A plumbing contract covers scope (fixtures, rough-in, repairs), licensing and permit responsibility, pricing (service calls typically $75–$200 plus $80–$150/hour, or flat-rate by task), water-damage liability boundaries, fixture allowances for customer-selected items, warranty terms (commonly 1 year labor, manufacturer's warranty on fixtures), and access/shutoff coordination. Permits are required for most water-heater, repipe, and sewer work, and the contract should name who pulls them.
Free Plumbing Contract Template
Reviewed by the Agiled editorial teamUpdated June 2026
Plumbing work carries a specific liability profile: the failure mode is water, and water finds everything. A plumbing contract has to draw clean lines around...
Part of our free contract template library — 75+ agreements in Word and PDF, ready to customize and sign.
Full template text
Below is a complete, ready-to-use plumbing contract. Replace the bracketed fields with your specific project details.
PLUMBING CONTRACT AGREEMENT
This Plumbing Contract Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [Date], by and between:
Property Owner: [Owner Full Legal Name], with a mailing address of [Owner Address] ("Owner")
Plumbing Contractor: [Contractor Full Legal Name / Business Name], with a principal place of business at [Contractor Address], Plumbing License No. [Number], bonded and insured in the State of [State] ("Contractor")
The Owner and Contractor are collectively referred to as the "Parties."
1. Project Description
The Contractor agrees to perform plumbing services at the following property:
Property Address: [Full Property Address]
General Description of Work: [Brief narrative, e.g., "Complete replacement of all domestic hot and cold water supply lines, installation of a new 50-gallon gas water heater, and replacement of all shut-off valves throughout the residence, per the specifications detailed below."]
2. Scope of Work
The Contractor shall perform the following plumbing work:
- [Task 1, e.g., "Remove and replace all existing galvanized water supply lines with Type L copper / PEX tubing from the main shut-off valve to every fixture"]
- [Task 2, e.g., "Install new quarter-turn shut-off valves at every fixture location"]
- [Task 3, e.g., "Remove existing water heater and install new [Brand, Model] 50-gallon gas water heater, including all gas and water connections, venting, and seismic strapping"]
- [Task 4, e.g., "Install new hose bibs at front and rear exterior walls"]
- [Task 5, e.g., "Pressure test all new supply lines to [PSI] for [duration] prior to closing walls"]
- [Additional tasks as needed]
The following work is expressly excluded from this Agreement: [List exclusions, e.g., "Drain, waste, and vent (DWV) piping, sewer line work, irrigation systems, and any drywall repair or patching after plumbing access cuts."]
Any work not expressly listed above is excluded unless added through a written change order executed by both Parties.
3. Materials and Parts
The Contractor shall furnish and install the following materials:
- Supply Piping: [Material, size, grade, e.g., "3/4-inch and 1/2-inch Type L copper tubing with lead-free solder joints" or "3/4-inch and 1/2-inch PEX-A tubing with expansion fittings"]
- Water Heater: [Brand, model, capacity, fuel type, e.g., "Rheem Performance Plus 50-gallon natural gas water heater, Model XG50T09HE40U0"]
- Shut-Off Valves: [Brand, type, e.g., "BrassCraft quarter-turn ball valves, chrome-plated"]
- Fixtures: [If applicable, list brand, model, and finish for each fixture]
- [Additional materials as needed]
All materials shall be new, code-compliant, and installed per manufacturer specifications and applicable building codes. The Contractor shall not substitute materials without the Owner's prior written approval. Material costs are [included in / separate from] the contract price.
4. Labor Rates and Pricing
This Agreement is structured as a [lump-sum / time-and-materials / flat-rate] contract.
[If lump sum:] The total contract price stated in Section 7 covers all labor, materials, equipment, and overhead required to complete the scope of work.
[If time-and-materials:] Labor shall be billed at the following rates:
- Standard rate (Monday through Friday, [Start Time] to [End Time]): $[Amount] per hour
- Overtime rate (evenings, weekends, and holidays): $[Amount] per hour
- Estimated total labor hours: [Number]. The Contractor shall notify the Owner if labor is projected to exceed the estimate by more than [Percentage]% and obtain written approval before continuing.
5. Permits and Inspections
The Contractor shall obtain and pay for all plumbing permits required by [City/County] for the lawful performance of the work described in this Agreement. The cost of permits is [included in / separate from] the contract price. The Contractor shall schedule and coordinate all required plumbing inspections with the local building authority and ensure all work passes inspection. The Contractor warrants that it holds a valid plumbing license in the State of [State] and complies with all applicable plumbing codes, building codes, and local ordinances.
