FastPIPE Review for Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors: Features, Pros, Cons & Alternatives

FastPIPE has provided estimating solutions for plumbing and mechanical contractors since 1995, but how well does this software meet the current needs of the construction industry?

What is FastPIPE?

FastPIPE is the flagship plumbing and mechanical estimating product from FastEST, Inc. — a family-owned software company founded in 1995. The FastEST platform also includes FastDUCT for sheet metal ductwork and FastWRAP for insulation estimating. All three programs share a common interface and can integrate together for comprehensive estimating.

Since its introduction, FastPIPE has evolved to serve thousands of estimators across the plumbing and mechanical trades.

FastPIPE Estimating Features for Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors

Here’s a closer look at what FastPIPE brings to the table — and where it may leave contractors wanting more.

#1: Catalog and Pricing Database

FastPIPE includes a product catalog containing over 150,000 items for plumbing and mechanical estimating, including:

• Piping systems from manufacturers including Tyler, Nibco, Gruvlok, Viega, Anvil International, Weldbend and Swagelok
• Fittings, valves, flanges and hangers across multiple material types
• Industry-standard labor estimates based on MCAA and PHCC standards
• Material pricing that can be customized with supplier quotes
• Cloud-based catalog updates to maintain current pricing information

The platform allows contractors to adjust labor rates for specific job conditions and apply supplier-specific pricing to individual projects.

#2: Digital Takeoff Capabilities

FastPIPE includes built-in digital takeoff tools that work directly on electronic plan files. The on-screen digitizer supports:

• Multiple file formats
  • This includes PDF, JPEG, TIF, GIF, PNG and Windows Bitmap files
• Point-and-click measurement of pipe runs and fittings
• Automatic length calculations between fittings
• Color-coded markers for tracking takeoff progress
• Support for plans with multiple scale regions
• Plan overlay for comparing revisions
• Text labels and annotations for notes

FastPIPE’s built-in digitizer is suitable for contractors working primarily with digital plan sets.

#3: Assemblies and Job Templates

FastPIPE provides pre-built assemblies and template capabilities to accelerate the estimating process:

• Hundreds of built-in assemblies for common HVAC and plumbing installations
• Standard assemblies for gas connections, boilers, chillers, coils, pumps and VRF systems
• Scalable assemblies with multiple unit options
• Customizable assembly parameters during takeoff
• Job template functionality that allows previous projects to serve as starting points for new estimates
• Standard templates for commercial plumbing and HVAC piping are included with the software

Assemblies can be copied into any job and modified as needed for project-specific requirements.

#4: Customizable Specifications

The platform allows contractors to create and manage project specifications:

• Job-specific specifications
• Reusable specification templates
• Spec editor for customizing templates
• Custom takeoff screens for each project

Specifications can be set up once and reused across multiple projects to maintain consistency in estimating approaches.

#5: Reporting and Cost Analysis

FastPIPE generates reports with calculated material and labor costs:

• Automatic calculations for dimensions and quantities
• One-click material and labor totals
• Flexible report breakdowns by multiple criteria
• Direct material adjustments and job factors
• Excel export for bid assembly
• Project code organization and tracking

The Excel export includes line item and bundled pricing options, with support for equipment, fixtures, labor rates, rentals and taxes.

Ratings and Reviews

Here’s what users have said about their experiences with Accubid:

Considerations for Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors

FastPIPE is a capable and focused estimating tool, but it comes with trade-offs that may matter depending on how your team works. Here are the key limitations to weigh before committing:

• Windows-Only Platform: FastPIPE requires a Windows environment. While cloud and server deployments are available via Remote Desktop, there is no native Mac support or mobile app for field access.
• No Native Cloud App: FastPIPE can be deployed on a server or cloud environment via Microsoft Remote Desktop, but there is no browser-based or native cloud application. Remote access depends on this infrastructure being set up and maintained.
• Estimating-Only Focus: No project management, change orders or real-time supplier pricing. Additional software needed for these functions.
• One-Time Purchase Model: FastPIPE starts at $4,995 for a one-time purchase (first year of maintenance included) or $250/month on a lease. Annual maintenance is optional after the first year, but contractors must maintain an active maintenance plan to receive software updates and technical support.
  • This pricing structure may be challenging for smaller contractors or those who prefer predictable monthly subscription costs
• Limited Integrations: Basic Excel export only.

McCormick: Industry-Leading Plumbing & Mechanical Estimating

McCormick Systems provides estimating and takeoff software for plumbing, mechanical and electrical contractors. The company has served specialty trade contractors since 1979. The platform is an all-in-one solution that includes:

• A preloaded plumbing database with material costs and labor
• Mechanical coverage for boiler systems, fire suppression, fire sprinklers and closed-circuit systems
• Design-build capability within the estimating program
• Real-time pricing updates from major pricing services and supply houses

For contractors ready to move beyond basic estimating, McCormick provides an integrated workflow that combines estimating and takeoff within a single system.

