Get Quotes from Top Plumbers in Dallas, TX
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber in Dallas
According to the Dallas Water Utilities Department, over 14% of household water use is lost to plumbing leaks. Such leakages may translate to hundreds of dollar on your monthly utility bill considering that residents of the city pays over $6 per 1,000 gallons of water. Hence, you will be saving yourself a fortune hiring a qualified plumber in Dallas to quickly fix the leakages. As part of your due diligence in contracting the right plumber, ask the following questions:
- Are You Licensed to Practice as a Plumber in Dallas?
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Plumbers in Dallas?
- Do You Comply with the Dallas Building Code for Plumbing?
- Will You Get the Plumbing Permits as Required by the Dallas Code?
- What Kind of Plumbing Services Do You Offer?
- Do You Offer Emergency Plumbing Services in Dallas?
- Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Plumbers in Dallas?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Plumber in Dallas
Are You Licensed to Practice as a Plumber in Dallas?
Dallas plumbers are required to obtain a plumber license from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners to be eligible to work in the city. The Board of Plumbing Examiners issues four types of plumber licenses, and they include the Tradesman plumber-limited plumber license, the Journeyman plumber license, the master plumber license, and the plumbing inspector license. To obtain any of the aforementioned licenses, applicants must meet all the eligibility requirements that apply to the particular license type. License applicants are additionally required to show proof of experience working in the plumbing trade, pass a state plumbers examination, and pay the appropriate license fee. All queries concerning the requirements for obtaining a plumbing license can be directed to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners by calling (512) 936-5200.
Besides a plumber license, Dallas plumbers may also obtain other plumbing certifications, such as endorsement certificates and registration certificates from the Texas Board of Plumbing Examiners. The plumbing endorsement types issued by the State Board of Plumbing Examiners include the Medical gas piping installation endorsement, the Multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler specialist endorsement, and the Water supply protection specialist endorsement.
Similarly, the State Board of Plumbing Examiners issues four types of registrations, including the Plumber's apprentice registration, the Drain cleaner registration, the Drain cleaner restricted registration, and the Residential utility installer registration. Before hiring a plumber near you, it is crucial to confirm if the individual is duly licensed, endorsed, or registered to do your plumbing work.
Per State law, it is illegal to engage in plumbing work requiring a license, registration, or endorsement without a current license, registration, or endorsement issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. You can confirm if your plumber is licensed, endorsed, or registered by utilizing the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners licensee search tool. All queries concerning the processes and requirements for obtaining a particular endorsement or certification can be directed to the Board by calling (512) 936-5200.
In addition to a state-issued license, endorsement, and certification, home improvement workers in Dallas, including plumbers, are required to register with the city's Building Inspection Office. You can contact the Office at (214) 948-4480 to verify if the individual you intend to hire is registered.
How Much Do You Charge Compared to Plumbers in Dallas?
Before hiring a plumber to fix your plumbing problem, it is crucial to do some research about the project. This will give you a general idea of what to expect from the plumber you eventually hire. You should also get multiple estimates from different plumbers and ensure that each plumber justifies their bid by clarifying the amount of work to be done and the list of materials needed to complete the job. This gives you the much-needed protection against unscrupulous individuals who want you to pay more than is required for your plumbing work.
A plumber in Dallas earns an annual average wage of $33,180. Listed below is a breakdown of the average hourly wages for plumbers in Dallas compared with plumbers in other parts of Texas and other major cities in the country:
Do You Comply with the Dallas Building Code for Plumbing?
Dallas regulates plumbing activities within its locality through the implementation and enforcement of the Dallas Plumbing Code. The Code was adopted with certain changes from the 2015 Edition of the International Plumbing Code, and it governs the construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, use, and maintenance of plumbing work in the city.
However, the Dallas Plumbing Code mostly applies to plumbing work in a new building or structure. While plumbing works in a new building must comply with the aforementioned code, it is not the same for plumbing works in old or existing buildings. Plumbing repairs, alterations, or additions in existing buildings or structures in Dallas are regulated by the Dallas Existing Building Code.
Regardless of the type of plumbing system you intend to work on, it is very important to hire a plumber who is familiar with both the Dallas Plumbing Code and the Dallas Existing Building Code. This will protect you from statutory penalties that may result from code violations. For example, violating any section of the Dallas Plumbing Code may attract a fine of up to $2,000. All queries concerning plumbing code compliance in Dallas can be directed to the city's Building Inspection Office by calling (214) 948-4480.
