Free AI-generated plumbing proposal template — parts, labor rates, permit handling, and warranty terms. Customize in 2 min, send as PDF or link.
Plumbing proposals need to be specific because plumbing problems are specific. 'Fix the leak' doesn't tell anyone what's being replaced, what it costs, or how long the water will be off. A proper plumbing proposal names every fixture, lists parts and labor separately, notes which permits are required, and tells the client exactly when their water shuts off and when it comes back on. That level of detail is what separates a signed contract from a 'we'll get back to you.'
Proposal from
CleanFlow Plumbing
Prepared for
The Rodriguez Family
Master Bathroom Plumbing Remodel
Remove and replace: freestanding soaking tub with new drain assembly, dual-sink vanity supply lines and drain rough-in, shower valve and diverter, and toilet supply line and shutoff.
Moen Genta shower valve (client-supplied fixture) Kohler toilet supply kit Drain rough-in fittings and PVC (as needed) Labor includes all necessary hardware and supply lines.
Labor: $1,400 (estimated 10-12 hours) Materials: $340 City permit (if required): $185 Total estimate: $1,740 - $1,925
Water to master bath will be off for approximately 6 hours on day 1. Full household water off for 1 hour during main shutoff work. Minimum 2 days notice to schedule.
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Create Your Free AccountQuote parts separately from labor. Clients understand $120/hour labor but question $45 for a shutoff valve. Show both clearly so nothing looks inflated.
Include a permit line. Some clients don't know permits exist. Showing it as a line item (even if you're absorbing the cost) signals professionalism.
State warranty terms for parts vs. labor. Manufacturer warranty on fixtures is different from your labor guarantee. Don't let clients conflate them.
Note water shutoff requirements. Will the house be without water for 2 hours or 8? Clients with families need to plan around this.
Photograph existing conditions before starting. Especially for older homes — document what was cracked, corroded, or already leaking before you touched it.
Specify pipe material. Copper, PEX, CPVC, and cast iron have different lifespans, costs, and code requirements. Clients who get three bids should be able to see which plumber is using which material and why.
Add a diagnostic fee credit. Charging $75-$150 for a diagnosis and crediting it toward the repair if hired is standard practice. Put it on the proposal so clients know they're not paying twice.
Note any access work required. Cutting into walls, ceilings, or floors to reach pipes is labor that catches clients off guard. If you need to open a wall, say so in the proposal, not on day one.
Every strong plumbing proposal covers these elements. Skip one and you'll likely answer for it later.
Not sure what to charge?
See typical plumbing rates, common service prices, and what moves the number up or down.
Plumbing pricing guide →Three models: hourly ($85-$175/hour plus parts), flat rate (fixed price per job type from a rate book), or time-and-materials (hourly labor plus actual parts cost). Flat rate is most common for residential service calls because clients know the total before work starts. For remodel plumbing (rough-in, fixture install), time-and-materials with a not-to-exceed cap is standard.
Yes, if the work requires one. Any new water or drain line, water heater replacement, sewer line repair, or gas line work typically requires a permit. The permit ensures a third-party inspection of the work. Some plumbers absorb the permit fee into their quote; others line-item it at $100-$250. Either way, it should be on the proposal.
One year on labor is standard for residential plumbing. Fixtures carry the manufacturer's warranty separately (Moen and Delta offer lifetime on cartridges; Kohler offers one year on most parts). The proposal should list both warranties. If a plumber offers no labor warranty at all, that's a red flag.
A single fixture repair (faucet, toilet, garbage disposal) takes 1-2 hours. A water heater replacement runs 3-5 hours. A bathroom rough-in for a remodel takes 1-2 days. Sewer line replacement can take 2-5 days depending on method (trenchless vs. traditional dig). The proposal should specify the estimated duration and any time the water will be off.
An estimate is a ballpark number based on a phone call or brief inspection. A proposal is a written document with a specific scope, parts list, price, and terms that you sign before work begins. Get the proposal before authorizing any work over $300. Verbal estimates lead to bill shock.
DIY: replacing a toilet flapper, tightening a faucet handle, clearing a simple drain clog with a plunger. Call a plumber: anything behind a wall, anything involving gas lines, sewer backups, water heater issues, or persistent leaks you can't locate. Bad DIY plumbing causes more water damage claims than any other home repair category.
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