We install and repair residential and commercial sewer lines across Liberty, Polk, San Jacinto, and Montgomery counties. All of our sewer work follows Texas plumbing rules for slope, venting, and approved materials to ensure waste is carried away safely and efficiently. Whether you need a new line, a repair, or a code upgrade, we make sure your sewer piping is up to standard and passes inspection the first time.

Q1: Are building sewers required to have cleanouts per the definitions / code enforced by TSBPE?

A1: Yes. The Board Rules define “cleanout” as a fitting, other than a P-trap, approved by the adopted plumbing code to allow access. If cleanouts are missing, drainage system maintenance and inspection is affected. (Reference: Board Rules §361.1 definitions) tsbpe.texas.gov

Q2: Must sewer pipes (building drains/sewers) be installed using approved materials under adopted plumbing codes enforced by TSBPE?

A2: Yes — materials for sanitary drainage must be listed or approved by the adopted plumbing code in your jurisdiction. Using wrong materials may fail inspection. (Reference: Journeyman Review Course & general regulations in TSBPE materials) tsbpe.texas.gov+1

Q3: Do the rules require licensed inspectors to approve sewer work before being covered/enclosed?

A3: Yes — plumbing work including sanitary drainage must be inspected by a licensed plumbing inspector in jurisdictions where code is adopted. Not having inspection means risk of failing, having to remove work. (Reference: Board Rules §367.2(e) about inspection) tsbpe.texas.gov

Q4: If a sewer line fails or leaks, can local code force full replacement under TSBPE law?

A4: Worst-case: Yes. If the failure is severe (collapse, leakage into home, health risk), code requirements may force full replacement rather than patching. Not all failures require full replacement, but serious damage does.

Q5: Must venting be provided for sewage lines and drains so gases do not back up, per adopted codes?

A5: Yes. The adopted plumbing codes require venting of sanitary drainage so traps stay full of water and don’t allow sewer gases to enter. If venting is omitted or blocked, inspection will fail or odor/health problems arise.

Q6: Are grease traps required for commercial kitchens under plumbing codes adopted and enforced by TSBPE or local jurisdictions?

A6: Yes — commercial food service properties are often required by code and local health department to install grease interceptors/traps, accessible for maintenance. If not, risk of clogging, backups, health code violations.

Q7: What if sewer pipes under a slab are leaking; must they be repaired to code?

A7: Worst-case: Yes. Leaking sewer pipes under slab must be repaired or replaced to sanitary code standards; failure to do so risks structural damage, health hazards, and inspection failures.

Q8: Does TSBPE require that sewer connections or replacements use licensed plumbers and pull permits?

A8: Yes. Plumbing License Law mandates licensure and local permit/legal oversight for sewer replacements. Otherwise, legal risk, failing inspection. (Based on license law §1301 and Board Rules §367.2) tsbpe.texas.gov+1

Q9: Are there rules requiring the testing of new or repaired sewer lines (leakage, slope, etc.) per code adopted by TSBPE?

A9: Yes. Adopted plumbing codes generally require testing (water test, air test, slope verification) before covering. If not done, risk that work won’t pass inspection. (While I did not find the exact test type in TSBPE rules scanned, inspection requirement under §367.2(e) implies tests are part of the inspection.)

Q10: What health or safety risks result from not following TSBPE plumbing rules in sewer piping?

A10: Worst-case: sewage backups into the home, foul odors, mold, structural damage, contamination of groundwater, legal penalties, and health issues for occupants.