PLUMBING BOQ PREPARATION COURSE

For MEP Engineers and Civil Engineers

Plumbing work forms a major part of any building project, whether it is residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional. Despite this, plumbing quantities are often prepared in a hurry, based on assumptions, or copied from old projects. This leads to major issues during execution such as quantity variation, cost overruns, disputes with contractors, delays in billing, and confusion at site.

The Plumbing BOQ Preparation Course is designed to build strong, practical capability in preparing accurate and complete plumbing quantities directly from drawings. The course follows a step-by-step approach, starting from understanding drawings and systems, breaking them into measurable components, and finally compiling a clear and reliable BOQ that can be confidently used for tendering, execution, and billing.

This course is suitable for MEP engineers, civil engineers, site engineers, quantity surveyors, billing engineers, project engineers, and construction professionals who want to strengthen their fundamentals and avoid common mistakes in plumbing quantity preparation.

Module 1: Introduction to Plumbing BOQ

This module lays the foundation by explaining why plumbing BOQ preparation is different from other building works. Plumbing involves concealed systems, vertical shafts, multiple fittings, and testing requirements, all of which must be captured correctly in quantities.

The purpose of BOQ in plumbing works is explained from a practical point of view. You will understand how BOQ acts as a planning tool, a cost control document, a billing reference, and a dispute prevention mechanism. Real site situations are discussed where improper BOQ leads to extra work claims and payment issues.

The scope of plumbing BOQ in buildings is clearly defined. Internal water supply, drainage systems, external networks, shafts, fixtures, fittings, and testing items are covered so that nothing is missed during quantity take-off.

Common mistakes made in plumbing quantity preparation are highlighted, such as ignoring vertical pipes, undercounting fittings, missing sleeves and supports, and improper unit selection. By understanding these mistakes early, learners develop a habit of structured and complete quantity preparation.

Module 2: Understanding Plumbing Drawings

Accurate quantities depend completely on correct reading of drawings. This module focuses on developing confidence in reading and interpreting plumbing layouts.

Water supply layout drawings are explained in detail, including cold water, hot water, overhead tank connections, pump lines, and risers. You will learn how to trace pipe routes across floors and understand how water reaches each fixture.

Drainage and soil drawings are covered separately since they follow different logic. The module explains soil lines, waste lines, vent pipes, slopes, floor traps, gully traps, and connection to external systems.

Special attention is given to identifying symbols, pipe sizes, material indications, and routing methods. Learners are trained to read drawings systematically so that no line, note, or detail is ignored during quantity calculation.

Module 3: Plumbing System Breakdown for BOQ

This module teaches how to convert drawings into measurable systems. Instead of jumping directly into quantity calculation, plumbing works are broken down into logical systems.

Internal water supply system components are explained, including horizontal distribution, vertical risers, branch connections, and terminal connections to fixtures. Each component is linked to how it appears in BOQ.

Soil, waste, and vent system components are studied in detail. The module explains how to identify vertical stacks, horizontal branches, floor-wise connections, and vent arrangements so quantities can be separated clearly.

External plumbing and connection works are also included. This helps learners understand where internal plumbing ends and external systems begin, avoiding duplication or missing quantities between scopes.

Module 4: Pipe Quantity Calculation

This is a core module where learners gain hands-on understanding of pipe quantity calculation methods.

You will learn how to measure pipe lengths directly from drawings, including horizontal runs, vertical risers, offsets, and drops. Floor-wise and shaft-wise calculation methods are explained to reduce errors.

Diameter-wise quantity segregation is emphasized. Pipes of different sizes must never be clubbed together. This module trains learners to prepare size-wise quantities systematically.

Allowances for fittings, wastage, overlaps, and site adjustments are explained using practical logic. Instead of guesswork, learners understand how reasonable allowances are considered during BOQ preparation.

Module 5: Pipe Fittings and Accessories Measurement

Fittings form a major hidden cost in plumbing works and are often underestimated. This module focuses entirely on fittings and accessories.

Measurement of elbows, tees, reducers, couplers, unions, and bends is explained based on pipe routing and junction points. Learners are trained to count fittings logically rather than randomly.

Valves, traps, cleanouts, and inspection chambers are covered in detail. Their locations, types, and quantity calculation methods are explained clearly.

Support clamps, sleeves, and inserts are also included, as these are frequently missed items. This module ensures learners prepare a complete BOQ that reflects actual site requirements.

Module 6: Sanitary Fixture Quantity Preparation

This module focuses on sanitary fixtures, which are visible items but still prone to quantity errors.

Measurement of WC, wash basin, urinal, sink, and similar fixtures is explained with clarity. Learners understand how fixture quantities are linked to architectural layouts.

Shower units, health faucets, taps, and accessories are covered as separate measurable items. The module explains why accessories should not be assumed as included unless clearly specified.

Fixing brackets, supports, and installation-related items are also discussed so that fixture installation scope is fully captured in the BOQ.

Module 7: Plumbing Shafts and Sleeves Estimation

Plumbing shafts are critical zones where many mistakes occur. This module is dedicated to shaft-related quantities.

Vertical shaft piping quantity methods are explained step by step. Learners understand how to calculate floor-wise shaft quantities accurately without duplication.

Floor-wise sleeve and opening calculations are explained clearly. Sleeves through slabs and walls are often forgotten, leading to disputes during execution.

Coordination with structural and architectural layouts is discussed so learners can identify slab openings, beam clashes, and wall penetrations early during quantity preparation.

Module 8: External Plumbing and Drainage BOQ

This module focuses on plumbing works outside the building footprint.

Underground drainage pipe quantity calculation is explained, including trench routing, depth considerations, and connection logic.

Manholes, inspection chambers, and gully traps are covered with clear guidance on counting, spacing, and size-wise quantities.

Connection to municipal lines and testing provisions are also included so that external scope is complete and executable.

Module 9: Testing, Commissioning, and Ancillary Items

Plumbing work is incomplete without testing and commissioning. This module ensures these items are not ignored.

Pressure testing and leakage testing quantities are explained with practical site understanding. Learners understand how testing scope is defined and measured.

Flushing, cleaning, and commissioning items are discussed so that final handover requirements are reflected in BOQ.

Temporary works and protection during execution are also covered, highlighting their importance in real project environments.

Module 10: Final BOQ Compilation and Checking

The final module focuses on bringing everything together into a professional BOQ document.

Item description writing for plumbing BOQ is explained so that items are clear, measurable, and unambiguous.

Unit selection and quantity cross-checking methods are discussed to avoid mismatches and errors.

Finally, a structured review process is taught to identify omissions, duplications, and inconsistencies before final submission.

Course Outcome

After completing this course, learners will be able to:

• Read plumbing drawings with confidence

• Break plumbing systems into measurable components

• Prepare accurate and complete plumbing BOQ

• Avoid common quantity mistakes seen on site

• Support tendering, execution, and billing with clarity

This course builds strong fundamentals that remain useful across all types of building projects and throughout a professional career in construction.