Why Plumbers Need a Dedicated Invoice Template
Plumbing work rarely fits neatly into a single line item. Between the emergency service call fee, diagnostic time, replacement parts like P-traps or wax rings, and the actual labor to sweat copper or thread galvanized fittings, your invoices need structure that generic templates simply don't offer. A proper plumbing invoice template separates materials from labor so customers understand exactly what they're paying for, which dramatically reduces disputes and speeds up payment.
Common Plumbing Invoice Line Items
- Service call / trip charge - the base fee for showing up, typically $50-$150 depending on your market
- Diagnostic fee - time spent locating the issue with cameras, pressure tests, or visual inspection
- Labor (hourly or flat rate) - most plumbers bill between $75-$200/hour depending on the job complexity
- Parts and materials - fixtures, pipes, fittings, valves, supply lines, wax seals, flux, solder
- Permit fees - passed through at cost for jobs requiring municipal inspection
- Equipment rental - sewer cameras, hydro-jetters, pipe thawing machines
- After-hours / emergency surcharge - typically 1.5x to 2x standard rates for nights and weekends
Best Practices for Plumbing Invoices
Always itemize parts separately from labor. Customers who see a single lump sum for "plumbing repair - $1,200" are far more likely to dispute the charge than those who see the breakdown: $85 service call, 3 hours labor at $125/hr, and $240 in parts including a new kitchen faucet assembly and supply lines. Transparency builds trust and repeat business.
Include your license number on every invoice. Most states require it, and it signals professionalism that justifies your rates. Note warranty terms clearly, especially on water heater installs or repipe work where you're guaranteeing labor for a year or more.
For service work, capture the customer's signature on-site when possible. Photo documentation of the completed repair paired with a professional invoice makes warranty claims and any insurance situations far smoother.
Generate Your Plumbing Invoice in Minutes
Stop scribbling estimates on the back of supply house receipts. BillThemToday's free invoice generator lets you create clean, itemized plumbing invoices from your phone or truck laptop. Save your common line items, add your plumbing company logo, and email a PDF to the customer before you've even packed up your tools. Try our plumbing invoice generator today and get paid faster.