The basics for estimating plumbing costs: Plumbing estimates example

Whether you’re still learning as an apprentice or you’re an experienced master plumber, learning how to price plumbing jobs effectively is difficult.

That’s why it’s a good idea for every plumber to base their prices off of an established framework. Referencing a plumbing estimates example or pricing guide:

• Ensures profitability on every job.
• Keeps your estimates as accurate as possible.
• Improves your bottom line.

Luckily, this framework is what you’ll get from this article! Keep reading for everything you need to know about how to price plumbing jobs.

Why are estimates so important?

Your plumbing estimates example could be the deciding factor in getting you that plumbing gig you’re after. Professional and detailed estimates give your customers confidence in your knowledge of the trade.

Your plumbing estimates also need to be as accurate as possible to:

• Avoid disputes.
• Earn a good reputation.
• Win more jobs.

Helps with budgeting

Accurate plumbing estimates give you a clear understanding of your potential costs. This helps you with financial tracking and reporting and budgeting for supplier costs.

Facilitates decision-making

A good estimate lets you compare costs and benefits of different plumbing options for better-informed choices. This comparison accounts for special equipment or tools required and compensates for potential risks or challenges for a more accurate job valuation.

Sets expectations

Estimates set realistic expectations for both you and your customer. Knowing the potential cost and scope of a project upfront prevents misunderstandings and ensures a smoother project from start to finish.

Helps with resource allocation

An accurate estimate helps with resource allocation because it gives you a better understanding of the cost implications. It lets you more efficiently distribute manpower, materials, and time to various parts of each plumbing project.

Prevents scope creep

Sometimes, a customer’s specific requests or preferences add new changes. Or. perhaps an emergency or urgent service comes up during a job. Scope creep refers to the gradual expansion of a project beyond its initial plan.

You can reduce scope creep with the help of a clear estimate. It serves as a reference point to make sure the project stays within its financial and operational boundaries.

Promotes transparency

Consider including customer education and consultation when going over your estimate as part of your competitive advantages. This openness: 

• Builds trust.
• Improves collaboration.
• Leads to long-term customer value.

Pricing transparency that breaks down itemized costs for the customer also eases concerns and results in good customer reviews and reputation.

How to price plumbing jobs

Before sending out any quotes, it’s important to first understand how to price plumbing jobs so you can establish the right rates.

Like all construction professionals, you must include your overhead and markup for profit in every plumbing estimates example. But first, you need to calculate the exact dollar amount of all your operating expenses.

Overhead costs include:

• Office expenses, including your rent or lease payments.
• Employee wages, benefits, payroll, and tax implications and considerations.
• Machinery, tools, and equipment.
• Necessary insurance costs, licensing and certification, or labor union agreements (if applicable).

On top of this, you need to leave a buffer for extraordinary expenses, like emergency repairs to your work truck, for example. Offering emergency plumbing services for an additional fee is standard practice to make up for these costs. 

Once you’ve totaled your overhead costs, you have a breakeven number to reach in order to stay afloat. To make a profit, you need to earn more in revenue than that figure.

Our research indicates that, according to the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the ideal profit margin for plumbers is 35%.

Before setting your plumbing rates, survey a plumbing estimates example in your area to make sure you’re not priced too high or too low relative to your locality. Identifying the location and extent of the plumbing issues is crucial to each and every job you take.

According to HomeGuide.com, these are the national averages for plumbing prices in the United States.

• Hourly rates for plumbers range from $50–$150/hour.
• Minimum standard service fees are anywhere from $50–$100.
• Smaller jobs, like installing a kitchen faucet, are between $125–$350.
• The range for larger projects, like moving existing plumbing to a new location, is $500–$800.

These prices are based on actual plumbing estimates examples given to customers on the HomeGuide site. You can use them as a reference for your own rates.

Next, let’s look at some of the most prevalent types of plumbing estimates examples, so you can find the one that aligns best with your services.

