You cleared the drain, installed the water heater, or fixed the leak — and the invoice is now past due. Chasing it feels awkward, so many plumbers put it off. But a short, professional reminder email is the single most effective way to get a plumbing invoice paid, and it doesn't have to be uncomfortable.
Below are three ready-to-use templates and the follow-up schedule that makes them work. Copy them, swap in your details, and send.
The follow-up schedule that works
One email is rarely enough. The plumbers who get paid fastest use a consistent, escalating sequence: a friendly reminder on the due date, then follow-ups at 3, 7, and 14 days after. Each message gets a little firmer, but every one stays professional. Consistency is what changes client behavior — they learn you always follow up, so they pay on time.
Template 1: Friendly reminder (on the due date)
Hi [Client name], Just a quick note that invoice #1042 for [amount] is due today. You can pay in one click here: [payment link]. Thanks again for your business — let me know if you have any questions! [Your name], [Business name]
Template 2: Polite nudge (3–7 days overdue)
Hi [Client name], I wanted to follow up on invoice #1042 for [amount], which was due on [due date] and is now a few days past due. If it's already on its way, thank you! If not, you can settle it here: [payment link]. Appreciate it, [Your name], [Business name]
Template 3: Firm final notice (14+ days overdue)
Hi [Client name], This is a reminder that invoice #1042 for [amount], originally due on [due date], is now 14 days overdue. Please arrange payment by [deadline] using this link: [payment link]. If there's an issue with the invoice, let me know and we'll sort it out. Thank you, [Your name], [Business name]
A few rules that make reminders work
Always include a payment link. Every extra step between "I should pay this" and actually paying is a chance for the client to put it off. Keep the tone warm until it genuinely needs to be firm — most overdue invoices are simply forgotten, not refused. And reference the invoice number and amount every time, so there's no ambiguity about what you're asking for.
Or stop sending them by hand
Sending this sequence manually, for every invoice, is exactly why follow-up slips. PaidPatrol sends all four reminders automatically — in your name, from the due date until the invoice is paid — and replies go straight to your inbox. You add an invoice in about 20 seconds and never write a reminder email again. It's built for plumbers and every other trade, with a 14-day free trial and no credit card required.