MODULE 2

Preparing estimation of materials for multiple plumbing units.

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

 Identify different plumbing blueprint;

 Read plumbing plan according to job requirements; and
 Interpret plumbing symbols and abbreviations.
 Unit 1: Introduction to Plumbing Plan

Lesson 1: Basic Drawings and Plans

 Introduction
 Plumbing drawing plays the most important part in the Plumbing Industry. It contains
details of the plumbing project on how it will be executed and other information such
as Plumbing Legends, Symbols, and Plumbing Abbreviations.
 A plumber needs to know how to read, interpret, and estimate a plumbing blueprint
plan so that he/she can execute his/her work effectively and efficiently.
In this lesson, you will learn the different types of technical drawings and plans.
Topic 1: Alphabet of Line

Technical drawings consist of alphabet of lines that provide clear and accurate information on
how a plumbing system is to be installed. It illustrates the information required to install the
system accurately. It may contain “dimensions,” “notations,” “abbreviations,” “title block,” and
“symbols.”
Topic 2: Technical Drawing
Technical drawings are used to communicate the minimal engineering requirements of a
project.
Here are the different kinds of technical drawings you will encounter as a plumber:

3D drawings ( isometric, perspective )- a system or effect used in a movie or object

to provide three dimensions “width”, “length”, and “depth”
Exploded-view 3D drawing - diagram, picture, schematic or technical drawing of an
object that shows the relationship or order of assembly of various parts.

Complete working drawing - Detail drawing ( 2D orthogonal projections)

Floor plan - A scale drawing of the arrangement of rooms on one floor of a
building.

Topic 3: Types of Plans

A construction plan is a comprehensive document, both written and visual, which outlines
how you will build a project.
Here are examples of construction plans:
Topic 4: Important Features of Plan

After learning the different types of plans, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the
essential features of a plan to read and create one successfully.
Lesson 2: Plumbing Legends, Symbols, and
Abbreviations
Introduction

Plumbing symbols and abbreviations are used when drawing house plans and diagrams. It
represents the fixtures, pipes, and fittings to where it will be located and positioned.

The purpose of these symbols and abbreviations is to indicate where the different elements of
your plumbing systems are located.

Topic 1: Symbols

Symbols are used in a drawing to indicate where the different elements of your plumbing
systems are located.
Topic 2: Abbreviations

Like symbols, abbreviations are also used in a drawing to indicate where your plumbing
systems' different elements are located.
Lesson 1: Material Cost Estimates
Introduction

Cost estimate provides the standard cost on which actual expenditures incurred during the
course of a project can be compared, and serve as the basis for material cost control.

Plumbers must know the importance of material cost estimate so that he/she can determine
whether the project is worth doing.

Topic 1: Identification and Calculation of Materials

It is impossible to forget about cost estimation when it comes to successfully completing a

plumbing project. After planning, it’s important to get a handle on cost estimation to help
keep everything on task and in touch with project constraints and limitations.

Quantity Take-OFF

- Developed during the pre-construction phase, a quantity take-off measures the materials and labor
needed to complete a project.

Labor Hour

- The labor hour, or man hour, is a unit of work that measures the output of one person working for one
hour.

Labor Rate
- The labor rate is the amount per hour one pays to skilled craftsmen. This includes not just the basic
basic hourly rate and benefits, but the added costs of overtime and payroll burdens, such as worker
compensation and unemployment insurance. This template will help you keep track of wages and labor
hours.

Principles of Estimating

Estimating is the calculation of the appropriate amount of material and/or labor requirements to build a
construction project

Estimates are prepared from finished working drawings and projects specifications

Basic Calculations
o Descriptions of materials and items of work
o Dimensions of items of work, and materials required
o Calculating the quantities of materials, and items of work
Pricing

Arithmetic used to determined the cost of items

Preparing Cost Estimates

Check for general conditions, specifications and all the drawings, If any discrepancies exist, record them
and check with the architect or engineer

Review the drawings to visualize the building size, height, shape, function, basements, and so on. Start
with the floor plans, plumbing systems plan,isometric plans, pipe scheduling, general and specific notes,
exterior finish system, and materials that have been specified.

