Plumbing Estimating Guide: Pipe, Fixtures, and Equipment Quantification

Plumbing estimating involves quantifying water supply, drainage, vent systems, fixtures, and specialty systems like medical gas. The wide variety of pipe materials, fitting counts, and code requirements makes this a detailed trade to estimate accurately.

Division 22 Scope

CSI Division 22 — Plumbing covers:

• 22 05 00 — Common Work Results for Plumbing
• 22 10 00 — Plumbing Piping (domestic water, drainage)
• 22 20 00 — Plumbing Fixtures (toilets, sinks, faucets)
• 22 30 00 — Plumbing Equipment (water heaters, pumps)
• 22 40 00 — Plumbing Specialties (backflow preventers, grease traps)
• 22 50 00 — Pool and Fountain Plumbing
• 22 60 00 — Medical Gas Systems

Pipe Takeoff

Domestic Water

• Copper (Type K, L, M) or PEX by diameter (1/2” to 4”)
• Valves: gate, globe, check, ball, pressure-reducing
• Insulation: foam or fiberglass by thickness
• Hangers and supports: spacing per code

Drainage and Vent

• PVC (DWV Schedule 40), cast iron (hubless or no-hub) by diameter
• Fittings: wyes, tees, elbows, bends, clean-outs
• Slope: 1/4” per foot (typical for 3” and smaller)

Natural Gas

• Black iron or CSST by diameter
• Valves: gas cocks, excess flow valves
• Regulators, meters, drip legs

Fixture Counts

Medical Gas Systems

Medical gas estimating is highly specialized:

• Oxygen, medical air, vacuum, nitrous oxide, nitrogen
• Type K or L copper per NFPA 99
• Zone valves, alarms, outlets (gas-specific)
• Testing and certification labor

For accurate plumbing takeoffs with full fixture and pipe quantification, contact F&K Estimatings. Our MEP division provides comprehensive Division 22 estimates.