Plumber quote template for South Africa

Short answer: a plumbing quote that gets accepted separates materials from labour, says exactly which fittings are being supplied, states what is not included (ceiling and wall repairs are the classic dispute), and says whether any compliance certificate is part of the price. Below is a filled-in geyser example and a blank copy-paste version.

What a plumber quote needs to include

• Name the product, not just "geyser". Capacity (for example 150L or 200L), type (electric, solar, heat pump), and whether the drip tray, pressure-control valve and isolation valve are included. Clients compare quotes line by line.
• Split materials and labour. It makes your price easy to defend and lets the client see what is a fixed supply cost and what is time.
• Say what happens to the old unit. Removal and disposal is real time and a real cost, and clients forget to ask.
• State any certificate separately. If your work needs a compliance certificate, say whether it is included and what it costs. Confirm what applies to the job with PIRB (the Plumbing Industry Registration Board) or your municipality.
• List exclusions in plain words. Wall and ceiling repairs, electrical work for the geyser, and anything found once the old unit is out.

A filled-in example

Example only — business name, quantities and prices are illustrative, not real.

Blank template — copy and fill in

This version includes the VAT lines. If you are not VAT registered, delete the VAT row and the VAT number line.

QUOTATION — PLUMBING

[Your Business Name]
[Address] · [Phone] · [Email]
[PIRB registration no., if applicable]
VAT No: [Your VAT number, if registered]

Quote #: [QTE-0001]    Date: [DD Month YYYY]    Valid until: [DD Month YYYY]

Prepared for: [Client name], [Site address]

MATERIALS
[Product, capacity/size, brand]                    [Qty]   [R0.00]   [R0.00]
[Valves, fittings, pipework]                       [Qty]   [R0.00]   [R0.00]

LABOUR
[Description of work]                              [Hrs]   [R0.00]   [R0.00]
[Removal and disposal of old unit]                 [1]     [R0.00]   [R0.00]

[Compliance certificate, if applicable]            [1]     [R0.00]   [R0.00]

                                          Subtotal:   [R0.00]
                                          VAT (15%):  [R0.00]
                                          Total:      [R0.00]

EXCLUDES: [wall/ceiling repairs, electrical work, hidden damage found on site]
Valid for [14] days. Deposit: [50]% to secure the date.

Three mistakes that cost plumbers money

• Quoting a geyser without the capacity. If the client assumes 200L and you quoted 150L, the argument starts on the day you finish.
• Leaving "making good" off the list. Chasing a leak often means opening a wall or ceiling. Say who pays to close it up.
• No price for hidden problems. Add a line saying you will stop and quote before continuing if you find corroded pipework or a failed isolation valve.

For the general structure behind any quote, read AI for tradespeople in South Africa (where AI actually helps a trade business). Not in this trade? There are also templates for electricians, roofers, builders, painters. Once the job is done, use the matching invoice template, and if you are unsure whether to charge VAT at all, see when VAT registration applies.

Would you rather type the job and get the quote drafted for you? See Zuvo for plumbers, or build one now with the free quote generator.

General business guidance and an illustrative template, not legal, technical or tax advice. Prices, quantities and business details in the example are made up. Check the registration, certificate and licensing rules that apply to your trade with the relevant professional body or your local municipality, and ask your own accountant about VAT.