Will You Get the Plumbing Permits as Required by the Dallas Code?
Except for minor plumbing repairs such as stopping leaks in pipes without replacing valves or fixtures and replacement of sinks or plumbing fixtures where no change in rough-in is required, you need a plumbing permit to carry out any plumbing activity in Dallas. Before you allow your plumber to commence work on your project, always ensure that they have obtained the necessary permits for the job. Section 303-7 of Chapter 52 of the Administrative Procedures of Dallas Construction Codes maintains that performing any construction work, including plumbing, without obtaining a permit can result in the issuance of a stop-work order by the Building Official.
The Building Inspection Permit Center is responsible for issuing plumbing permits to eligible homeowners and licensed master plumbers in the city. The process and requirements for obtaining a plumbing permit in Dallas are dependent on factors like the type of plumbing work that is involved and the type of building where such work is to be performed. For example, if your project only involves plumbing work, a separate plumbing permit application must be submitted to the Building Inspection Permit Center, but if the plumbing is only a part of the larger project, plumbing work will be included in the master permit issued to your licensed contractor.
Note that a contractor must also be registered with the city to be eligible to obtain a plumbing permit. However, if you are a homeowner with a Homestead Exemption Certificate issued by the city's County Tax Office, you can obtain a plumbing permit and do the work yourself.
Except for commercial construction permit applications and plans that can be submitted online, to obtain a plumbing permit, you are required to submit two sets of plan reviews and a completed permit application form at:
Building Inspection Permit Center320 East, Jefferson Boulevard
Room 118
Dallas, TX 75203
Once your plans are approved, and the necessary fees are paid, the Permit Center will issue your plumbing permit to you. To find out the type of permit process that is required for your project, call the Permit Center at (214) 948-4480.
In addition to the issuance of permits for plumbing work, the city's Building Inspection Permit Center also performs inspections on plumbing work via its Inspection Services Section. In Dallas, it is only the individual who originally applied for a plumbing permit who is eligible to schedule an inspection. You can schedule an inspection with the Inspection Services Section online or by calling (214) 670-5313.
Note that you are required to create a user profile to be eligible to submit an online application. Common plumbing-related inspections in Dallas include rough below-floor inspections, lawn sprinkler inspections, yard services inspections, and rough above-floor inspections.
What Kind of Plumbing Services Do You Offer?
Dallas plumbers offer a variety of residential and commercial plumbing services such as water and gas pipe leak detection, toilet repairs, cleaning clogged drains, installation of industrial pipes, and water heater installation and repair. Considering the different types of plumbing services that are available in Dallas, it is always important to find out whether the individual you intend to hire is competent and experienced enough to provide the quality plumbing service you need. The easiest way to find out if the individual is competent and experienced is by asking about their years of practice and if they can provide references from previous clients with similar plumbing needs.
Listed below are some of the cost estimates for plumbing services in Dallas:
Do You Offer Emergency Plumbing Services in Dallas?
Most plumbers in Dallas offer a variety of emergency plumbing services, including stopping all kinds of plumbing leaks and clearing clogged toilets. Once you discover a plumbing issue in your home, it is always good to call for prompt and quality repair. This protects you from unnecessary sewer and water charges that are due to plumbing leaks. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, fixing a household water leak can reduce your water bill by 10 percent. In addition to protecting you from high water charges, fixing your plumbing issues on time also saves you money on repairs that may arise as a result of neglecting a plumbing problem.
While it is important to fix your plumbing issue on time, you must avoid hiring just anyone who claims to be a plumber. You should ensure that anyone you intend to hire is good enough to do the job. You can always find competent plumbers near you by utilizing third-party websites like Better Business Bureau, Google Review, and Yelp. These websites provide relevant information on plumbing professionals, such as references and customer reviews, which can help you assess a plumber's experience and professionalism. Having identified a good plumber for your project, the next thing is to confirm whether the individual is registered with the city's Building Inspection Office. You can do this by calling (214) 948-4480.
Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Plumbers in Dallas?
