💰 Pricing Strategy7 min read2026-02-24

How to Quote Plumbing Jobs: Flat Rate vs Time & Materials

Should you charge hourly or by the job? We analyze 5,000 plumbing invoices to see which pricing model generates higher profit.

# How to Quote Plumbing Jobs

The debate is over: Flat Rate pricing wins.

Here is the data from 5,000 plumbing invoices:

Flat Rate Average Ticket: $485

Time & Materials Average Ticket: $310

Customer Satisfaction: 18% higher with Flat Rate

Why T&M Loses Money

When you charge hourly ($150/hr), you are penalized for being fast and efficient. The better you are, the less you make. Plus, customers watch the clock and argue about "billable hours."

How to Build a Flat Rate Price Book

1. Calculate Your True Hourly Cost

Wages + Taxes + Workers Comp

Van + Fuel + Insurance

Field Software + Marketing

Break-even for most service plumbers is $85-110/hr. If you charge $90/hr, you're working for free.

2. Set Your Efficiency Multiplier

Assume 60% billable efficiency (driving, supply house runs, etc.).

Desired Sold Hour Rate: $250/hr

1 Hour Job Price = $250 + Materials + Markup

3. Common Flat Rate Examples (National Avg)

Water Heater Install (40g Gas): $1,800 - $2,400

Garbage Disposal Replacement: $450 - $650

Toilet Rebuild: $275 - $375

Main Line Snake: $350 - $550

4. The Option Close

Never give just one price.

Option 1 (Repair): "Rebuild toilet tank internals" - $325

Option 2 (Replace): "Install new Gerber Viper toilet" - $750 (Better value)

Give the customer control, and they feel less "sold to."

Ready to put this into practice?

Build your plumbing price book →

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