How To Quote Plumbing Jobs (Step-by-Step Guide + Template)

Quoting correctly isn’t just about presenting a number; it’s about building trust, presenting your business professionally, and making sure you earn a decent profit.

For UK plumbers, learning how to quote plumbing jobs is essential if you want to stay competitive in a crowded market.

Bad quotes? They can lead to disagreements with customers, unexpected costs, and wasted time. But with the right approach, you’ll feel confident providing fair and accurate quotes that win you jobs and help you grow your business.

This guide will walk you through the key elements of how to write a plumbing quote, including a free template you can download and use straight away.

Why Accurate Plumbing Quotes are Essential

Accurately quoting plumbing jobs is a skill with far-reaching benefits for your business. Here’s why:

• Improves customer trust: A detailed quote shows clients that you’ve thoroughly assessed the job and accounted for potential variables.
• Boosts profitability: By properly estimating costs, you avoid undercharging or eating into your margins.
• Avoids disputes: Clear, itemised quotes minimise confusion and help manage client expectations.

A quote is many customers’ first impression of your business, and it can either make or break the deal. Presenting a detailed, professional quote not only demonstrates your reliability but also sets you apart from other businesses in your local area.

What to Include in Your Plumbing Quote

A great plumbing quote is comprehensive but easy to understand. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:

1. The Basics

Include the client’s name, address, and contact information, as well as your own company details.

2. Job Scope

Describe the job clearly and outline what is included (and excluded) in line items. For example:

• “Fix leaking kitchen tap and replace with a supplied new tap.” 
• “Does not include any work resulting from unforeseen pipe corrosion.”

This transparency will save you headaches later.

3. Materials

Be specific about materials and their costs. Follow these tips:

• Itemise each material cost to show transparency.
• Add a 5–10% buffer for wastage or unexpected needs.
• Apply a markup percentage to cover trips to merchants and your profit.

Example:

• Copper piping (10m): £20
• Fittings and connectors (8): £15
• Total for Materials = £35

4. Labour Costs

Calculate the cost of your time. Use this simple formula:

Labour cost = hourly rate x estimated hours required

Tips for accuracy:

• Break the job into smaller tasks when estimating hours.
• Factor in complexities, like diagnosing hidden issues.

Example: 

Replacing a kitchen faucet 

• Estimated time = 2 hours 
• Hourly rate = £50/hour 
• Labour cost = 2 x £50 = £100

5. Overheads

Don’t forget to include overhead costs! These are critical to covering your business expenses:

• Vehicle costs (fuel, maintenance): £10/hour
• Insurance (liability, van insurance): £5/hour

You don’t need to include these directly on your quote, but make sure they’re included in your hourly rate. For example:

Hourly rate = £50 

Overheads = £15/hour 

New chargeable rate = £65/hour 

6. Timeline and Payment Terms

Set expectations with specifics:

• Timeline: Provide start and estimated completion dates. For example, “Work will commence on 10th October and be completed by 12th October.”
• Payment Terms:
• Deposit required upfront (e.g., 30% of total cost).
• Remaining balance paid upon completion.

7. Validity Period

Include an expiry date for your quote, typically 30 days, to account for fluctuating material costs.

Estimating Material Costs

Forecasting material costs correctly is a critical part of quoting. Here’s how:

1. List essentials 

  For example:

• Pipes, fittings, and fixtures
• Sealants and insulation tape 

1. Check supplier prices 

  Contact suppliers regularly for updated rates, especially for high-demand items like copper or PVC materials.

1. Bulk discounts 

  Buy in bulk for larger jobs to save money, and pass on these savings to your customers to make your quotes competitive.

1. Markup transparency 

  Calculate based on a percentage (e.g., 20%). Customers value honesty when it comes to pricing.

Breaking Down Labour Costs

Labour often forms the largest portion of a quote, so nail this step:

• Use your experience to estimate job duration. For new plumbers, closely track time on smaller jobs to build a reference point for future estimates.
• Split complex jobs into smaller tasks for better time management and accuracy.
• Use tools or apps (like Jobber or Clockify) to monitor the time spent on each project.

Example for a 6-hour job: 

Hourly rate = £60/hour 

Labour cost = 6 x £60 = £360

Of course, you can offer fixed prices for common tasks (e.g., installation of a kitchen sink or unclogging pipes), which offers peace of mind and clarity for customers.

What to Avoid in Plumbing Quotes

1. Underestimating Time

Quoting an hour? It might take two. Always build in buffer time, especially when dealing with older systems prone to hidden issues.

2. Overlooking Small Costs

Consumables like sealants, screws, and tape may seem minor, but they can add up quickly if left unaccounted.

3. Skipping Payment Terms

Vague terms can lead to delayed payments, affecting your cash flow. Specify deposits, payment increments, and due dates.

Sample Plumbing Quote Walkthrough

To bring it all together, here’s a sample quote for replacing a water heater.

Materials (Including your markup)

• Water heater unit = £250 
• Piping and fittings = £40 

Subtotal = £290

Labour Costs 

• Estimated time = 3 hours 
• Hourly rate = £75 (Inclusive of your overheads)
• Labour = 5 x £75 = £225

Total Cost = £475

Including itemised details ensures the customer knows exactly what they’re paying for. Here’s an example with VAT added:

Use Quoting Tools for Efficiency & Professionalism

Streamline the process with quoting software. Tools like FieldRocket:

• Generate professional-looking quotes quickly.
• Automatically include logo and branding.
• Organise client details for repeat business. 

Using quoting software not only saves you admin time but also makes your business stand out as credible and professional.

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