A box of plumbing supplies - Part 2 - Sweating the small stuff

You have no doubt heard the phrase, "don't sweat the small stuff."  But if you have ever attempted a plumbing project, then you have indeed sweated the small stuff.  Between the various sizes, ends, and materials, it is easy to buy the wrong part.  And after thirteen trips to the store, if you are like me, you just buy one of everything and return the rest later.  The parts you tried, but didn't fit?  Well, no wonder your box of pluming supplies is so full!  Seriously, the plumbing supplies alone can nickel and dime any project way over budget.

In my last post, I wrote about the box of plumbing supplies.  I already highlighted the closet flange.  But there was more. Much more. And while I won't be able to use it all, I already know I can use a bunch of the items.  But just what is the value of a box of plumbing items?  Well, in this post I want to attempt to calculate it.  Here goes.

First, a few pictures of the items: 

Before I start pricing all of these items, take a quick guess at what all this stuff might cost.

Several bathtub items.

Lots of drain pipe, down pipes, etc.

Check out the toilet bolts and bolt covers.  I know I will use those!

Item:                                                              Online Price at Home Depot or Lowes:
PVC Closet flange                                             $5.32
Delta shower arm and flange                              14.38
Plastic shower arm                                              3.88
Bathtub spout                                                      5.33
Lift & Turn tub drain kit                                     22.96
Set of Danco faucet handles                                 9.99
Pop-up drain assembly                                        8.68
Sink trap assembly                                              3.39
Garbage disposal elbow (1)                                 2.96
Garbage disposal elbow (2)                                 2.96
Flexible slip joint extension tube                           5.62
Toilet bolts                                                          3.18
Toilet bolt cover (1st pack)                                 2.68
Toilet bolt cover (2nd pack)                                2.68
Check vent                                                         3.00
Delta seats and springs kit                                   3.97
Total:                                                           $100.98

I bet you didn't guess over one hundred dollars!  Now to some people, a Benjamin might not be much, but we are talking small plumbing parts here!  In an upcoming series of posts, I will write about the true costs of home remodeling.  But the lesson here- the small stuff adds up- and quickly!