Plumbing and HVAC rules in Texas
What the state says about plumbing and heating and cooling work, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and your city or county can have rules of its own.
Checked September 23, 2026
Plumbing licensing
In Texas, a company offering plumbing to the public needs a Responsible Master Plumber, and plumbers hold master, journeyman or tradesman licenses from the State Board of Plumbing Examiners.1, 2, 3
Heating and cooling licensing
Air conditioning and refrigeration contractors in Texas are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.4
Plumbing and mechanical codes
Your local building department can tell you which plumbing and mechanical codes apply where you live.
Permits to replace a water heater, furnace or AC
Ask your local building department whether replacing a water heater, furnace or AC needs a permit where you live.
Backflow testing
If your home has a backflow preventer, your water utility can tell you whether it needs testing and who can test it.
Sources
What plumbing and HVAC work costs in Texas
Published national ranges for plumbing, water heater, sewer, AC, heat pump and furnace jobs, and a planning estimate for your own job.
Contractors in Texas
731 plumbers and heating and cooling contractors are listed in Texas. 364 hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county, or ask for quotes and we'll pass your job to contractors near you.
Cite this page
“Plumbing and HVAC rules in Texas.” PlumbingInformationSite.com, updated September 27, 2026. https://plumbinginformationsite.com/tx/rules/