When you run into a plumbing issue in your home or business, we know your first thoughts are “I don’t have time to deal with this” or “How much is this going to cost?”. You may be considering fixing it yourself, hiring a handyman, or calling a plumbing company. Maybe you think fixing the issue yourself or hiring a handyman will save you money, and while this might be true, it could actually end up costing you more in the long run.
Below are 12 reasons why hiring a licensed plumber may be better for you, and your wallet:
1. Long Term Solutions
Repairing a plumbing issue on your own or hiring a handyman can provide a temporary fix, but may end up leaving you with an unresolved or recurring issue. Often times, plumbing issues end up being more extensive than what it may seem at first. Licensed plumbers are trained to fully evaluate a plumbing issue and find the root cause. This means when you hire a licensed plumber, you are more likely to receive a long term fix. This will save you money in the long run because your plumbing issue will be fixed the first time you make a repair.
2. Extensive Hands on Training, Classroom Time, & State Exams
To become a licensed plumber, you must have at least 4,000 hours (about 2 years) experience working under a licensed plumber. You also have to have 24 hours of classroom training and pass the state licensing exam. At Options Plumbing, we have four plumbers that work in the field with 4, 5, 19, and 20 years of experience. When deciding which technician to send on each call, we consider the complexity of the issue and the plumber’s experience dealing with similar issues.
3. Every Plumbing Company is Overseen By A Master Plumber
Master plumbers must have 8 or more years of experience and pass an additional state licensing exam to prove the knowledge they have gained after 8 plus years of working in the field. To open and operate a legitimate plumbing company, you must employ a master plumber who can oversee complex jobs and answer any questions less-experienced plumbers may have. At Options Plumbing, our master plumber and owner is Don Hill. He has over 25 years experience as a plumber and is as knowledgeable and responsible as they come.
4. Licensed Plumbers Must Go Through Background Checks and Continued Education Courses
Each year, plumbers must take continued education courses that teach the most up to date procedures, codes, and legal information. This ensures that Licensed plumbers are up to date on the best quality standards. In Texas, plumbers must undergo background checks throughout their career that allow the State Plumbing Board and employers to examine a plumber’s criminal record and take any necessary actions. Some felonies, misdemeanors related to plumbing, and other crimes may result in a plumber being denied employment or their license being revoked.
5. Plumbing Companies Warranty Their Work
Most plumbing companies warranty installations and repairs for a set amount of time, depending on the service. For example, Options Plumbing warranties pipe repairs and faucet installations for a year. This means that if anything were to go wrong that falls on the fault of the technician or faulty supplies, the plumbing company would fix the issue with no extra cost to the customer. Plumbing companies are required to have insurance to cover accidents and unexpected repair costs. This most likely isn’t the case if you were to hire a handyman.
6. Licensed Plumbers Are Insured — So You’re Protected
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a licensed plumber is the peace of mind that comes from knowing the work is insured and legally covered. In Texas, licensed plumbers are required to carry general liability insurance and often workers' compensation. This protects you — the homeowner — from being held financially responsible if something goes wrong.
Imagine a pipe bursts during a repair and causes water damage to your flooring. If the plumber is uninsured or unlicensed, you might have to cover those costs out-of-pocket. Worse, if someone is injured on your property during the job, you could face legal liability.
By choosing a licensed and insured plumbing company like Options Plumbing, you're not just paying for a service — you're buying protection from unexpected problems.
7. Licensed Plumbers Know the Code — and Handle the Permits
Plumbing work isn’t just about fixing leaks — it’s about making sure everything is done legally and safely. In Texas, many plumbing jobs require a permit, especially those involving water heaters, sewer lines, or gas connections. Licensed plumbers understand when permits are needed and handle the process for you.
This matters because performing unpermitted work — or failing inspections — can lead to fines, delays in home sales, and even forced rework by city inspectors. It may also void your homeowner’s insurance if something goes wrong.
At Options Plumbing, we stay up to date on the Texas Plumbing Code and local Red Oak ordinances. That means your job gets done right the first time, with full compliance from start to finish.
8. Some Plumbing Jobs Require Special Endorsements — Not Just a License
Not all plumbing jobs are created equal. Certain types of work — especially those involving medical gas lines, commercial water systems, or irrigation systems — require special endorsements in addition to a standard plumbing license in Texas.
