How to Choose a Licensed Plumber: A Homeowner Guide

Start with the license. In Texas, plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, and every plumbing business must work under a Responsible Master Plumber. In Florida, plumbing contractors are licensed through the DBPR's Construction Industry Licensing Board. Verify the license on the state's official lookup, ask whether the job needs a city or county permit, and get a written contract that shows the license number.

Key facts

Texas law says a person who advertises or offers plumbing must secure the services of a Responsible Master Plumber.
Texas Master Plumber license numbers begin with the letter M, according to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Florida's DBPR says contractors it licenses must include their license number in all advertising.
A Florida certified plumbing contractor can work anywhere in the state, while a registered contractor can work only in the local jurisdiction where the registration was issued.
Under federal law, lead-free pipes, fittings and fixtures may contain no more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead across wetted surfaces, and solder and flux no more than 0.2 percent.
EPA says household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water a year nationwide, and the average household's leaks can waste more than 9,300 gallons a year.
The FTC tells consumers not to pay the full amount for a home improvement project up front.

What does a plumbing license tell you?

Plumbing licensing is set by each state, and the two largest Sun Belt markets handle it differently.

In Texas, the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners licenses individual plumbers. License levels include Tradesman Plumber-Limited, Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber, plus a Plumber's Apprentice registration. A Master Plumber who runs the plumbing for a company is the Responsible Master Plumber, or RMP. State law requires anyone who advertises plumbing to secure an RMP, and the board requires the RMP to keep commercial liability insurance on file.

In Florida, the Construction Industry Licensing Board under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses plumbing contractors. A certified plumbing contractor (license code CF) can work statewide. A registered contractor (RF) qualified through a local jurisdiction and can work only there.

In both states, check the license on the official state lookup, not a screenshot or a sticker on a truck.

When does plumbing work need a permit and inspection?

Most cities require a permit for new plumbing, repiping, sewer work and water heater replacement. Small repairs are often exempt.

Texas law requires cities with more than 5,000 residents to regulate plumbing by ordinance. Those cities must require a permit for plumbing other than repairing leaks and replacing faucets, ballcocks or water control valves, garbage disposals or toilets. A licensed plumbing inspector must do the inspection.

Florida cities post their own lists. Jacksonville, for example, says stopping a leak needs no permit but replacing a water heater does.

The FTC lists a contractor asking you to get the required permits yourself as a sign of a possible scam. Florida's DBPR adds that unlicensed contractors may try to convince you a permit is not necessary.

Why do backflow prevention and lead-free materials matter?

Backflow is the reverse flow of water or other substances from your plumbing into the public water supply. Lawn irrigation, boilers and auxiliary water sources are common risks. Many utilities require a testable backflow assembly on irrigation lines and periodic testing by a certified tester.

In Texas, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires a customer service inspection before continuous water service starts at new construction and after a material change to private plumbing. It can be done by a licensed customer service inspector, a plumbing inspector or a licensed plumber with a water supply protection specialist endorsement.

Lead matters too. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, plumbing that supplies water for drinking must be lead free. EPA defines that as no more than a 0.25 percent weighted average of lead on wetted surfaces, and 0.2 percent for solder and flux.

How can you spot a leak before you call a plumber?

EPA's WaterSense program suggests two simple checks. First, read your water meter, use no water for two hours, then read it again. If the reading changed, you probably have a leak.

Second, put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If color shows up in the bowl within 10 minutes, the toilet is leaking.

EPA estimates that a faucet dripping about once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons a year. Knowing what you found helps you describe the problem and compare written estimates.

How should flood and freeze risk shape your plumbing choices?

Texas and Florida face different threats. The National Weather Service listed burst water pipes among the impacts of the February 2021 winter storm in Texas. Florida homes face storm surge, heavy rain and high groundwater.

FEMA's FloodSmart program suggests moving utilities such as a water heater to a higher spot, like an attic, an extra closet or an elevated platform, so they are less likely to be damaged in a flood. FEMA's flood preparedness sheet also recommends installing a backflow valve and a battery-operated sump pump.

Ask any plumber you hire how the work will hold up to your local risk, and whether the change needs a permit.

What should be in a written plumbing contract?

The FTC says to consider only contractors who are licensed and insured. The contract should list the contractor's name, address, phone number and license number, plus estimated start and finish dates. Fill in every blank before you sign.

If you sign at your home or somewhere other than the seller's permanent place of business, the contract should include a written statement of your right to cancel within three business days. Note that Texas plumbing law says the state's home solicitation cancellation law generally does not apply to plumbing services the consumer starts, so read your contract closely.

Texas's plumbing board also advises that written estimates and invoices show the RMP's license number and the board's name, address and phone number. Florida's DBPR suggests getting written estimates from several licensed contractors.

How to choose a provider

Look up the license on the state's official site: TSBPE in Texas, DBPR in Florida.
In Texas, get the Responsible Master Plumber's name and license number, which should start with M.
In Florida, check whether the license is certified (statewide) or registered (one local jurisdiction).
Ask who will pull the permit and schedule inspections. The licensed plumber should handle it.
Get written estimates and a written contract with the license number on it.
Do not pay the full amount up front, and avoid cash-only demands.
Ask whether new fixtures and fittings are certified lead free.
If you have irrigation or a well, ask about backflow prevention and testing.
Confirm the plumber knows your city's code and permit rules.

Plumbing guides by state and city

Questions people ask

Who licenses plumbers in Texas?

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. It issues Tradesman Plumber-Limited, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber and Plumbing Inspector licenses, plus apprentice registrations and endorsements.

Who licenses plumbers in Florida?

Plumbing contractors are licensed through the Construction Industry Licensing Board, part of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Licenses are either certified (statewide) or registered (one local jurisdiction).

Does replacing a water heater need a permit?

Usually, yes. Houston, Dallas, Jacksonville and Miami city sources all treat water heater replacement as permitted work. Texas law also excludes water heaters from the short list of repairs that cities must exempt from permits.

Can I do my own plumbing?

Texas law lets a property owner do plumbing in his or her own homestead without a license, but city permit and inspection rules still apply. Florida has an owner-builder exemption, but some cities, such as the City of Miami, issue plumbing permits only to licensed contractors.

What is a backflow preventer?

It is a device that keeps water from flowing backward from your plumbing into the public supply. Utilities often require one on lawn irrigation and require regular testing by a certified tester.

How do I check for a hidden leak?

EPA suggests reading your water meter, using no water for two hours, then reading it again. Any change likely means a leak. A few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank can reveal a leaking flapper.

Where do I complain about a plumber?

In Texas, file a written complaint with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. In Florida, report suspected unlicensed activity to DBPR's Unlicensed Activity Hotline at (866) 532-1440 or ULA@MyFloridaLicense.com.

Sources

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.

How do you choose a licensed plumber you can trust?