Quick Overview
- 1#1: PataBid - AI-powered cloud-based estimating software specifically designed for plumbing, piping, and mechanical contractors to create accurate bids quickly.
- 2#2: Stack - AI-driven construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates measurements and cost calculations for plumbing projects.
- 3#3: ServiceTitan - Comprehensive field service management software for plumbers featuring advanced estimating, quoting, and job costing tools.
- 4#4: ProEst - Cloud-based construction estimating solution with detailed plumbing assemblies, labor rates, and bid management capabilities.
- 5#5: SuccessWare - Integrated ERP platform for residential plumbing contractors offering precise job estimating, costing, and profitability tracking.
- 6#6: FieldEdge - Service management software for plumbing businesses with mobile estimating, dispatching, and invoicing features.
- 7#7: PlanSwift - Digital takeoff and estimating software that allows plumbers to measure plans and generate material and labor costs rapidly.
- 8#8: Housecall Pro - All-in-one field service app for plumbers providing quick quote generation, scheduling, and payment processing.
- 9#9: Jobber - Field service software enabling plumbers to create professional estimates, track jobs, and manage client communications efficiently.
- 10#10: Bluebeam Revu - PDF-based markup and takeoff tool used by plumbers for quantity takeoffs and basic cost estimating from blueprints.
We prioritized tools based on their ability to handle plumbing-specific workflows, accuracy in cost and takeoff calculations, ease of use for busy contractors, and overall value, ensuring they deliver tangible benefits across residential and commercial applications.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading plumbing estimator software, featuring tools like PataBid, Stack, ServiceTitan, ProEst, SuccessWare and more, to assist professionals in evaluating options. Readers will gain insights into key features, usability, and practical strengths of each platform, enabling informed choices to streamline estimating workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PataBid AI-powered cloud-based estimating software specifically designed for plumbing, piping, and mechanical contractors to create accurate bids quickly. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Stack AI-driven construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates measurements and cost calculations for plumbing projects. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ServiceTitan Comprehensive field service management software for plumbers featuring advanced estimating, quoting, and job costing tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | ProEst Cloud-based construction estimating solution with detailed plumbing assemblies, labor rates, and bid management capabilities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | SuccessWare Integrated ERP platform for residential plumbing contractors offering precise job estimating, costing, and profitability tracking. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | FieldEdge Service management software for plumbing businesses with mobile estimating, dispatching, and invoicing features. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 7 | PlanSwift Digital takeoff and estimating software that allows plumbers to measure plans and generate material and labor costs rapidly. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 8 | Housecall Pro All-in-one field service app for plumbers providing quick quote generation, scheduling, and payment processing. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Jobber Field service software enabling plumbers to create professional estimates, track jobs, and manage client communications efficiently. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Bluebeam Revu PDF-based markup and takeoff tool used by plumbers for quantity takeoffs and basic cost estimating from blueprints. | other | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.8/10 |
AI-powered cloud-based estimating software specifically designed for plumbing, piping, and mechanical contractors to create accurate bids quickly.
AI-driven construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates measurements and cost calculations for plumbing projects.
Comprehensive field service management software for plumbers featuring advanced estimating, quoting, and job costing tools.
Cloud-based construction estimating solution with detailed plumbing assemblies, labor rates, and bid management capabilities.
Integrated ERP platform for residential plumbing contractors offering precise job estimating, costing, and profitability tracking.
Service management software for plumbing businesses with mobile estimating, dispatching, and invoicing features.
Digital takeoff and estimating software that allows plumbers to measure plans and generate material and labor costs rapidly.
All-in-one field service app for plumbers providing quick quote generation, scheduling, and payment processing.
Field service software enabling plumbers to create professional estimates, track jobs, and manage client communications efficiently.
PDF-based markup and takeoff tool used by plumbers for quantity takeoffs and basic cost estimating from blueprints.
