How to Quote Plumbing Jobs Accurately (Without Undercharging)
The Quoting Formula
Every plumbing quote should cover these components:
1. Materials (Cost + Markup)
Buy materials at trade price, charge at retail + 20-30%. This markup covers your time sourcing, picking up, and carrying stock. It's industry standard and customers expect it.
Example: Mixer tap costs you $180 at Reece. Charge $230-240 on the quote.
2. Labour (Hours x Your Rate)
Your hourly rate should cover: your wages, super, insurance, van costs, tools, phone, software, and profit. For most sole traders in SEQ, this is $85-120/hour depending on experience and specialisation.
Use our free hourly rate calculator to find your minimum charge-out rate.
3. Travel
Include travel time and fuel. Options: flat call-out fee ($60-100), or include 30 minutes travel in the labour estimate. Don't absorb travel costs — it's a real expense.
4. Consumables
Teflon tape, solder, flux, silicone, copper fittings, clips — these add up. Either itemise them or add a flat $20-50 "consumables" line depending on job size.
5. Margin
Add 10-15% on top for profit and contingency. This isn't greedy — it's what keeps your business sustainable and covers the jobs that go wrong.
Real Example: Hot Water System Replacement
| Item | Your Cost | Quote Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rheem Stellar 330L (trade price) | $1,200 | $1,560 (30% markup) |
| Tempering valve + fittings | $85 | $110 |
| Labour (3 hours x $100) | — | $300 |
| Removal of old unit | — | $150 |
| Call-out / travel | — | $80 |
| Consumables | — | $40 |
| Subtotal | $1,285 | $2,240 |
| + GST (10%) | — | $224 |
| Total Quote | — | $2,464 |
Your profit: $2,240 - $1,285 = $955 gross profit for approximately 4 hours work (including travel and admin). That's $238/hour effective rate.
Common Quoting Mistakes
- Forgetting travel time: 30 minutes each way is 1 hour of your day
- No markup on materials: You're not a charity — markup covers your sourcing time
- Underestimating time: Always add 30% buffer for unexpected complications
- Not including removal/disposal: Taking the old unit to the tip takes time and costs money
- Quoting over the phone without seeing the job: Always do a site visit for jobs over $500
TradeDesk helps you build accurate quotes with saved materials pricing and labour rates. Try it free for 21 days.