All-in-One Estimating and Digital Takeoff

McCormick combines estimating and digital takeoff in a single cloud-based platform. Key capabilities include:

• Built-In Takeoff: Design Estimating Pro (DEP) provides point-and-click digital takeoff
• Automated Calculations: Labor hours, counts and material prices calculate automatically as you perform takeoff
• Design-Build Capability: Create working drawings and material lists directly from your estimates, allowing you to design and estimate simultaneously

Trade-Specific Databases and Features

McCormick is built from the ground up for specialty trade contractors, with trade-specific databases, prebuilt assemblies and features tailored to plumbing and mechanical work:

• Plumbing Contractors:
  • Comprehensive plumbing database preloaded with material costs and labor
  • Design-build capability directly in the estimating program with custom and industry-standard symbols
  • Access from any location via true cloud deployment — no VPN required
• Mechanical Contractors:
  • Support for boiler systems, fire suppression, fire sprinklers, closed-circuit systems and more
  • Pre-loaded material database with built-in costs and labor units
  • Options to add MCAA or PHCC units

Modern Cloud-Based Technology

The McCormick platform operates as a cloud-based system designed for modern collaboration:

• Accessible Anywhere: Work from any location with internet connectivity — no expensive hardware required
• True Multi-User System: Multiple team members can collaborate simultaneously on estimates
• Automatic Backups: System backups protect your data with high-level security
• Real-Time Pricing Updates: Instant updates directly from major pricing services or individual supply houses

Advanced Features and Support

Unlike estimating-only tools, McCormick is a complete business solution that provides tools beyond just takeoff and estimating:

• Change order management
• Customizable job screens for bid management
• Advanced executive dashboards
• User-defined reports for job breakouts
• Bid summary sections to combine and split costs
• Extension features with detailed reporting
• Over 40 years of construction industry experience
• Dedicated support team with specialty trade knowledge
• McCormick College training sessions for hands-on learning
• User conferences for networking and education

How Contractors Can Choose the Best Estimating Solution

McCormick provides an integrated workflow that combines estimating and takeoff within a single system.

Before choosing an estimating platform, ask yourself:

• Is the software built specifically for plumbing and mechanical contractors?
• Does it offer integrated digital takeoff, or will you need separate tools?
• Is the platform cloud-based for remote access and collaboration?
• Can multiple team members work simultaneously on estimates?
• What is the total cost, including training, implementation and ongoing fees?

If you’d like to explore how modern, trade-specific estimating software could benefit your plumbing or mechanical company, McCormick experts are ready to help you find the perfect fit for your unique requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using FastPIPE?

Pros: Large material database (150,000+ items), built-in digital takeoff, industry-standard labor rates (MCAA/PHCC available as add-ons), pre-built assemblies and 60-day money-back guarantee.

Cons: Windows-only (no mobile/cloud access), estimating/takeoff only (no project management or change orders), significant upfront purchase cost (or monthly lease) and limited integration with accounting systems.

How Does FastPIPE’s All-in-One Estimating Compare to Complete Bidding Platforms?

FastPIPE combines takeoff and estimating in a single Windows-based application. The software platform handles takeoff and estimating well — with a 150,000+ item catalog, built-in digital takeoff and Excel export for bid assembly.

Where it stops short is beyond the estimate itself. There is no project management, change order tracking or extended construction workflow built into the platform.

McCormick delivers a unified platform where estimating, takeoff, change orders and project collaboration occur in one system. Built-in takeoff calculates labor and materials automatically as you work on plans, eliminating manual data transfer steps between programs.

The choice depends on whether your team needs only estimating tools or values an integrated workflow that handles the complete bidding process from takeoff through change order management.

How Do Training Requirements Compare Between Platforms?

FastPIPE includes online training and installation assistance with the initial purchase. The company emphasizes that the software shares a common interface with other FastEST products, suggesting that contractors who learn one system can pick up others more quickly.

The platform’s customizable Quick Pick menu and compact palette design are positioned as user-friendly features. However, specific training timelines and learning curve expectations are not extensively documented in public materials.

McCormick Systems gets estimators up and running quickly.

McCormick’s onboarding is structured to get estimators productive as quickly as possible, with dedicated support throughout setup and beyond. For contractors who want advanced training, McCormick College offers optional personalized sessions and multi-day courses tailored to specific trades and workflows.

FastPIPE vs. McCormick: Which Is Right for Your Business?

The choice between FastPIPE and McCormick depends on your specific business needs, workflow preferences and growth plans.

FastPIPE: Windows desktop software, built-in takeoff, 150,000+ catalog items, MCAA/PHCC standards, Excel export and one-time purchase or lease options available.

McCormick: All-in-one cloud platform with built-in takeoff, change orders, project collaboration and real-time pricing, with over 40 years of specialty trade focus and support response times under 10 minutes.