Division 22: Plumbing
Plumbing estimating services for commercial plumbers
Send your P-sheets, risers and schedules. Get fixtures, pipe by system and size, and equipment measured, then priced with the labor units and material costs you approve.
Fixed price in 2 business hours. Pay only after you accept.
- Fixed price before any work starts
- Plan review is free
- You pay only after you accept the price and delivery date
- Single-trade estimates in 48 hours
- Your rates, your final number
- Water closet1Callout 1: 1 water closet and 1 lavatory in the restroom1 EA
- Lavatory1 EA
- Break room sink1 EA
- Water heater2Callout 2: 1 heater and 1 sink at the break room wall1 EA
- Domestic water piping120 LF
- Sanitary waste and vent90 LF
Quick answer
Plumbing estimating services from Bidmere turn your plumbing plans into a measured takeoff and cost summary for plumbing contractors and general contractors. You get fixtures by tag, pipe by system, material and size, valves, specialties and equipment, priced at your rates, plus a question log. Estimates are priced from $195 and are ready in 48 hours.
What a plumbing estimate includes
You get a measured and priced plumbing number your estimator can check line by line. Every quantity cites its sheet and revision.
You send
- Plumbing floor plans, enlarged toilet room plans and details
- Riser diagrams for domestic water, waste and vent, and storm
- Plumbing fixture and equipment schedules
- Division 22 specification sections
- Civil utility plans showing points of connection
- Addenda, and your labor units or rates and material pricing
You get back
- Fixtures and carriers by tag, room and sheet
- Pipe by system, material and size
- Fittings counted by type or carried as an allowance, as you direct
- Valves, drains, cleanouts and specialties by count
- Water heaters, pumps and other equipment by tag
- A cost summary with labor and material split
- A question log of conflicts and scope splits
Delivery is an Excel estimate with live formulas, color-coded marked-up PDF plans, and a written list of assumptions, exclusions and open questions.
What a plumbing takeoff measures, by CSI section
A plumbing takeoff counts fixtures and equipment, then measures every pipe system that serves them. Most Division 22 work falls into these MasterFormat sections.
| Scope item | Typical CSI section | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic water piping | 22 11 16 | LF |
| Domestic water specialties: backflow, mixing valves | 22 11 19 | EA |
| Sanitary waste and vent piping | 22 13 16 | LF |
| Sanitary specialties: cleanouts, floor drains | 22 13 19 | EA |
| Storm drainage piping | 22 14 13 | LF |
| Roof drains | 22 14 26 | EA |
| Plumbing piping insulation | 22 07 19 | LF |
| Water heaters | 22 34 00 | EA |
| Commercial plumbing fixtures | 22 42 00 | EA |
| Natural gas piping, where in plumbing scope | 22 11 23 or 23 11 23 | LF |
The takeoff follows the numbering in your project manual if the engineer uses a different edition.
How pipe is measured: below grade, above ceiling and in risers
Pipe is measured by system, material and size, then split by where it runs. Location matters because labor changes with it.
- Underground. Waste and storm below the slab, measured with trench depth noted. Excavation and backfill are flagged if they are not clearly in the sitework scope.
- Above ground, horizontal. Mains and branches above the ceiling, by size.
- Risers. Vertical pipe measured floor to floor from the riser diagram.
- Fixture rough-in. Carried per fixture or measured, as your shop prices it.
Where the spec allows options, such as cast iron or PVC for waste, or copper, PEX or CPVC for water, the takeoff carries the option you select. If you have not selected one, it is listed as an open question.
Plumbing plan conflicts that cause bid misses
Plumbing bids are often lost on documents that disagree. These are the conflicts the question log flags most:
- A fixture tag on the plan has no line on the fixture schedule.
- Pipe sizes on the plan differ from the riser diagram.
- The architectural plan shows more fixtures than the plumbing plan.
- The spec calls for no-hub cast iron, while plan notes allow PVC.
- Points of connection to site utilities are not located or have no invert.
- The water heater schedule and the electrical schedule list different power.
- Floor drain and trap primer requirements appear in the spec but not on plans.
Each item cites the sheets involved, so your team can send an RFI or qualify the bid.
Scope gaps between plumbing and other trades
Gaps between trades lose plumbing bids more often than counting errors. Check each of these before bid day:
- Site utilities. Where does building plumbing stop? Often a set distance outside the wall, but your documents decide.
- Excavation and backfill for underground pipe: plumbing or sitework?
- Condensate drains from HVAC equipment: plumbing or mechanical?
