Reviewed by AJ Robles Owner & Licensed Master Plumber · LIC# RMP 46529 Updated June 25, 2026 Texas takes plumbing seriously, and so do the cities and counties across Greater Houston. Most jobs that affect safety, the public water supply, or the gas and sewer systems require a permit and an inspection — and the right to pull that permit belongs to a licensed plumber. That's a good thing: a permit means an independent inspector confirms the work was done to code, which protects your home, your family, and your home's value.
Below is a plain-English guide to the plumbing work that typically needs a permit in our area, who your local authority is, and how we handle the paperwork so you don't have to.
Plumbing Jobs That Usually Require a Permit
Water Heater Replacement Permits
Most jurisdictions require a permit (and inspection) to replace a water heater, including the T&P discharge, expansion tank, and venting. We pull the permit and handle the inspection.
Water HeaterGas Line Permits
New gas lines, extensions, and most gas appliance hookups require a permit and a pressure test. Gas work must be performed by a licensed plumber — never DIY.
Gas LineRepipe & Whole-Home Re-Pipe Permits
Replacing supply piping generally requires a permit and inspection to confirm materials, support, and connections meet code.
RepipingBackflow Prevention
Backflow assemblies protect drinking water and often must be installed and tested by certified personnel, with results filed to the local authority. A backflow test checks that the assembly still stops water from flowing backward into the clean water supply, and municipalities require a licensed tester to perform it.
Plumbing RepairsSewer & Cleanout Work
Sewer replacements, new cleanouts, and main-line repairs typically require a permit and inspection because they tie into the public system.
Drain & SewerWho Issues Permits Where We Work
The "authority having jurisdiction" (AHJ) depends on your address. Here's the general map for the cities Mahi Plumbing serves — always confirm with your specific municipality.
| Permitting Authority | Service Areas |
|---|---|
| City of Houston | Houston |
| Brazoria County | Alvin · Pearland · Manvel |
| Fort Bend County | Sugar Land · Katy |
| Galveston County | Texas City · Galveston · League City · Friendswood |
| Harris County | Houston · Deer Park · Webster · Seabrook |
Some addresses fall under both a county and a city; the city usually governs inside its limits. We confirm the correct AHJ for your job before we pull the permit.
We Pull the Permit. You Relax.
As your licensed Master Plumber, we confirm what your jurisdiction requires, pull the permit, do the work to code, and meet the inspector — and we fold it all into one upfront, flat-rate price. No guesswork, no surprise line items.
Please note: this guide is general education, not legal or code advice. Permit requirements, fees, and procedures vary by jurisdiction and change over time — always confirm with your local authority having jurisdiction. As your licensed plumber, we verify the current requirements for your specific job.
Permit FAQs
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in the Houston area? +
In most local jurisdictions, yes — water-heater replacement typically requires a permit and a follow-up inspection covering the unit, the temperature & pressure relief discharge, the expansion tank, and venting. Requirements vary by city and county, so we confirm the current rule for your address and pull the permit as part of the job.
Do you pull the permit, or do I? +
We do. As a Texas Licensed Master Plumber (RMP 46529), Mahi Plumbing is authorized to pull the required permits and meet the inspector. Handling the paperwork and the inspection is part of doing the job right — you don't have to navigate the local office yourself.
How much does a plumbing permit cost? +
Permit fees are set by each local authority and change over time, so we confirm the current fee with your jurisdiction and fold permitting into your upfront, flat-rate quote. We won't quote a permit figure we can't stand behind.
What if previous work on my home was done without a permit? +
Unpermitted plumbing work can create problems when you sell or file an insurance claim, and it may need to be inspected or corrected to meet code. We can assess what's there and help bring it up to standard — just give us a call.