Plumbing cost estimator types

To better serve your clients, it’s important to evaluate the different popular methods of estimating plumbing costs.

In this section, you’ll unpack the most prevalent types of plumbing estimates examples — hourly, flat-rate, and square foot estimates.

Understanding and implementing a plumbing cost estimator formula enhances your operations and customer satisfaction. 

Whether you’re doing simple repairs or complex installations, these plumbing estimates examples give you everything you need to learn how to price plumbing jobs effectively.

Hourly rate estimate

To figure out your hourly rate, divide your total monthly operating expenses by the number of hours you spend doing actual plumbing work each month.

Remember that to accurately calculate your billable hours, you have to subtract:

• Travel time to jobs.
• The time it takes to get permits.
• Time spent giving plumbing estimates.

So, for example, if your monthly overhead is $7,000 and you spend 35 hours a week doing plumbing work, your minimum hourly plumbing rate has to be:

$7,000 / 4 weeks = costs of $1,750/week

$1,750/week / 35 hours = $50/hour.

When you add the recommended 35% markup, your hourly rate becomes:

$50/hour + 35% = $67.50/hour.

The more complicated a plumbing job and the more experience you have, the more you should charge. The same is true for flat-rate plumbing fees.

Flat-rate estimate

Learning how to price plumbing jobs using a flat rate still requires you to estimate the time needed to complete the work. However, you calculate how long you anticipate a job will take and base your flat rate on that number of hours.

The advantages to using a flat-fee labor charge on your plumbing estimates examples are numerous. 

For one, customers prefer knowing upfront how much they will pay. Not to mention that it’s easier for you to budget when you accurately forecast your revenue from a job ahead of time.

And since experienced plumbers can get a job done faster than most, you can make more than you would have at an hourly rate and take on more jobs.

For flat-fee pricing to work for you, though, you have to predict job timelines accurately and include a disclaimer in your estimate in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Square foot estimate

This type of plumbing estimates example is suitable when the plumbing system’s layout is closely tied to the structure’s overall size. Calculating estimates based on square footage lets you provide clients with an upfront cost, which is useful in the early stages of planning a construction project.

How to price plumbing jobs per square foot varies depending on these factors:

• The complexity of the plumbing system.
• The type of materials used.
• Local labor rates.
• The overall construction market conditions.

For a rough estimate, a new plumbing system in a residential building costs about $10 per square foot. Adding plumbing for fixtures, toilets, sinks, faucets, etc. adds about $3 to $4 per square foot.

For more complex systems, including features such as multiple water heaters and specialty fixtures, the cost per square foot is typically higher.

Flat rate vs hourly rates for plumbing jobs

The main difference between flat rate and hourly rates is that flat rate pricing offers a single, fixed cost for a specific job, no matter how long it takes to complete. This method gives your customer certainty in how much it will cost.

You charge hourly rates based on the time your team spends on the job. This is more flexible, but less predictable when you present a total cost to your customer.

Cost consideration for plumbing estimates

The price you charge adjusts for the complexity of the job. Weigh your costs and include all that apply to your estimate. Then add the below fees to the ones you calculated above to guarantee your plumbing business’ profitability and long-term success.

Materials and supplies

Materials and supplies used in plumbing projects include fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and toilets. These also refer to accessories, like:

• Different kinds of piping.
• Adapters, couplings, and crosses.
• Sleeves, nipples, and barbs.
• Elbows, wyes, and valves.
• Pricing for technology integration.

Any plumbing estimates example should include a section for the special equipment needed for a job and its cost. Special equipment is any equipment that you wouldn’t find in your toolbox.

Say, for example, you don’t own a high-pressure hose, but decide it’s best to hydro jet a clogged sewer line. You can easily rent one, but you’d have to include that cost in your plumbing estimate. Providing a detailed breakdown of costs for labor and materials is crucial when figuring out how to price plumbing jobs for accurate estimates.