- Gas piping to rooftop units: plumbing or mechanical?
- Fixture carriers and blocking. Carriers are plumbing; wood blocking may be carpentry.
- Water heater power and pump wiring: electrical.
- Roof drain flashing. Plumbing sets the drain, roofing flashes it.
- Owner-furnished equipment. Kitchen and lab connections.
- Fees. Permits, tap fees and impact fees.
What drives a plumbing estimate up or down
Pipe material and installation conditions drive most plumbing labor. Fixture packages drive most of the material.
- Pipe material and joining. Soldered copper, pressed copper, PEX and cast iron carry different labor.
- Underground work. Depth, soil and rock change trenching cost.
- Building height. More risers, more lifts and more floor penetrations.
- Fixture package. Sensor faucets, wall-hung fixtures and carriers add cost.
- Testing and disinfection. Pressure tests and water system disinfection add labor at the end.
- Wage requirements. Prevailing wage on public work changes rates.
Every assumption is written out so your team can change it.
Have plans for this scope? Send them over. Fixed quote within 2 business hours. Plan review is free, and you pay only after you accept.
Get a fixed quotePlumbing estimating services vs a plumbing estimator in house
Plumbing estimating software helps an estimator you already have. A plumbing estimating company supplies the estimator hours as well.
An outside plumbing estimator makes sense when bids stack up or you want a second count before bid day. Bidmere works from your documents, so the job location does not matter. See the estimating software vs service guide.
What the plumbing estimate does not include
The estimate measures and prices the work as designed. Design and field work stay with others.
- Plumbing design, pipe sizing or fixture unit calculations
- Code review or permit drawings
- Site utilities beyond the point of connection, unless added to the scope
- Site visits and field verification of existing piping
- Signing or submitting your bid
Plumbing takeoff software, estimate templates and cost per square foot
Plumbing takeoff software counts fixtures and measures pipe faster, but it does not read the riser diagrams for you. Widely used options include FastPIPE, Trimble AutoBid Mechanical and McCormick. Each vendor names plumbing contractors as users. None listed prices on the pages we checked in November 2026.
What software does not do:
- Check the fixture schedule against the plans and the riser diagrams.
- Find where the site utility contractor stops and you start.
- Catch spec items such as carriers, water heaters and testing.
- Write the question log, assumptions and exclusions.
Plumbing estimate template. The free construction estimate template works for plumbing. Group lines by Division 22. Enter pipe in LF by material and size, fittings and fixtures in EA, and trenching in LF or CY. Keep below grade and above ceiling pipe on separate lines, since labor differs.
Plumbing cost per square foot. Bidmere does not publish a figure. Fixture count per area, pipe material, building height and underground work move it widely. A restroom-heavy school and a warehouse land far apart. Use sourced construction cost per square foot ranges for early budgets only.
When to outsource. Software pays off when your estimator has open hours. When bids stack up, Bidmere measures the plans and prices them at your rates, from $195. See estimating software vs service.
Sample takeoff
What a takeoff looks like
| Item | Quantity | Unit | Sheet and basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water closet, wall-hung, with carrier | 18 | EA | P-201 to P-203, schedule P-601 |
| Lavatory, wall-hung, sensor faucet | 18 | EA | P-201 to P-203 |
| Copper domestic water, Type L, 1/2 to 2 in. | 1,640 | LF | P-201 to P-203, riser P-501 |
| Cast iron no-hub waste, 2 to 4 in., above ground | 980 | LF | P-201 to P-203 |
| PVC sanitary waste, 4 in., below slab | 310 | LF | P-101, trench depth per P-501 |
| Storm drainage, 6 in. | 420 | LF | P-301, roof drains to POC |
| Roof drain with overflow | 6 | EA | A-401, P-301 |
| Floor drain with trap primer | 9 | EA | P-201 to P-203 |
| Water heater, 80 gal electric | 1 | EA | Schedule P-601 |
| Pipe insulation, 1 in. | 1,640 | LF | Hot and cold water, spec 22 07 19 |
Fictional example: part of a plumbing takeoff for an invented three-story office building. Not a customer project.
Before you send plans
Common questions about handing off the work
Will my labor units be used?
Yes. The estimate is priced with labor units or rates and material costs you approve, and you can change any line.
What if the pipe material is not selected?
The takeoff carries the option you choose. If none is chosen, it is listed as an open question.
Who is responsible for the final plumbing bid?
Your team reviews, sets markup, signs and submits. Bidmere does not sign or submit bids.
