What home repair grants are available in Austin for plumbing?

Austin offers multiple programs: GO REPAIR! Grant (up to $20,000 for major repairs including plumbing), Plumbing Program (up to $15,000 specifically for plumbing), and Private Lateral Grant (free sewer line replacement). These are grants, not loans - you don't have to pay them back.

Does the Austin GO REPAIR! program cover cast iron pipe replacement?

Yes! GO REPAIR! covers 'faulty plumbing leaks' and structural issues. Cast iron pipe replacement that addresses health and safety concerns qualifies for up to $20,000 in grant funding.

What are the income requirements for Austin home repair grants?

Income limits vary by program: GO REPAIR! requires 80% or below Area Median Income (MFI), while the Plumbing Program allows up to 100% MFI. For a 4-person household in 2026, that's $104,200 (GO REPAIR!) or $133,800 (Plumbing Program).

How do I apply for Austin's Plumbing Program?

Submit the online 'Home Repairs Request More Information' form on the City of Austin website, or call 512-974-3100. You'll be contacted about next steps. Construction scheduling varies based on need and project size.

What is the Private Lateral Grant Program in Austin?

The Private Lateral Grant replaces or repairs your home's sewer line connecting to the city main - completely free if you qualify. You must have received a notice from Austin Water about your private lateral and meet income requirements (100% MFI or below).

Can I use multiple Austin home repair grants together?

Yes! If you qualify, you could potentially receive GO REPAIR! ($20,000) + Plumbing Program ($15,000) for a total of $35,000 in assistance. The programs have different eligibility requirements so apply to both.

Which nonprofits administer Austin's home repair grants?

Seven nonprofits partner with Austin Housing: Rebuilding Together Austin, Meals on Wheels and More, Interfaith Action of Central Texas, Easter Seals Central Texas, Austin Area Urban League, American YouthWorks, and Austin Habitat for Humanity.

How long does Austin home repair grant approval take?

After submitting your application, you'll be contacted about next steps. Construction scheduling varies based on need, project size, and repairs needed. Processing can take several weeks to months depending on demand.

Do I need to pay anything if I get an Austin plumbing grant?

No! These are grants, not loans. Eligible homeowners do not pay for any of the grant-approved repairs. The City covers the full cost up to program limits.

Is there similar assistance in other Texas cities?

Yes! Plano offers the Great Update Rebate (up to $5,000), Houston has the Single-Family Home Repair Program (up to $100,000), and Dallas offers the HIPP program (up to $24,000). Check our guides for each city.

Austin Home Repair Grants: Up to $35,000 for Plumbing & Pipes (2026)

🎉 Austin Homeowners: FREE Money for Plumbing Repairs!

The City of Austin offers three different programs that provide up to $35,000 in grants (not loans!) for plumbing repairs including cast iron pipe replacement. If you qualify, you pay nothing.

Overview: Austin Home Repair Grant Programs

The City of Austin Housing Department operates several programs designed to help income-eligible homeowners maintain safe homes. For plumbing and pipe repairs, three programs are particularly relevant:

Program	Max Amount	Income Limit	Best For
GO REPAIR! Grant	$20,000	80% MFI	Major plumbing repairs, structural issues
Plumbing Program	$15,000	100% MFI	Interior plumbing, water heaters, fixtures
Private Lateral Grant	Full cost covered	100% MFI	Sewer line to city main

MFI = Median Family Income. Higher income limits mean more people qualify.

Program 1: GO REPAIR! Grant (Up to $20,000)

The GO REPAIR! Grant is Austin's flagship home repair program, addressing substandard housing conditions to create safe, barrier-free homes.

What Does GO REPAIR! Cover?

GO REPAIR! covers dangerous conditions including:

Faulty plumbing and leaks (including cast iron pipe issues)
Collapsing floors
Decaying roofs
Electrical problems
Accessibility modifications for disabled homeowners

GO REPAIR! Eligibility Requirements

Location: Within Austin's full-purpose city limits
Property type: Single-family home or duplex
Residency: Must be your primary residence
Income: At or below 80% Area Median Family Income (MFI)

2026 Income Limits for GO REPAIR! (80% MFI)

Household Size	Maximum Annual Income
1 person	$72,950
2 people	$83,400
3 people	$93,800
4 people	$104,200
5 people	$112,550
6 people	$120,900

Program 2: Plumbing Program (Up to $15,000)

The Plumbing Program specifically targets plumbing-related repairs with higher income limits than GO REPAIR!, meaning more homeowners qualify.

What Does the Plumbing Program Cover?

