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How to Hire a Licensed Plumber in Laredo, TX

Short answer: In Texas, plumbing work has to be done by licensed plumbers, and a plumbing company needs a Responsible Master Plumber. Before you hire, ask for the license number and look it up in the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners' free public search. Then get the price in writing; Texas rules require plumbing proposals and invoices to show the Responsible Master Plumber's name and license number.

Last updated: November 14, 2026

Texas requires a license for plumbing work. Look up any plumber in the state's public database before you hire.

Check a plumber's license

Searching for "best plumber" or "cheap plumber" in Laredo gives you a long list of names. What protects you isn't the list; it's a few checks that take minutes and that any honest plumber will be glad you made.

1. Check the license

Texas law says plumbing work must be done by licensed plumbers, and a company that offers plumbing needs a Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) on its license. The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) keeps a free public search:

  1. Open the license search (the button on this page takes you there).
  2. Search by name, or by license number if you have it. Enter only the digits, without the letter in front.
  3. Choose "Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners" as the board and "Plumbing – Licensed or Registered" as the type.
  4. Open the plumber's record and check:
  5. License status: current or expired.
  6. Expiration date.
  7. Insurance certificate (COI) status and its expiration date.
  8. Endorsements, if the job needs a specialty.
  9. Disciplinary actions, if any.
  10. Take a screenshot of the record for your files.

These steps follow the TSBPE's own how-to guide for the public license search.

Texas requires a license for plumbing work. Look up any plumber in the state's public database before you hire.

Check a plumber's license

2. Get the price in writing

Texas plumbing rules require the first page of plumbing proposals, contracts and invoices to show the Responsible Master Plumber's name and license number, along with the statement that plumbing is regulated by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and the Board's contact information. If a written estimate doesn't show a license number, ask why.

A good estimate also lists:

  • The work, in plain words.
  • Parts and equipment, with model and size where it applies.
  • Labor and any extra charge for after-hours work.
  • Permits, if the job needs one. The plumber will tell you.
  • The warranty on parts and labor.
  • What's not included, like drywall, tile or concrete repair.

3. Know what jobs usually cost

National figures help you spot a price that's far off. They're not a quote for your house; the plumber confirms the price before starting.

Job National figure Source
Clearing a drain About $241 on average; most $147–$345 HomeAdvisor
Cleaning the main sewer line $100–$800 HomeAdvisor
Installing or replacing a water heater About $1,300 on average; most $875–$1,750 Angi
Finding a leak About $280; most $150–$400 HomeAdvisor
Repairing a slab leak About $2,280 on average; most $630–$4,400 HomeAdvisor

4. Ask these questions

  1. What's your license number, and who is your Responsible Master Plumber?
  2. How do you price this job: flat price or by the hour? Is there a trip charge?
  3. What will you do today, and what can wait for a written estimate?
  4. Does the job need a city permit?
  5. What warranty comes with the work, in writing?

Red flags

  • No license number, or a number that doesn't show up in the state's search.
  • Pressure to decide on the spot for work that isn't an emergency.
  • A price that's only verbal for anything bigger than a small repair.
  • Cash only, no written invoice.

In an emergency, still check

When water is on the floor, it's tempting to hire whoever answers first. Shut off the water first (see plumbing emergencies), then take a minute to look up the license before anyone starts work.

Related

Before you hire, check the license

Texas requires a license for plumbing work. Look up any plumber in the state's public database before you hire.

Check a plumber's license

Sources

  • Texas Occupations Code § 1301.351
  • 22 Texas Administrative Code § 367.10
  • Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, "License Search" and "How-to Public License Search"
  • HomeAdvisor, "Unclog drain cost" and "Slab leak repair cost" (2025)
  • Angi, "Water heater repair" (cost guide)
Check a plumber's license
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