Water damage in Irving, TX: who repairs what and how to hire

Irving's Water Utilities service request page is clear: the City of Irving will repair leaks up to the water meter, and pipes and devices on the customer's side of the meter are the customer's responsibility. That means a burst pipe in a wall, a failed water heater or a leaking toilet supply line is a private repair, even if the water ends up running into the street.

For emergencies, the same page lists the 24-hour water and sewer hotline at (972) 721-2281. Regular office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a break inside your home, close your main valve first; our emergency water damage page covers the first steps.

Census Bureau data for 2024 shows that about 64 percent of occupied homes in Irving are renter-occupied (ACS table B25003 via Census Reporter). If you rent, the building and its plumbing are usually the owner's to repair, while your belongings are covered only by your own renters policy. The Texas Department of Insurance says most homeowner and renters policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, like a burst pipe or toilet overflow, but not gradual leaks. Report water to your landlord in writing right away, keep a copy, and photograph the damage and your belongings before anything is moved or thrown out.

The same Census data on year built shows that about 34 percent of homes predate 1980, about 36 percent were built from 1980 to 1999, and about 30 percent in 2000 or later. Older apartments and houses tend to have older supply lines, drains and water heaters, which are the usual sources of indoor water losses.

Irving's Inspections department FAQ gives homeowners practical advice:

• Most contractors must be licensed, including electrical, mechanical, irrigation and plumbing contractors. General contractors do not hold a state license, so ask whether they are registered with the City of Irving.
• If a contractor asks you to apply for the building permit, the city warns they may not be registered, because the city verifies state licensing for every permit application.
• Do not take out a permit for a contractor. If you sign the permit, you are liable for correcting the contractor's work if it does not meet code.
• Before work starts, insist on seeing the permit, and follow the inspection record in the city's online Permit Portal.

The city also notes that homesteaded residents usually do not need a license to work on their own home, and that it cannot recommend contractors.

• Photos and video of every wet area before anything is removed, plus the source of the water.
• A list of damaged property. The Texas Department of Insurance says not to throw damaged items away until the adjuster has seen them.
• Receipts for temporary repairs and supplies. TDI says not to make permanent repairs until the insurer has seen the damage.
• The date you first noticed the water, since hidden damage usually must be reported within days.

Texas has no state license for drying out a house. Two related trades are licensed, though. Mold assessment and mold remediation are licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Its mold FAQ says the same company may not do both the assessment and the remediation on the same project, and only a licensed remediator can issue a Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation. Plumbing repairs need a plumber licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, which runs its own license search.

Search mold professionals in the TDLR license search before you sign. Price ranges are in our restoration cost guide.

This site is an independent homeowner guide. We are not a contractor, we do not perform restoration work, and we do not answer phones. To reach a restoration company, call one of the companies listed on this page or see all listed companies. Questions about this guide: email us. We do not take service requests. Please still run the license and permit checks on this page yourself.