Plumbing issues typically require a quick response so you may be eager to jump at hiring the first or cheapest person willing to take the job, however ensuring you hire a qualified service professional may save you from devastating problems in the future.

Steps for LMUD Customers Getting a Plumbing Permit:

1. Hire a qualified plumber
See below for details on how to find one.

2. Have your plumber fill out a plumbing permit
www.lakewaymud.org/lmud_forms/complete-application-for-plumbing-permit
If for some reason they are unable to complete this form online, they will at minimum need to send us an image of their valid plumber’s license and driver’s license along with their contact information and the address at which they are making the repairs. This can be sent to customerservice@lakewaymud.org.

With this permit, they will owe $75 per inspection (See Permit Fees for details). We will call them to collect this payment as soon as we are back in the office. This can also be paid by the homeowner.

3. If needed, contact us to turn off or on your water
If you have a customer-side shut off, your plumber should be able to assist you with this, however, if you need our help, please call us and let our answering service rep know that yes, you have an emergency. They will have our on-call service tech call you asap.
512-261-6222

4. Have the plumber contact our contracted inspector once repair is complete:
IO Inspections: fill out the inspection request form here: www.ioinspections.com
The inspector will get to your address as quickly as possible, however, please leave the repair visible (do not repair drywall, etc. over it) until it has been inspected.

5. Our inspector will send us the passed inspection
If the inspection fails, the plumber will be required to go back out to correct the repair. Another $75 will be owed for a follow up inspection. Inspection will not be marked as complete until the payments have been made for the required inspections.

  

The importance of hiring a qualified plumber

Plumbing issues typically require a quick response so you may be eager to jump at hiring the first or cheapest person willing to take the job, however ensuring you hire a qualified service professional may save you from devastating problems in the future.

Licensing and Permitting

Plumbers are licensed in the state of Texas because the installation, repair, and replacements of components of your plumbing system must be done correctly to ensure it is both reliable and safe. Most municipalities require Plumbing Permits for many aspects of plumbing work done at locations in their service area to ensure the work is done correctly and in compliance with plumbing codes. These permits are not a source of revenue for the municipality; they cover the cost of hiring a contracted licensed inspector to ensure the work is done properly. For these reasons, LMUD requires a Plumbing Permit be requested for even minor plumbing repairs.

Plumbing Permits are not a source of revenue for the municipality; they cover the cost of hiring a contracted licensed inspector to ensure the work is done properly.

When choosing which plumbers to contact for your project:

• Get Recommendations & Read Reviews. Most people start their search by asking local friends and family for recommendations. This is a great place to start, but should not be your only deciding factor. Confirm they actually hired the professional (and are not just recommending them because they are part of the same networking group) and what type of project they completed for them; if it greatly varies from your own project, the recommendation may be irrelevant. Reading online reviews is also a great way to get a sense of their worth, however keep in mind that most people are more likely to post criticism than praise. Better Business Bureau is usually a reliable resource for reviews.
• Bigger is not Necessarily Better. Independent plumbing contractors may be just as, if not more so, qualified to handle the job for you than employees of larger, advertised businesses. Independent contractors may have more hands-on experience than the employee sent to you by a larger company, however the larger company may have more availability and resources at their disposal as well as more liability coverage.
• Confirm that they are licensed and insured. You can ask a plumber for their license or look them up on the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners website. To checkif they have general liability and worker’s compensation insurance coverage, you will need to ask the plumber for the name of their insurance carrier. You can contact the company to request a certificate of insurance. Make sure that the licensed and insured employees are the ones doing the work!

When you call to hire a plumber:

• Be prepared to describe your project in as much detail as possible. Understand that the person answering the phone is not necessarily the person who would be doing the work, but they should have a good sense of what they’re are most skilled at handling.
• Ask about their experience. Have they done many jobs similar to yours?
• What’s their availability? When can they start on your project and how long do they estimate it will take? How early will they typically show up and how late will they stay?
• Have they worked in your community? Each city has different regulations so it’s good to work with someone who knows what’s required in yours. Plumbers working with Lakeway MUD customers are required to obtain a Plumbing Permit prior to starting the work, so they should be familiar with this process.
• Get an estimate in writing. An estimate should be the plumber’s best guess at what your final cost should be when the project is complete to your liking. It should include the cost of any permitting required, labor, materials, and any other expenses needed to complete the job.

Storm chasers knocking at your door?

Storm chasers are companies or individuals that follow severe weather from area to area, knocking on doors, exploiting homeowners who have experienced recent damage and need a quick repair. Don’t fall for it!

Suspect Price Gouging?

If you see or experience price gouging, document it and then report it immediately to the Office of the Attorney General.