Underground Utilities Estimator Cheat Page
Learn the Basics of Site Utilities Plan Reading & Estimating
1. Understanding Utility Plans
- Civil Sheets: Main source for water, sewer, storm, and gas line routing.
- Profiles: Side view of pipe depths and slopes – critical for excavation.
- Utility Legends: Shows symbols for piping, structures, valves, and cleanouts.
- Notes & Details: Review for trench bedding, compaction, and backfill specs.
Use profile drawings to determine accurate excavation depths and pipe drops!
2. Takeoff Basics
- Measure linear feet of water, sewer, gas, and storm drain lines.
- Include number of fittings, valves, manholes, and cleanouts.
- Record trench depth, width, and total length per system.
- Include shoring or trench boxes if required by depth or soil.
Calculate cubic yards of excavation and backfill per pipe run!
3. Manhour & Labor Estimating
- PVC Pipe: ~0.15 hr/ft for 4"–8" pipe
- Ductile Iron: ~0.20–0.25 hr/ft
- Valves & Fittings: 0.5–1.0 hr/each
- Excavation: 0.05–0.08 hr/CY
- Backfill/Compaction: 0.04–0.06 hr/CY
Add labor for trench prep, spoil haul-off, and surface restoration!
4. Building the Estimate
- Material Cost: Include pipe, fittings, bedding, structures, and access boxes
- Labor Cost: Manhours × rate (e.g., $65/hr)
- Haul-Off: Trucking or disposal fees for excess soil
- OH&P: Apply markup to material, labor, and trucking
Use trench width × depth × length to estimate excavation volume (in cubic yards)!
5. Downloadable Tools
- 📥 Utility Labor Chart (PDF)
- 📥 Excavation Volume Calculator (Excel)
- 📥 Utility Takeoff Template (Excel)
- 📥 Backfill & Bedding Estimator (Excel)
- 📥 Utility Plan Symbols & Legend (PDF)
Preload trench width and pipe type defaults into your spreadsheet for fast results!