Residential and Commercial Plumbing Service Agreement

What a good one includes

• A highly detailed scope of work that specifies the exact fixtures, piping materials, and installation methods to be used.
• A clear payment schedule outlining upfront deposits, progress billing milestones, and terms for late payments.
• An unforeseen site conditions clause that covers additional billing for hidden issues like mold, structural decay, or outdated hazardous piping discovered behind walls.
• A dedicated warranty section explaining exactly what parts and labor are covered, how long the coverage lasts, and what actions void the warranty.
• Clarification on who is responsible for obtaining and paying for local municipal permits and scheduling necessary inspections.
• A clause outlining the client’s responsibility to provide clear access to the work area, including clearing furniture or shutting off water mains if necessary.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on verbal agreements or vague handshakes for change orders instead of requiring signed, written approvals for extra materials and labor.
• Failing to define what constitutes an emergency service call, leading to disputes over after-hours premium rates.
• Omitting a clear liability limit for preexisting water damage or plumbing system wear-and-tear that occurred prior to your arrival on site.
• Neglecting to specify payment terms for commercial clients, who often operate on Net-30 or Net-60 cycles, causing unexpected cash flow gaps.

Frequently asked questions