How to compare plumbing quotes that don't match
Three quotes can leave you with three prices and no clearer idea of what to choose. Put the work beside the prices. You may find that the shops are offering different equipment, different installation work or different warranty terms.
Here's what that looks like
Fictional example: Three quotes for replacing a gas water heater. These aren't actual Reno quotes, and no prices are implied.
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heater | Brand and model named | “50 gallon gas” | Brand and model named |
| Old heater removal | Included | Not mentioned | Included |
| Permit | Included | Not mentioned | Extra |
| Expansion tank | Included | Not mentioned | Included |
| Labor warranty | Two years | Not mentioned | One year |
| Drywall and paint | Excluded | Not mentioned | Excluded |
Quote B gives you less information. That doesn't tell you whether it's a worse offer. You need the model, removal terms, permit charge and other missing details before judging it.
A and C have answered more, but they still aren't necessarily offering the same heater. Check the models. Then ask what each labor warranty covers and what C's permit adds to the total.
Don't fill in the blanks yourself
“Not mentioned” means you don't know. It doesn't mean free, included or unnecessary.
An expansion tank missing from a quote could be included elsewhere, excluded or something the plumber doesn't consider needed for that installation. Ask which. The quote alone hasn't answered it.
Keep the answers with the quote, preferably in an updated version from the shop. Otherwise, you're comparing written prices against things you remember being told.
Compare the differences that remain
Once the offers are clear, you may still prefer different things: a particular model, longer labor coverage, a shop's experience or its availability. You don't have to make every offer identical to choose between them.
The Contractors Board recommends getting at least three written bids covering the same work. The FTC also recommends asking contractors to explain substantial price differences. Neither approach makes the lowest, highest or middle number automatically right.
For the terms that belong beyond this comparison, see what a plumbing quote should include.
Sources
- Nevada State Contractors Board, homeowner checklist: www.nvcontractorsboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Bill_of_Rights.pdf
- Federal Trade Commission, Hiring a Contractor (archived copy): webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20170124172648/http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor