If you ask five plumbers what software they use, you might get five different answers. One swears by ServiceTitan, another loves Housecall Pro, and the guy focused on new construction won’t touch anything but Simpro.
Why is there no single “winner”? Because “Plumbing” is not a single business model.
A “Service and Repair” shop running five vans and doing 20 drain cleanings a day has completely different needs than a “Commercial Mechanical” contractor doing six-month hospital installations. One needs speed, dispatching, and Flat Rate Pricebooks. The other needs progress billing, retainage, and Project Management.
Buying the wrong one is a disaster. It’s like trying to use a jetter to tighten a bolt—it’s the wrong tool, and it’s going to make a mess.
This guide acts as your filter. We have analyzed the market leaders to help you find the software that matches your specific workflow—whether you are a “Chuck in a truck” looking to grow, or a massive fleet managing millions in copper inventory.
| Software | Best For | Starting Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jobber ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.9/5) | 🚀 Best Overall Small to Med Business | $19 / month | Try Free Read Review |
| Workiz ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) | 📞 Best for Dispatch Locksmith & Garage | $29 / month | Try Free Read Review |
| Housecall Pro ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5) | 🎨 Best for Visuals Residential Sales | $49 / month | Visit Site Read Review |
| ServiceTitan ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) | 🏢 Best for Enterprise Commercial & Heavy Service | Custom Quote | Get Demo Read Review |
| FieldPulse ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) | 📱 Best Mobile App Easy to Use | $59 / month | Visit Site Read Review |
| RepairShopr ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) | 💻 Best for Repair Shops IT & Electronics | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
| Simpro ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) | 🏗️ Best for Projects Construction & Security | Custom Quote | Get Demo Read Review |
| Service Fusion ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5) | 🎧 Best for VoIP Mid-Market Service | Custom Quote | Get Demo Read Review |
| FieldEdge ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5) | 🔄 Best for QB Desktop Legacy Sync Users | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
| Successware ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5) | 📊 Best for Accounting Plumbing & HVAC | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
| Zoho Field Service ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.1/5) | 💰 Best Budget Zoho Users | $15 / month | Visit Site Read Review |
| Thryv ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.0/5) | 📢 Best for Marketing All-in-One CRM | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
| RazorSync ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.9/5) | ⚡ Simple Service Field Service Basics | Custom Quote | Visit Site Read Review |
✅ Verified Data: Checks on Jan 29, 2026 via vendor portals.
Source: Pricing Index
(DOI/Dataset).
Disclosure: We may earn commissions. Learn more & Methodology.
What Makes “Plumbing” Software Different?
Generic “Field Service” software is often not enough for plumbers. An app designed for a window washer doesn’t understand the complexity of your trade.
To run a modern, profitable plumbing business, your software must handle specific, high-stakes headaches:
1. The Inventory Nightmare (Truck Stock)
Unlike window cleaners, you carry thousands of dollars of inventory in every van. Wax rings, p-traps, copper fittings, PVC glue, specialized valves.
- The Requirement: You need software that tracks “Truck Stock.” When a tech uses a part on Invoice #101, the software should deduct it from “Van 3 Inventory” and alert the warehouse manager to re-order.
2. The Flat Rate Revolution (Pricebooks)
The days of “Time and Material” (T&M) for residential service are dead. Customers want an upfront price.
- The Requirement: You need a Visual Pricebook. Instead of writing “Fix Faucet – $150,” the tech taps a picture of a “Delta Faucet Install” on their iPad, and the price pops up automatically. This is critical for margin protection.
3. Emergency Dispatch (On-Call)
Pipes burst at 2:00 AM.
- The Requirement: Your software needs a robust mobile app that can wake up the “On-Call” technician with a loud notification, send them the customer history (so they know where the main shutoff is), and allow them to dispatch themselves without an office manager awake.
The “Big 3” for Residential Service
If your primary revenue comes from homeowners (fixing leaks, installing water heaters, clearing drains), these are the three heavyweights you should consider.
1. ServiceTitan: The Heavyweight
Best For: Enterprise (5+ Trucks), Inventory-Heavy Shops, Aggressive Growth.
