Get Quotes from Top Plumbers in Plano, TX

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber in Plano

Residents of Plano pay less than $60 for using 9,000 gallons of water per month. This amount of water is the average usage for a typical family in the US. As average family size in Plano, if you found your water bill far in excess of this amount, then it is time to call in a qualified plumber to check and fix undetected leakages in your indoor and outdoor plumbing systems. Note, one household leakage can waste up to 90 gallons of water per day. When you are in search of a good plumber in the city, ask the following questions to determine if the professional is proficient to handle your job:

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Plumber in Plano?

The Plano Plumbing Code states that all plumbing contractors must obtain a state-issued plumbing license, which must be renewed annually, and failure to comply with this code can result in fines of up to $2,000. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners Unit (TSBPE) is charged with the task of licensing qualified plumbers in Plano, and it issues various types of licenses, which are Journeyman licenses, Tradesman licenses, and Master Plumber licenses. The requirement for each license varies. For instance, applicants may only apply for the Journeyman license if the following requirements have been obtained:

  • The applicant must be a citizen of the United States or a non-immigrant eligible to receive a license from the State of Texas
  • The applicant must be a registered apprentice or registered tradesman at the time of applying or a licensed Journeyman plumber from another state
  • The applicant must have at least 8,000 hours of experience working in the plumbing trade
  • The applicant must have completed a 48-hour training course approved by the TSBPE

Tradesmen and Master plumbers also need to meet similar requirements. However, the hours of experience required may vary. For further inquiries or questions concerning obtaining a plumbing license in Plano, you can contact the TSBPE at:

Texas State Board of Plumbing ExaminersP.O. Box 4200Austin, TX
Phone: (512) 936-5200

Similarly, the Find a license portal provided by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners can be used to verify the authenticity of a plumber's license in Plano. You can search for licenses using various search parameters provided by the portal, such as name, license number, or location.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Plumbers in Plano?

The cost of materials, labor, permits, and other miscellaneous expenses are some of the factors that plumbers consider when providing quotes for projects in Plano. Therefore, it is important to request quotes from different plumbers before deciding on the one to hire. Receiving quotes from different plumbers will enable you to select the one that is most qualified for the job and also best suited to your budget.

A plumber in Plano earns an annual average wage of $61,100. Below is a breakdown of the average hourly wages for plumbers in Plano compared with plumbers in other parts of Texas and other major cities in the country:

Plano Plumber Hourly Average Wage
$29.37
Texas Plumber Hourly Average Wage
$24.44
Los Angeles Plumber Hourly Average Wage
$29.04
New York Plumber Hourly Average Wage
$35.78
Chicago Plumber Hourly Average Wage
$44.20
Minneapolis Plumber Hourly Average Wage
$39.45
Boston Plumber Hourly Average Wage
$40.46
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Do You Comply with the Plano Building Code for Plumbing?

Plano Plumbing Code, which is adopted from the state's plumbing code, provides a certain level of safety to the life and property of the residents in Plano by stipulating the minimum requirements for all the plumbing works that go on in the city. Therefore, it is essential to hire a plumber who is licensed and familiar with the plumbing code of your residential area, as this will save you from the penalties that come with code violations. The plumbing code was put in place to regulate all the plumbing activities that go on in the city, and all plumbing work must conform to this code. These plumbing activities include but are not limited to, the maintenance, relocation, erection, and installation of plumbing systems in Plano.

The Building Inspection Department of Plano ensures that the plumbing code is strictly complied with. It is imperative for every plumber in the city to be conversant with the code, but it is also important for the project owners to be familiar with the codes that apply to their intended project so as to spot violations, which are typically subject to administrative penalties. Queries concerning the city's plumbing code can be directed to the Building Inspection Department at:

1520 K Avenue
Suite 140
Plano, TX 75074
Phone: (972) 941-7140

Will You Get the Plumbing Permits as Required by the Plano Code?

According to the Plano Plumbing Code, a plumbing permit must be obtained from the city's Building Inspection Department before commencing any plumbing project. However, there are several plumbing activities that do not require a permit. Examples of these types of plumbing activities include fixing or replacing a faucet, clearing stoppages, and stopping leaks. Individuals who wish to obtain a plumbing permit in Plano can do so by downloading a Residential Permit Application form from the city's online Building Inspection portal, completing this form, and submitting it at the Building Inspection Office located at:

1520 K Avenue
Suite 140
Plano, TX 75074

The application will be vetted to ensure it complies with the city's code, and then a permit will be printed out for the project. After the project has commenced, you may need to schedule an inspection. These inspections are to ensure the project complies with the applicable standards of the plumbing code. There are several methods for scheduling plumbing inspections in Plano. You can request an inspection via the Plano Telephone Scheduling System by calling (972) 424-2534. This Telephone Scheduling System provides 24-hour access to interested parties that wish to schedule or cancel inspection appointments, and you can also obtain inspection results via this system.

Note that you will need to provide your application number and an inspection code to schedule inspections via the city's Telephone Scheduling System. This application number is usually printed in the middle of the permit that was issued, while the inspection code can be obtained online. Alternatively, plumbing contractors can also schedule inspections online via the etrakit portal provided by the Inspection Services Department of Plano.

What Kind of Plumbing Services Do You Offer?

