Why Every Plumbing Job Needs a Receipt
A receipt is more than a courtesy; it is your proof that the customer paid. For plumbers, this is especially important because much of the work is hidden behind walls and under floors. If a pipe joint fails six months later and the homeowner files an insurance claim, your receipt establishes what was done, when, and that the customer authorized and paid for the work. Without it, you're relying on memory and text messages, which won't hold up in a dispute.
What to Include on a Plumbing Receipt
- Your company name, address, and license number
- Customer name and service address - the job site, not just the billing address
- Date and time of service
- Description of work performed - be specific: "Replaced 40-gallon gas water heater" not just "water heater repair"
- Itemized parts and labor - matching the original invoice
- Total amount paid
- Payment method - check number, card last four digits, cash, or Zelle/Venmo confirmation
- Warranty terms - "Labor warranted for 1 year from date of service"
Best Practices for Plumbing Receipts
Generate the receipt on-site immediately after collecting payment. Waiting until you get back to the office means it might never happen, and the customer is left without documentation. Many plumbers now use mobile tools to email a PDF receipt right from the job site, which also creates an automatic digital record for your files.
Always note the payment method. Cash payments without receipts are a common source of disputes. If a customer pays cash, record it clearly and have them sign an acknowledgment if possible. For check payments, note the check number so you can trace it if the payment fails to clear.
Include a brief description of the work, not just "plumbing services." Write something like "Cleared main sewer line blockage using 75ft drain snake; camera inspection confirmed clear flow." This protects you if the same issue recurs and the customer claims you didn't do the work properly.
Create Professional Plumbing Receipts Instantly
BillThemToday's free receipt generator lets you create and send polished plumbing receipts from your phone in under two minutes. Add your logo, itemize the work, record the payment method, and email a PDF to the customer while you're still on-site. No app download, no subscription, no hassle.