Harris County · Service area
Plumbers in Houston, TX
Houston is built on expansive clay that swells in wet months and shrinks in drought. Nearly every house sits on a concrete slab, and the pipes under that slab move with the soil. That single fact explains much of the plumbing work in the city.
Serving The Heights, Montrose, Spring Branch, Meyerland, Clear Lake, Kingwood, Alief and nearby neighborhoods.
- Emergency plumbing help
- Licensed local plumbers
- Price confirmed before work
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- Licensed local plumbing companies
- Price confirmed before work starts
Homes and plumbing in Houston
Homes built before about 1980 usually have cast iron drain lines beneath the slab, and after four or five decades in damp clay many are corroded through. Newer homes have PVC drains but often have water heaters and supply lines in the attic, where a leak comes down through the ceiling and a freeze reaches the pipes first.
Under-slab drain failure
Corroded cast iron leaks wastewater into the soil under the house, causing recurring clogs, sewer odor and sometimes foundation movement. Tunneling under the slab or rerouting are the common repairs.
Freeze damage
The February 2021 winter storm burst pipes in homes across Harris County. Plumbing in attics and exterior walls here is not built for long freezes, so insulating exposed lines matters.
Slab leaks in supply lines
Copper lines under the slab develop pinholes as the soil shifts. Plumbers often reroute the line overhead rather than break the floor.
Common plumbing calls in Houston
Slab Leak Repair
A warm spot on the floor or a climbing water bill can mean a leak under the slab.
Learn moreSewer Line Repair
Cracked, root-filled or collapsed sewer line? Compare spot repair, pipe lining and replacement, and call to reach a local sewer line plumber..
Learn moreBurst Pipe Repair
A burst pipe can release several gallons a minute.
Learn moreWater Heater Replacement
Replacing a leaking or aging water heater? See how plumbers size, install and permit a new tank, and call to reach a local installer..
Learn moreLeak Detection
A high water bill, a damp wall or the sound of running water can mean a hidden leak.
Learn more
Also available in Houston: emergency plumbing and all plumbing services.
Houston at a glance
- Area
- Houston, Harris County, Texas
- Neighborhoods
- The Heights, Montrose, Spring Branch, Meyerland, Clear Lake, Kingwood, Alief
- Local issues
- Under-slab drain failure; Freeze damage; Slab leaks in supply lines
- Plumber licensing
- Plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
- Office
- Service-area page. Work is done by independent local plumbing companies.
Houston plumbing questions
How do I verify a plumber's license in Houston?
Texas plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. You can search by name or license number on the board's website, and the license number should appear on the plumber's vehicle and invoice.
Does a water heater replacement need a permit in Houston?
Yes. The City of Houston requires a plumbing permit for water heater replacement, and attic installations are checked for a drain pan, a drain line and safe access.
Guides for Houston homeowners
How to shut off your water in an emergency
Close the main shutoff valve, which is usually where the water line enters the house: in the basement or crawl space on the street-facing wall, in the garage, or near the water heater.
Read the guideHow long does a water heater last?
A standard tank water heater lasts about 8 to 12 years.
Read the guideSewer line repair vs. replacement: how to decide
Repair the sewer line when a camera inspection shows one or two isolated defects in pipe that is otherwise in good shape.
Read the guide
Other service areas
Need a plumber in Houston?
Call and tell us what's going on. Calling is free, and the plumber confirms the price before any work starts.