Plumbers in Plano specialize in different areas of plumbing, like residential plumbing, commercial plumbing, and service and repair plumbing. Residential plumbers typically work in people's homes, while commercial plumbers carry out plumbing activities in business places like banks, hospitals, and factories. Service and repair plumbers can work on both residential and commercial projects. As such, before hiring any plumber near you, it is essential to find out the area of specialty of this plumber. There are several factors that influence the quote for a plumbing project, such as material and labor costs. Listed below are plumbing services offered in Plano and their price estimates:

Below are cost estimates of common plumbing works in Plano.

Clearing clogged or blocked drains
$109 - $134
Drain Line Video Inspection
$227 - $260
Gas Line Installation
$27 - $38
Septic system installation
$6,450 - $7,665
Septic tank cleaning/pumping
$239 - $281
Sewer line cleaning
$152 - $232
Sump pump installation
$747 - $1,073
Swamp cooler installation
$2,044 - $2,189
Main Water Installation
$28 - $47
Water softener installation
$905 - $1,215
Bathtub installation
$1,679 - $2,053
Home remodel plumbing
$3,827 - $4,947
Sewer line installation
$53 - $68

Do You Offer Emergency Plumbing Services in Plano?

Plumbing problems like flooded basements, burst pipes, or overflowing toilets can be termed emergencies, and they typically require more urgent attention. However, this does not mean that relatively minor plumbing issues like broken faucets should be left unattended, especially considering the fact that household leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wastage every year.

Hiring just any random plumber in the event of an emergency might seem like the easiest thing to do, but it is best to retain the services of a licensed and experienced plumber near you, as this will save you money in the long run. Licensed emergency plumbers can be found through third-party websites like Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google reviews. It is also a good idea to make use of the Find a License Portal provided by the TSBPE to confirm the license status of the plumbers that you meet via these platforms.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Plumbers in Plano?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 608 occupational injuries were recorded in 2019 in the State of Texas, with 193 of those injuries falling under construction-related accidents. As a project owner, it is important to ensure that any plumber you intend to hire holds valid insurance coverage before the commencement of any project. This insulates you from any potential lawsuit that may arise due to injuries that occur at your work site.

Master plumbers in Plano are required to have insurance coverage of at least $300,000 in a one-year period. The insurance coverage must include general liability insurance for property damage or bodily injury. However, besides master plumbers, other categories of plumbers do not have a compulsory insurance requirement as long as the plumber is working under the supervision of a master plumber. The insurance coverage must be obtained from an insurance company that is authorized by the State of Texas. After the plumber has obtained insurance coverage, it must be registered under the TSBPE using the Certificate of Insurance Form. The form may be printed, completed, and then scanned to the TSBPE via email.

You must request an insurance certificate from the plumber and confirm its validity by calling the issuing insurance company or the TSBPE at (512) 936-5200.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Plumber in Plano

In 2021, several contractors were arrested by the FBI for scamming clients of up to $850,000 in East Texas. This was done by collecting funds and disappearing after tearing apart the houses of clients under the guise of commencing on the home improvement project that had been paid for. Every project owner in Plano must stay on top of their project and watch out for telltale signs of unscrupulous plumbers. Some of these signs include:

  • The plumber cannot provide references from previous jobs
  • The plumber is unable to show proof of a valid license
  • The plumber makes unsolicited visits and calls, offering heavily discounted services
  • The plumber wants to use low-quality materials
  • The plumbers mount pressure on you to take advantage of a limited-time offer.
  • The plumber requests a verbal contract
  • The plumber requests a large down payment

Taking note of the following tips can help you avoid falling for an unethical plumber in Plano:

  • Request quotes from three to four plumbers and compare prices
  • Never agree to make full payment until the project is completed to your satisfaction
  • Request to see photos of past plumbing jobs
  • Ask the plumber to provide references from past clients and verify any claims made by the plumber by calling these references to ask about the plumber's work ethic.
  • Request an insurance certificate from the plumber and verify its validity by contacting the issuing insurance company.
  • Look up the plumber on Better Business Bureau for possible complaints and negative reviews.
  • Request proof of licensing from the plumber and verify its validity by calling the TSBPE at (512) 936-5200.

In case you've been a victim of a plumbing scam, you can report this scam by calling the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners at (512) 936-5249, or you can complete and send a TSBPE General Complaint Form to the Board via email. The completed complaint form can also be submitted via regular mail to:

Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
P.O. Box 4200Austin, TX 78765-4200

You may also report unethical plumbers directly to the Plano Attorney General's Office by calling (469) 241-6500 or by sending a mail to:

Office of the Attorney General
830 Central Parkway East
Suite 350
Plano, TX 75074- 5581

Note that while the TSBPE and the Attorney General's Office may help resolve the problem, there is no guarantee that this will result in your desired outcome. If you wish to obtain financial compensation for damages, you may pursue this in an appropriate court. For example, small claims of up to $10,000 can be filed at the Collins County Small Claims Court located at:

920 E Park Boulevard
Suite 210
Plano, TX 75074-5462

For further queries concerning the filing process, you can either call the court at (972) 881-3001 or send an email.

Finally, you can contact the Plano Police Department (PPD) at (927)424-5678 if you suspect that you have been contacted by a fraudulent plumber or if you have fallen victim to a plumbing scam. The Plano Police Department can also be contacted in person at:

909 14th Street
Plano, TX 75074