Houston, TX
Water heater replacement in Houston
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
In Houston, replacing a water heater requires a plumbing permit, pulled by a master plumber registered with the City of Houston, and an inspection. Single-family homes don't need plan review; the permit fee schedule starts at $34.24 for up to three heaters with a $91.05 minimum, and the permit is valid for 180 days.
What's different in Houston
The City of Houston requires a plumbing permit for the replacement and installation of water heaters, and an inspection is required. [1]
Plan review isn't needed at a single-family residence, but the permit must be obtained by a master plumber registered with the City of Houston. [1]
The fee is $34.24 for the first three heaters and $11.41 per heater after that, with a minimum permit fee of $91.05; the permit is valid for 180 days. [1]
Applications are made online through the iPermits portal; the Plumbing Inspections Section can be reached at 832-394-8870. [1]
Permit at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes, for replacement and new installation |
| Who pulls it | A master plumber registered with the City of Houston |
| Plan review | Not needed at a single-family home |
| Fee | $34.24 for the first three heaters, $11.41 each after; $91.05 minimum |
| Inspection | Required; permit valid 180 days |
Houston garages, attics and heat
Many Houston water heaters sit in garages or attics. Gas heaters in garages generally need their burners raised off the floor, and attic installs need a drain pan piped to a safe location, because a leak in an attic can ruin ceilings below. The inspector checks the relief valve discharge, venting and gas connection, so ask your plumber how those will be handled before work starts.
After a flood
Water heaters that were submerged in Houston flooding usually need replacement, since gas controls, burners and insulation are damaged by floodwater. Don't relight a flooded gas heater until a plumber has checked it. See water heater replacement for sizing and type options.
Further reading: How long a water heater lasts.
What Houston homeowners usually check next
- SymptomWater heater leaking
- SymptomNo hot water
Common questions
Is a plumbing permit required for a Houston water heater swap?
Yes. The City of Houston requires a plumbing permit and inspection for water heater replacement.
Who can pull a Houston water heater permit?
A master plumber registered with the City of Houston.
How much is a Houston water heater permit?
$34.24 for the first three heaters and $11.41 per heater after that, with a $91.05 minimum.
Does a Houston water heater replacement need plan review?
Not at a single-family residence.
How long is a Houston plumbing permit valid?
180 days.
How do I apply for a Houston water heater permit?
Your registered master plumber applies online through the iPermits portal.
Who do I call about Houston plumbing inspections?
The Plumbing Inspections Section at 832-394-8870.
Should a flooded water heater in Houston be replaced?
Usually yes; floodwater damages gas controls, burners and insulation. Have it checked before relighting.
Does an attic water heater in Houston need a drain pan?
Yes, a pan piped to a safe location is standard where a leak could damage the building.
Can I replace my own water heater in Houston?
The permit must be pulled by a registered master plumber, so hire a licensed plumber.
More plumbing help in Houston
- Drain backing up in HoustonWhy Houston drains back up: grease and wipes cause 70% of the city's sewer overflows, and overflows double when it turns cold. Symptoms, safe checks and fixes.
- Water bill suddenly high in HoustonHouston's leak adjustment: credits for leaks from freezes, corrosion or wear, 100% to 50% by repair speed, and the paperwork needed.
- Backflow Testing in HoustonHouston backflow testing: testing companies must register with the city, testers need TCEQ licenses, and gauges need annual calibration reports filed with Houston.
- Water Line Repair in HoustonHouston's service line inventory: no lead lines found so far, most lines still listed as unknown, the notices sent to customers, and how to check yours.
- Sewer Line Replacement in HoustonReplacing a sewer line in Houston: a registered master plumber must pull the permit, how the homestead permit differs, minimum fees and inspections.
- Frozen Pipe Repair in HoustonFrozen pipes in Houston: Houston Public Works' prep tips, why it has advised against dripping faucets (pumps, not towers), and shutting off and draining instead.
- Water Heater Replacement in TexasTexas law on water heater swaps: cities over 5,000 regulate water heaters and require permits beyond simple repairs, and the homestead exemption for owners.
- Water Heater Replacement: the full guideWhen to replace a water heater instead of repairing it, how tank, tankless and heat pump models compare, and what a proper install includes.
- Plumbing in HoustonLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls Houston homes need most.
How other cities handle it
- Water heater replacement in DallasReplacing a water heater in Dallas: why a permit is required even for like-for-like swaps, who can obtain it, the homestead homeowner exception, and the inspection.
- Water heater replacement in Los AngelesReplacing a water heater in Los Angeles: the LADBS permit, California's earthquake strapping rule, where the straps go, and what inspectors check.
Sources (1)
- Houston Permitting Center, Water Heater · checked 2026-10-03