Milestone Electric, A/C, & Plumbing

Texas does not have one single statewide residential plumbing license; licensing, permits and contractor registration are handled at the city/county level. In Dallas, ask the contractor for their City of Dallas plumbing or contractor registration (or permit history), a current general liability insurance certificate, and proof of workers’ compensation or an exemption. Also ask for references, written estimates, and check online reviews and local consumer resources (City of Dallas Development Services, Better Business Bureau). A reputable contractor will provide documentation and will be willing to pull required permits and arrange inspections.

Many common jobs require a permit and inspection: water heater replacements, repiping, relocating or adding fixtures, sewer or main-line work, and most remodels or new installations. Simple repairs such as clearing a clog or replacing a faucet cartridge sometimes do not, but requirements vary by job. Your contractor should tell you upfront whether a permit is needed, obtain it from the City of Dallas, and schedule inspections. Skipping permits can cause problems for resale, insurance claims, and safety compliance, so always confirm.

Costs vary widely by scope—simple repairs may be quoted hourly or as a flat fee, while replacements and repiping are larger projects. Get at least two written estimates that list parts, labor, permit costs, and any emergency or after-hours fees. Ask for written warranties: manufacturer warranties cover fixtures and water heaters, while workmanship warranties (often 30 days to a year or more) are contractor-specific and should be written. In Dallas’s hot summers and hard-water conditions, ask about scale-related maintenance (water heater flushing, aerator cleaning) and protective measures such as water softening or pipe insulation to reduce freeze risk during occasional cold snaps. Confirm who is responsible for follow-up service, how warranty claims are handled, and whether any guarantees are written into the contract.