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Free plumbing estimate template

A plumbing estimate that's ready to fill in: the new equipment, parts, labor, the permit, and haul-away each get their own line. The sample is a gas water heater replacement with made-up prices, so change them to yours. Edit it here, then print it or save it as a PDF. No signup, and nothing you type leaves your browser.

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Below is a working estimate with a sample plumbing job filled in. Type over anything, add your business details once (they're saved in this browser and shared with the invoice maker), and print it. Jump to what a plumbing estimate should include or the sample text to send with it. For the texts before and during the job, see the plumber text templates.

1. Your business

Add your logo (optional)PNG or JPG. Your logo stays in this browser. It is never uploaded.

2. Customer and job

3. Estimate number and dates

4. Line items and totals

+ Add a line

Leave Qty blank for a flat price line, like a trip charge. Units are up to you: ea, hr, sq ft, ln ft, visit, lot.

5. Notes and terms

Put the example terms back

7. Send it

Save the estimate as a PDF, then send it with one of these. Your customer's name, the job, the total, and the valid-until date are filled in from the estimate. Anything still in [brackets] is yours to finish.

Heard nothing back? Use the three-text quote follow-up plan. Not sure your price is right? Check it with the free pricing calculator before you send. For reminders, invoices, and review requests with your details filled in, use the free text generator.

What a plumbing estimate should include

Every estimate needs your business details, the customer, an estimate number, the date, the line items, the total, and how long the price holds. The estimate maker above handles those. These are the lines that matter most for plumbing work:

• The fixture or equipment, by size and model. Gallons and BTU for a water heater, the faucet or toilet model, pipe size and material. Customers compare these between bids.
• Labor, by task or as a flat price. Hours and your rate, or a flat price for the job. Flat pricing is common for water heaters and fixture swaps.
• Parts and fittings. Expansion tank, valves, connectors, and fittings on their own lines, or one lot line, so the total makes sense.
• Permit and code items. Many cities want a permit for water heaters and repiping. List the permit fee and any code updates, like an expansion tank or seismic straps.
• Haul-away. Disposal of the old equipment, if you charge for it.
• What could change the price. Corroded shutoffs, old venting, or a leak you can't see yet. Say you'll stop and price any extra work before doing it.
• Warranty and how long the price holds. The maker's warranty, your labor warranty, and a valid-until date.

The sample plumbing estimate, line by line

Here is the sample above as plain numbers, so you can check the math or copy the line names. The prices are made up for this example.

Sample text to send with a plumbing estimate

Save the estimate as a PDF, then send it with a short text like this one. Step 7 above fills it in from your estimate. Here it is with blanks:

Hi [first name], it's [your name] with [business]. Here's the estimate for the [job]: [link]. Total is [$], including the permit and haul-away. It's good until [date]. If you'd like to go ahead, reply "approved" and we'll get you on the schedule. Questions? Call or text [phone].

Job done? Edit this estimate, then open the plumbing invoice template and click "Start from my last estimate": the customer, job, line items, and deposit come over. Scope changed mid-job? The free change order maker starts from this estimate and shows the new contract total. Not sure your price is right? Check it with the free pricing calculator before you send. More texts for plumbing jobs: plumber text templates.

Estimate templates for other trades

Each one starts with that trade's usual line items: roofing, painting, HVAC, electrical, handyman, landscaping, house cleaning. See them all on the estimate templates page, or use the blank estimate maker.

Plumbing estimate questions

What should a plumbing estimate include?

Your business name, phone, and plumbing license number if your state requires it, the customer and job address, an estimate number, the date, and how long the price holds. Then the equipment or fixture by size and model, labor, parts, the permit, haul-away, what could change the price, the total, any deposit, and your warranty.

Should a plumbing estimate be a flat price or hourly?

For work you can see and have done many times, like a water heater or toilet swap, many plumbers quote a flat price. For drain problems or repairs behind walls, an hourly estimate with a range or a not-to-exceed amount is fairer to both sides. Say on the estimate which one it is.

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?

In many cities and counties, yes, and the inspector may check the venting, gas connection, relief valve line, and expansion tank or straps. Rules vary, so check with your local building department, and put the permit fee on its own line.

Can I turn this plumbing estimate into an invoice?

Yes. Edit this estimate, then open the plumbing invoice template or the invoice maker and click "Start from my last estimate." The customer, job, and line items come over, so you only change what turned out different.