Remember that you’ll also need to consider the cost of equipment maintenance and repairs. Make a list of all these factors to create cost control measures that keep your financial performance metrics healthy.

Additional labor costs

Besides your basic labor pay (hourly or flat rate), you can incur additional labor costs that you should also reflect in your estimate.

A common question regarding estimating is, “Do plumbers charge for travel time?” When calculating your additional labor costs, this is something to consider, as your team could spend a significant part of the day commuting from site to site.

Some plumbing jobs may also require you to subcontract work for other trades that you aren’t well-versed in or certified for.

As a plumber, you might find yourself working as a licensed contractor looking for: 

• HVAC professionals to repair damaged ducts.
• Certified electricians for specific plumbing equipment. 
• Construction contractors to fix drywall or roofing.

So, as a plumber, it’s vital to have a reliable network of tradespeople and know their rates.

Permit costs

For smaller jobs like replacing plumbing fixtures, permits are not an issue. You do however usually need permits for larger, more complicated plumbing work to ensure compliance with local plumbing codes and regulations.

Although permit requirements vary by state and even by county, you can typically expect to need a permit for:

• Replacing drain lines.
• Plumbing work involving sewage.
• Upgrading or replacing a hot water heater.
• Installing new domestic water piping.
• Commercial and public plumbing projects.

It’s crucial to know exactly when a permit is required in your area to: 

• Protect yourself from lawsuits.
• Comply with all building codes.
• Keep your license and stay in business. 

Most county websites list permit requirements for all types of construction work, from roofing to plumbing. You may also need to know about legal and contractual protections for your state and modify your pricing for health and safety compliance.

Remember that the cost of non-revenue-generating activities and regulatory compliance and licensing costs also add to your total project amount.

Other costs

There are additional costs to factor in when considering how to price plumbing jobs for estimates, including:

• Debris removal and clean up.
• Fixing existing code violations you notice.
• Accessibility of plumbing system.
• Project management software or tools.
• Employee benefits and compensation.
• Accounting practices and software.
• Marketing and advertising costs.

Every item reflects overhead expenses for your business, so make sure you determine a detailed list to understand how to price plumbing jobs in a way that turns a profit. Thinking about every hidden cost helps you gauge your markup strategy so that it aligns with industry standards and benchmarks.

To stay current and competitive, you should also make pricing adjustments for market changes. Pricing that gets updated periodically to stay competitive and takes into consideration customer feedback and reviews keeps your business healthy and everyone happy.  Some plumbers do discount pricing for customer satisfaction and loyalty, particularly for repeat customers.

Now that you know what to include, let’s analyze some tips on how to price plumbing jobs!

What to include in your plumbing estimate

Knowing how to price plumbing jobs for estimates is one of your best tools in landing a plumbing gig. Giving detailed, professionally-made estimates shows customers that you take this trade seriously, which makes them more likely to trust you. 

To protect yourself, written estimates vs. verbal quotes should be a routine process when you deliver your estimates.

A key preparation step before creating a plumbing estimates example is to set your pricing strategy (e.g., cost-plus pricing, value-based pricing).

Our findings show that American plumbers charge between $50 and $150 per hour, but you should check plumbing pricing reviews and updates in your area to ensure you don’t overcharge or undercharge.

Once you have an hourly fee to reference, don’t forget that your estimate:

• Covers overhead expenses like tools, taxes, advertising fees, office rent, and additional services included (e.g., cleanup, disposal).
• Takes into account material costs, including specialized plumbing fixtures and equipment needed.
• Factors in labor hours, including subcontractors.
• Factors in permit fees, especially for complex jobs that involve sewage or domestic water piping.
• Considers regional pricing differences and should adjust for travel expenses.
• Changes based on the experience of the plumber and project complexity.
• Adds a margin for profit.