PataBid
specializedAI-powered cloud-based estimating software specifically designed for plumbing, piping, and mechanical contractors to create accurate bids quickly.
Dynamic pre-built assemblies that allow complete plumbing bids in under 10 minutes with 99% accuracy
PataBid is a cloud-based estimating software specifically designed for plumbing and mechanical contractors, enabling digital plan takeoffs, rapid bid assembly, and accurate cost calculations. It features a comprehensive database of over 100,000 plumbing items, pre-built assemblies for fixtures, piping, and equipment, and tools for bid management from takeoff to handover. The platform integrates seamlessly with accounting software like QuickBooks and Sage, streamlining workflows for plumbing estimators.
Pros
- Vast plumbing-specific database with dynamic assemblies for ultra-fast estimating
- Precise digital takeoff tools with on-screen quantification and automatic calculations
- Strong integrations with accounting, CRM, and project management systems
Cons
- Initial learning curve for complex assemblies and custom setups
- Higher pricing may deter very small plumbing firms
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to desktop version
Best For
Mid-sized to large plumbing contractors and mechanical estimators who require precise, scalable bidding for commercial and residential projects.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month for basic plan; Pro at $249/user/month; custom Enterprise pricing available.
Stack
specializedAI-driven construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates measurements and cost calculations for plumbing projects.
AI Auto-Takeoff that intelligently detects and quantifies plumbing fixtures, pipes, and fittings from uploaded plans in minutes
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating platform tailored for plumbing estimators and other trades, leveraging AI to automate quantity takeoffs from digital plans and blueprints. It streamlines bid creation with accurate material and labor costing, real-time team collaboration, and seamless integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks. Designed for modern contractors, it replaces outdated desktop software with a mobile-friendly, scalable solution for faster, error-reduced estimating workflows.
Pros
- AI-powered auto-takeoffs drastically reduce manual measurement time for plumbing plans
- Real-time collaboration allows teams to review and edit estimates simultaneously
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks, Procore, and Excel enhance workflow efficiency
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo estimators or very small plumbing firms
- Advanced customization of reports requires some learning curve
- Full functionality relies on stable internet connection as it's cloud-only
Best For
Mid-sized plumbing contractors seeking AI-driven efficiency and collaborative estimating to handle complex bids at scale.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month for Pro plan (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing for larger teams with advanced features.
ServiceTitan
enterpriseComprehensive field service management software for plumbers featuring advanced estimating, quoting, and job costing tools.
Dynamic pricebook management with automatic updates and profitability calculators tied directly to inventory and job costing
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive field service management platform tailored for plumbing and other home service businesses, featuring robust estimating tools that enable quick, accurate quote generation from a centralized pricebook. It integrates estimating seamlessly with scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and inventory management, allowing technicians to create professional estimates on-site via mobile apps. The software supports flat-rate pricing, customizable templates, and real-time updates to ensure profitability and efficiency in plumbing operations.
Pros
- Powerful mobile estimating with real-time pricebook access
- Seamless integration of estimates into full job workflow and dispatching
- Advanced reporting and analytics for pricing optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High cost may not suit small plumbing operations
- Overkill for businesses needing only basic estimating without full FSM
Best For
Mid-sized to large plumbing companies seeking an all-in-one platform where estimating is deeply integrated with operations management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $300-$600 per user/month with minimums and annual contracts.
ProEst
enterpriseCloud-based construction estimating solution with detailed plumbing assemblies, labor rates, and bid management capabilities.
Assembly-based estimating with over 25,000 pre-configured plumbing items for instant bid generation
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software tailored for trades like plumbing, offering digital takeoff, assembly-based estimating, and bidding tools to streamline project cost calculations. It includes extensive pre-built databases for plumbing fixtures, piping, valves, and labor units, enabling quick generation of accurate bids. The platform integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks and Sage, supporting real-time collaboration across teams.
