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Irrigation & Sprinkler Systems in Houston, TX

Quick answer

In Texas, irrigation work for hire requires a TCEQ Landscape Irrigator license, and backflow testing requires a TCEQ tester license. The City of Houston requires a plumbing permit for lawn irrigation, pulled by a master plumber or licensed irrigator registered with the City. Watering rules vary by city, MUD and drought stage, so set controllers to your provider's rules.

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Many Houston homes have in-ground sprinklers, often installed by the builder. In a climate this rainy, the real problem is often too much irrigation, not too little. Overwatering wastes money, feeds lawn disease in humid weather, and keeps clay soil soggy. A well-designed and well-run system waters only when the yard needs it and stays within local watering rules.

What irrigation companies do

  • New systems. Design and installation of spray, rotor and drip zones.
  • Repairs. Broken heads, leaking valves, damaged lines and wiring problems.
  • Drip conversion. Switching planting beds from spray heads to drip, which puts water at the roots.
  • Smart controllers. Weather-based or soil-moisture controllers. EPA's WaterSense program labels controllers that meet its efficiency criteria.
  • Audits and tune-ups. Checking coverage, pressure and run times, often called an irrigation evaluation.
  • Backflow devices. Installing, repairing and testing the device that protects drinking water from sprinkler water.

Licensing in Texas

Texas requires anyone who sells, designs, installs, maintains, repairs or services an irrigation system for hire to hold a Landscape Irrigator license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Irrigation technicians work under a licensed irrigator. Testing or repairing a backflow prevention assembly requires a separate TCEQ Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester license. Ask for license numbers and check them on the TCEQ website.

Permits in Houston

The City of Houston requires a plumbing permit for lawn irrigation systems, and it must be obtained by a master plumber or a licensed irrigator registered with the City. Other cities in the metro have their own permit and inspection processes, and in unincorporated areas the rules may come from the county or your MUD. A reputable installer pulls the permit; if a bid says no permit is needed, ask why.

Watering rules

There is no single watering schedule for the region. The City of Houston, suburban cities, MUDs and agencies such as the Woodlands Water Agency each set rules, and drought plans can add day-of-week limits and night-only hours when supplies are stressed. The free WaterMyYard program, backed by the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District, Fort Bend Subsidence District and Texas A&M AgriLife, sends weekly watering recommendations based on local weather and your sprinkler type. See our guide to Houston-area watering rules and sprinkler systems.

Signs your system needs work

  • Water running into the street or sidewalk
  • Soggy areas next to dry, brown ones
  • Heads that are tilted, sunk or blocked by grown-in shrubs
  • A water bill that jumps in summer without explanation
  • A controller that still runs on the schedule the builder set years ago

Questions to ask an irrigation company

  • What is your TCEQ Landscape Irrigator license number?
  • Who will pull the permit and schedule inspection?
  • Will beds be on drip and lawn on separate zones?
  • Do you include a rain or freeze sensor and set the controller to local rules?
  • Who tests the backflow device, and how is the test reported to my water provider?

Need a system installed or fixed? Request a licensed Houston-area irrigation company.

See how it works

How a sprinkler zone waters a lawn. Press the buttons to run each step and see what happens inside. Made with Colorfigures ·
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Frequently asked questions

What are the watering days in Houston?

It depends on your provider and current drought stage. In past drought stages, the City of Houston asked for twice-weekly watering at night on days set by address. Check Houston Public Works or your MUD for the current rules.

Is WaterMyYard free?

Yes. WaterMyYard is a free website and app supported by the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District, Fort Bend Subsidence District and Texas A&M AgriLife. It sends weekly watering recommendations based on local weather and your sprinkler type.

Can I install my own sprinkler system?

TCEQ rules list some exemptions from irrigation licensing, and cities have their own permit rules. Check TCEQ's exemption list and your city's permit office before doing it yourself.

Sources and further reading

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