In the pipe trades, the ability to create a clear and accurate materials list is essential for planning and completing any plumbing installation. In this section, you will learn how to compile a basic materials list that effectively communicates the required fittings and materials for a job. You will explore common practices used in the field, including organizing materials logically, using clear descriptions, and ensuring readability. By the end of this section, you should be able to compile a basic, readable, and logically ordered materials list using standard procedures. Developing these skills will help you work more efficiently, reduce errors, and communicate effectively with suppliers and other tradespeople.

Basic Materials List

A materials list is a list of materials that a pipe tradesperson will need to complete the installation of a plumbing system. The pipe tradesperson compiles a materials list to communicate with the plumbing wholesale supplier or other pipe tradespersons.

A materials takeoff is similar to a basic materials list, but is more detailed. The materials takeoff is sometimes referred to as a quantity survey or quantity cost sheet. These terms are generally associated with estimating job costs. Estimating job costs is beyond the scope of this section.

Many pipe tradespeople have their own procedures for making a materials list. The procedure outlined in this section is simplified to provide you with a system to compile a basic materials list when on the job.

Compiling a Basic Materials List

The four basic rules to follow when compiling a materials list are:

1. Use a suitable material list form.
   Materials list forms are not standardized. They can be simple or very detailed, depending on the intended use. A materials list form, or just a simple sheet of paper, may be used on the job. Many pipe tradespeople use lined pads provided by the wholesaler. A pipe tradesperson on the job would use a simple materials list to order fittings or to prepare work for the day. The materials list form example provided here (Table 1) is for illustration only, and may not be exactly what you use on the job.

2. Write clearly.
   Your list must be legible. Unclear handwriting could be interpreted incorrectly.
3. Describe each fitting fully.
   Describe each fitting in as much detailed as required to ensure that the materials list is complete.
4. List fittings in a logical order.
   Listing in a logical order means to list fittings of the same type one after the other. Listing the fittings in this way allows the use of ditto marks (“).
5. Use headings to group fittings into common uses.
   For example, list all the drainage fittings under one heading and all the potable water systems fittings under a different heading. Heading choice is up to you.

Examples of Materials Lists

Table 2 is an example of a materials list that is written in a logical order. Compare it to Table 3, which is not written in a logical order.

The materials list in Table 3 has no headings and the fittings are in a random order. A materials list such as the one in Table 3 is not in a logical order, and it would therefore take longer to write, longer to fill out, and longer to price.

Self-Test D-3.3: Select Fittings

Complete Self-Test 3.3 and check your answers.

References

BC Industry Training Authority. (2019). Piping trades apprenticeship program: Use Tools and Equipment—Level 1 harmonized [Binder]. Crown Publications, Queen’s Printer for British Columbia. https://www.crownpub.bc.ca/Product/Details/7960000261_S

• Plumber: Competency D-5 Install Fittings
• Steamfitter: Competency D-2 Install Fittings
• Sprinkler Fitter: Competency D-5 Install Fittings

CSA Group. (2025). CSA B149.1:25—Natural gas and propane installation code. https://www.csagroup.org/store/product/CSA_B149.1%3A25_OT/

Smith, L. (2013). IPT’s pipe trades handbook (10th ed.). IPT Publishing and Training Ltd.

Media Attributions

All figures are sourced from Industry Training Authority (2019) and/or Camosun College (2019) and are used under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence unless otherwise noted. Images copyrighted by the BC Industry Training Authority are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) licence.