Plumbing services in Irving, TX: Hiring and Permits

Decide whether to call the utility or a plumber

Call Water Utilities at (972) 721-2261 for wastewater backup, suspected wastewater overflow, low pressure, or no water service unrelated to a nonpayment disconnection. For a backup, the city says its crew will determine whether the blockage falls under city responsibility or requires a private plumber. [2]

Describe where you see water, which fixtures have trouble, and when the problem began. Ask the dispatcher what to do while you wait. If you can identify an accessible fixture shutoff and operate it safely, use it to stop an active supply leak. Avoid contact with wastewater.

For a leak inside your home, arrange private plumbing help. Irving states that it repairs leaks up to the water meter and assigns pipelines and devices on the customer’s side to the customer. Tell the plumber whether you have contacted the utility and what its crew found. [2]

Check the company before agreeing to work

Ask for the name and license number of the company’s Responsible Master Plumber, or RMP. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners tells consumers to use its license search to verify license validity and a Certificate of Insurance on file. Master Plumber license numbers begin with M. [5]

Ask whether the company has met Irving’s contractor registration requirements. The city lists plumbing among the trades that require contractor registration. State regulators advise consumers to check municipal eligibility as well as permit and inspection requirements. [4] [5]

Request references for comparable work and contact them. Ask how the contractor explained changes, protected the home, and handled follow-up concerns. For a concealed leak or proposed pipe replacement, ask the plumber to explain the diagnosis and show the affected area before you approve demolition.

Settle permits and inspection responsibilities

For residential work, Irving exempts replacement fixtures or appliances at existing connections from permits, except water heaters. Ask Inspections to confirm the requirement if your job moves a connection, changes piping, or combines plumbing with a remodel. Include permit arrangements when planning a replacement water heater. [1]

Agree who will obtain the permit and schedule inspections before work starts. Irving uses the MGO portal for applications, payment, permit downloads, correspondence, and inspection scheduling. The city lists plumbing and water-heater permits among those that need no plans. You still need to confirm the permit requirement for your scope. [1] [4]

Ask the contractor to include inspection arrangements in the schedule. Irving sets a 6 a.m. deadline for online inspection requests for that business day. After that deadline, the city identifies the next business day as the earliest scheduling option. Contact Inspections at (972) 721-2371 for project questions. [4]

Compare the complete repair price

Get several written estimates for planned work. Texas plumbing regulators do not regulate plumbers’ prices and advise consumers to obtain detailed estimates that explain the work and payment terms. The regulator also says written estimates and invoices should include the Responsible Master Plumber’s license number. [5]

Ask each contractor to separate diagnosis, repair labor, parts, disposal, permit handling, and restoration. For a drain job, clarify whether the price covers clearing the blockage, a camera inspection, or both. For a water heater, request the proposed model and ask who removes the old unit. Require your approval before the contractor expands the scope.

Irving publishes a $65 plumbing single-trade permit fee covering water, sewer and gas service-line replacements, water heaters, and similar work. It also lists $75 for reinspections and a $130 minimum for after-hours inspections. Ask which charges apply and whether the quote includes them. [3]

Published Irving permit and inspection charges

Choose the next step for your plumbing job

Your hiring checklist

1. Record the symptoms, affected fixtures, and when the trouble began.
2. Photograph the leak or damage and clear access to the work area.
3. Ask who will attend and who will supervise the work.
4. Request a written scope with exclusions, payment terms, and warranty details.
5. Agree on who handles wall, floor, or yard restoration.
6. Require your approval for added work and keep the final paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does replacing a faucet require a permit?

Irving exempts replacement fixtures at existing connections from permits. Ask Inspections to confirm if the job also changes piping or moves the connection. [1]

How do I check a plumbing company’s license?

Obtain its Responsible Master Plumber’s name and M license number. Use the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners license search to check validity and the Certificate of Insurance on file. [5]

Can the city recommend a plumber?

Irving Water Utilities says it cannot recommend a plumber. It suggests recommendations from relatives, friends, and neighbors or researching local reviews. Check credentials and the written scope before hiring. [2]