What home repair assistance is available in Houston for plumbing?

Houston offers multiple programs: Single-Family Home Repair Program (up to $100,000 for rehabilitation), Winter Storm Uri repairs (up to $100,000), Harris County Home Repair Program (for seniors/disabled), and Rebuilding Together Houston (nonprofit assistance). Plumbing repairs including cast iron pipes are covered.

Does Houston's Home Repair Program cover cast iron pipe replacement?

Yes! The Single-Family Home Repair Program covers 'minor repairs on plumbing' including pipe repair and replacement. Major rehabilitations can include 'any substantial system such as wastewater' which covers sewer line and cast iron pipe replacement.

What are the income requirements for Houston home repair assistance?

You must have income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). For Houston in 2025, that's approximately $65,700 for a 1-person household up to $93,850 for a 4-person household.

How do I apply for Houston's Home Repair Program?

Contact the Housing and Community Development Department at 832-394-6200 or email singlefamilyeligibility@houstontx.gov. You'll need to verify ownership, residency, income eligibility, and current property taxes.

What is the affordability period for Houston home repairs?

For repairs under $50,000 (minor), there's no affordability period. For $50,001-$80,000, you must stay 5 years. For over $80,000 or reconstruction, the period is 10 years. If you sell early, you repay a portion.

Does Harris County offer home repair assistance?

Yes! Harris County Housing & Community Development offers the Home Repair Program for low-income residents who are 62+ years old, disabled, or have a disabled person in the home. It addresses health and safety hazards.

What nonprofit organizations help with home repairs in Houston?

Rebuilding Together Houston provides assistance with roofing, electrical, plumbing, and technical work. They use volunteers and professional contractors. Apply at rebuildingtogetherhouston.org.

Is there special assistance for Winter Storm Uri damage in Houston?

Yes! Houston has a dedicated Winter Storm Uri Home Repair Program offering up to $100,000 for rehabilitation, $300,000 for reconstruction, and $10,000 in reimbursement for out-of-pocket repairs.

How long does Houston home repair assistance take?

Processing times vary. The City inspects your home to determine needed repairs and estimate costs. Wait times differ between programs, so contact them early to get on the list.

Is there similar assistance in other Texas cities?

Yes! Austin offers up to $35,000 in grants, Plano has the Great Update Rebate ($5,000/year), and Dallas offers the HIPP program (up to $24,000). Each city has different requirements.

Houston Home Repair Assistance: Up to $100,000 for Plumbing (2026)

🏠 Houston Homeowners: Major Assistance Available!

The City of Houston and Harris County offer substantial assistance for home repairs including plumbing. Programs can cover up to $100,000+ for qualifying homeowners. Priority given to seniors, families with children, and disabled residents.

Overview: Houston Home Repair Programs

Houston has some of the most generous home repair assistance programs in Texas, largely due to recovery efforts from major storms. Here are the main options for plumbing and pipe repairs:

Program	Max Amount	Who Qualifies	Best For
Single-Family Home Repair	$100,000	Low-moderate income	Major plumbing repairs
Winter Storm Uri Program	$100,000+	Storm-affected homeowners	Storm-related damage
Harris County Home Repair	Varies	Seniors 62+, disabled	Health/safety hazards
Rebuilding Together Houston	FREE repairs	Low-income homeowners	All plumbing work

Program 1: Single-Family Home Repair Program

The City of Houston's flagship program helps low- and moderate-income homeowners repair damaged homes and protect their life, health, and safety.

What Plumbing Repairs Are Covered?

Minor Repairs include:

Plumbing repairs and leak fixes
Pipe repairs including cast iron
Fixture replacements

Major Rehabilitations include:

Any substantial system such as water and wastewater
Complete sewer line replacement
Cast iron to PVC conversion
Full plumbing system overhaul

Assistance Levels and Requirements

Repair Level	Cost Range	Affordability Period
Emergency & Minor	Under $50,000	None
Moderate & Substantial	$50,001 - $80,000	5 years
Substantial Gut Rehab	$80,001 - $200,000	10 years
Reconstruction	$80,001 - $250,000	10 years

💡 What's an Affordability Period?

This is how long you must remain in your home after repairs. If you sell or lease the home before this period ends, you'll repay a portion of the repair costs. For minor repairs under $50,000, there's no affordability period - you can sell whenever you want.

