When estimating a plumbing job, it’s important to perform an accurate pipe takeoff. This allows you to accurately estimate materials and equipment needed for the project.
A quick method for finding piping cut lengths is using a long radius and short radius 90. This is especially useful when reading an isometric drawing that only gives you center to center dimensions.
Pipe Size
When working with pipe, it’s important to know what size you’re dealing with. Not only can this affect the number of fittings needed, but it will also help you determine the amount of pipe to order. Using the right size can save you time and money on your project.
Pipes are sized based on their internal diameter, wall thickness, and schedule. There is quite a bit of information that goes into sizing a pipe, but it’s easy to understand once you break it down. Nominal Pipe Size, abbreviated NPS, is a North American set of standards that identify a pipe’s diameter with a non-dimensional number. Specific pipe sizes are identified by both NPS and a Schedule, which is a numeric designation that corresponds to the wall thickness of the pipe.
Generally, PVC pipes are manufactured with a standard schedule of 40 or 80. These are often referred to as standard wall and heavy wall. The table below outlines the dimensions for these two schedules. Keep in mind that these dimensions are average internal diameters and that actual diameter will vary based on the manufacturing process, material type, and pressures. For example, a 1″ CPVC pipe with a standard schedule will actually have a larger inside diameter than a 2″ pipe with a heavy wall. This is due to a different manufacturing method and the use of insert fittings.
Fittings
Pipe fittings are components that connect pipes to extend their length, change the direction of flow or change their volume. They are available in a wide variety of designs and materials. They are also used to connect other types of pipe and hoses. Depending on the application, the fittings can be made of metals or plastics.
The most common pipe fittings are tees, elbows and reducers. A tee has a male pipe thread on one end and a female pipe thread on the other end. An elbow is a bend in the pipe that changes the direction of the flow. A reducer connects two different size pipes. Other pipe fittings include couplings, bushings and adapters.
A plumbing take-off sheet is a valuable document that helps professionals estimate the quantities of pipe and other necessary materials for a project. These sheets contain information about the type and quantity of pipe needed for a specific job, as well as the material specifications and the required lengths.
The most important thing to remember when estimating pipe and pipe fittings is that their nominal size is a function of diameter. This means that a 1″ fitting will fit on a 1″ pipe, regardless of whether the pipe is Schedule 40 or 80. To determine the actual diameter of a pipe, you can use a tape measure or a string around the circumference of the pipe and then divide by 3.14159.
Lengths
Pipe and fitting takeoff requires knowing what lengths the pipes and fittings will be. This can be done by finding the center of the first pipe and then measuring from there to the second pipe. The result will give you the total length of both pipe runs. This method is used by professional pipe estimators to create a quick and accurate estimate. It eliminates the time spent on calculating each individual length and allows for quicker, more accurate estimates.
Takeoff Items have Properties that allow you to set various options about how the takeoff is quantified. This includes options to round measurements, set additional drop/run lengths, and draw curved segments. The Properties also allow you to connect the corners of two linear takeoff objects, specify whether a line segment should be drawn perpendicular to a crossing one, and set how the program handles different sizes and quantities for a takeoff item.
Linear Conditions are used to measure walls, foundations, curbs, piping, wiring, and rafters. Typically these types of objects are measured by linear feet, inches, yards, or meters. Linear Conditions can also be used to calculate area or volume results. There are a few common settings for each Condition such as Height, Color/Pattern, and Quantity results desired. This information is displayed on the Image Tab and in the Condition list.
Cost
The cost of a project’s plumbing is an essential component to consider when bidding for projects. It can impact the profit and loss of a job, so it is critical to have a thorough and accurate takeoff sheet before starting the process. A comprehensive takeoff sheet can prevent costly mistakes during the bid process, and it can also identify opportunities for materials-saving strategies.
When preparing a plumbing takeoff sheet, it is important to consider the number of fixtures and types of pipe required for the project. It is also necessary to consider the location of the plumbing systems, as this can impact installation costs. Additionally, it is important to consider the number and type of fittings and valves required.
Manual material takeoff can be time consuming, especially when the takeoff is conducted using traditional paper plans, scale rulers and measuring tape. It is easy to miss a required material, count the wrong item or make other mistakes that can be expensive and difficult to correct. To avoid these errors, contractors can use estimating software that offers labor costs, material pricing and other information in an easy-to-use database.
By using an estimating app that allows you to upload digital blueprints and perform online takeoff 3x faster than manual counts, you can save significant time when preparing a project bid. Plus, you can get your projects out the door and to customers faster with more confidence in your numbers.