How to price plumbing work
To price plumbing work, break it into five parts: (1) define the full scope, (2) cost the labor hours, (3) cost the materials with a markup, (4) add overheads and profit, and (5) present a clear written quote.
The steps
- Define the scope. Walk the job and list every fixture, fitting, and connection. Forgotten work — shut-offs, access holes, making-good, and permits — is the top cause of a quote that loses money.
- Cost the labor. Estimate the hours honestly, multiply by your hourly rate, and add a call-out fee. Build in extra time for old pipes and surprises behind walls.
- Cost the materials. Add up parts at your buy price — pipe, fittings, the fixture, sealant — then apply a 15–30% markup for pickup time, handling, and wastage.
- Add overheads and profit. Cover insurance, truck, tools, and admin, then add a profit margin. Do not quote at break-even — profit is what keeps the business running.
- Write the quote. Show call-out, labor, materials, tax, and terms as separate lines with a clear total and an expiry date, so the customer knows exactly what they are paying for.
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Call-out / service fee | $150 |
| Labor — 3 hrs @ $110 | $330 |
| Toilet + wax ring + supply (materials + markup) | $280 |
| New shut-off valve | $45 |
| Subtotal | $805 |
| Tax / sales tax (8%) | $64 |
| Total | $869 |
FAQs
How do I price plumbing work?
Scope the job fully, cost your labor hours plus a call-out fee, add materials with a 15–30% markup, then add overheads and profit before writing a clear quote.
How much should I mark up plumbing materials?
15–30% is common, to cover time spent sourcing, collecting, and handling parts, plus wastage and the risk of price changes.
Should a plumbing quote be flat-rate or hourly?
Flat-rate quotes win more work and look professional — but only quote flat once you have scoped the job. Use hourly for open-ended fault-finding or unknowns behind walls.