Plumbing Rough-In Calculator
Per-fixture plumbing takeoff — supply LF (PEX or copper), DWV LF, valve count, fitting count, and labor hours by fixture type.
Fixture count
Bath + kitchen + utility
Fridge + bar
Pipe + materials
~100–150 LF per fixture as starting point
PEX 1/2-in: ~$1.20. Copper L: ~$3.50.
~80–120 LF per fixture starting point
PVC 2 in Sched 40: ~$3.50/ft
Quarter-turn angle stop: $8–12
Mix of elbows/tees/couplings
5 hr is a solid average; tubs run higher
Result
- Total fixtures
- 13
- Valves
- 20
- Fittings
- 78
- Supply cost
- $480
- DWV cost
- $980
- Valves
- $180
- Fittings
- $312
- Material total
- $1,952
- Labor
- 65.0 hr · $5,525
- Total (material + labor)
- $7,477
This estimate is based on national average costs and may vary by region, project specifics, and market conditions. Use as a starting point for your bids.
What a plumbing rough-in covers
The rough-in phase happens after framing and before drywall. You install supply (hot + cold lines from the manifold or tree to each fixture), DWV (drain-waste-vent stack + branches to each fixture trap), and all the shutoff valves and rough nailers needed for the trim phase. This calculator estimates material + labor for fixture rough-ins on residential remodels and new construction.
Fixture-time benchmarks
| Fixture | Rough-in hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet | 2–4 | Flange + supply + trap arm |
| Lav / kitchen sink | 3–6 | Supply + p-trap + drop |
| Tub / shower | 6–10 | Drain pan + valve body + supply drops |
| Dishwasher | 2–3 | Supply + drain loop + shutoff |
| Washing machine | 3–5 | Standpipe + valves + box |
| Hose bib | 1–2 | Through-wall + frost-free type |
Supply LF quick estimate
Rule of thumb: 100–150 LF of supply pipe per fixture covers manifold + branch + drops + risers. A 5-fixture bathroom needs ~600 LF total. Always confirm against the actual rough-in drawing — these are sanity-check numbers.
PEX vs copper trade-offs
- PEX: $0.80–1.40/ft, push-fit and crimp fittings, no soldering, freeze-resistant. Default for residential new-build and remodels.
- Copper Type L: $3–5/ft + flux + solder. Required by some commercial codes and for the last 18 in to a tank water heater (PEX doesn't tolerate sustained 200°F+ near a flue).
- CPVC: $1.50–2.50/ft, code-allowed in nearly every jurisdiction but solvent welds get brittle over time. Newer installs trending toward PEX.
Per-fixture pricing benchmarks (installed)
Rough-in + trim combined, before fixture cost itself:
- Toilet rough + trim: $200–400
- Lav rough + trim: $300–550
- Tub/shower combo rough + trim: $750–1,400
- Kitchen sink + DW rough + trim: $500–900
- Washer box + valves: $200–400
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to rough-in a fixture?
4–8 labor-hours per fixture is the residential standard. Toilets rough fast (2–4 hr — flange and supply). Tubs/showers run longer (6–10 hr — drain, trap, supply, pan flange). Sinks are middle ground (3–6 hr). The full rough-in cost includes both supply and DWV runs from the manifold/stack to the fixture location, plus shutoff valves.
PEX vs copper — which should I use?
PEX dominates residential new-build and remodels. Cheaper material ($0.80–1.40/ft for 1/2-in PEX-A vs $3–5/ft for Type L copper), faster install (push-fit and crimp fittings cut labor in half), freeze-resistant, no soldering. Copper still wins for hot-water recirc systems, water heater connections (last 18 in to the tank), and certain commercial jobs. Code allows both in nearly all jurisdictions now.
How many feet of pipe should I estimate?
Quick rule of thumb: 100–150 LF of supply pipe per fixture (covers manifold + branch + drops + risers). 80–120 LF of DWV per fixture (covers drain + trap arm + vent). A 5-fixture bathroom typically needs ~600 LF supply + ~500 LF DWV. Always confirm with a takeoff from the rough-in drawing — these are sanity-check numbers, not specs.
What's typically in fixture-fitting count?
Each fixture rough-in averages 6 fittings on supply and DWV combined — elbows at direction changes, tees at the branch off the manifold/stack, couplings at joints. A 5-fixture bath uses ~30 fittings. Tee fittings are 2× the cost of elbows; couplings are cheapest. Plan on $40–80 in fittings per fixture as the baseline.
When do I need shut-off valves?
One angle stop at every fixture (toilets, sinks, dishwashers, ice-water lines, hose bibs). Two angle stops at tubs/showers (hot + cold), washing machines (hot + cold via washing-machine box), and double-bowl kitchen sinks. Whole-house shutoff at the main and at each major branch is best practice. Quarter-turn ball-style valves outlast multi-turn for less than $5 extra each.