How to Invoice as a Plumber
What goes on a plumbing invoice, in what order, and how to follow up, with one worked example of an after-hours repair.
In the US, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says (page last modified October 29, 2026): "Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping fixtures and systems." It also says: "Plumbers are often on call for emergencies, so evening and weekend work is common." A plumber's invoice has to show more than one total: the call-out, the hours, each part, and any after-hours rate.
This guide sets out the order: price the work, get approval for anything bigger than a repair, bill each charge separately, then send the invoice and follow up. It doesn't cover licensing, permits or sales tax; check your state's and city's rules and ask an accountant.
Worked example (sample figures, not suggested rates; sales tax isn't included): a customer calls at 9 p.m. about a leaking supply line under a kitchen sink. The invoice has four lines: after-hours service call, 95.00; labor, 2 hours × 140.00 = 280.00; shutoff valves, 2 × 18.50 = 37.00; a braided supply line, 24.00. The total is 95.00 + 280.00 + 37.00 + 24.00 = 436.00.
Step-by-step invoicing guide
- 1
Set your rates before the first call
Decide your service call fee, your hourly labor rate and your after-hours rate, and use the same ones on every job. Billed's features page says you can "Save products and services in Billed App and pull these products quickly in your invoices."
- 2
Put bigger jobs on an estimate
For work beyond a repair, such as replacing a fixture, list the parts and the hours on an estimate. Billed's estimating page says you can "Attach important files and images with your estimates." A photo of the worn part shows the customer why the work is needed. Billed's features page says "your clients can approve or reject your estimates online."
- 3
Convert the approved estimate
When the customer approves, Billed's invoice software page says you can "convert an approved estimate into an invoice." Keep the estimate's lines, so the invoice matches the price they said yes to.
- 4
Give each charge its own line
Bill the service call, the labor hours and each part separately, with a quantity on every parts line. Billed's help center says: "Click 'Add a Line Item' and fill this section to charge against new items and services."
- 5
Label after-hours work
If the call came in the evening or on a weekend, name the rate on the line, such as "Labor, after-hours, 2 hours", and write the time of the call in the notes. Billed's help center says: "You can add additional details related to the transaction in 'Additional Notes' while creating an invoice." It adds: "You can also add any terms and conditions in this section."
- 6
Get a yes on extra work first
If you find a second problem on site, tell the customer the price before you start and bill it on a line of its own. For a larger job, send a new estimate.
- 7
Add a due date and reminders
Billed's invoice software page says: "Set a due date on each invoice so your client knows when to pay." Billed's help center says: "Turn on the 'Payment Reminders' option while creating or editing an invoice." It adds: "You can set a schedule of payment reminders before and after the invoice's due date."
Tips for plumber invoicing
- Name the fixture you worked on in the line description, such as "Kitchen sink supply line", so the customer can find the job later.
- Keep the receipts for parts you buy for a job, so each parts line can be checked.
- For a landlord or property manager, ask before you send the invoice whether they need a unit or PO number on it.
- If you can, invoice from the site. Billed's mobile app page says: "Billed for iOS and Android syncs with the web dashboard in real time, so you can invoice the moment a job is done."
Common invoicing mistakes to avoid
- Folding the service call into the labor total, so the customer can't see what the visit cost.
- Starting extra work before the customer has approved the price.
- Writing "parts" as one line instead of naming each part and its quantity.
- Leaving the after-hours rate unlabeled, so it looks like a higher hourly rate with no reason given.
How this works in Billed
Saved services and parts
Billed's features page says you can "Save products and services in Billed App and pull these products quickly in your invoices."
Estimate, then invoice
Billed's features page says "your clients can approve or reject your estimates online." Billed's invoice software page says you can "convert an approved estimate into an invoice."
Quantities on each line
Billed's estimating page says you can "customize units and quantities for each product."
Ways to pay
Billed's invoice software page says: "Connect Stripe and each invoice gets a pay button for card payments, or connect PayPal to add a PayPal option." It also says: "When a client pays by check or cash, record it as an offline payment so all your income is in one place."
Frequently asked questions
Start Invoicing With Billed
Set up your account and send your first invoice with Billed.
At a glance
| On the invoice | How to show it |
|---|---|
| Service call | Its own line |
| Labor | Hours × rate |
| Parts | One line per part, with the quantity |
| After-hours work | Its own line, rate named, time of call in the notes |
| Extra work found on site | Its own line, after the customer approves |
When this isn't for you
This guide is for plumbers who invoice their own customers. If a plumbing company employs you, the company sends the invoice. It doesn't cover licensing, permits or sales tax.