Plumbing and septic costs supply checklist
Use this checklist to compare common supply categories before reviewing plumbing and septic costs bids. Product links are for planning and price-checking; contractor quotes should still state exactly what materials and parts are included.
Supplies to price-check by project
Water heater replacement
Check whether each bid includes the parts, materials, tools, cleanup items, and safety supplies needed for this scope.
- Water heater supply line kits
- Drain pans and leak alarms
- Expansion tanks and pressure valves
- Water heater insulation and maintenance supplies
Product links may earn GetCosts.com a commission from qualifying purchases.
Tankless water heater
Check whether each bid includes the parts, materials, tools, cleanup items, and safety supplies needed for this scope.
- Water heater supply lines and fittings
- Drain pans and leak alarms
- Expansion tanks and accessories
- Water heater maintenance tools
Product links may earn GetCosts.com a commission from qualifying purchases.
Water softener installation
Check whether each bid includes the parts, materials, tools, cleanup items, and safety supplies needed for this scope.
- Water softener salts and cleaners
- Water test kits
- Softener installation fittings
- Filter housings and cartridges
Product links may earn GetCosts.com a commission from qualifying purchases.
Whole house repiping
Check whether each bid includes the parts, materials, tools, cleanup items, and safety supplies needed for this scope.
- Pipe fittings and repair parts
- Drain cleaning tools
- Water leak alarms and shutoff supplies
- Plumbing hand tools
Product links may earn GetCosts.com a commission from qualifying purchases.
Plumbing repair
Check whether each bid includes the parts, materials, tools, cleanup items, and safety supplies needed for this scope.
- Pipe fittings and repair parts
- Drain cleaning tools
- Water leak alarms and shutoff supplies
- Plumbing hand tools
Product links may earn GetCosts.com a commission from qualifying purchases.
Main water line replacement
Check whether each bid includes the parts, materials, tools, cleanup items, and safety supplies needed for this scope.
- Pipe fittings and repair parts
- Drain cleaning tools
- Water leak alarms and shutoff supplies
- Plumbing hand tools
Product links may earn GetCosts.com a commission from qualifying purchases.
Drain cleaning
Check whether each bid includes the parts, materials, tools, cleanup items, and safety supplies needed for this scope.
- Pipe fittings and repair parts
- Drain cleaning tools
- Water leak alarms and shutoff supplies
- Plumbing hand tools
Product links may earn GetCosts.com a commission from qualifying purchases.
Sewer line replacement
Check whether each bid includes the parts, materials, tools, cleanup items, and safety supplies needed for this scope.
- Pipe fittings and repair parts
- Drain cleaning tools
- Water leak alarms and shutoff supplies
- Plumbing hand tools
Product links may earn GetCosts.com a commission from qualifying purchases.
Sump pump installation
Check whether each bid includes the parts, materials, tools, cleanup items, and safety supplies needed for this scope.
- Sump pump accessories
- Basement sealers and crack repair supplies
- Water alarms and moisture monitors
- Drainage and dehumidifier supplies
Product links may earn GetCosts.com a commission from qualifying purchases.
Septic system
Check whether each bid includes the parts, materials, tools, cleanup items, and safety supplies needed for this scope.
- Septic tank treatments
- Septic risers and lids
- Septic filters and maintenance supplies
- Drain field markers and tools
Product links may earn GetCosts.com a commission from qualifying purchases.
How to use this checklist
- Compare included materials. Ask each contractor which supplies are included, which are allowances, and which are excluded.
- Separate homeowner purchases from contractor scope. Small supplies can be useful for planning, but project labor, warranties, permits, and code work should stay in the bid.
- Use the worksheet before choosing a bid. Open a quote comparison worksheet when the same item appears in one bid but not another.