Once you’ve come up with the numbers, make sure your plumbing estimate looks professional by including:

• Your company’s name, logo, and contact information.
• An estimate number for easier reference.
• Your project scheduling plan that explains the work you’ll do.
• The estimate’s validity period.
• Payment methods accepted and terms and conditions.
• Payment terms and payment plans or financing options with a payment schedule, if any is needed.
• If there are any upfront deposits or retainers.

Guarantees or warranties offered on the work performed are an additional touch that reassures customers about your service. Consider how a warranty offered makes you more appealing to customers as economic conditions (local and national) change and your profitability fluctuates with market demand and competition.

Adopting technology or software for pricing calculations speeds up your estimate process so you can focus on the work at hand.

Save time and impress clients with our free invoice generator. You’ll get a professional PDF at the click of a button — no manual work required.

Types of plumbing projects

The type of plumbing service (e.g., repair, installation, maintenance) changes what you can expect to perform on a job.

Installations

Plumbing installations are a part of any new construction or remodeling project. They involve setting up a new plumbing system, from installing pipes and fixtures to connecting the system to a water source and drainage.

Understanding how to price plumbing jobs for this type of project requires a plumbing cost estimator to account for the costs of:

• Materials.
• Labor.
• Required permits.

It’s important to remember that each installation is unique, with a different level of complexity. As a result, plumbing estimates examples for installations cover a broad cost range.

Repairs

Plumbing repairs address issues in an existing plumbing system, such as leaks and drain blockages.

Repair projects often require a fast response since unresolved plumbing problems lead to detrimental water damage.

When estimating plumbing costs for repair work, it’s important to include the expenses for:

• Diagnostic work.
• Parts.
• Labor.

You can even include an emergency service fee for customers who require immediate repairs.

Replacements

Replacements involve removing old or damaged plumbing components to substitute them with new ones.

This ranges to tasks from changing a faucet or showerhead to replacing an entire section of piping.

Since a replacement varies with the type of plumbing work (e.g., installation, repair, maintenance) and the cost depends on the size and scale of the project, creating an accurate plumbing cost estimator is challenging.

Things to consider when estimating plumbing costs for replacements include:

• Cost of new parts.
• Disposal of old components.
• Labor.
• Any additional changes required for the new system.

Make sure your final cost includes potential unforeseen challenges. Offering multiple options for repair or replacement with corresponding pricing ensures higher satisfaction from your customers. This is a great alternative to having your customer try to negotiate the cost with you.

Plumbing repair cost guide by job type

Below are the standard plumbing cost estimates examples for common plumbing jobs. After collecting data from websites that consult licensed plumbers and aggregate costs from plumbing estimates examples, we have found that the below prices reflect the national average cost of plumbing jobs.

1. Fixing leaky pipes

How to price plumbing jobs to repair or replace a leaking pipe depends on:

• How long it takes to find the damaged line.
• Accessibility, meaning how difficult it is to reach the pipe.
• The length of piping that needs to be replaced.

That said, the average cost to repair a leaking pipe is around $250, but the price can be anywhere between $150–$850. 

With leaking pipes, there’s bound to be drywall damage as well. Whether it’s from holes you cut to find the line or from water damage, the costs to restore drywall can add another $250–$750 to your plumbing estimate.

2. Replacing a burst pipe

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The main reasons for a burst pipe are:

• Water freezing inside of it.
• Tree roots cracking a buried pipe.
• Corrosion due to age.
• A construction accident.
• A clog in the pipe increasing water pressure past its capacity.

How to price plumbing jobs to repair a burst pipe is to charge between $400–$1,500. Factor in water damage cleanup, drywall repair, repainting walls, etc., and the price on your plumbing estimate can increase by another $1,000–$4,000.

3. Slab leak repair cost

Our research indicates that the average slab leak repair cost is $2,280, with easily accessible leaks priced at around $630. Major slab leaks have a median cost of $4,400 to fix.

