Plumbing Estimating Services Designed to Help You Win More Bids
In the plumbing industry, your profit is buried under the slab and hidden behind the walls. At Aris Estimating, we understand that a plumbing bid is about more than just a fixture count. It is a complex calculation of linear footage, fitting densities, slope requirements, and labor-intensive assembly.
Whether you are a commercial plumbing contractor, a residential developer, or a civil engineer, our specialized plumbing estimators provide the technical depth required to submit “bulletproof” bids. We bridge the gap between complex architectural blueprints and the reality of the job site.
Why Aris Estimating is the Industry Leader in Plumbing Takeoffs
Plumbing is a trade of precision. A missed 1% slope on a main waste line or an uncounted backflow preventer can lead to failed inspections and costly rework. Our process is designed to eliminate these risks before they reach the field.
Our Estimating Philosophy Includes:
- Adherence to Code (IPC, UPC, NSPC): We don’t just count pipes; we review your plans against local and national plumbing codes to ensure the specified diameters and venting strategies are adequate.
- Complex Fitting Logic: Many estimators use a “percentage of pipe” for fittings. We don’t. We perform a Fitting-by-Fitting count, ensuring your material buy-out list includes every wye, long-sweep elbow, and coupling.
- Labor Productivity Analysis: We categorize labor into “underground,” “rough-in,” and “trim.” We adjust for site-specific challenges like core drilling through concrete, trenching in rocky soil, or working in high-density ceiling spaces.
- Dynamic Material Costing: With the prices of copper, PVC, and cast iron in constant flux, we provide estimates based on real-time market data to protect your margins.
The Master Plumbing Takeoff Matrix
We provide a granular breakdown of every plumbing sub-system. Our reports are organized by floor, by system, and by material type to make your procurement process seamless.
Comprehensive System Breakdown
| System Category | Technical Components Included | Material Specifications | Key Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanitary & Waste | Soil/Waste pipes, P-traps, cleanouts, floor drains, floor sinks. | PVC, Cast Iron (No-Hub), ABS | Linear Footage & Fitting Count |
| Venting Systems | Vent stacks, relief vents, air admittance valves (AAVs), roof flashings. | PVC, Copper, or Galvanized | Stack-by-Stack Analysis |
| Domestic Water | Hot/Cold/Recirc lines, shut-offs, check valves, hammer arrestors. | Copper (L/K/M), PEX, CPVC, PPR | Detailed Valve Schedule |
| Natural Gas/LPG | Black steel pipe, CSST, gas regulators, sediment traps, shut-offs. | Sch 40 Steel, TracPipe/WardBolt | BTU-Load Specific Sizing |
| Storm & Overflow | Roof drains, scuppers, secondary overflows, leaders, underground detention. | Cast Iron, PVC, Ductile Iron | Drainage Point Matrix |
| Medical Gas | Oxygen, Vacuum, Med-Air, Nitrous Oxide, Zone valves, Alarms. | Type L Copper (Cleaned/Capped) | NFPA 99 Compliant Count |
| Equipment & Skids | Water heaters (Tank/Tankless), Pumps, Softeners, Grease Traps. | Brand/Model per Schedule | Complete Accessory Audit |
| Site Utilities | Water mains, fire lines, hydrants, sanitary manholes, grease interceptors. | C900, SDR-35, Ductile Iron | Excavation & Backfill Volume |
Specialized Expertise Across All Plumbing Sectors
Not all plumbing projects are created equal. Aris Estimating provides sector-specific knowledge to ensure your bid reflects the unique challenges of the specific build environment.
1. High-Rise Commercial & Multi-Family
We specialize in “vertical” plumbing. We provide detailed riser diagrams and takeoffs that account for the massive amount of piping required in mechanical chases, including pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) and domestic water booster systems.
2. Healthcare, Dental & Laboratory
Estimating for hospitals requires a specialized touch. We provide precision takeoffs for Medical Gas systems, accounting for specialized brazing labor, silver-solder requirements, and the specific certification costs associated with life-safety systems.
3. Industrial Process & Chemical Waste
For manufacturing and lab facilities, we estimate specialized acid-waste systems (CPVC or Polypropylene), neutralization tanks, and high-pressure process water systems that require specialized joinery and heavy-duty supports.
4. Hospitality & Commercial Kitchens
Commercial kitchens are “fitting-heavy.” We provide exact counts for grease interceptors, floor sinks, and the complex hot-water-recirc systems required to serve large-scale dining facilities.
The Aris Technical Advantage: Software & Methodology
We utilize the most advanced plumbing estimating software on the market, including Trimble Accubid (Plumbing), FastPIPE, and Bluebeam Revu.
- Visual “Audit Trail”: You receive a color-coded PDF of your plans. Every line we counted is highlighted, so you can see exactly what is included in the number.
- MCAA/PHCC Labor Units: We use industry-standard labor benchmarks (Mechanical Contractors Association of America / Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association) to provide a realistic man-hour total for the project.
- Pre-Bid RFI Identification: Our estimators are trained to find “Plan Clashes.” If a plumbing line is running through a structural beam or an electrical closet, we flag it immediately so you can submit an RFI to the GC.
What’s Included in Your Final Bid Package?
When you partner with Aris Estimating, you receive a professional, comprehensive data package:
- Executive Summary: A high-level view of total material, labor, and equipment costs.
- Digital Takeoff Drawings: The “map” of our estimate.
- Excel Material List: Organized by system for easy vendor quoting.
- Labor Breakdown: Man-hours separated by Phase (Underground, Rough, Trim).
- Fixture & Equipment Schedule: A detailed list of all buyout items.
