Free plumbing proposal template
A proposal needs six parts. This template has all six, filled in with a sample plumbing job so you can see how it reads. Download it, or write your own from a few typed notes.
What is in it
Typed by the plumber: "repl 50 gal gas water heater, haul off old one, new expansion tank"
- Replace 50-gallon gas water heater.
- Haul off old one.
- New expansion tank.
Warranty: 1 year on all labor and workmanship
Deposit at signing: $1,200
Signature block: typed name, date, and the E-SIGN Act line.
Or fill it in from your notes
Type the job the way you would text it. It comes out in this format in about five seconds. No account needed.
30 days free, then $29 a month. No card to start.
Finished plumbing estimates to copy from
- Water heater replacement estimate example, $2,400, 1 day
- Tankless water heater install estimate example, $4,850, 1 day
- Sewer line replacement estimate example, $7,800, 2 days
- Whole-house repipe estimate example, $8,900, 3 days
How to use it
Replace the company block with yours, keep the structure, and write the scope as a short list of what you will do, one item per line. Put one total price on it. Add a timeline and payment terms every time. Date it and give it an expiry, usually 30 days.
The parts most plumbers leave out
- Payment terms. "50% upfront, 50% on completion" on the proposal means it is never a conversation at the end of the job.
- A valid-through date. Prices move. Without one, an old bid can be accepted months later.
- A way to accept on the spot. A printed PDF has to be signed, scanned, and emailed back, and plenty of customers put that off. A link they can tap and type their name on takes a minute.
What to fill in on a plumbing proposal
- Where the shutoff is, and how long the water will be off
- Fixtures by brand and model, or "customer supplied"
- Whether haul-off of the old unit is included
- What happens if you open a wall and find more than expected
Water heater and repipe work often needs a permit. Say on the bid who pulls it and whether the fee is in your price.
Questions about plumbing estimates
What should a contractor estimate include?
Six parts: who it is from and who it is for, the scope of work as a short list, one total price, a timeline, payment terms with any deposit, and a way for the customer to accept. A warranty line and a valid-through date keep it from being argued over later.
Is an estimate legally binding?
Once the customer accepts it in writing, yes, for the scope and price on it. A typed name and e-signature on a phone counts under the E-SIGN Act. A number texted back and forth is much harder to hold anyone to.
Can I use this template as is?
Yes. Download the PDF, replace the company block with yours, and keep the structure. Or type your own job below and it is laid out for you in a few seconds.
Can I add my plumbing license number?
Yes. It goes in your company profile once and shows on every proposal, which many customers look for.
What about jobs where I find more once I open the wall?
Write the bid for what you know. If the scope changes, write a second bid in two minutes and send it the same way. Both stay in your records.
Or skip the template
BidWriter Pro turns notes like "repl 50 gal gas water heater, haul off old one, new expansion tank" into this proposal, sends it by text or email, collects the deposit by card when the customer accepts, and follows up if they go quiet. Free for 30 days, no card. See how it works for plumbers or open the sample your customer would see.
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