumbing establishments in Texas
U.S. Census Bureau, Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), plumbing contracting sector
Licensing requirements and exam structure
Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) rules, standards, and exam bulletins
Houston permit and inspection procedures
City of Houston Building Services Department permitting standards and plumbing code adoption
Insurance requirements
Texas Department of Insurance guidelines and industry risk management standards
Service cost ranges
Aggregated data from Houston-area plumbing contractor pricing surveys and Better Business Bureau listings
Peak season timing
Houston weather patterns (National Weather Service) and construction industry seasonal data

§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS

Q/01

What does it cost to hire a plumber in Houston for a basic service call?

Standard service calls run $150-$350 depending on time of day and complexity. After-hours (evenings, weekends, holidays) premium is typically 50-100% markup. Drain cleaning for standard residential clogs runs $200-$500. Emergency calls have a higher dispatch fee but are often the only option for burst pipes or sewer backups. Source: Industry averages from Houston area plumbing contractors and Better Business Bureau listings.

Q/02

How long does it take to become a licensed plumber in Texas?

Minimum 4-5 years. Apprenticeship requires 8,000+ documented on-job hours (typically 2,000 hours per year over 4 years), plus 576 classroom hours through an accredited trade school. After apprenticeship, you sit the journeyman exam. To reach master level, add 1+ more year of experience (5+ years total from entry). Total realistic timeline: 5-6 years from apprentice start to master license. Source: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) apprenticeship standards.

Q/03

What licenses do I need to work as a plumber in Houston, Texas?

You need a license from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Three tiers: Apprentice (supervised, entry-level, requires sponsor), Journeyman (independent work on residential and commercial), or Master (can supervise apprentices, design systems, pull permits in own name). All are required for any for-profit plumbing work in Houston. Gas line work requires separate endorsement. Source: TSBPE licensing regulations and Houston Building Services Department.

Q/04

Do I need a permit for plumbing work in Houston?

Yes, for almost all work involving water supply, drainage, or gas lines. Single-family residential repairs and replacements typically qualify for standard or expedited permitting (3-5 day review). Alterations, new rough-ins, and commercial work require detailed plans and longer review. Unpermitted work can result in stop-work orders, fines, and liability issues if problems occur. Source: City of Houston Building Services Department permit requirements.

Q/05

What insurance do plumbers need in Texas?

Minimum standard is $1M general liability and $1M errors and omissions (E&O) coverage. If you have employees, workers' compensation is mandatory (no sole proprietor exemption in Texas). Many commercial clients, municipalities, and GCs require $2M GL. Bonding may be required for public works or larger commercial contracts. Cost typically runs 10-15% of annual gross revenue for comprehensive coverage. Source: Texas Department of Insurance and industry best practices.

§ F · Directory