Plumbing quotes go wrong in the places you cannot see: behind the wall, under the slab, down the line past the first bend. The price on paper is only as safe as the conditions it rests on. A good template makes you write those conditions down every time, so a blocked drain that turns into a broken pipe does not turn into a free job.
This one is laid out for the work plumbers quote most often: hot water replacements, blocked drains, leaking taps, toilet repairs, gas fitting and bathroom renovations. Copy the line items, then adjust the inclusions, exclusions and assumptions for each job. In QuoteSnap the quote follows the same layout, and the customer's photos of the unit, data plate and pipework land before you price.
What every plumbing quote should include
Whether it is a tap washer or a full hot water swap, the customer should be able to read the quote and know who is coming, what they will do and what it will cost. These parts belong on every one.
- Business and licence details. Trading name, Australian Business Number (ABN), phone and email, and your plumbing or gas fitting licence number where your state asks for it. Check what applies to you.
- What you assessed. Whether you priced from photos, a phone call or a site visit, and the date.
- Job description. The fixture or system, where it is in the house, and the problem you are fixing.
- Itemised work. Each fitting, unit or length of pipe with a quantity and unit.
- Total and GST. One clear total, with goods and services tax (GST) shown the way your accountant recommends.
- Expiry and acceptance. The date the quote lapses and how the customer says yes.
Scope and line items for common plumbing jobs
Plumbing customers usually know the symptom but not the cause. Your scope should name both: what they told you is happening and what you are going to do about it. If the fix changes once you are on site, there is a clear starting point to vary from.
Separate fixed price work from investigation. Clearing a drain can be a fixed line. Finding out why it keeps blocking may need a camera and a line of its own.
- Hot water replacement. Old and new system type, location, removal of the old unit, and the valves and fittings to connect the new one.
- Blocked drains. Which drain, the clearing method, and whether a camera inspection is in the price or offered as an option.
- Taps and toilets. Repair or replace, number of fixtures, and who supplies the new tapware or cistern parts.
- Gas fitting. The appliance, gas type, new point or connection only, and the testing you do on completion.
- Bathroom renovations. Rough-in and fit-off as separate stages, with fixtures listed by room.
Inclusions and exclusions on a plumbing quote
List what you are supplying down to the fittings, because customers compare plumbing quotes line by line. Then list what you are not touching. Concrete, tiling and wall linings are the usual sore points, since plumbing work often means breaking into them.
If another trade has to be involved, for example an electrician on an electric hot water swap, say whether you arrange it or the customer does.
Assumptions and variations wording
Every plumbing price assumes something about pipes you cannot see. Write those assumptions down plainly. When one proves wrong, you point to it, explain the extra work and get the customer's written okay before you carry on.
A simple variations clause does the job: extra work is quoted and approved before it starts, and the customer is told why it is needed.
Terms worth stating
- Call out and investigation. If you charge to attend or diagnose, say how that is handled when the customer goes ahead and when they do not.
- Deposits on supplied units. If you take a deposit before ordering a hot water unit, say how much and when the balance is due. Check your terms with your accountant.
- Warranty. Manufacturer warranty on units and fixtures, and how your own workmanship is covered.
- Water and gas off. That supply will be off for part of the job, and roughly when.
Typical line items
| Item | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Remove and dispose of existing [type] hot water system at [location] | item | $ |
| Supply and install [type] hot water system [brand/model], [capacity] | item | $ |
| Supply valves and fittings to connect new hot water system | lot | $ |
| Clear blocked [kitchen/bathroom/stormwater] drain using [method] | item | $ |
| Camera inspection of [drain] line, with footage or photos to customer | item | $ |
| Replace washers and service [mixer/twin] tap in [room] | each | $ |
| Supply and install new tapware [brand/model] in [room] | each | $ |
| Supply and run gas line from [meter/existing point] to [appliance] | lm | $ |
| Connect and test [appliance] to existing gas point | each | $ |
Questions about plumber quotes
Should I quote a blocked drain as a fixed price?
You can, as long as the quote says what the fixed price covers. Clearing the blockage with a named method is easy to put a price on. Finding and repairing what caused it is not. Split those into separate lines or options so the customer knows what happens if the first fix does not hold.
How do I word a hot water quote when I have not seen the unit?
Use the customer's photos of the unit, data plate and surroundings to fill in what you can, then write assumptions for everything you could not confirm, such as valve condition and access. Say the price may change if site conditions differ, and confirm any change in writing before starting.
Do I list the brand and model of the hot water system?
Yes, if you are supplying it. The customer is comparing your quote against others, and a named unit with its capacity lets them compare fairly. If you might swap to a similar model because of stock, add a line saying any substitute will be equal or better and agreed with them first.
Should gas work go on the same quote as plumbing work?
It can, but keep the gas lines grouped under their own heading. That makes the scope clearer and keeps any paperwork your state requires for gas work easy to match to the right items. Check what applies to you with your licensing body.
What business and GST details belong on a plumbing quote?
At a minimum, your business name, ABN and contact details. If you are registered for GST, show it clearly against the total, because customers often ask whether a price includes it. Answer that on the page, and ask your accountant how your quotes should present it.
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