← Back to Blog·Trade Guides·10 min read·February 20, 2026

How to Write a Plumbing Bid That Wins More Jobs [Free Template]

Plumbing bids are weird. Unlike roofing or painting where you measure a surface area and calculate, plumbing jobs vary wildly. A "fix my leak" call might take 30 minutes or 3 days depending on what's behind the wall. That unpredictability is exactly why your bid matters — it sets expectations and protects you.

Most plumbers handle bids one of two ways: either a verbal estimate on the spot (risky) or a text message with a number (unprofessional). Both lose jobs to the plumber who sends a real proposal. Here's how to be that plumber.

When Plumbers Need Proposals vs. Quick Quotes

Not every plumbing job needs a formal proposal. Here's the split:

Quick quote is fine for:

•Simple repairs under $500 (faucet replacement, toilet repair, drain clearing)

•Emergency service calls where the client needs you now

•Existing clients who already trust you

Formal proposal is better for:

•New installations (water heater, sump pump, garbage disposal)

•Remodels (bathroom, kitchen, laundry room)

•Repiping (partial or whole house)

•Commercial plumbing work

•Any job over $1,000

•Any new client you're trying to win

The rule of thumb: if the homeowner is getting multiple bids, send a proposal. If they called you because their toilet is overflowing, give them a verbal quote and fix it.

What Every Plumbing Bid Should Include

1. Diagnostic Summary

Start by describing what you found. This shows the homeowner you understand the problem and aren't just throwing a number at it.

Example: "Upon inspection, the main drain line shows signs of root intrusion approximately 15 feet from the cleanout. Camera inspection confirmed root penetration at two joints. The existing cast iron pipe shows significant corrosion in the affected section."

This builds credibility. The homeowner sees that you actually diagnosed the problem, not just guessed.

2. Detailed Scope of Work

List every step. Plumbing clients worry about hidden costs and surprise bills. A detailed scope prevents both.

For a water heater replacement:

•Shut off water and gas/electric supply to existing unit

•Drain and disconnect existing water heater

•Remove and dispose of old unit

•Install new [brand/model] [capacity] water heater

•Connect water supply lines with new flexible connectors

•Connect gas line with new connector and sediment trap (or electrical for electric units)

•Install new expansion tank (if required by code)

•Install new discharge pipe for T&P relief valve

•Fill system, check for leaks at all connections

•Light pilot / power on and verify operation

•Set temperature to recommended 120°F

•Test hot water at nearest fixture

•Clean up work area

3. Materials and Fixtures

Specify exactly what you're installing. Brand, model, capacity, and finish (for visible fixtures). This prevents the "that's not what I expected" conversation after installation.

For fixtures, include model numbers. For pipe, specify material (PEX, copper, PVC) and size. If the client is choosing between options, present them as Good/Better/Best:

•Standard tank water heater (50 gal, 40K BTU): $X

•High-efficiency tank water heater (50 gal, 50K BTU): $Y

•Tankless water heater (199K BTU, endless hot water): $Z

This gives the homeowner control and often upsells them to the middle or top option.

4. Code Compliance

Plumbing is heavily regulated. Mention that:

•All work will be performed to local plumbing code

•Necessary permits will be pulled (include cost in your bid)

•Work will be inspected by the local authority having jurisdiction

•You are licensed and insured (include license number)

This immediately separates you from handymen and unlicensed plumbers who compete on price by skipping permits.

5. Warranty Information

Break down what's covered:

•Manufacturer warranty on fixtures/equipment (varies — water heaters typically 6-12 years)

•Your labor warranty (typically 1-2 years)

•What's not covered (misuse, freeze damage, etc.)

6. Pricing

For service calls, many plumbers use flat-rate pricing books. For larger jobs, itemize:

•Materials and fixtures

•Labor

•Permits and inspections

•Disposal fees

•Any subcontractor work (concrete cutting, drywall repair)

Flat-rate pricing is usually better for the client experience — they know the total before you start. Time-and-materials can lead to bill shock.

Sample Plumbing Bid: Water Heater Replacement

Here's a complete example bid for a standard 50-gallon gas water heater replacement. Adjust the numbers for your market.

Project: Remove existing 40-gallon gas water heater (12 years old, leaking from bottom) and replace with new 50-gallon high-efficiency unit. Existing gas and water connections in good condition. Located in garage with easy access.

Equipment and Materials:

•Rheem ProTerra 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater (50K BTU, 0.65 UEF): $850

•Expansion tank (required by code): $85

•Flexible water supply connectors (2): $40

•Gas connector with shut-off valve: $45

•T&P discharge pipe (copper, to floor drain): $35

•Teflon tape, pipe dope, misc. fittings: $25

Materials Subtotal: $1,080

Labor:

•Disconnect, drain, and remove existing unit: $200

•Install new water heater and connect all lines: $450

•Test all connections, check for leaks, verify operation: $100

•Haul away and dispose of old unit: $75

Labor Subtotal: $825

Other:

•Permit: $85

•Disposal fee: $40

Other Subtotal: $125

Project Total: $2,030

Warranty: Rheem 12-year tank warranty, 12-year parts warranty. 2-year labor warranty from our company covering all installation work.

Timeline: Installation typically completed in 3-4 hours. We can schedule within 2-3 business days of approval.

This format gives the homeowner complete clarity. Compare this to a competitor who texts "$1,800 for new water heater" — which one would you trust with your home?

How to Price Common Plumbing Jobs

Here are typical ranges (your market may vary):

Service and Repair:

•Faucet replacement: $200 - $450

•Toilet replacement: $300 - $600

•Garbage disposal installation: $250 - $500

•Drain clearing (mechanical): $150 - $350

•Drain clearing (hydro-jetting): $350 - $800

•Leak repair (accessible): $200 - $500

•Leak repair (in-wall): $400 - $1,200

Installations:

•Tank water heater replacement: $1,200 - $2,500

•Tankless water heater installation: $2,500 - $5,000

•Sump pump installation: $800 - $2,000

•Water softener installation: $1,500 - $3,500

Major Projects:

•Bathroom rough-in (new): $3,000 - $7,000

•Kitchen remodel plumbing: $2,000 - $5,000

•Whole house repipe (PEX): $4,000 - $10,000

•Sewer line replacement: $3,000 - $8,000

Pricing Strategy

Your price should cover:

•Materials at cost + 15-25% markup

•Labor at your target hourly rate ($75-150/hour for most markets)

•Overhead (truck, insurance, tools, marketing): 15-20% of job

•Profit: 10-20%

5 Plumbing Bid Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not accounting for access. Is the pipe behind drywall? Under a slab? In a crawl space? Access difficulty dramatically affects labor time. Always inspect before bidding.

2. Lowballing to get the job. You'll either lose money or cut corners. Neither builds a business. Price fairly and compete on professionalism instead.

3. Verbal-only estimates. "I told them it would be about $800" is a recipe for disputes. Put it in writing, even for small jobs.

4. Forgetting disposal fees. Old water heaters, cast iron pipe, and construction debris cost money to dispose of. Include it or eat it.

5. Ignoring permit costs. Pulling permits takes time and costs money. Build it into your bid, don't eat it as overhead.

Generate Your Plumbing Bid in 60 Seconds

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