6. Project Timeline
Work shall commence on or before [Start Date] and shall be completed on or before [Completion Date]. The Contractor shall perform work during the hours of [Start Time] to [End Time], [Days of the Week], unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Contractor shall promptly notify the Owner of any conditions that may delay the schedule.
Timeline extensions shall be granted for delays caused by: permit-processing delays, material back-orders beyond the Contractor's control, unforeseen conditions requiring a change order, Owner-caused delays, or force majeure events. Delays shall be documented in writing and a revised completion date agreed upon by both Parties.
7. Contract Price
The Owner agrees to pay the Contractor a total contract price of $[Amount] for the complete performance of the work described in this Agreement. [For time-and-materials contracts, replace with: "The Owner agrees to pay the Contractor for all labor and materials at the rates stated in Section 4, with a not-to-exceed price of $[Amount] unless a written change order is executed."]
8. Payment Schedule
Payments shall be made according to the following schedule:
- $[Amount] ([Percentage]%) due upon execution of this Agreement as a deposit
- $[Amount] ([Percentage]%) due upon completion of rough-in work and passing of rough-in inspection
- $[Amount] ([Percentage]%) due upon final completion, passing of final inspection, and Owner walkthrough approval
Invoices shall be issued by the Contractor and are due within [number] calendar days of receipt. Late payments shall accrue interest at the rate of [percentage]% per month. The Contractor reserves the right to suspend work if any payment remains overdue by more than [number] days. The Contractor may file a mechanic's lien against the property in accordance with applicable state law for unpaid balances.
9. Unforeseen Conditions and Emergency Work
If the Contractor discovers concealed or unforeseen conditions during the course of work — including but not limited to corroded piping, code violations in existing plumbing, lead pipes, asbestos-containing materials, water damage, or structural obstructions — the Contractor shall:
- Immediately stop work in the affected area
- Document the condition with photographs and a written description
- Notify the Owner promptly
- Provide a written estimate for the additional work required to address the condition
The Contractor shall not proceed with additional work until the Owner has approved and signed a written change order. If emergency conditions present an immediate risk to health, safety, or property (e.g., an active gas leak or sewage backup), the Contractor may take reasonable measures to mitigate the hazard and shall notify the Owner as soon as practicable. Emergency work performed under this provision shall be billed at the applicable labor rate stated in Section 4.
10. Warranty
The Contractor warrants that all work performed under this Agreement shall be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of [number] year(s) from the date of final completion and inspection approval. During the warranty period, the Contractor shall, at its own expense, repair or replace any defective work upon written notice from the Owner, with a response time of [number] business days from receipt of the warranty claim.
This warranty does not cover damage caused by the Owner's misuse, neglect, failure to perform normal maintenance, freezing due to inadequate insulation, water quality issues, or work performed on the plumbing system by parties other than the Contractor after completion.
Manufacturer warranties on installed fixtures, water heaters, and equipment shall be assigned or passed through to the Owner where permitted. The Contractor shall provide the Owner with all manufacturer warranty documentation upon project completion.
11. Insurance and Licensing
The Contractor shall maintain, at its own expense, the following insurance coverages throughout the duration of the project:
- General Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $[Amount] per occurrence and $[Amount] aggregate
- Workers' Compensation Insurance as required by applicable state law
- [If applicable: Automobile Liability Insurance with minimum limits of $[Amount] per occurrence]
The Contractor shall provide certificates of insurance to the Owner upon request prior to commencing work. The Contractor warrants that it holds a valid plumbing contractor license (No. [Number]) issued by [Licensing Authority] and that all personnel performing plumbing work on this project are properly licensed or supervised by a licensed plumber.
12. Cleanup
The Contractor shall maintain a clean and safe work environment throughout the project. Upon completion, the Contractor shall remove all debris, scrap materials, packaging, old fixtures, and waste from the property. The Contractor shall leave all work areas in a clean, broom-swept condition. The Contractor is not responsible for drywall patching, painting, or other finish work required to close access openings made for plumbing installation or repair, unless expressly included in the scope of work.
13. Dispute Resolution
In the event of any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Parties agree to first attempt resolution through good-faith negotiation. If negotiation is unsuccessful within [number] days, the Parties shall submit the dispute to mediation before pursuing any other remedy. If mediation fails, the Parties agree to resolve the matter through [binding arbitration / litigation in the courts of [Jurisdiction]]. The prevailing party in any arbitration or litigation shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.