Below are the plumbing estimate national averages for some of the tasks involved in repairing leaks that seep through a foundation:

• Finding the leak — prices range from $150–$400 with an average cost of $280.
• Rerouting pipes — the median cost is $1,500 for longer lines and $200–$500 for shorter ones.
• Pipe repair — for pipes that can be repaired, the price to fix them is $150–$350.
• Fixing a water main — this costs anywhere from $150–$3,000 with the average customer paying $850.
• Slab/foundation repair — when the foundation only needs to be filled where plumbers broke through the concrete, customers pay $1,900–$6,700.
• Replacing a concrete slab — pouring a new slab costs anywhere from $600–$7,200, or $6 per square foot.

4. Water heater repair cost

For a standard tank flush to remove mineral deposits from a water heater, the national average plumbing cost is $450.Here are some common water heater repairs and their prices:

Repair	Average cost
Corroded dip tube	$100–$300
Pressure relief valve	$50–$300
Electric thermostat	$100–$350
Heating element	$100–$350
Thermocouple	$100–$325
Gas control valve	$150–$600

5. Garbage disposal installation cost

Running pipes to install a garbage disposal in a kitchen not already equipped for one usually costs $100–$450. Other costs can include:

• Price for a garbage disposal unit plus installation — $225–$1,400.
• Installing vents and hook-ups for a utility sink — $500–$1,300.
• Purchasing and installing a utility sink — $50–$900.

6. Sump pump repair cost

Our research indicates that how to price plumbing jobs for the average sump pump repair involves charging around $500, with a range between $300–$750.

However, straightforward fixes on a pedestal-style pump can be as low as $130. More complicated work, like on a submersible unit, costs customers around $1,200.

7. Main water line leak fix cost

How to price plumbing jobs for main water line issues ranges between $450–$2,500 to repair.

Plumbers typically charge the following prices for these standard water main services:

• Repairing a shut-off valve — $150–$300.
• Finding and fixing a leak — $300–$3,000.
• Rebuilding or replacing a broken section — $400–$2,000.
• Copper pipe soldering — $500–$2,000.

8. Clogged drain and main sewage line clearing cost

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Most customers will try to unclog a sink, bathtub, or shower themselves. That said, how to price plumbing jobs for simple obstructions involves charging between $50–$450.

If the drains are clear but water isn’t draining properly, you’ll need to snake the main sewage line. Using a cable and cutting head to clear tree roots or other blockages, the average plumber charges between $100–$800. The final cost then depends on the distance snaked.

Other common issues with the main sewage line and their average prices include:

• Sewage coming out — $1,000–$5,000.
• Belly/dip in the piping — $1,500–$3,000.
• Broken sewer line — $1,500–$3,000.

If you need to replace the sewage line and drain altogether, your customer is looking at a price between $1,000–$6,000.

9. Septic system repairs, maintenance, and installation costs

Our research indicates that on average, these are the prices plumbers charge customers for cleaning a septic tank:

Tank size (in gallons)	Cleaning cost
1,000	$268–$316
1,500	$367–$572
2,000	$430–$633

Our investigation demonstrated that other average costs associated with septic tanks include:

• Pumping — $400.
• Repairs — $1,500.
• Installing a new system — $5,500.

10. Toilet repair cost

For smaller jobs like replacing a toilet seat, a customer may decide to do it themselves or hire a local handyman.

These are the average prices customers pay for toilet repairs that need a plumber:

• Rebuild a closet tank — $275.
• Replace the toilet wax ring & seal — $225.
• Fix the siphon — $135.
• Replace the tank — $300.
• Replace the bowl — $175.

Plumbing inspection cost

Inspections help you find potential issues early to prevent costly repairs down the line. Based on our firsthand experience, a customer might request a plumbing inspection when buying or selling a house.

How to price plumbing jobs for an inspection is based on these factors:

• Size of the house.
• Geographic location.
• Any specialized equipment needed.

Based on these items, a plumbing inspection can cost anywhere from $65 to $4,500, with the national average at $200.