In Dallas, contractors are required to maintain general liability insurance to be eligible to work in the city, and contractors with employees are also required to maintain workers' compensation and employer's liability insurance. Once they have obtained the necessary insurance coverage from an insurance company that is approved by Dallas, plumbers will be additionally required to submit a certificate of insurance stating the insurance coverage, limits, and expiration date to:
Office of Risk Management1500 Marilla, 6 A. South
Dallas, TX 75201
Before hiring anyone to work on your home improvement or construction project, it is always crucial to ensure that the individual is duly insured. This protects you from claims that may result from work accidents that occurred at the job site. Protecting yourself from claims that may result from work accidents on your site is necessary, considering the high rate of construction work accidents in Texas.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry accounted for 123 cases of fatal work injuries across Texas in 2019. The easiest way to avoid being held responsible for work accidents during your plumbing work is by confirming that the individual you intend to hire is insured. You can confirm that your plumber is insured by requesting a certificate of insurance and verifying the claim from the insurance company that issued the certificate. You can also confirm your plumber's workers' compensation insurance by calling the Office of Risk Management at (214) 671-9458.
How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Plumber in Dallas
An average home improvement project in Dallas costs several thousand dollars. In a report published by the National Association of Home Builders in 2017, it was estimated that homeowners spend an average of $6,962 on a single home improvement project. Considering the amount of money contractors can earn on a single home improvement project, the construction industry is generally targeted by unscrupulous individuals who are trying to steal from unsuspecting citizens.
In February 2021, several complaints were made against Don Childers, a North Texan contractor who collected money from customers and did not show up to complete the job. Among the complainants was a woman who paid $10,000 to the contractor for a bathroom improvement, which the contractor never completed. There are several other cases of plumbing-related scams across Texas, and residents of Dallas must understand that it is their responsibility to get relevant updates and education on home improvement scams.
You must also understand that fraudulent plumbers employ various tricks to steal from you. These tricks include collecting cash payment upfront and not showing up to complete the job, promising ridiculous offers and discounts, utilizing inferior materials despite receiving funds for quality materials, inflating the plumbing work price, and performing shoddy work that will require repair after a short period.
You can avoid falling victim to plumbing scams by doing the following:
- Ask friends and family for referrals
- Get estimates from at least three different contractors
- Ask for references, both written letters and phone numbers of past clients, that you can call to verify the contractor's claim.
- Use third-party websites like Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google Reviews to confirm that the individual you intend to hire has no poor reviews.
- Confirm if your plumber is licensed, endorsed, or registered with the State by utilizing the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners licensee search tool.
- Ask for proof of insurance and contact the insurance company to verify the information.
- Establish a timeline for the work in writing
- Avoid making full payment unless the job is completed to your satisfaction
- Get a written contract for the project and make sure that you understand it before signing the agreement
- Ask about warranties offered and ensure your contractor puts it in writing
Finally, if you suspect a plumbing scam, you can report the situation to the Consumer Protection Unit of the Dallas Department of Code Compliance by calling (214) 948-4351. You can also file a complaint against a plumber with the Consumer Protection Division of the Texas Office of the Attorney General. You can file a complaint with the division online or by downloading, printing, completing, and mailing a consumer complaint form to:
Office of the Attorney GeneralConsumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 12548
Austin, TX 78711 - 2548
While these agencies can resolve grievances between you and your contractor, you must understand that they can not act as your legal representatives in such matters. If you seek legal advice and representation, you can hire a licensed and qualified attorney near you. Residents of Dallas must also understand that reporting a matter to the aforementioned agencies does not guarantee that they will recover their money. If you seek compensation for damages that result from your plumbing work, you can file the matter in an appropriate court. Matters involving a total amount of $10,000 or less can be filed as small claims at:
Justice of Peace CourtsPrecinct 1, Place 1
8301 South
Suite 2000
Dallas, TX 75232
However, it is always important to seek the advice of an attorney before deciding on the type of matter to file in court.
Table of Contents
- Are You Licensed to Practice as a Plumber in Dallas?
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Plumbers in Dallas?
- Do You Comply with the Dallas Building Code for Plumbing?
- Will You Get the Plumbing Permits as Required by the Dallas Code?
- What Kind of Plumbing Services Do You Offer?
- Do You Offer Emergency Plumbing Services in Dallas?
- Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Plumbers in Dallas?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Plumber in Dallas