Quote templates for plumbers
Practical plumbing quote examples with materials, unit prices, and detailed labour in rand.
Geyser replacement quote
Replacing a burst or failing geyser is one of the most common plumbing jobs in South Africa. Here's a detailed example:
- Kwikot 150L geyser, 1 unit at R4,800
- 22mm copper pipe, 6 m at R95/m
- 3/4 inch gate valves, 2 units at R145 each
- Pressure control valve, 1 unit at R380
- Vacuum breakers and safety fittings, 1 set at R320
- Removal and disposal of old unit, 1 service at R250
- Labour, 5 hrs at R450/hr
Materials total: R6,610 | Labour: R2,250 | Total: R8,860
With Prummo, just dictate: "150 litre Kwikot geyser at 4,800 rand, 6 metres of 22mm copper pipe at 95 per metre, gate valve at 145..." and the quote is ready.
Bathroom renovation quote
Bathroom renovations involve a lot of materials. A clear quote avoids arguments later:
- Close-coupled toilet with cistern, 1 unit at R2,200
- Pedestal basin with mixer, 1 unit at R1,650
- Shower tray 900x900, 1 unit at R2,800
- Basin mixer tap, 1 unit at R950
- Shower mixer with rail, 1 unit at R1,650
- Bottle trap, 1 unit at R180
- 20mm PEX pipe, 12 m at R58/m
- 50mm PVC waste pipe, 6 m at R65/m
- Angle valves, 4 units at R120 each
- Sanitary silicone and sealant, 1 set at R280
- Labour, 3 days at R3,600/day
Materials total: R11,096 | Labour: R10,800 | Total: R21,896
Emergency callout and repair quote
Emergency repairs are quick but frequent jobs:
- Callout and diagnosis, 1 service at R450
- Toilet cistern mechanism replacement, 1 unit at R280 + 45 min at R450/hr
- Copper pipe leak repair (cut and join), 1 service at R850
- Kitchen mixer tap replacement, 1 unit at R650 (materials) + 30 min at R450/hr
- Drain unblocking, 1 service at R650
Total: R3,205
Even on a R500 or R1,000 repair, a professional quote sent via WhatsApp shows you're serious. The customer keeps your number for the bigger jobs down the line.
Tips for plumbing quotes
Always separate materials from labour. The customer wants to understand how much the geyser costs versus how much the installation costs, not one unexplained figure.
For bathroom renovations, include a line for "rubble removal and disposal". If you don't, the customer assumes it's included and there will be a dispute over it.
For jobs over R10,000, split the payment. Request a deposit via PayShap to book the date and order materials, then the balance on completion. Customers commit far more easily to R10,000 now than R35,000 upfront.
Charging for a callout and diagnosis as a separate line values your time properly. If the customer accepts the job, you can deduct it from the total.
Frequently asked questions
Should I charge a callout fee for emergencies?
Yes. A callout fee of R350 to R650 is common practice and filters out enquiries that aren't serious. You can deduct it from the total if the customer accepts the job.
How should I price plumbing labour?
The most common approach is by the hour (R350 to R550/hr) or by the day (R2,800 to R4,000/day). For emergency or after-hours work, a premium rate is standard practice.
Do gas or geyser installs need special registration?
Gas work specifically needs SAQCC Gas registration. If you hold PIRB registration, you can also issue the plumbing Certificate of Compliance a customer may need for a property sale or insurance claim. Reference it on the quote, it signals you're not a backyard operator.
How do my customers pay once they accept the quote?
They pay however suits them: a PayShap request sent straight to their banking app, an EFT with proof of payment attached to the job, or cash on completion. There's no card checkout for South Africa, but PayShap is usually the fastest, most customers have it confirmed within minutes.
Should I include brands and models in the quote?
Whenever possible, yes. A specific brand and model, like "Kwikot 150L" instead of "geyser", conveys far more confidence and lets the customer check the price is fair.
How do I quote a job that needs to be split into a deposit and balance?
Break it into stages on the quote itself: for example, 40% on acceptance to cover materials, 60% on completion. Send the deposit request via PayShap to book the date, then request the balance once the work is signed off.