14. Termination
Either Party may terminate this Agreement for cause if the other Party materially breaches any provision and fails to cure the breach within [number] days of receiving written notice. The Owner may terminate for convenience by providing [number] days' written notice to the Contractor. In the event of termination for convenience, the Owner shall pay the Contractor for all work satisfactorily completed through the date of termination, including materials procured and delivered to the site. Upon termination, the Contractor shall vacate the premises and deliver all completed work and project documentation to the Owner.
15. Governing Law and Entire Agreement
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State], without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles. This Agreement, together with all exhibits and change orders, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, and agreements, whether written or oral. No amendment shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by both Parties.
SIGNATURES
Owner:
Signature: ____________________________
Printed Name: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
Contractor:
Signature: ____________________________
Printed Name: ____________________________
Title: ____________________________
License No.: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
- Service call
- $75 – $200 + hourly or flat-rate
- Hourly rate
- $80 – $150; master plumbers higher
- Labor warranty
- 1 year, typical
- Permits
- Heaters, repipes, sewers — usually yes
What your plumbing contract should cover
Scope and the diagnostic boundary
The work quoted, by fixture and location — and a clause for what diagnosis reveals: the quoted faucet repair that turns out to be a corroded supply line gets a change order, not silent absorption. Camera-inspection findings on sewer work get attached.
License and permits
The plumber's license number on the face of the contract (most states require it), and permit responsibility named: water-heater swaps, repipes, gas lines, and sewer replacements typically need permits and inspection. Unpermitted plumbing surfaces at home sale — and the record follows the license.
Pricing structure
Service call/trip fee, then hourly ($80–$150) or flat-rate-by-task pricing — flat-rate books are the industry norm for service work. After-hours and emergency multipliers (1.5–2×) stated. Estimates marked as estimates; firm quotes marked firm.
Fixture allowances and customer-supplied items
Allowance amounts for customer-selected fixtures, and the warranty carve-out for customer-supplied items: the plumber warrants the installation, not the internet-purchased faucet's cartridge. Defective-out-of-box handling (labor to swap is billable) prevents the classic standoff.
Water damage and liability boundaries
The plumber carries liability insurance for damage caused by the work; the contract excludes pre-existing conditions, damage from concealed defects discovered (not caused), and consequential damage from customer-deferred repairs the plumber documented and recommended.
Access, shutoffs, and site conditions
Water (and gas) shutoff coordination, access to crawl spaces and cleanouts, who moves appliances and furniture, and notice to other occupants for whole-building shutoffs in multifamily work.
Concealed conditions
The plumbing-specific version matters: pipes behind walls, under slabs, and underground are priced on reasonable assumptions. Polybutylene, galvanized corrosion, root-bound clay sewer lines, and slab leaks discovered mid-job are change-order events with documented photos.
Payment terms
Service work: due on completion, card on file. Larger jobs: deposit within state caps, progress payments tied to rough-in inspection and final, and the mechanic's-lien notice where state law requires it.
Warranty
One year on labor is standard; fixtures and equipment carry manufacturer warranties the plumber passes through. Drain-clearing carries a short or no warranty (a cleared clog can re-form) — say so explicitly, with a recurrence window if offered (e.g., 30 days on mainline clears).
Code compliance and corrections
Work performed to current plumbing code; pre-existing code violations discovered nearby are documented and quoted separately — the plumber isn't obligated to fix the whole house's history, but inspectors may require corrections to connect new work.
Typical plumbing pricing and terms (U.S., 2026)
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Service call / trip fee | $75 – $200 | Often credited toward work |
| Hourly rate | $80 – $150 | Master plumbers to $200+ |
| Water heater (tank, installed) | $1,200 – $2,500 | Tankless $2,500 – $5,500 |
| Mainline drain clear | $200 – $600 | Camera inspection $150 – $400 |
| Whole-home repipe (PEX) | $4,500 – $15,000+ | Size and access dependent |
| Emergency multiplier | 1.5× – 2× | Nights, weekends, holidays |
| Labor warranty | 1 year | Drain clears: 0 – 30 days |
Ranges vary by region, access, and material. Plumbing permits and licensing rules are state and municipal — license numbers on contracts are mandatory in most states.
How plumbing contracts work in practice
The emergency call
Burst pipe, midnight, water everywhere — and no time for paperwork. The professional pattern: a short-form emergency authorization (rate multiplier, stop-the-water scope, card on file) signed on the phone screen before work starts, then a standard contract the next day for the permanent repair. The emergency form's job is narrow: authorize stabilization at emergency rates. Plumbers who do the full repair at 2 a.m. on a verbal okay collect at the customer's mercy.
