What’s on the plumbing invoice template
Extra fields on this template: Service address.
| Item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service callIncludes first 30 minutes on site | 1 | $95.00 | $95.00 |
| Labor: replace 50-gal gas water heater3 h at $120/h | 3 | $120.00 | $360.00 |
| Water heater, 50 gal gas (new)[Brand / model] | 1 | $1,180.00 | $1,180.00 |
| Expansion tank, flex connectors, fittings | 1 | $145.00 | $145.00 |
| Permit and inspectionCity of [City] | 1 | $85.00 | $85.00 |
| Haul away and dispose of old heater | 1 | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Subtotal | $1,940.00 | ||
| Tax (6%) | $79.50 | ||
| Total | $2,019.50 | ||
Example prices in US dollars. Replace them with your own; in the generator, any currency works.
What to include on a plumbing invoice
- Your license number. Most states license plumbers, and putting the number on invoices and estimates builds trust.
- The service address, if it isn’t the billing address (landlords and property managers).
- Service call or trip fee, and what it includes.
- Labor by the hour or as a flat rate per job.
- Parts and materials with enough detail to identify them later, such as the water heater model.
- Permit and disposal fees on their own lines.
- Warranty on your work, and note that fixtures carry the manufacturer’s warranty.
Flat-rate or time and materials?
Flat-rate pricing (a set price per job, such as “replace toilet fill valve”) is popular with homeowners because they know the price up front, and it rewards efficient work. Time and materials suits jobs you can’t scope until you open the wall. Either way, show the breakdown: one line for the job, and separate lines for parts the customer chose and for permits.
Emergency, after-hours and weekend rates should be stated before you start and shown as their own line.
Sales tax on plumbing work
Rules differ widely. Some states tax materials but not labor on repairs; some treat installation as a real property improvement where the plumber pays tax on materials and doesn’t charge it to the customer. In this template labor, permit and disposal lines are untaxed. Check your state’s rules.
Frequently asked questions
Should I charge a service call fee?
Most plumbers do, to cover travel and diagnosis. Say what it includes, such as the first 30 minutes, and whether it is waived if the customer goes ahead with the repair.
When should a plumber be paid?
For residential work, usually on completion. For larger jobs, take a deposit for materials up front and invoice the balance when you finish.
Do I need to show my license number?
Many states require it on contracts, estimates or advertising, and it is good practice on invoices too.