Pros
- Vast library of plumbing-specific assemblies and items for rapid estimating
- Strong integrations with accounting and project management tools
- Cloud accessibility with mobile support for on-site adjustments
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface for beginners
- Custom pricing lacks transparency and can be costly for small firms
- Limited advanced customization for highly specialized plumbing reports
Best For
Mid-sized plumbing contractors needing scalable, database-driven estimating with team collaboration.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $5,000-$10,000 annually per user depending on features and users.
SuccessWare
specializedIntegrated ERP platform for residential plumbing contractors offering precise job estimating, costing, and profitability tracking.
Seamless QuickBooks integration that automatically syncs estimates to invoices and general ledger entries
SuccessWare is a comprehensive business management platform tailored for plumbing, HVAC, and other service trades, with robust estimating tools for creating accurate plumbing bids. It supports digital takeoffs, customizable pricebooks, labor calculations, and flat-rate pricing to streamline the estimating process from site visits to proposal delivery. Beyond estimating, it integrates scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and QuickBooks synchronization for end-to-end operations.
Pros
- All-in-one platform combining estimating with CRM and accounting
- Extensive material and labor databases for plumbing-specific estimates
- Strong mobile app for on-site estimating and real-time updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to feature depth
- Pricing can be high for small plumbing operations
- Estimating lacks advanced 3D/BIM visualization compared to specialized tools
Best For
Mid-sized plumbing contractors needing an integrated solution for estimating, operations, and accounting.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at approximately $195 per user per month, scaling with modules and company size.
FieldEdge
enterpriseService management software for plumbing businesses with mobile estimating, dispatching, and invoicing features.
Real-time mobile estimating that instantly converts quotes to dispatched jobs with tech dispatch details
FieldEdge is a field service management platform designed for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors, featuring integrated estimating tools that enable quick quote creation using flat-rate pricing books and inventory data. It allows technicians to generate professional estimates directly from mobile devices on job sites, streamlining the process from quote to dispatch and invoicing. While versatile for service-based businesses, its estimating capabilities are more suited to flat-rate residential plumbing jobs rather than complex commercial takeoffs.
Pros
- Mobile app enables fast on-site estimating with flat-rate catalogs
- Seamless integration with dispatching, scheduling, and QuickBooks
- Real-time inventory tracking supports accurate material cost estimates
Cons
- Lacks advanced digital takeoff or CAD integration for detailed plumbing plans
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small plumbing firms focused only on estimating
- Full FSM features may overwhelm users needing pure estimator functionality
Best For
Mid-sized plumbing service companies seeking an all-in-one tool that combines mobile estimating with field operations management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $150-$300 per user/month depending on features and team size, with no public tiers.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital takeoff and estimating software that allows plumbers to measure plans and generate material and labor costs rapidly.
Drag-and-drop assemblies that automatically scale and calculate quantities for plumbing runs, fittings, and fixtures based on plan measurements
PlanSwift is a versatile on-screen takeoff and estimating software designed for construction trades, including plumbing, allowing users to digitally measure plans from PDFs, scans, and CAD files. It features customizable assemblies for plumbing components like pipes, fittings, fixtures, and valves, enabling rapid quantity takeoffs and cost estimations integrated with labor and material databases. The software generates professional bids and supports exports to Excel or accounting tools like QuickBooks, streamlining the estimating process for plumbing contractors.
Pros
- Powerful digital takeoff tools with point-and-click measuring for accurate plumbing quantities
- Customizable assemblies and databases tailored for plumbing materials and labor
- Seamless integration with Excel, QuickBooks, and other estimating workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training time
- High upfront cost with perpetual licensing model
- Limited mobile and cloud capabilities, primarily desktop-focused
Best For
Mid-to-large plumbing contractors handling complex blueprints who prioritize precise digital takeoffs over simplicity.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $1,595 per user, plus ~20% annual maintenance fees for updates and support.
