Plumbing Contract: A Guide for Plumbers and Clients

Plumbing Service Agreements

If you are hiring a plumbing contractor or offering services as one, plumbing contracts are vital to the project’s outcome in several ways. Having a sound contract in place before work begins is critical, whether the project is small or large. Before drafting your document, hire a lawyer to write it or help you learn more about how to negotiate a contract.

What Are Plumbing Contracts?

Plumbing contracts, also known as plumbing service contracts, are legally binding service contracts that specify the type of work that a plumber should perform. These agreements protect both the property owner and the service provider. A plumbing contract details the project’s scope and depth, including price and a Statement of Work, or as part of a larger construction contract.

Benefits of Plumbing Contracts

Regardless of whether you are a property owner or plumbing contractor, there are several benefits associated with plumbing contracts. The most significant advantage of plumbing contracts is that they require both parties to reach an agreement before work evens begin and protects them if a dispute arises. While verbal contracts may be tempting, ensure that you get your project in writing beforehand.

Benefits of plumbing contracts include:

1. Saving both parties time and money
2. A guarantee of work performed
3. Reassurance when offering ongoing maintenance
4. A legal record of the relationship and purpose
5. An agreement of how disputes will be handled
6. Understanding of how much the project will cost
7. A description of guarantees and warranties

There are several types of plumbing contracts, including ongoing services and one-time projects. No matter what kind of agreement you need in place depends upon the job and plumber you are hiring. Speak with a contract lawyer to help you draft and execute an enforceable agreement that protects both parties and meets specific legal rules and regulations.

What Should Be in a Plumbing Contract?

The plumbing contractor is the one who generally presents a plumbing contract. As such, it is vital to understand that there are specific elements to include for enforceability and other legal reasons.

Here is what should be in a plumbing contract at a bare minimum:

• Both parties’ names and contact information
• Detailed outline of the project scope and depth
• Detailed itemization of materials used
• Written description of the service payment schedule
• Types of permits required by law and local ordinances
• Proof of professional licensure, bond, and insurance
• Construction cleanup and post-work responsibilities clause
• How non-payments are handled, including service termination and liens
• Warranties and guarantees to the customer
• Completed copy of your invoice template to present upon signing

You should have a plumbing contract that is very specific and customized to the job at hand. If you have any questions about your agreement or how you can improve it, seek legal advice from an attorney in your state for help.

How Do I Write a Plumbing Contract?

It is challenging to write a plumbing contract without possessing a solid command of contract law. While it may seem costly or difficult to hire a contract lawyer, there are a few ways that you can still keep your legal costs in check while protecting your rights as a plumbing contract or consumer.

Plumbing Contract Samples

While there are numerous plumbing contract samples available online, they are generally very basic and may not be correct for your location or service area. Instead, make an initial investment in having a contract attorney draft your first iteration to use as a boilerplate model for future customers.

However, you can use this plumbing contract free sample as a starting point for your business:

This plumbing contract (“Agreement”) is entered into on this _____ date of __________, 2021, by and between __________ (“Client”) and __________ (“Contractor”).

This contract services agreement (the “Agreement”) has been entered into on the 18 day of April 2021, by and between Emily Miller (the “Client”) and Robert Johnson (the “Contractor”).

Whereas Client is hiring Contractor to perform services for Client.

Whereas Contractor agrees to perform services for Client, under proper licensure, bond, and insurance requirements, including:

• Installation of new water lines to main floor kitchen
• Testing of new installation to ensure performance
• Clean up of construction site upon completion
• Ongoing annual site checks to ensure performance

Services may also include mutually agreed upon tasks between Contractor and Client.

Time: Agreement remains in effect from ninety (90) days of the signing date, unless otherwise extended.

Payment: Client agrees to pay $5,000 for work performed with fifty (50) percent due at signing and the other fifty (50) percent due upon completion.

Warranties: Contractor agrees to the warranties included by manufacturers as well as those described in Schedule A (Attached).

Both parties agree to the contract here in on this ______ day of __________, 2021.

Add signature lines for both parties under the dateline.

Hire a Contract Lawyer for Customized Plumbing Contracts

By having an attorney write your plumbing contracts, you will know that it is perfect for the specific job and location at hand. You will only need to update it with your attorney if you are serving new areas, offering different services, or crossing over from residential work to commercial work and vice versa.

Image via Pexels by Roger Brown

What Does a Plumbing Contractor Do?

A plumbing contractor, typically operating as sole-proprietorships or limited liability corporations (LLCs), installs, maintains, and repairs pipelines and systems that involve the flow of water or natural gas. They can specialize in one or more of the following: industrial, commercial, or residential sectors.

Other services and responsibilities that plumbing contractors meet include:

• Rooting out pipes for installation on a remodel or new construction project
• Conducting site inspections and maintenance of existing plumbing systems
• Gaining on the job and professional training experience with a wide range of materials
• Installing fire sprinkler systems or natural gas lines
• Submitting bids on jobs that may have active jobs under a roofing contract or new construction agreement
• Securing building permits for retrofitting jobs and new projects
• Meeting the necessary licensing requirements and staying aware of changes in local, state, and federal codes

Plumbing contractors do not have a specific educational path. However, most professionals in this position have attended an apprenticeship or trade school. The most important skillset for this position is a strong command of mechanics and mathematics.

What Are the Different Types of Plumbers?

Plumbers, like any other industry, have a variety of specializations. Some master plumbers and plumber contractors focus on new construction pipe installation, while others are experts in repairing old lines. Regardless of a plumber’s expertise, you should be aware of specific categories when drafting plumbing contacts.

These are the different types of plumbers that may work on someone’s property:

• Licensed plumbers
• Apprentices and journeymen
• Fire sprinkler plumbers
• Remodeling plumbers
• Waterline plumbers
• Natural gas line installation plumbers

Plumbers are professionals with a highly-specialized skillset. Licensure, experience, results, pricing, and service abilities are things that property owners and plumbers alike should consider when buying or selling services. Always have legally enforceable plumbing contracts between both parties to prevent a dispute’s chance of arising in the future.

Get Legal Help with Plumbing Contracts Now

Whether you are receiving or offering plumbing services, it is essential that you have a solid plumbing contract in place. Sign up with Contracts Counsel at no upfront cost to you.