| Labor costWhat you actually pay your crew | — |
| Overhead allocation— | — |
| Materials & supplies— | — |
| Trip / service callFlat job charge | — |
| Permits & inspectionsPass-through fee | — |
| Subtotal before reserve | — |
| Callback reserveSet aside for warranty work | — |
| Your profitTake-home after all costs | — |
| ⚠ Tax set-aside (not in quote)Set this aside — it's not income | — |
FAQ
25–35% is typical. Standard parts get 25%; fixtures and water heaters get 30–35% since you're sourcing, transporting, and warranting higher-value gear.
$75–$150 standard; add $50–$150 for emergency or after-hours. Without it, short calls run at a loss once you factor in drive time.
20–30%, most shops land around 25%. A 25% margin requires a 33% markup on costs — margin and markup are not the same number.
New installs, pipe relocation, water heater replacements, and sewer work typically require one. Simple repairs usually don't. Always pass the permit fee through as a line item.
Yes — 1.5–2x labor is standard and expected. Quote it upfront; customers in a real plumbing emergency will pay it.