Plumbing takeoff and estimate pricing
Plumbing takeoffs from Bidmere start at $149, and single-trade plumbing estimates at $195. The fixed quote for your job usually lands in these ranges:
| Job size | Takeoff only (quantities) | Single-trade estimate (quantities and pricing) |
|---|---|---|
| Small job: up to 10,000 SF | $149 to $295 | $195 to $395 |
| Mid-size job: 10,000 to 50,000 SF | $295 to $695 | $395 to $895 |
| Large job: over 50,000 SF, or several buildings | From $695 | From $895 |
Single-trade estimates are ready in 48 hours. Rush (24 hours) adds 30%. 25% off your first estimate. Every job gets a fixed quote within 2 business hours, and you pay only after you accept. Every estimate is delivered as an Excel estimate with live formulas, color-coded marked-up PDF plans, and a written list of assumptions, exclusions and open questions. See pricing for the full price list and scope conditions.
Monthly estimating plans
Bid every week? Put your plumbing estimating on a monthly plan
If your team bids every week, a monthly plan is simpler than ordering one estimate at a time. You send bids as they come in, and each one is measured and priced the same way.
- Starter: $1,395 per month for up to 6 bids
- Pro: $2,595 per month for up to 12 bids
- Scale: $4,795 per month for up to 25 bids
Each plan uses your rates, your cost codes and your proposal format, so your numbers stay consistent from bid to bid. See monthly outsourced estimating plans for what each plan covers.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How much do plumbing estimating services cost?
Bidmere single-trade plumbing estimates are priced from $195 for a qualifying project, with 25% off your first estimate. The fixed price depends on sheet count, fixture count, systems in scope and deadline. You get it within 2 business hours after a free plan review, and you pay only after you accept. See pricing.
How long does a plumbing estimate take?
A qualifying single-trade plumbing estimate is ready in 48 hours from your accepted quote and complete documents. Larger projects get a delivery date in the fixed quote. Rush: 24-hour rush for 30% more, subject to capacity. Tell us your bid date when you ask for a quote, and the quote states the date.
What do I need to send for a plumbing takeoff?
Send plumbing floor plans, enlarged toilet room plans, riser diagrams, fixture and equipment schedules, Division 22 specs, civil utility plans and all addenda. Add your rates for a priced estimate. To get a quote, a short description and a plans link are enough. Documents are shared after scope review.
How are fittings handled in a plumbing takeoff?
You choose. Fittings can be counted by type and size, or carried as a percentage allowance on pipe. Counting is more exact on mains and risers, while an allowance is faster on branch work. The method is written into the assumptions so your team can check it against how you price.
Who sets the rates in a plumbing estimate?
You do. The estimate uses the labor units or rates and material pricing you approve, with labor and material shown separately. Fixture packages can be carried from your supplier quotes. Bidmere never changes your markup or final bid number, and your team signs and submits the bid.
Where does the plumbing scope stop at the site?
Where your documents and scope put the point of connection. Many projects set it a short distance outside the building, but the contract documents decide. The scope review confirms the split, and any unclear boundary with civil or sitework goes on the question log.
Can I order a plumbing takeoff only?
Yes. A plumbing takeoff lists fixtures by tag, pipe by system, material and size, and valves, specialties and equipment, with no pricing. Your team prices it with its own labor units and material costs. Takeoffs are priced from $149; see quantity takeoff services.
How are addenda handled?
The estimate names the plan revision and addenda it reflects. If an addendum arrives after that baseline, its effect is reviewed as an agreed revision under your accepted quote. Changed fixture schedules and risers are reconciled before any quantity is shown as current.
What is plumbing cost per square foot on a commercial building?
There is no reliable single number. Plumbing cost per square foot depends on fixture count per area, pipe material, building height, underground work and local labor rates. A restroom-heavy school and a warehouse land far apart. Bidmere does not publish a figure. For a bid, send the plans and we price a measured takeoff at your rates. For budgets, see our sourced construction cost per square foot ranges.
Is there a free plumbing estimate template?
Yes. Bidmere’s free construction estimate template works for plumbing. Group lines by Division 22, enter pipe in LF by material and size, and fixtures and fittings in EA. The template splits labor, material, equipment and subcontract costs and adds your markups. If you would rather not fill it in, send the plans and we build the estimate at your rates.
Get a fixed quote
Share the project basics. You get a fixed price and delivery date within 2 business hours. Plan review is free, and you pay only after you accept.