6 Red Flags to Watch for in Plumbing Estimating Software

Plumbing estimating software can be a game-changer — or a costly misstep. Between licensing fees, setup time and training, you can’t afford to choose the wrong tool. And with tech becoming a must-have in the trades, your long-term success depends on getting it right.

Unfortunately, many providers overpromise and underdeliver. So, what red flags should you keep in mind during your search?

Key Takeaways for Plumbing Estimators

Plumbing estimating software becomes a liability when it separates takeoff and estimating, because disconnected tools create errors and delays — while all-in-one platforms keep pricing accurate and competitive.
Contractors risk wasted time and missed opportunities when providers offer poor onboarding and unresponsive support, because downtime disrupts bidding, while responsive support ensures faster adoption and fewer lost jobs.
Estimators lose flexibility when software is limited to on-premises systems, because restricted access prevents collaboration, while cloud-based solutions enable real-time teamwork from anywhere.
Contractors face long-term risks when vendors treat software as a side project, as weak commitment leads to outdated features, whereas dedicated providers deliver innovation and stability.
Estimators sacrifice speed and accuracy when software lacks plumbing-specific databases, as generic data requires manual entry, whereas pre-built trade databases reduce errors and save time.

1. Separate Systems for Takeoff and Estimating

Solutions that split takeoff and estimating force you to jump between tools — creating error-prone processes like exporting, importing and copying and pasting data between systems.

Not only does this cause delays, but it increases the chances of inconsistencies between what’s counted and what’s priced, leading to inaccurate bids, rework and lost job opportunities.

Plumbing estimators need a seamless, connected solution where quantities flow directly into the estimate without manual steps or data loss. Software that combines takeoff and estimating:

Keeps your pricing aligned with the project scope
Accelerates your bid turnaround time
Gives you an edge in a competitive market

If you rely on multiple tools to build a bid, it’s not streamlining your workflow — it’s introducing risks that lead to lost bids or significant cost overruns.

Check out: Learn 5 features your plumbing estimating software should have.

2. Slow Support and Poor Onboarding

A vague or missing support and implementation plan — or the absence of dedicated teams — should raise major concerns.

Plumbing estimating software isn’t something you just install, set up and figure out on your own — especially if it’s replacing legacy tools or scaling to your workflow.

Poor implementation leads to slow adoption, frustrated teams and wasted time — especially during high pressure bidding windows. And if support is delayed or hard to access, that downtime may cost you jobs.

Before you purchase plumbing estimating software, ask about:

Implementation and ongoing training opportunities
Response times
The size of the support team, if it’s an in-house, U.S.-based team and if they’re product experts or just a general help desk

Look for vendors that offer:

Hands-on, personalized implementation
Live support
Support teams who actually understand plumbing estimating.

If you’re investing in new software, it’s crucial to make sure the service team can support your success long after the sale.

3. Software That’s Confined By On-Premises Limitations

On-premises systems often come with hidden costs — from hardware requirements and additional IT maintenance to limited accessibility and clunky updates.

On-premises software restricts access to designated devices or office locations, making it difficult for teams to collaborate remotely or in the field. That lack of flexibility puts you at a serious competitive disadvantage.

Modern plumbing estimators need cloud-hosted solutions that allow them to:

Get work done from anywhere
Stay connected and collaborate in real time
Keep up with fast-moving project demands

Cloud software keeps you current — updates are automatic, and downtime is minimal. But if a provider isn’t offering a modern cloud solution or can’t explain their hosting setup, that’s a red flag.

Plumbing bids move quickly, and if your team can’t access real-time estimating data from anywhere, you’ll struggle to keep up and lose out on jobs that should be yours.

4. When Software Isn’t Their Core Focus

Before choosing plumbing estimating software, it’s important to look beyond the product and research the company behind it. If the provider is new to the plumbing space — or if the software is just a side offering in a much larger business — that’s a red flag.

When software isn’t a core focus, it often leads to:

Slower product development
Limited or inconsistent support
Less emphasis on applying customer feedback

These gaps can leave you with outdated features, clunky integrations and long waits for help when you need it most. And if the parent company shifts direction, you could be left scrambling to replace a tool your business depends on.

It’s important to remember you’re not just investing in estimating software. You’re investing in the team behind it, and their long-term commitment to supporting your success.

5. Weak Track Record

Look for a software provider with a solid background in construction technology, a trusted reputation in the plumbing industry and a clear commitment to continuous product development.

Ask how frequently they release updates, how they incorporate user feedback, and how dedicated they are to improving the software over time.

If the company isn’t focused on delivering cutting-edge plumbing estimating solutions that evolve with your needs, it’s best to keep looking.

6. No Dedicated Plumbing Databases

When estimating software doesn’t include a ready-made plumbing database, it’s a sign that it wasn’t really built for plumbing contractors.

Using a generic database means you’re stuck manually inputting materials, labor rates and assemblies — costing you time and creating costly mistakes.

The best software comes with accurate plumbing-specific data already loaded and gives you the flexibility to adjust it to your unique workflow and projects.

We Built McCormick to Address These Red Flags

For more than 45 years, McCormick has been adapting to meet the needs of plumbing estimators. We don’t just build software; we also pay attention to the needs and wants of clients and potential customers.

We are aware of what doesn’t work, and we listen to client feedback to actively design features to help plumbing contractors.

McCormick is cloud-based plumbing software that offers:

All-in-one takeoff and estimating that’s built to handle the complexities and nuances of plumbing work
Personalized 1:1 implementation to ensure you and your team know how to use the software from day one
Leading US-based support with average response times of less than 10 minutes
Customizable plumbing-specific databases with everything you need to build winning bids

For more information about McCormick, speak with a specialist.