Water damage in McKinney, TX: shutoffs, leak credits and permits

McKinney's Meters, Leaks and Pipes page says the meter is owned and maintained by the City of McKinney. If the leak is before the meter, the city repairs it. If it is after the meter, the homeowner is responsible for the repair, including all costs. If you have an emergency and need help shutting off water at the meter, the city lists 972-547-7360.

The same page says your home has two shut-off valves. One belongs to the city, sits between the meter and the street, and should only be used by city staff. The other is yours. The city lists common spots for the private valve: in a crawl space, in the garage where the line enters the wall or ceiling, or outside near the foundation. Keep the meter box clear of plants and roots. The city's freeze advice includes shutting off the main valve if a pipe breaks and, before a long trip, shutting off water at the house and opening faucets to relieve pressure. Our emergency water damage page covers what to do next.

McKinney offers one leak credit per address every 12 months. According to the city, usage must rise sharply on a single bill, to at least 3 times the same period of the prior year; the bill must be over $150 excluding service fees or deposits; and you must submit the leak adjustment form with proof of repair within 60 days of the repair. Adjusting an irrigation timer does not qualify. Keep paying the full bill until a credit is issued.

McKinney's Home Repairs and Permit Information page is a useful checklist after water damage:

The page does not mention drywall specifically, so ask the city if your job involves opening and rebuilding walls. McKinney's Contractor Registration page says licensed contractors must register with the city before a permit can be issued; plumbing contractors need a Texas Responsible Master Plumber license.

McKinney is mostly newer construction. Census Bureau data for 2024 (ACS table B25034 via Census Reporter) shows about 74 percent of homes built in 2000 or later and about 7 percent before 1980. Newer construction still leaks, so know where your valve is and check the water bill each month.

• 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. For price ranges see 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.