The bathroom remodel rough-in
Working under a GC or directly for an owner, the plumber's scope interlocks with other trades: rough-in after framing, top-out, then trim after tile. The contract ties payments to inspection milestones (rough-in passed, final passed), defines the fixture allowance versus customer-supplied split, and pins schedule dependencies — the plumber's two days slip when the tile runs late, and the remobilization clause says what that costs. Moving a drain location after rough-in is the classic change order; price it as one.
The sewer line replacement
The highest-stakes residential job: $4,000–$25,000, excavation or trenchless, permits, and a customer who can't see what they're buying. The contract attaches the camera footage and locate report, specifies method (open trench versus pipe burst versus lining), names restoration scope precisely (backfill and rough grade included; landscaping, irrigation, and hardscape replacement excluded or priced), and handles the utility-locate and private-line risk. The cleanout-to-main responsibility boundary — homeowner's line versus city's — should be documented with the footage.
Mistakes that weaken a plumbing contract
Quoting concealed work firm
A firm price on what's behind the wall or under the slab is a gift to the unknown. Price the expected condition, state the assumption, and let the concealed-conditions clause handle what diagnosis reveals.
Warranting customer-supplied fixtures
The online-bargain faucet that fails in a month becomes the plumber's problem only if the contract is silent. Warrant the installation; let the manufacturer warrant the part; bill the swap labor.
Guaranteeing drain clears
A root-bound line will clog again — that's the pipe's condition, not the plumber's failure. A stated short recurrence window (or none, with the camera evidence recommending replacement) keeps the callback honest.
Skipping the permit on water heaters
The most commonly skipped permit in plumbing — and the one that surfaces at every home inspection. Unpermitted heater swaps risk fines, redo orders, and T&P-valve liability the permit inspection exists to catch.
Working without the license number on paper
Most states require the license number on the contract; its absence can void the contract, forfeit lien rights, and trigger board discipline. It's one line — print it.
How to use this template
- 01
Download the plumbing contract template in Word or PDF.
- 02
Add your license number, insurance, and the service-call and rate structure.
- 03
Define the scope by fixture and location, with assumptions for concealed pipe stated.
- 04
Set fixture allowances, the customer-supplied carve-out, and permit responsibility.
- 05
State the warranty — labor term, manufacturer pass-through, drain-clear window.
- 06
Set payment terms and deposit within state caps, then sign before work begins.
Skip this template if…
- Multi-trade remodels you're running as the general — a construction or GC contract handles trade coordination and lien waivers.
- Recurring commercial maintenance — a service-level maintenance agreement with response times fits ongoing accounts better than a per-job contract.
FAQs
What should a plumbing contract include?
Scope by fixture and location, the plumber's license number, permit responsibility, pricing (trip fee plus hourly or flat-rate), fixture allowances and customer-supplied carve-outs, a concealed-conditions clause for what's behind walls and under slabs, warranty terms, insurance, and payment schedule. For sewer work, attach the camera footage.
How much do plumbers charge?
A service call typically runs $75–$200, then $80–$150 per hour — or flat-rate pricing by task, which most service companies use. Common flat rates: mainline drain clear $200–$600, tank water heater installed $1,200–$2,500, whole-home PEX repipe $4,500–$15,000+. Emergencies bill at 1.5–2×.
Do plumbers need permits?
For most significant work, yes: water heater replacement, repiping, gas lines, sewer replacement, and new fixture locations typically require permits and inspection, while like-for-like faucet or toilet swaps usually don't. The contract should name who pulls the permit — normally the licensed plumber — because unpermitted work surfaces at home sale.
What warranty should a plumber give?
One year on labor is the industry standard, with fixtures and equipment carrying their manufacturers' warranties. Drain clearing is the exception — a cleared clog in a compromised line can re-form within days, so professional contracts give a short recurrence window (0–30 days) and document the camera evidence recommending repair.
Who is liable for water damage during plumbing work?
The plumber's liability insurance covers damage the work causes; the contract should exclude pre-existing conditions and damage from concealed defects the plumber discovered rather than caused. The documentation habit that settles disputes: photograph existing corrosion and prior damage before touching anything.
Can a customer supply their own fixtures?
Yes, and the contract should welcome it with a boundary: the plumber warrants the installation, the manufacturer warrants the fixture, and labor to replace a defective-out-of-box customer purchase is billable. Allowance-based selection through the plumber's suppliers keeps warranty responsibility unified.
Pair it with the plumbing invoice template
The contract sets the terms — the invoice collects on them. Free download with the right line items pre-filled.
Need more than a template?
Create, send, and e-sign contracts with Agiled — alongside your CRM, invoicing, and projects.
Start free with Agiled