Houston, TX—With the arrival of the winter season, comes the need for plumbing contractors and businesses to get prepared for cold temperatures that may cause damage to buildings and homes. Last year, the state of Texas went through a massive winter storm in February, and the cities weren’t ready. According to the National Weather Service, every square inch of Texas was in a Winter Storm Warning.

Now, cities in Texas know, massive winter storms are not only possible, but also capable of great devastation.

One big problem observed during that particular emergency were bursting pipes. If the home is freezing and water isn't flowing through its pipes, the pipe and the water in it can freeze and expand, building up pressure and leading to cracks. Once the water is back on and flowing into pipes, the full extent of the leaks will become apparent

Though burst pipes won't flood the streets as a storm like hurricanes would, they will cause significant damage to residences and businesses. This is when having a good plumbing contractor on hand really comes in handy. Last year under that emergency, the state experienced a shortage of plumbers, which required outsourcing from other states, and waiving certain regulations that allowed qualified apprentices, to temporarily perform plumbing repairs without ‘direct’ supervision by a licensed plumber so long as the qualified Plumber’s Apprentice works under the general supervision of a responsible master plumber. This was a temporary waiver in order to manage the crisis and and expedite the recovery process.

All plumbers, including small, and sole proprietors working independently, need plumbing insurance. If you are a plumber, septic installer, pipe fitter or even a general contractor who works with other professionals to provide plumbing services, you are putting yourself, the business, and your assets at risk if you work uninsured.

The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners requires all master plumbers to furnish them with a current certificate of insurance. Plumbers must carry general liability insurance for claims of property damage or bodily injury, with coverage of at least $300,000 in a one-year period. Plumbers must carry insurance coverage for all types of plumbing they do under their license. For example, liquefied petroleum gas plumbing or medical plumbing could carry different insurance burdens.

The average plumbing business in America spends between $500 - $1,500 per year for $1 million in general liability coverage. Several factors will determine the price of your policy. 

FOR EXAMPLE

• Location
• Deductible
• Number of employees
• Per-occurrence limit
• General aggregate limit

While general liability is the most important type of insurance to have, there are several other forms of coverage you should consider, like commercial property insurance, Commercial Auto Insurance, and you may also need a Workers’ Compensation Insurance Policy.

An experienced plumber business owner knows that protecting what you have with the right amount of plumbing insurance and the policy limits to best protect your business is the right way run it.

At Garzor Insurance we care about your business. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing commercial insurance, including business general liability coverage in Texas as well as Florida, and now many other states across the U.S. Our new offices in Texas are in located at:

HOUSTON

10777 Westheimer Rd 

Suite 1100 

Houston, TX 77042

Phone: 877-427-9671

If you have questions about truck insurance, or any other commercial insurance aspects, please do not hesitate to visit us online at Garzor Insurance, or you may want to call us directly at (321) 206-8035. 

Oscar Pacheco

Insurance Agent - Transportation Specialist