How much is it to redo plumbing in a house?

Redoing plumbing in a house is a large job and costs vary widely. Consider the following factors to calculate how to price plumbing jobs when redoing plumbing:

• Size and square footage of the project.
• Type and quantity of materials used.
• Complexity of the installation.
• Labor skill level and labor hours required, including your base fee to travel to your customer’s location.

For reference, the cost to reinstall plumbing ranges from $1,500 to $17,500, with an average cost of $7,500. The pricing for your customer’s budget needs to consider these factors to cover your overhead, in addition to your markup.

You can consider pricing flexibility for custom projects. For example, the customer behavior and preferences in your region may focus on niche plumbing technologies such as sustainable or green plumbing practices. In this case, having separate pricing for sustainability initiatives or pricing for energy efficiency measures sets you apart.

Being able to offer a niche service makes it easier to offer referral or repeat customer discounts and save on sales and marketing expenses. As a result, you lower your cost of customer acquisition.

Plumber cost to replace p-trap

P-traps, also known as sink traps, are required by building code since they stop sewer gas from entering your house. Replacing a damaged p-trap typically costs between $200 and $325.

However, this cost varies depending on where you’re located and your customer demographics. Expect to charge higher prices if you’re replacing a p-trap in areas with higher living costs.

How to price plumbing jobs for new construction homes

How to price plumbing jobs for a new home varies wildly depending on several factors. Factors that come into play when estimating plumbing costs for a new home include:

• Construction size: Larger homes naturally have more expensive plumbing costs. The national average for plumbing in new homes is $4.50 per square foot.
• Water fixtures: Fixtures include sinks, bathtubs, showers, and anything else that needs a steady supply of water. Customers can expect to pay anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000 per water fixture.
• Piping choice: Piping costs vary depending on the pipe’s material. PEX pipes cost between $5,000 and $21,000, while more durable copper pipes cost up to $5,000 more than PEX.
• Excavation: Connecting a home to local water and sewer lines can be unpredictable. Homes in zoned districts are easier to connect, while rural homes may require additional excavating to join the main water and sewer lines.

Estimating commercial plumbing costs per square foot

Over time, we found that how to price plumbing jobs for commercial properties is more expensive, costing up to $6 per square foot.

Drawing from our experience, commercial properties typically have different plumbing requirements because of their larger scale than residential properties. There’s a lot more work to do when it comes to plumbing for commercial properties.

For instance, a residential property may only need two toilets, while a commercial building like a supermarket may need dozens of toilets. So, make sure you assess the plumbing needs of the property well.

Plumbing permits and building codes also vary between residential and commercial properties — keep this in mind so you don’t get into legal trouble while meeting your contractual agreements.

Supplier relationships and discounts

A positive relationship with your suppliers means you might have more negotiation flexibility and more priority when it comes to getting your materials. A supplier often incorporates discounts or promotions to plumbers who order frequently.

Economic forecasting

Economic forecasting involves predicting future economic conditions based on current trends. You can expect market changes to affect material costs and labor availability.

Accurate economic forecasting enables more precise budgeting and planning to help you remain competitive and financially stable in a changing market. There are a few things you can look at when it comes to economic forecasting:

• Economic factors (e.g., inflation rates).
• Economic trends (e.g., housing market).
• Seasonal factors (e.g., weather conditions).
• Environmental factors (e.g., environmental impact).

Top plumbing estimate FAQs

Click the links for the answers to these popular plumbing estimate questions:

• How do I estimate plumbing a house?
• What is piping in plumbing?
• Do plumbers offer free plumbing estimates?
• How to bid on plumbing jobs
• What is the plumbing cost for a 1000 sq ft house?
• How much do plumbers markup materials?

How do I estimate plumbing a house?

How to price plumbing jobs for a house depends on the work you’ll do. Typically, your plumbing estimate will be based on:

• The amount of time it takes you to complete the job.
• Your minimum hourly rate — even if you charge a flat fee per job.
• Supplies, equipment, material quality and brands used for the job.
• Pricing trends in the plumbing industry.

