How do you check an irrigation contractor's license in Texas?

Texas requires a TCEQ license for anyone who sells, designs, installs, maintains, alters, repairs or services an irrigation system, consults on one, or connects it to a water supply. Technicians connecting systems must work under a licensed landscape irrigator. Homeowners working on their own homes are exempt. Check licenses through TCEQ's license search.

Who licenses irrigation and sprinkler contractors providers in Texas

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Occupations Code 1903.251 requires a TCEQ license to sell, design, install, maintain, alter, repair or service an irrigation system, consult on one, connect one to a water supply, or inspect one for a city or water district. TCEQ licenses Landscape Irrigators, Irrigation Technicians and Irrigation Inspectors under 30 TAC Chapter 344.

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Key facts for Texas

• Texas requires a license to sell, design, install, maintain, alter, repair or service an irrigation system.
• A Texas Landscape Irrigator can sell, design, consult, install, maintain, alter, repair or service a system, including connecting it to a water supply.
• A Texas Irrigation Technician can connect a system to a water supply and install a backflow prevention device under a licensed irrigator's supervision.
• Texas Irrigation Inspectors verify permits, inspect systems and check backflow prevention for cities and water districts.
• Texas bars an irrigation inspector license holder from inspecting while having a financial interest in irrigation installation or sales.
• Texas exempts irrigation work a property owner does at their own home.
• Installing an irrigation system without a required Texas license is a Class C misdemeanor.

What do the Texas licenses cover?

TCEQ licenses three roles. A Landscape Irrigator can sell, design, install and service systems, including connecting them to a water supply. An Irrigation Technician can connect systems and install backflow devices under a licensed irrigator. An Irrigation Inspector verifies permits and checks systems for cities and water districts.

Who is exempt?

Occupations Code 1903.002 exempts homeowners working on their own homes, licensed plumbers, and licensed engineers, architects and landscape architects when the work is incidental to their profession.

How do you check a license?

Use TCEQ's license search. Ask your city whether it requires an irrigation permit and inspection.

How to choose a provider in Texas

• Search the irrigator on TCEQ.
• Ask how backflow prevention will be installed and tested.
• Ask whether your city requires a permit and inspection.
• Get the design and warranty in writing.

Questions people ask

Who licenses irrigators in Texas?

TCEQ.

Can a technician work alone?

Connecting a system to a water supply requires a licensed irrigator's direct supervision.

Can I install my own sprinkler system?

Yes, at your own home.

Can my plumber install irrigation?

Licensed plumbers are exempt from irrigator licensing.

What does an irrigation inspector check?

Permits, system compliance and backflow prevention.

Can an inspector also sell irrigation systems?

Texas makes inspectors with a financial interest in irrigation sales or installation ineligible for the inspector license.

Sources

• TCEQ, Landscape Irrigator, Irrigation Technician, and Irrigation Inspector Licensing
• Texas Occupations Code 1903.251, irrigator license required
• Texas Occupations Code 1903.002, irrigator licensing exemptions
• TCEQ, license search (individuals)
• Texas Occupations Code 1903.256, installing irrigation without a license

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.