Eligibility Requirements

Own the home (have the title)
Primary residence
Property taxes current (or on approved payment plan)
Income at or below 80% AMI
Outside floodway

2025 Income Limits for Houston (80% AMI)

Household Size	Maximum Annual Income
1 person	$65,700
2 people	$75,100
3 people	$84,500
4 people	$93,850
5 people	$101,400
6 people	$108,900

Priority Given To:

Seniors over age 62
Families with children under 18
People with disabilities

Program 2: Winter Storm Uri Home Repair

If your home was damaged during Winter Storm Uri (February 2021), special assistance is available with a simplified application process.

Winter Storm Uri Benefits

Up to $100,000 for home rehabilitation
Up to $300,000 for full reconstruction
Up to $10,000 in reimbursement for out-of-pocket repairs already made

Storm-related plumbing damage (burst pipes, water heater damage, flood damage to cast iron pipes) all qualify.

💡 Need a cost estimate for your assistance application?

Houston plumbers can provide the documentation you need.

Get Free Estimates from Houston Plumbers →

Program 3: Harris County Home Repair

If you live outside Houston city limits but within Harris County, the county offers its own home repair program.

Harris County Eligibility

You must meet at least one of these requirements:

Be 62 years of age or older
Be disabled (no age restriction)
Have a disabled person residing in the home (accessibility improvements only)

The program addresses health and safety hazards including plumbing issues in homes owned and occupied by very low to low-income residents.

⚠️ Note: Harris County Housing & Community Development is not currently accepting new applications. Check back at their website periodically, or consider other programs listed here.

Contact Harris County

Address: 1111 Fannin St., 9th Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Website: hcd.harriscountytx.gov

Program 4: Rebuilding Together Houston (Nonprofit)

Rebuilding Together Houston is a nonprofit that provides FREE home repairs to qualifying homeowners, including plumbing work.

What They Offer

Professional contractors for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC
Roofing repairs
Technical work based on home inspection
Volunteer-assisted repairs for other work

How to Apply

Submit application at rebuildingtogetherhouston.org/apply
Housing inspector visits your home
If qualified, repairs are scheduled
Professional contractors and volunteers complete the work

How to Apply for Houston Home Repair Assistance

City of Houston Programs

Contact Information:

Phone: 832-394-6200
Email: singlefamilyeligibility@houstontx.gov
Website: houstontx.gov/housing/home-repair.html

Homeowner Checklist (Answer YES to All)

Before applying, make sure you can answer YES to these questions:

✅ Do you own (have the title to) the home?
✅ Is the home your primary residence?
✅ Are your property taxes current (or on approved payment plan)?
✅ Is your income at or below 80% of Area Median Income?
✅ Is the home outside the floodway?

You can check if your home is in a floodway at FEMA's Map Service Center.

Houston Cast Iron Pipe Companies

Whether you qualify for assistance or not, working with experienced plumbers is essential. Houston specialists can:

Provide documentation for your assistance application
Work with approved contractors for city programs
Offer financing if you don't qualify for grants
Give honest assessments of your pipe condition

🔧 Find Houston Plumbers Who Know These Programs

Connect with licensed specialists experienced with Single-Family Home Repair, Winter Storm Uri assistance, and city documentation requirements.

View Houston Companies → Get Free Quotes

Average cost in Houston: $14,000-$22,000 for full replacement. Many offer financing.

Not in Houston? Other Texas Programs

City	Program	Maximum Amount
Austin	GO REPAIR! + Plumbing Program	$35,000
Plano	Great Update Rebate	$5,000/year
Dallas	HIPP Program	$24,000

See our complete guide to grants and financial assistance →

Contact Information Summary

City of Houston Housing

Phone: 832-394-6200
Email: singlefamilyeligibility@houstontx.gov
Website: houstontx.gov/housing/home-repair.html

Harris County HCD

Address: 1111 Fannin St., 9th Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Website: hcd.harriscountytx.gov

Rebuilding Together Houston

Website: rebuildingtogetherhouston.org/apply

The Bottom Line

Houston offers substantial assistance for home repairs including plumbing and cast iron pipe replacement:

✅ Single-Family Home Repair: Up to $100,000 for major repairs
✅ Winter Storm Uri Program: Up to $100,000 (or $300,000 reconstruction)
✅ Harris County: Assistance for seniors and disabled residents
✅ Rebuilding Together: FREE nonprofit assistance
✅ Priority given to seniors, families with children, and disabled

Houston's programs are designed to help homeowners stay in their homes safely. If you're struggling with plumbing problems or cast iron pipe issues, contact the Housing Department today.

Last updated: February 2026. Information verified from official City of Houston and Harris County sources. Program availability and funding may change - always confirm directly with the relevant agency.

Houston Home Repair Assistance: Get Up to $100,000 for Plumbing & Pipe Repairs (2026)