These factors all contribute to your profitability analysis. For the best estimation accuracy, compare your experience with previous jobs and apply your learnings to work towards your financial goals and general business goals and objectives.

You should also consider checking industry price standards or guides for your local area. A competitor pricing analysis will help you see what customers are expecting to pay in your region. Then, use a cost estimation software to develop your own price guide.

What is piping in plumbing?

Piping in plumbing refers to the system of tubes and pipes that transport water and waste throughout a building. This network of piping is important to the efficient and safe operation of any modern plumbing system.

The types of plumbing systems used vary depending on whether it’s a residential or commercial property, as well as the business size and scale.

Do plumbers offer free plumbing estimates?

Many plumbers advertise free estimates in their service area coverage, but giving estimates costs time and money — especially if a thorough inspection is needed. So, those costs could very well end up as part of the final bill a customer gets. Other plumbers might charge a visitation fee that is counted as a credit towards the final bill.

That said, you can give free estimates for more straightforward jobs that don’t require a site visit, as long as you make it clear that you’re giving a ballpark figure.

How to bid on plumbing jobs

You can bid on plumbing jobs if the potential client sends you a request to bid. Whether your clients are homeowners or property managers, they’ll typically invite you to perform an on-site inspection of their homes or buildings first to see what kind of work you’ll be doing.

Once the inspection is finished, you can then decide how to price plumbing jobs for the bid. Send an estimate with your fee, which the prospective client will compare with bids from other plumbers. If your estimate is chosen, congratulations! You’ve landed the job.

But while most customers come to you for plumbing services, you can be proactive when it comes to new construction. Recommending upgrades or improvements to plumbing systems is beneficial to both you and your client. Try bidding on new commercial buildings or houses to win a plumbing installation contract.

A major benefit of winning this initial bid is that your company will likely be the first people they call for future repairs or projects.

Another great source for plumbing jobs is government contracts. However, these contracts require more work because the bid package needs to include:

• A detailed scope of work.
• In-depth price information.
• Other relevant details.

Generally, there are two channels through which you can land government plumbing contracts:

• Invitation to bid (ITB): An invitation to bid calls upon local plumbing companies to do a certain job that’s already outlined in the ITB.
• Request for proposal (RFP): An RFP slightly differs from ITBs because the government expects plumbing contractors to submit a proposal of their plans to accomplish the job outlined in the request.

What is the plumbing cost for a 1000 sq ft house?

On average, rough-in plumbing for a 1000-square-foot house can cost up to $8,000. However, plumbing estimates examples vary depending on what the client’s plumbing needs are. Naturally, more water fixtures and appliances mean more expensive plumbing fees.

When broken down, a 1000-square-foot home’s plumbing expenses could look like this:

• $4.50 per square foot for new plumbing construction.
• $0.50 per linear foot to repipe the home with PEX pipes.
• $3 to $8 per linear foot to repipe the home with copper pipes.
• $32 to $53 per linear foot to replace an existing water main.
• $50 to $150 per linear foot to install a water main.
• $1,000 to $5,000 to remove existing pipes in an old home.
• $400 to $1,800 per water fixture, depending on the appliance installed.

How much do plumbers markup materials?

Plumbers generally apply a 10-35% markup on their materials. The exact percentage will depend on the job’s value and how much they expect to profit from the job.

Generally, smaller jobs will have a larger markup because the plumber needs to justify the time and material spent and meet the expected profit margin.

However, you shouldn’t take the above markup values as a hard and fast rule. Depending on the area, markups can be higher or lower due to material costs and other factors.

Setting your prices too low will impact your profitability, while setting your prices too high may turn customers away. A good rule of thumb is to offer competitive pricing based on market rates without driving prices too low.

Ready to take the guesswork out of your estimates? 

Get your free plumbing estimate template today.

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