Toilets - replacement and repair
Showers and tubs - fixtures and plumbing
Sinks and faucets - kitchen and bathroom
Drains - including cast iron drain repairs
Water heaters - installation and replacement
Water service lateral in front yard
P-traps and anti-siphon devices
GFCI installation (electrical safety for wet areas)

2026 Income Limits for Plumbing Program (100% MFI)

Household Size	Maximum Annual Income
1 person	$93,650
2 people	$107,050
3 people	$120,400
4 people	$133,800
5 people	$144,500
6 people	$155,200

💡 Pro Tip: The Plumbing Program has higher income limits than GO REPAIR! If you don't qualify for GO REPAIR!, you may still qualify for the Plumbing Program.

💡 Need a cost estimate for your grant application?

Austin plumbers can provide the documentation you need.

Get Free Estimates from Austin Plumbers →

Program 3: Private Lateral Grant Program (FREE Sewer Line Replacement)

The Private Lateral Grant is specifically for replacing or repairing your home's sewer line - the pipe connecting your house to the city's wastewater main.

What Is a Private Lateral?

The private sewer lateral is the portion of your wastewater line located on your property. When this line breaks or becomes defective, repairs can cost $5,000 to $15,000+. The City of Austin will cover the entire cost for qualifying homeowners.

Private Lateral Grant Eligibility

Required: You received a notice from Austin Water about your private lateral
Location: Austin city limits, limited-purpose annexed (LPA), or Extra Territorial Jurisdictions (ETJ)
Property type: Single-family home or duplex (primary residence)
Income: 100% MFI or less (same as Plumbing Program)

⚠️ Important: You must have received a notice from Austin Water Utility about your private lateral to be eligible for this program. If you haven't received a notice but suspect sewer line issues, contact Austin Water at 512-972-1000.

How to Apply for Austin Home Repair Grants

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Verify your home is within Austin city limits
Confirm your household income meets requirements
Ensure you own and live in the home (primary residence)

Step 2: Submit the Application

Austin has streamlined all home repair programs into one easy form:

Submit the Online Home Repairs Request Form →

The form is available in English and Spanish.

Step 3: Wait for Contact

After submitting, you'll be contacted about next steps. A City representative or partner nonprofit will reach out to:

Verify your eligibility
Inspect your property
Develop repair specifications
Schedule the work

Step 4: Repairs Completed (FREE)

Licensed contractors or skilled tradespeople complete the repairs at no cost to you. The City covers everything.

Nonprofit Partners Who Administer the Grants

Austin contracts with seven nonprofit organizations to manage repairs. You can contact them directly with questions:

Organization	Phone
Rebuilding Together Austin	(512) 993-8230
Meals on Wheels Central Texas	(512) 476-6325
Interfaith Action of Central Texas	(512) 386-9145
Easter Seals Central Texas	(512) 615-3379
Austin Area Urban League	(512) 478-7176
American YouthWorks	(512) 744-1900
Austin Habitat for Humanity	(512) 472-8788 ext. 100

Other Austin Home Repair Programs

Beyond plumbing, the City of Austin offers additional assistance:

Minor Home Repair Grant

Smaller safety repairs for low-income homeowners.

Home Rehabilitation Loan Program

0% interest loans for comprehensive repairs (if grants don't cover everything).

Architectural Barrier Removal Program

Makes homes accessible for persons with disabilities and seniors.

Austin Cast Iron Pipe Companies Who Can Help

Whether you qualify for grants or not, working with experienced plumbers is essential. Austin specialists familiar with city programs can:

Provide documentation needed for grant applications
Work with Housing Coalition-approved contractors
Offer financing if you don't qualify for grants
Give honest assessments of your pipe condition

🔧 Find Austin Plumbers Who Know These Programs

Connect with licensed specialists experienced with GO REPAIR!, Plumbing Program, and Private Lateral Grant applications.

View Austin Companies → Get Free Quotes

Not in Austin? Other Texas Programs

Similar programs exist in other Texas cities:

City	Program	Maximum Amount
Plano	Great Update Rebate	$5,000/year
Houston	Single-Family Home Repair	$100,000+
Dallas	HIPP Program	$24,000

See our complete guide to grants and financial assistance →

Contact Information

City of Austin Housing Department

Phone: 512-974-3100
Email: hpdcs@austintexas.gov
Website: austintexas.gov/HomeRepairs
Application: Online Request Form

The City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

The Bottom Line

Austin homeowners have access to some of the most generous home repair grants in Texas. If you're struggling with cast iron pipe issues, plumbing problems, or sewer line repairs:

✅ GO REPAIR! covers up to $20,000 for major repairs
✅ Plumbing Program covers up to $15,000 specifically for plumbing
✅ Private Lateral Grant covers your entire sewer line at no cost
✅ These are grants - you don't pay them back!
✅ Higher income limits than many similar programs

Don't let plumbing problems damage your home. Apply today and see if you qualify for FREE repair assistance.

Last updated: February 2026. Information verified from official City of Austin sources. Always confirm current requirements and funding availability directly with the city.

Austin Home Repair Grants: Get Up to $35,000 for Plumbing & Pipe Replacement (2026)