The line
Start from a common job, then replace every figure with your takeoff. Changing work type or access never overwrites a rate you already typed.
Your crew rates
A $38/h tech loaded at 32% is $50.16. Quoting the raw wage on a published $149 drain special is how a 140-foot toilet-pull main that looked fine turns into a two-hour loss after the first wax ring.
Your bid
- Work and line
- Access and extras
- Crew hours
- Loaded labor
- Wear + fittings + fees
- Travel + equipment
- Overhead
- Total cost
- Profit at this price
- Price per foot of line
- Effective hourly rate
- Walk-away price
Where the hours go
Where the cost goes
Transparent arithmetic from your own inputs. Starting hours and material rates are common ballpark figures, not an industry standard, a plumbing specification, or a code determination — replace them with your own takeoff.
Common questions
Why does a toilet pull or new cleanout cost more than an existing cleanout job?
Access is priced as its own line because getting into the line changes the labor before the machine ever starts running: pulling and resetting a toilet, or cutting in a new cleanout, adds real hours a job that already has a cleanout doesn't need. Match the access option to what's actually on site rather than assuming every job starts the same way.
Why does a “$149 drain special” price so much lower than this tool's number?
A flat brochure price usually covers a short run from an existing cleanout with no roots, no grease, and no camera pass — extra footage past the included run, roots, grease, hose distance from the truck, and a camera warranty pass all add hours the flat price never counted. Enter your actual line feet and conditions to see what the special would need to charge to still be profitable.
Does the camera pass replace a real sewer inspection or a home-sale scope report?
No. This prices your labor and equipment time for running a camera, not a certified inspection report, a real-estate condition disclosure, or a code determination about the line's condition. Whatever the camera finds is still something you (or a licensed inspector) has to interpret and document separately.
Is the footage-included assumption accurate for my trucks?
The included footage and hose-run figures are common ballpark starting points, not a manufacturer spec for your specific jet unit or cable machine. Replace them with what your actual equipment carries so the “extra footage” charge kicks in at the right point.
Hand the customer a proposal
The price above is for you. This is the page you print or save as a PDF and give to the customer — your details, their details, the scope, the deposit split, and a line for them to sign. Your business details are saved on this device so you only type them once; the customer’s details are never saved.
Everything on the printed page is text you typed or a number this calculator worked out. It contains no warranty, lien, or cancellation wording — those depend on your jurisdiction and your contract, and this tool is not the place to invent them.