These endorsements are issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) and require additional exams and continuing education. For example:
- Medical Gas Piping Endorsement: Required for hospitals, dental offices, and labs.
- Irrigation Installation Endorsement: Needed for outdoor irrigation systems and backflow prevention.
- Water Supply Protection Specialist (WSPS): Ensures safe drinking water compliance.
When you hire Options Plumbing, you're not just getting a licensed plumber — you’re getting access to a team that understands the full spectrum of regulatory and technical requirements, so your job meets the highest safety standards.
9. You Will Always Be Able to Contact a Company
During the process of working with a plumbing company, you will always have a phone number, email address, and/or physical address for the company. If you have any questions or concerns, you will have at least one direct way to contact the plumbing company and resolve any issues you may have. Established plumbing companies usually have a google business pages, a Facebook page, a Yelp page, a Next Door page, and/or website where you can leave honest reviews to help potential customers in the future pick a plumbing company that is right for them.
10. Going For a Quick, Cheap Fix May Cost You More in the Long Run
As mentioned in the introduction, fixing a plumbing issue yourself or hiring a handyman may seem like the cheaper and better option at first, but end up costing you more in the long run. Your own repairs and handyman repairs are not done by licensed professionals with years of experience and training, they are not warrantied, and you have no one to contact if the repair is not up to your standards. All of these reasons may result in you having to hire a licensed plumber anyways, and this is why Options Plumbing and the Texas State Board of Plumbing recommends always calling a licensed plumbing company when you are in need of plumbing installations or repairs.
11. Health & Safety Risks from Improper Plumbing
Plumbing systems do more than carry water — they protect your family’s health and your home’s structural integrity. When plumbing is done incorrectly, especially by unlicensed individuals, it can expose you to serious health and safety risks.
For example:
- Poorly connected sewage lines can cause raw sewage backups, which carry harmful bacteria like E. coli.
- Unsealed or misrouted gas lines can lead to gas leaks, posing risks of carbon monoxide poisoning or even explosions.
- Substandard drainage or venting may result in mold growth, foundation damage, or waterborne pathogens.
Licensed plumbers are trained to identify and manage these risks, using proper safety protocols and code-compliant installation techniques. When you hire Options Plumbing, you’re not just fixing a problem — you’re preventing a hazard.
12. Texas Plumbing Oversight Ensures Quality and Accountability
Plumbing in Texas isn’t a free-for-all — it’s governed by strict oversight from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). This isn’t just red tape — it’s a system designed to protect homeowners from shoddy workmanship, fraud, and safety hazards.
TSBPE not only regulates licensing and training, but also enforces accountability through random audits, complaint investigations, and disciplinary actions for non-compliant plumbers. Licensed professionals must regularly renew their credentials and prove ongoing education — or risk suspension or license revocation.
What does this mean for you as a homeowner? When you hire a licensed plumber in Texas — especially a reputable company like Options Plumbing — you’re working with someone who has passed a state-regulated vetting process, and who operates under the constant supervision of local and state authorities.
That’s not just a license — that’s peace of mind.
Quick Tips: How to Verify Your Plumber’s License
Before hiring a plumber, take a few simple steps to ensure you're working with a licensed professional:
1. Ask for Proof: A licensed plumber should readily provide a state-issued license and insurance certificate. Refusal to do so is a red flag.
2. Check State Licensing Boards: Every state — including Texas — has an online database. Use the TSBPE license lookup tool to verify credentials.
3. Look for Professional Affiliations: Many reputable plumbers are members of industry groups like the PHCC, MCAA, or ASPE. Membership is a strong indicator of credibility.
4. Ask for Referrals or Reviews: Ask friends or neighbors for recommendations. Online reviews and references from previous clients can reveal a lot about professionalism and quality.
5. Watch for Pricing Red Flags: If a quote seems unusually low, be cautious. Unlicensed handymen often underbid professionals — but may cut corners or violate code.
Licensed Plumbing Service in Red Oak, TX
Choosing a licensed plumber isn’t just a smart decision—it’s a necessary one, especially in a state like Texas where plumbing standards are strictly enforced for your safety and protection. At Options Plumbing, we proudly serve Red Oak and surrounding areas with fully licensed, insured, and experienced professionals who get the job done right the first time. From ensuring code compliance and handling permits to protecting your home with insurance-backed workmanship, our team is committed to delivering quality, accountability, and peace of mind with every service call.
FAQs About Hiring Licensed Plumbers
