Plumber Scope of Work Generator
Avoid disputes over water damage, wall repairs, and "while you're here" requests. Create clear, professional plumbing scopes in under 60 seconds.
Plumbing Scope of Work Examples
đź“‹ 50-Gallon Gas Water Heater Replacement
Scope of Work:
- Disconnect and drain existing 40-gallon gas water heater
- Remove and dispose of old unit at approved facility
- Furnish and install new 50-gallon gas water heater (Rheem/AO Smith or equivalent)
- Install new flexible water supply lines (hot and cold)
- Install new gas flex connector with shutoff valve
- Install new T&P relief valve and discharge pipe to within 6" of floor
- Install 18" stand if in garage per code
- Test for gas leaks and proper operation
- Set temperature to 120°F and verify pilot/ignition
Exclusions:
- Expansion tank installation (quoted separately if required)
- Gas line upgrades or extensions
- Venting modifications beyond basic reconnection
- Water damage repair from previous leaks
- Permit fees (passed through at cost)
đź“‹ Full Bathroom Rough-In (New Construction)
Scope of Work:
- Install 3" PVC drain for toilet with closet flange
- Install 2" PVC drain for shower/tub with P-trap
- Install 1-1/2" PVC drain for lavatory with P-trap
- Install 2" vent stack tied to existing vent system
- Run 1/2" PEX hot and cold supply lines to all fixtures
- Install quarter-turn shutoff valves at each fixture location
- Install shower valve rough-in (Moen/Delta or owner-provided)
- Pressure test all supply lines at 80 PSI for 30 minutes
- DWV test per local code requirements
Exclusions:
- Fixture installation (quoted as separate trim-out phase)
- Drywall, tile, or flooring work
- Electrical for vent fans or heated floors
- Sewer line upgrades if undersized
đź“‹ Whole House Repipe (Copper to PEX)
Scope of Work:
- Remove and dispose of existing copper/galvanized supply piping
- Install new PEX-A supply system with manifold in garage
- Run dedicated home-run lines to each fixture
- Replace all angle stops with quarter-turn valves
- Install new main shutoff valve at meter
- Install new hose bibs (2) with vacuum breakers
- Reconnect water heater, dishwasher, refrigerator ice maker
- Pressure test entire system at 80 PSI
- Obtain permit and schedule inspections
Exclusions:
- Drywall repair and painting (contractor makes access holes only)
- Fixture upgrades or replacement
- Drain/waste/vent work
- Slab penetrations (slab leak repair quoted separately)
- Landscaping repair for underground work
What to Include in a Plumbing Scope of Work
âś… Always Include
- •Fixture schedule: Exact fixtures—toilets, lavs, showers, water heaters with model numbers
- •Piping materials: PEX vs copper vs PVC/ABS, sizes, and connection types
- •Tie-in points: Where new work connects to existing supply and drain lines
- •Testing: Pressure test specs, DWV testing, leak checks
- •Code compliance: IPC/UPC, local amendments, permit requirements
- •Water shutoff: When water will be off and for how long
⚠️ Common Exclusions
- •Wall/floor access: Opening drywall, tile removal, concrete cutting
- •Finish work: Patching, painting, tile repair after plumbing
- •Pre-existing damage: Water damage, mold, rotted subfloor
- •Sewer issues: Main line problems, root intrusion, bellied pipes
- •Other trades: Electrical, HVAC, carpentry
- •Fixture supply: If customer is providing fixtures
đź’ˇ Pro Tips for Plumbing Scopes
Always address wall repairs:
"Contractor will make necessary access holes in drywall. Patching and painting by others." This is the #1 source of disputes in plumbing work.
Specify fixture responsibility:
State clearly: "Owner to provide all fixtures" or "Contractor to furnish [specific models]." Don't leave it ambiguous.
Document water damage liability:
"Contractor not responsible for pre-existing water damage, mold, or structural issues discovered during work." Inspect before you quote.
Include testing language:
"All supply lines pressure tested at 80 PSI for minimum 30 minutes. DWV system tested per local code." Shows professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a plumbing scope of work?
A complete plumbing scope should include: fixture schedule with quantities and locations, piping materials and sizes, connection points to existing systems, testing requirements, permit and inspection responsibilities, and clear exclusions for wall repairs and pre-existing conditions. Specify who provides fixtures and who handles water shutoff coordination.
Who is responsible for fixing walls after plumbing work?
This depends entirely on your scope of work—which is why it must be clearly stated. Most plumbers exclude drywall repair and painting. Your scope should say something like: "Contractor will make necessary access openings. Drywall patching, mudding, and painting by owner or others." Never assume the customer knows this isn't included.
How detailed should a plumbing estimate be?
Detailed enough to avoid "that should be included" conversations. Specify exact fixture counts, pipe materials, valve types, and testing procedures. For a bathroom remodel, list every fixture, every shutoff valve, every drain connection. The 10 minutes you spend writing a detailed scope saves hours of arguing later.
Should I include permit costs in my plumbing scope?
Best practice is to list permits as "passed through at cost" or include actual permit fees as a line item. Don't eat permit costs—they vary widely and can be substantial for large projects. Your scope should also clarify who pulls the permit and who schedules inspections.
How do I protect myself from hidden plumbing problems?
Include a concealed conditions clause: "Price based on visible conditions. Hidden defects including corroded pipes, improper venting, code violations, or water damage discovered during work will be documented and priced as a change order before proceeding." Take photos during demo and communicate immediately when you find issues.