Free Plumbing Estimate Template
A complete, line-item plumbing estimate you can preview below — supply rough-in, drain and vent piping, fixture sets, water heater, permit and licensed labor — plus a plain-language code checklist for fixture units, trap arms, venting and slope.
| Line item | Qty | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Supply rough-in — 1/2" & 3/4" PEX with manifold | 9 fixtures | $1,485.00 |
| DWV drain & vent piping — 2" / 3" PVC | 112 ft | $980.00 |
| Fixture sets — toilets, lavatories, kitchen sink | 6 | $1,740.00 |
| Tub / shower valve & trim | 2 | $620.00 |
| 50 gal gas water heater + connections & pan | 1 | $1,395.00 |
| Labor — licensed plumber + apprentice | 34 hrs | $2,890.00 |
| Permit & inspection | 1 | $265.00 |
| Total | $9,375.00 | |
Payment schedule
How to measure and price plumbing work
- Count fixtures — most residential plumbing is priced per fixture rough-in plus per fixture set.
- Add linear-foot piping for repipes and DWV runs, then the water heater or equipment as its own package.
- Include concrete cutting, excavation, and drywall patching whenever pipes are behind or below finished surfaces.
Plumbing building-code guide
Plumbing rough-in inspections are about slope, venting, trap arms, pipe support and testing. Get these right and the inspection is a formality.
- Horizontal drains 2-1/2in and smaller: min 1/4in per foot of fall; 3in–6in: min 1/8in per foot
- Cleanouts required at each change of direction >45°, at the base of every stack, and max 100 ft apart
- Minimum drain sizes: lavatory 1-1/4in, kitchen sink/shower 1-1/2in, water closet 3in
- Every fixture needs a trap and a vent; trap seal 2in–4in; no S-traps or double trapping
- Max trap arm length: 1-1/4in pipe = 5 ft, 1-1/2in = 6 ft, 2in = 8 ft, 3in = 12 ft
- Vent terminals: min 6in above the roof, at least 10 ft from or 3 ft above any openable window
- Static pressure must be between 40 and 80 psi — a pressure-reducing valve is required above 80 psi
- Minimum flow pressure at fixtures: 8 psi most fixtures, 20 psi for a flushometer or tankless heater
- Shut-off valves required at each fixture and on the main; anti-scald valves required at tubs and showers (max 120°F)
- Pipe support: PEX every 32in horizontal, copper 1/2in every 6 ft, PVC drains every 4 ft and at each joint
- DWV must hold a 10 ft water column test (or 5 psi air) for 15 minutes; water supply tested at working pressure
- T&P relief valve discharge piped full-size to within 6in of the floor, with a drain pan under heaters in finished areas
Code quick reference — Plumbing
| Item | Requirement | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Drain slope | 1/4 in per ft for 2-1/2in and smaller; 1/8in allowed on 3in+ | IRC P3005.3 |
| Trap arm | Vent within the maximum developed length; no S-traps | IRC P3105 |
| Cleanouts | At base of stacks and each 100 ft of horizontal run | IRC P3005.2 |
| Water heater relief | Full-size T&P discharge to an approved location | IRC P2804 |
| Test pressure | Water 50 psi / DWV 10 ft head before close-in | IRC P2503 |
| Shower valve | Pressure-balancing or thermostatic, 120°F max | IRC P2708.4 |
Drawings & details
Simplified section and plan views of the details inspectors look at most. Illustrative only — not to scale.
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Sloped surface — 1/4 in per ft (min 1/8in on 3in+)(2%)
- 2 · Total fall — Drop from high point to low point(4.81")
- 3 · Run — Fixture(20')
- 4 · Slab / gutter thickness — To stack / sewer(4.00")
- Slope: 2% (4.81" over 20')
- Slab / gutter thickness: 4.00"
- 1/4 in per ft (min 1/8in on 3in+)
Adjust the values — the drawing below updates in real time.
- 1 · Fixture supply + stop valve — Layer in the assembly, drawn top to bottom(0.50")
- 2 · PEX / copper branch — sized for fixture units(0.50")
- 3 · Manifold or main — pressure test before close-in(0.50")
- 4 · Water heater + T&P relief — full-size discharge to outside(0.50")
- Fixture supply + stop valve: 0.50"
- PEX / copper branch: 0.50"
- Manifold or main: 0.50"
- Water heater + T&P relief: 0.50"
- Total assembly: 2.00" (2")
Inspection-day checklistShow
- Rough-in pressure/head test held with a gauge during inspection.
- Nail plates on every pipe passing through a stud or plate.
- Vents extended through the roof with the correct clearance from openings.
- Shower pan flood test held 24 hours before tiling.
- Backflow protection on hose bibbs and irrigation connections.
Code references are based on the 2021 IRC and related model codes. Local amendments, state codes and manufacturer instructions can be stricter — always confirm with your local building department before starting work.
Common plumbing estimating mistakes
- Quoting a repipe without allowing for wall and ceiling access holes and their repair.
- Forgetting the expansion tank, pan, or T&P discharge line on a water heater swap.
- Not checking incoming water pressure — an $80 PRV becomes a warranty claim if missed.
Export a branded, client-ready PDF or send a sign-from-phone link.
Your client reviews and signs the estimate from any device.
IPC/UPC guidance for fixture units, trap arms, venting, slope and pipe support.
Plumbing estimate FAQ
What should a plumbing estimate include?
A plumbing estimate should list supply rough-in (PEX or copper), DWV drain and vent piping, each fixture set, the water heater and connections, valves and trim, the permit and inspection, licensed plumber labor hours, and a milestone payment schedule.
How do you price a plumbing estimate?
Most plumbing work is priced per fixture rough-in and set, plus material cost. Count the fixtures, apply a per-fixture labor and material rate, add the water heater or equipment, then add permit, inspection, and any excavation, concrete cutting or drywall patching.
What codes apply to residential plumbing?
Depending on the state, the IPC, UPC or IRC Part VII applies. The most-checked items are drain slope (1/4in per foot up to 2-1/2in pipe), trap arm length limits, vent termination, pipe support spacing and the required rough-in pressure test.
Turn this template into your estimate
Free to start. Pro at $19/mo for unlimited estimates. No card required for the 14-day trial.