Get Quotes from Top Plumbers in El Paso, TX

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Plumber in El Paso?

Persons who wish to operate as a plumber in El Paso must have a master plumber license issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), after which they must register with the city, per section 18.02.104.6 and section 18.02.104.2 of the El Paso City Code, respectively. It is illegal for a person to carry out plumbing work in El Paso without the appropriate license, and violators may be liable to a maximum fine of $2,000

Any person who wants to acquire a master plumber license must pass an examination organized by the TSBPE. Such persons can take the examination if they:

• are a citizen of the United States or an alien or non-immigrant qualified for licensure by the State of Texas;
• have acquired a high school or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED);
• are present holders of a Journeyman Plumber's License in Texas or another state and must have held such license for a minimum of four years or
• are current holders of a Master Plumber's License in another state and must have held at one time a Journeyman Plumber's License for a minimum of four years.

Residents who intend to hire a plumber in El Paso are advised to confirm that this plumber has the appropriate license. You can do this by utilizing the TSBPE license search tool.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Plumbers in El Paso?

The cost of carrying out plumbing work in your home is influenced by a few factors, such as the kind of work the plumber is to do, the cost of materials needed to do the work properly, and the cost of getting the required permit. However, it is advisable to compare estimates from different plumbers so you can find one closest to your financial plans.

A plumber in El Paso earns an annual average wage of $37,830. The table below compares the average hourly wage for plumbers in El Paso to other major cities in the United States:

Do You Comply with the El Paso Building Code for Plumbing?

Currently, the 2015 edition of the International Plumbing Code (IPC), which has been adopted by the City as the Plumbing Code of El Paso, is the legislation regulating plumbing activities within El Paso. This Code regulates the erection, installation, repair, replacement, alterations, as well as maintenance of plumbing systems in El Paso. It also establishes minimum safety standards for plumbing works in El Paso to guarantee the safety of city residents.

Accordingly, it is crucial to hire a plumber familiar with this Plumbing Code, as Code violations attract fines and a possible jail term. For further assistance and inquiries regarding the Plumbing Code and other citywide rules or ordinances applicable to your plumbing project, you can contact the Planning and Inspections Department at (915) 212-0104.

Will You Get the Plumbing Permits as Required by El Paso Code?

Before any plumbing work can commence in El Paso, the relevant homeowner must ensure that the requisite permits have been obtained. However, certain plumbing projects do not require a permit, and they include:

• Plumbing projects that involve the clearing of drainages, pipes, valves, or any other part of the plumbing system, provided there is no removal or replacement of any pipes, valves, or any other part of the plumbing system.
• Fixing leaks in pipes, valves, soil, drains, or other fixtures, as long as it does not result in the removal or replacement of any concealed component that has become defective.

The Planning and Inspections Department is the agency responsible for issuing plumbing permits in El Paso. Usually, before a permit is issued in El Paso, the Building Official will first inspect the building or structure where the plumbing work is to commence. Once the inspection has been done, the applicant will then have to pay the required permit fees. Also, you can request an inspection at any stage of your plumbing project by contacting the Planning and Inspection Department at (915) 212-0104.

Alternatively, applicants can apply for a plumbing permit online through the El Paso online permitting portal. For further assistance, contact the Planning and Inspections Department at (915) 212-0104.

What Kind of Plumbing Services Do You Offer?

Plumbers in El Paso offer a wide range of plumbing services, including drainage and repair, faucet and toilet installation and repair, water heater installation and repair, and shower and tub installation and repair. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the plumber you want to hire can carry out your particular plumbing project due to the varying nature of plumbing services.

The cost of a plumbing project may be influenced by the difficulty of the job to be done, as well as the cost of the materials needed to complete the job. The average cost of plumbing services in El Paso is typically between $378 and $427. You should note that these amounts do not include the costs of obtaining a permit and arranging an inspection. Below are the price ranges for certain plumbing services:

Do You Offer Emergency Plumbing Services in El Paso?

10% of homes in the United States lose over 90 gallons of water a day to leaks, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Knowing this, you must fix any leaks or plumbing defects in your home with immediate effect so you can avoid unnecessary water expenses. While you should fix all plumbing issues quickly, some issues require more urgent attention than others. For example, plumbing issues, such as burst pipes, clogged toilets, leaky faucets, and faulty water heaters, need to be resolved as soon as possible because they can potentially lead to more serious and expensive problems. Ensure to ascertain whether the plumber has the skill and experience to resolve any plumbing issue in your home with the required urgency. In finding plumbers near you, you can utilize websites such as Better Business Bureau and Yelp.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Plumbers in El Paso?

Generally, plumbers in El Paso are not required to have any insurance, except Responsible Master Plumbers who are required by the TSBPE to have at least $300,000 in commercial liability insurance coverage. However, it is advised that you hire plumbers who have active insurance, as this gives you protection from personal financial costs if property damage or an accident occurs during your plumbing work. In 2019, there were 608 fatal occupational injuries across Texas, a 25% increase from the previous year. Therefore, such accidents and property damages are on the increase. You should always ask the plumber you wish to hire if they are insured and confirm such insurance policy from the issuing organization.