Review plumbing drawings to get acquainted with specified systems: CWS, DWV, Storm Sewer and other
plans. Pay attention to various detailed sections, materials and prefabricated assemblies

4. Read and study thoroughly the specifications for the work to be done, also review general conditions
and note the items that will affect project costs

5. Visit the project site and have with you the project manager or the owner

6. Start the quantities take-off for the category of plumbing work selected to be done. When taking-off
quantities, break each down by size, type of material, and workmanship. Also list the type of tools and
equipment needed for the job

7. Condense quantities from the material take-off sheet and transfer them to a summary sheet for
pricing. Pricing means the cost of materials,labor, tools and equipment. The prices used are from
company available cost files adjusted to a particular location, or from quotes from supplier.
Topic 2: Market Value

Not all cost information has the same accuracy and reliability. It is important to be careful in
when preparing cost data for new estimates. Cost information required for pricing from different
work items may be collected or compared from different sources.

Sources of Cost Information

 Published price books from hardware suppliers

- Price books are published annually and contain a range of prices for standard bills of quantities items.
This can be provided by different hardware suppliers.

 Priced bills of quantities from previous projects

- A useful source of information as the cost information tends to be current. As with other forms of cost
date, there is a need to adjust for differences in location

 In-house Cost analysis and cost models

- Depending on the volume of an organization, cost analysis and models produced in-house is the most
dependable source of cost information, partly due to the fact that it is easier to ensure good quality
control on the data.

Topic 3: Purchase Request

Plumbing projects rely largely on buying supplies or raw materials. As a plumber, you have
to get familiar with the purchasing process. This is to ensure all the materials to be
purchased are documented and organized.

Purchase Order

A purchase order is a way for businesses to order goods and services. The purchase order is made with a
written document that contains the information of goods and services that the purchaser buys from the
seller.

Issuance of Purchase Order

Purchase orders are initiated by the purchaser. In the construction field, one person may be responsible
for issuing purchase orders, such as engineers.

Information on Purchase Order

The information provided on a purchase order may differ between companies, depending on the type of
goods or services required. Common informations found in a purchase order are:

details of the goods and/or services being ordered.

the description of parts or labor

part numbers

unit cost

quantity purchased

total cost

payment terms

delivery methods

delivery dates

shipping terms
ship to addresses

discounts offered

Topic 3: Purchase Request

Plumbing projects rely largely on buying supplies or raw materials. As a plumber, you have
to get familiar with the purchasing process. This is to ensure all the materials to be
purchased are documented and organized.

Steps in Purchasing Process

The purchasing process involves a number of steps that ensures that you get the right items when you
need them. The steps are the following:

Preliminary Decisions to Purchase

Contact Supplier

Submit Purchase Order

Submit Payment
Lesson 2: Labor Cost Estimates

Introduction

Construction industry is one of the most intensive labor demand industry in the world. As a
matter of fact, labor cost component of a building project often ranges from 30 to 50%, and
can be as high as 60% of the overall project cost. Therefore, it is obvious that construction
labor is an essential component of a construction project.

Topic 1: Labor Cost Analysis

Calculating the value of your work is not easy as you imagine. You have to account for
labor, materials, and equipment to name a few. Costs can become a bit more confusing
when you’re working with an unforeseen problem.

How to Calculate Construction Labor Cost

Determining the Base Rate

The unit price that is established for labor is called the base rate. Determining the base
rate before starting any project is important as it is part of computation aside from the
supplies.

Think about the size of your average crew while determining your base rate. For example,
we will have a crew of four that is composed by lead man, senior plumber, journeyman, and
plumber helper.

The daily average rate per day of high skilled and average skilled Plumbers including
benefits might be:

Leadman/Foreman ----------------P 1,200.00

Plumber/Senior Plumber---------P 950.00

Junior Plumber/Journeyman----P 750.00

Plumber Helper-----------------------P 640.00

Note: Daily rate are inclusive of all government benefits.

These wages are standard in the industry, But they can be adjusted if the rates are
different in your area.

Topic 2: Factor of Safety for Plumbing Materials

Preparation of a construction cost estimate for any project is very complex. There are many
factors that can affect the construction cost estimate. To make sure that there will not be
any deficiency or shortage of material during the project, it important to apply factor safety in
the estimation.