Estimating is one of the most critical aspects of running a plumbing business. If your estimates are inaccurate, you risk losing money, underquoting jobs, or pricing yourself out of work. Many plumbers struggle with the time-consuming process of manual takeoffs, calculations, and pricing. This is where plumbing estimating software can make a big difference.
But is it really worth the investment? Let’s break it down.
What Does Plumbing Estimating Software Do?
Estimating software is designed to speed up and improve the accuracy of your quotes. Depending on the software, it can:
✅ Perform digital takeoffs – Measure and count plumbing items directly from PDFs instead of manually using a scale ruler.
✅ Generate BOQs (Bills of Quantities) – Automatically create itemized lists of materials needed for the job.
✅ Apply pre-set labor and material rates – Some software allows you to store pricing data and apply it automatically.
✅ Reduce errors and double-handling – No need to manually copy figures from one document to another.
✅ Improve professionalism – Provides neat, well-structured estimates for clients and builders.
Types of Plumbing Estimating Software
There are two main types of estimating software that plumbers use:
Takeoff Software (Fast But Manual Rate Entry)
These programs help speed up measuring and takeoffs, but they do not come with built-in rate libraries. You must manually enter your own rates.
Popular options include:
- Cubit – Fast for measuring, great for contractors supplying fixtures.
- CostX – Powerful and integrates well with Excel.
- Planswift – Easy to use for on-screen takeoffs.
- Bluebeam – A PDF markup tool that also allows for takeoffs and linking with Excel.
📌 Best for: Plumbers who already have an Excel-based pricing system and need a faster way to measure and calculate job costs.
Full Estimating Software (Takeoff + Built-in Rate Library)
Some programs allow you to do takeoffs and apply rates automatically, meaning that each item is priced as you go.
A well-known option is:
- Cavsoft – Comes with built-in items and codes, but you need to update and maintain your rate library.
📌 Best for: Plumbers who want everything in one system and don’t want to manually apply rates after measuring.
Pros & Cons of Plumbing Estimating Software
✅ Advantages
✔ Saves Time – Digital takeoffs are much faster than manual ones.
✔ Reduces Errors – Automated calculations prevent costly mistakes.
✔ Looks Professional – Clear, detailed estimates impress clients.
✔ More Accurate Pricing – Helps ensure you don’t underquote or overquote.
✔ Better Job Tracking – Some programs store past estimates, making it easier to review old jobs.
❌ Disadvantages
✘ Initial Cost – Software licenses can be expensive.
✘ Learning Curve – Some programs take time to master.
✘ Not Always Faster for Small Jobs – For simple jobs, Excel might still be quicker.
✘ May Not Fit Your Workflow – If you already have an efficient estimating process, switching may not be necessary.
Who Should Invest in Plumbing Estimating Software?
You should consider investing in estimating software if:
✔ You spend too much time on manual estimates and need a faster method.
✔ You regularly price large or complex jobs that require accurate takeoffs.
✔ You struggle with consistency in your pricing and want a standardized system.
✔ You want to win more tenders by submitting professional, well-detailed quotes.
However, if you mainly price small residential jobs, a simple Excel template and a takeoff tool like Bluebeam or Planswift may be enough.
Final Thoughts
Investing in estimating software can be a game-changer for plumbers who want faster, more accurate, and professional quotes. However, it’s important to choose the right software for your workflow.
- If speed is your priority, a takeoff tool like Cubit, CostX, or Planswift is a great option.
- If you want a full estimating solution with built-in rates, Cavsoft may be worth considering.
- If you already have a working system in Excel, a takeoff tool that integrates with Excel might be the best choice.
Before investing, test free trials or demos to see what works best for your business.
Accurate estimating helps plumbers win more jobs and maximize profits. SNZ Plumbing Estimating provides professional estimates to ensure your quotes are precise and competitive.
📌 Disclaimer: The software options listed above are based on general industry knowledge and personal experience. There may be other estimating tools available that suit your needs better. Additionally, software programs are continuously updated, and features may change over time. Always check with software providers for the latest details before making a decision.