Does San Antonio Still Have Plumbing Inspectors?

If you’re planning a home renovation, installing new fixtures, or dealing with a plumbing emergency in San Antonio, you might be wondering: Does the City of San Antonio still have plumbing inspectors? You’re not alone. Many homeowners and contractors ask this question—especially as cities streamline services or shift to digital platforms. The good news? Yes, San Antonio absolutely still employs certified plumbing inspectors, and they play a vital role in ensuring public health, safety, and code compliance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from inspection requirements to how to schedule one—so you stay compliant and avoid costly fines.

Does San Antonio Require Plumbing Inspections?

Short answer: Yes.
The City of San Antonio enforces the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as adopted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This means that nearly all plumbing work—whether residential or commercial—requires a permit and a follow-up inspection by a city-certified inspector.

According to the City’s Development Services Department (DSD), plumbing inspections are mandatory for:

• New plumbing installations
• Major repairs or replacements (e.g., water heaters, sewer lines)
• Re-piping entire homes or buildings
• Adding new fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers) that involve new drain or supply lines

💡 Note: Minor repairs like fixing a leaky faucet or replacing a showerhead typically do not require a permit or inspection—but when in doubt, it’s always best to check first.

How to Confirm If You Need a Plumbing Inspection

Not sure if your project qualifies? The City of San Antonio provides a clear “When a Permit is Required” checklist on its official website. Here’s a simplified version:

✅ Permit + Inspection Required

• Installing a new water heater
• Adding a bathroom or wet bar
• Replacing underground sewer or water lines
• Changing plumbing system layout

❌ No Permit Needed

• Replacing fixtures in the same location (e.g., swapping a toilet for another toilet)
• Clearing clogs
• Fixing minor leaks without altering pipes

For full details, refer to the City of San Antonio Development Services portal.

How to Schedule a Plumbing Inspection in San Antonio

Scheduling is straightforward—and fully digital. Follow these 5 steps:

1. Obtain a plumbing permit first through the ACA Permit Portal.
2. Complete your plumbing work according to approved plans and UPC standards.
3. Log in to your ACA account and select “Schedule Inspection.”
4. Choose your inspection type (e.g., “Rough Plumbing,” “Final Plumbing”) and preferred date/time.
5. Ensure the site is accessible and all work is ready for review.

⏱️ Inspection windows: Typically 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday (excluding city holidays). Same-day requests are not accepted—schedule at least one business day in advance.

Pro tip: Inspectors often arrive early. Have your permit posted visibly and be present (or authorize a representative) to avoid delays.

What Do San Antonio Plumbing Inspectors Check?

During an inspection, city officials verify compliance with health, safety, and efficiency standards. Key areas include:

• Proper pipe sizing and material (e.g., copper, PEX, PVC approved for specific uses)
• Correct venting and drainage slopes (minimum ¼-inch per foot)
• Backflow prevention devices for irrigation or commercial systems
• Water heater installation (including T&P valve, pan, and clearance)
• Fixture spacing and accessibility (ADA compliance if applicable)

Failures usually stem from DIY errors—like improper trap placement or missing shutoff valves. According to a 2024 internal DSD report, roughly 18% of first-time plumbing inspections require corrections, often due to overlooked venting or improper support.

Common Reasons for Inspection Failures (And How to Avoid Them)

For deeper insight, the Uniform Plumbing Code (published by IAPMO) is the national standard adopted by San Antonio—and it’s publicly referenced for transparency.

What Happens If You Skip the Inspection?

Skipping an inspection might seem like a shortcut—but it can cost you more in the long run:

• Fines: Up to $2,000 per unpermitted violation (City Code §6-151)
• Insurance denial: Uninspected work may void homeowner’s insurance claims
• Sale delays: Future buyers’ inspectors will flag missing permits
• Mandatory corrections: You may need to open walls or redo work

In 2025, San Antonio increased enforcement on unpermitted plumbing after a spike in insurance disputes. Don’t risk it—play it safe and schedule your inspection.

How Long Does a Plumbing Inspection Take?

Most residential inspections take 20–45 minutes, depending on project size. Commercial or multi-unit builds may take longer. The inspector will:

• Review your permit and plans
• Visually inspect accessible plumbing
• Test water flow, drainage, and pressure (if applicable)
• Provide a pass/fail report on-site or via email within 24 hours

If you fail, you’ll receive a “Correction Notice” listing exact fixes. Once completed, you can request a re-inspection at no extra cost within 180 days.

Are San Antonio Plumbing Inspectors Still Active in 2026?

Absolutely yes. As of January 2026, the City of San Antonio maintains a full team of licensed plumbing inspectors under the Development Services Department. In fact, the city added 3 new inspectors in 2025 to reduce backlog amid a construction boom.

You can verify inspector credentials through TDLR’s public license lookup tool, ensuring every official meets state training and certification standards.

FAQ Section

Q1: How much does a plumbing inspection cost in San Antonio?

A: The inspection fee is included in your permit cost. Basic residential plumbing permits start at $85, with fees scaling based on project value. No separate payment is needed for the inspection itself.

Q2: Can I do my own plumbing and still get inspected?

A: Yes—but only if you’re the homeowner and live in the house. Texas law allows owner-builders to perform plumbing work on their primary residence. However, you must still pull a permit and pass inspection. Renters or landlords cannot self-install.

Q3: What’s the difference between a rough-in and final plumbing inspection?

A: Rough-in happens before walls are closed—inspectors check pipes, vents, and drains. Final occurs after fixtures are installed and everything is operational. Both are usually required for new builds or major remodels.

Q4: How long does it take to get an inspection scheduled?

A: Typically 1–3 business days, though peak construction seasons (spring/summer) may extend wait times. Scheduling online improves speed.

Q5: What if my contractor refuses to get a permit?

A: You (the property owner) are ultimately responsible. If work is unpermitted, you may face fines or be forced to remove or correct it. Always verify your contractor pulls permits—ask for the permit number upfront.

Q6: Are plumbing inspections required for water heater replacement?

A: Yes. San Antonio requires a permit and inspection for all water heater installations—even like-for-like replacements—due to gas, electrical, and safety risks.

Conclusion

So—does the City of San Antonio still have plumbing inspectors? Unequivocally, yes, and they’re more essential than ever for safe, code-compliant plumbing. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a bathroom upgrade or a contractor managing a new build, following the proper inspection process protects your investment, your health, and your legal standing.

Don’t gamble with unpermitted work. Take 10 minutes today to check your project’s requirements on the San Antonio DSD website or call (210) 207-1111 for guidance.

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Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep those pipes flowing! 💧