Short answer
In Frisco, a leak on your side of the meter is yours to repair, including all costs. For water and sewer emergencies, Public Works answers around the clock on 972-292-5800. Water heater replacement needs a permit. If a leak spikes your bill, Frisco's Partial Leak Credit can help if you repair it within 90 days and apply within 90 days of the repair.
Who fixes which leak in Frisco
The City of Frisco runs the water and sewer system and buys treated water from the North Texas Municipal Water District. The city's rule is direct: "A leak on the customer's side of the meter is considered the responsibility of the property owner or tenant to repair, including all costs" (Partial Leak Credit).
For a leak at the meter, a main break or a sewer overflow, call Public Works on 972-292-5800. Outside office hours the line goes to on-call staff (water operations). During freezes, if that line is busy, the city says to call non-emergency dispatch on 972-292-6010 (winter weather resources).
- Frisco city limits
- McKinney, by ZIP code
- Other nearby cities
- Major highway
- Collin County line
- Historic downtown square
Sewer backups
If your sewer backs up, Frisco suggests calling 972-292-5800 first. The city checks its own lines, and if the blockage isn't there, it tells you to call a plumber. The city notes that cleanouts for your home's service line are near the front of the house (sewers). Knowing where yours is saves time. Our drain backing up guide covers what to do while you wait.
Frisco asks residents never to pour grease down drains or the disposal. Used cooking oil is accepted at the Environmental Collection Center, 6616 Walnut St., on weekdays (preventing sewer blockages).
Partial Leak Credit
Because the clock starts when you find the leak, don't sit on it. Our high water bill guide shows how to confirm a leak with your meter.
Permits and codes
Water heater replacement needs a permit in Frisco. It's on the city's self-service permit list, along with minor plumbing projects (residential permits). Permits go through the city's electronic permit and plan review system, and inspections are scheduled online (plans and permits). Building Inspections is on 972-292-5301.
Frisco adopted the 2024 International Plumbing Code and 2024 International Residential Code, with local amendments, effective March 1, 2026 (adopted codes).
Backflow testing every year
Frisco requires backflow assemblies with test ports, such as the one on most irrigation systems, to be tested when installed and every year after by a licensed tester. Test reports go through the city's vendor, BSI, for a $40 fee per device; its customer line is 888-966-6050 (backflow). The city publishes a list of registered testers. If you get a notice, it's routine, not a sign of a problem.
Watering calendar and free sprinkler checkups
Frisco's watering rules change with the season (water efficiency plan):
- April 1 to May 31: one day a week, on your trash day.
- June 1 to August 31: two days a week, your trash day plus an assigned second day.
- September 1 to October 31: one day a week, on your trash day.
- November 1 to March 31: no spray or rotor watering of turf.
- From April through October, no watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and never below 40°F or in the rain.
Fines for homes start at $100 and climb from there. Frisco also offers free sprinkler checkups by city licensed irrigators, which you can book through the myFRISCO app or on 972-292-5800 (free sprinkler checkups). A checkup is a good first step if your bill jumps in summer.
Water quality
Frisco's 2025 water quality report lists total hardness of 96 to 200 ppm from NTMWD's Wylie plant and 96 to 144 ppm from its Leonard plant, and calls the water moderately hard. It's disinfected with chloramines, with a switch to free chlorine for about a month each spring (annual water quality report). The city reports that its lead service line inventory, accepted by the state in July 2024, found no lead, galvanized or unknown lines needing replacement.
That hardness level means scale on fixtures and sediment in water heaters. See our hard water guide.
Housing age
The median Frisco home was built in 2009, according to Census estimates (American Community Survey 2020 to 2024). Frisco's housing is mostly young, so the common calls are first water heater replacements, fixture parts and irrigation problems rather than old pipe. See water heater lifespan.
Useful Frisco numbers
- Water and sewer emergencies (Public Works): 972-292-5800
- Non-emergency dispatch (if Public Works is busy in a freeze): 972-292-6010
- Utility Billing: 972-292-5575
- Building Inspections: 972-292-5301
- Backflow test reports (BSI): 888-966-6050
- Gas smell: leave the building and call 911 or your gas utility from outside
These are official city lines, not plumbing referrals. We're not affiliated with the City of Frisco.
Getting a plumber in Frisco
Frisco is west of McKinney along SH 121 and US 380. We accept requests from Frisco addresses. Frisco is a large city and each plumbing business sets its own travel area, so whether a particular plumber covers your street depends on the business, and we'll tell you if we can't find a match. For McKinney's own rules, see our McKinney service area page.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I call for a water emergency in Frisco?
Frisco Public Works on 972-292-5800, which goes to on-call staff outside office hours. During freezes, if that line is busy, the city says to call non-emergency dispatch on 972-292-6010.
Does Frisco give credit for a water leak?
Frisco's Partial Leak Credit covers part of the water billed during a leak, once every 12 months. Repair within 90 days of finding the leak and apply within 90 days of the repair, with an invoice or parts receipts.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Frisco?
Yes. Water heater replacement is on Frisco's self-service residential permit list.
Why did Frisco send me a backflow test notice?
Frisco requires backflow assemblies, such as the one on most irrigation systems, to be tested every year by a licensed tester. It's routine.