Housecall Pro
enterpriseAll-in-one field service app for plumbers providing quick quote generation, scheduling, and payment processing.
One-click conversion of estimates to scheduled jobs or invoices with real-time customer approvals
Housecall Pro is an all-in-one field service management software tailored for home service pros like plumbers, featuring tools for scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and creating estimates. It enables quick estimate generation using customizable templates, digital delivery to customers, and seamless conversion to jobs or invoices. While robust for overall business operations, its estimating capabilities are integrated but not as advanced as dedicated plumbing takeoff software.
Pros
- User-friendly mobile app for on-site estimating and job management
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and payment processors
- Customizable estimate templates with digital signatures for fast approvals
Cons
- Lacks advanced material takeoff and CAD integration for complex plumbing jobs
- Pricing scales quickly with additional users and features
- Overkill for businesses needing only estimating without full CRM
Best For
Small to mid-sized plumbing businesses seeking an all-in-one platform that combines estimating with scheduling, dispatching, and payments.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month for Basic (1 user), $129 for Essentials, $229 for Max (billed annually; monthly options higher).
Jobber
enterpriseField service software enabling plumbers to create professional estimates, track jobs, and manage client communications efficiently.
Client hub for instant quote approvals and signatures, accelerating the sales cycle without back-and-forth emails
Jobber is a field service management platform tailored for trades like plumbing, enabling quick quote creation with customizable templates, service lists, and pricing tables. It supports on-site estimating via mobile app, attaching photos/videos, and sending professional proposals for client approval. Quotes seamlessly convert to scheduled jobs and invoices, integrating with accounting tools like QuickBooks. However, it lacks advanced takeoff, cost databases, or CAD integration typical of specialized plumbing estimators.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for fast on-site quoting
- Seamless workflow from quote to invoice and payment
- Strong customer communication tools like client hub
Cons
- No advanced material takeoff or plumbing-specific cost databases
- Limited customization for complex estimates
- Full features require higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized plumbing businesses needing an easy all-in-one tool for basic estimates within daily operations.
Pricing
Lite ($69/mo), Core ($169/mo), Connect ($349/mo), Plus (custom $600+/mo); annual billing discounts available.
Bluebeam Revu
otherPDF-based markup and takeoff tool used by plumbers for quantity takeoffs and basic cost estimating from blueprints.
Advanced measurement logging with customizable columns and exportable summaries for detailed plumbing quantity takeoffs
Bluebeam Revu is a powerful PDF-based markup and takeoff tool widely used in construction for digital plan review and quantity estimation. For plumbing estimators, it excels in measuring pipe lengths, fixture counts, and material quantities directly from blueprints with high accuracy. While not a dedicated estimating suite, it supports custom assemblies and exports to spreadsheets for further costing analysis.
Pros
- Precise measurement tools for lengths, areas, and counts ideal for plumbing takeoffs
- Customizable markups and toolsets tailored to plumbing symbols and annotations
- Seamless collaboration via Bluebeam Studio for team reviews
Cons
- Lacks built-in plumbing-specific databases, pricing, or labor cost calculators
- Requires export to Excel or other software for full estimating workflows
- Higher cost may not justify for users needing only basic estimation
Best For
Plumbing estimators in construction firms who primarily work with PDF plans and need robust takeoff capabilities integrated into broader workflows.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $240/user/year (Basics), up to $600/user/year (Complete edition)
Conclusion
The reviewed plumbing estimator software spans diverse strengths, from AI-driven speed to all-encompassing field management. PataBid stands out as the top choice, excelling in quick, accurate bid creation for plumbing, piping, and mechanical projects. Strong alternatives like Stack, with its automated takeoff, and ServiceTitan, offering robust estimating alongside job costing, cater to different operational needs, ensuring every contractor finds a fitting solution.
Don’t miss out—try PataBid to experience its AI-powered efficiency firsthand and transform how you generate bids for your plumbing business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison