Common Plumbing Services
- Faucet repair
- Toilet repair
- Drain snaking/cleaning
- Pipe repair and replacement
- Water heater repair
- Garbage disposal unclogging
What Should Be Included in a Plumbing Contract?
1. Scope of Work
This section of the contract lays out the services the plumber will render in exchange for payment. It’s helpful to be clear and thorough here so as to mitigate the risk of a dispute with a customer over an unanticipated charge. Be sure to include specific services and their itemized costs, and state who is responsible for cleaning up the worksite and when.
2. Permits
Include any pertinent permits, as these will require extra work to obtain. Check with the local building department to understand which plumbing jobs require permits in the city where the work is being performed. Outline in the contract who will be responsible for sourcing and paying for the permit.
5. Payment
A plumbing contract should cover the terms of payment and payment methods. It should also include the cost of materials and labor, which can be attached to a schedule. Include a deadline by which payment should be received and outline the steps that will be taken in the event of late payment or non-payment.
6. Insurance
Working with pipes and near gas lines can be risky business, particularly on someone else’s property. This is why most states require plumbers to have insurance. It’s important for a plumbing contract to anticipate risks and outline who is liable for what.
Make sure the contract also states which types of insurance the contractor is covered by, whether it’s general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, pollution liability insurance, or umbrella liability insurance.
How Much Does a Plumber Make?
How much a plumber makes can be wide-ranging depending on experience, industry, and type of contract. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,150, while the highest 10% earned more than $108,000. Regardless of salary, the job market for plumbers is projected to grow at 7% between 2025 and 2035, which is a much faster rate than other occupations.[1]
Should a Plumbing Contract Include Licensing Information?
In a word, yes. While requirements for licensing vary by state, plumbing contractors usually need a license, especially for larger jobs. Plumbing intersects with health and hygiene regulations, so it’s important for plumbing contractors to be familiar with their state’s licensing laws.