Reliant Plumbing

In Texas plumbers should be licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Ask for the plumber’s name and license number and verify it on the TSBPE website. Request proof of general liability insurance and, if the contractor employs workers, ask about workers’ compensation (Texas does not require all employers to carry it, so confirm coverage). Many cities, including Austin, have local contractor registration or permit requirements—check Austin Development Services or ask the contractor to confirm they are registered/authorized to work in the city. Also review online ratings and check for complaints with TSBPE or the Better Business Bureau before hiring.

Most significant plumbing repairs and installations in Austin require a city permit and subsequent inspections to ensure work meets code. Responsible contractors typically pull required permits as part of the job; confirm in writing whether permit fees are included in the estimate or will be billed separately. Work must comply with the adopted plumbing and building codes and any local amendments; inspections are required before final approval, so don’t allow work to proceed without the proper permits and inspection sign-offs.

Common signs of a slab leak include unexplained high water bills, warm or wet spots on the floor, the sound of running water when fixtures are off, or cracks in tile/grout. Sewer lateral problems may show as slow drains, sewage odors, or backups. Plumbers use electronic leak detection, infrared/thermal cameras, and sewer camera inspections to locate problems with minimal disruption. In Austin (and most of Texas) homeowners are typically responsible for plumbing and sewer lines on private property—including the sewer lateral from the house to the connection with the public main—so repairs are generally the homeowner’s responsibility. Because Austin’s clay soils and slab foundations can be affected by leaks, address suspected slab or lateral issues promptly and get written estimates that explain repair methods and mitigation of foundation damage.