ServiceTitan is the Ferrari of the industry. It was built by the son of a plumbing contractor, specifically for this trade. It is expensive, complex, and powerful.
- The Killer Feature: Pricebook Pro.
ServiceTitan comes with a pre-loaded, industry-standard plumbing pricebook. It includes pictures, descriptions, and estimated labor times for thousands of common tasks (e.g., “Replace 50-Gallon Water Heater”). You don’t have to build it from scratch; you just turn it on and adjust your labor rate. - Inventory Management:
It handles multi-location inventory (Warehouse vs. Truck 1 vs. Truck 2) better than almost anyone. It allows for “Purchase Order” automation where a tech can request a part, and the office approves the PO for the supply house. - The Downside:
It is expensive (often $398+ per month plus truck fees) and requires a massive implementation effort. It is overkill for a solo operator. - Deep Dive: Read our full ServiceTitan review and check out its alternatives for plumbers.
2. Housecall Pro: The Salesman
Best For: Sales-Focused Shops ($1M – $5M Revenue), Visual Selling.
Housecall Pro is the master of the “Good-Better-Best” presentation. If your goal is to increase your Average Ticket by selling higher-end water heaters or filtration systems, this is your tool.
- The Killer Feature: Visual Proposals.
When a customer needs a new water heater, Housecall Pro allows the tech to present three options on the iPad side-by-side:- Bronze: Standard 6-Year Tank ($1,800).
- Silver: 10-Year Tank + Expansion Tank ($2,400).
- Gold: Tankless System + Descaler ($4,500).
- Result: Customers naturally gravitate toward the middle option (“Silver”), raising your revenue instantly.
- Ease of Use:
Compared to ServiceTitan, Housecall Pro is much easier to set up. You can often be running in a few days. - The Downside:
Its inventory management is lighter than ServiceTitan’s. It’s great for selling, but less robust for tracking every single elbow fitting in the warehouse. - Deep Dive: Read our full Housecall Pro review.
3. Jobber: The Operator
Best For: Small Business (1-5 Trucks), Owner-Operators, Organization.
Jobber is the most user-friendly tool on the market. It doesn’t have the complex inventory of ServiceTitan, but it nails the basics of “Getting the job done.”
- The Killer Feature: The Client Hub.
Jobber offers a self-serve portal where customers can approve quotes, pay invoices, and see their appointment time. For a small plumber, this makes you look like a massive professional company. - Routing:
If you have a packed day of 10 drain cleaning jobs, Jobber’s route optimization helps you hit them all without backtracking. - The Downside:
It does not come with a pre-loaded plumbing pricebook. You have to build your own items list or import a CSV. It also lacks advanced inventory tracking. - Deep Dive: Read our full Jobber review.
Comparison Table: Residential Service Apps
| Feature | ServiceTitan | Housecall Pro | Jobber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Enterprise / 5+ Trucks | Sales / 2-10 Trucks | SMB / 1-5 Trucks |
| Pricebook | Included (Pro) | Customizable | Build Your Own |
| Inventory | Advanced (Multi-Location) | Basic | Basic |
| Good-Better-Best | Excellent | Excellent (Visual) | Good |
| QuickBooks Sync | QBD & QBO | QBO Only | QBO Only |
| Setup Time | 6-12 Weeks | 1-2 Weeks | 1-2 Days |
The Supply House Connection: Ferguson & Reece
For a plumber, the supply house is your second home. You are there every morning.
Modern plumbing software doesn’t just manage your team; it talks directly to your suppliers (like Ferguson, Reece, or Winsupply). This integration is vital for three reasons:
1. Real-Time Price Updates
The price of copper and PVC changes constantly. If you quoted a job two months ago using old prices, you might lose money on the job today.
- The Solution: Apps like ServiceTitan and Simpro integrate with supplier catalogs. They update your internal pricebook automatically. If Ferguson raises the price of a 1/2″ valve by $0.50, your pricebook price rises instantly to protect your margin.
2. Automated Purchase Orders (PO)
- The Workflow:
- Technician is on a job site and needs a specific pump.
- He opens his iPad, browses the live Ferguson catalog inside the app.
- He creates a Purchase Order (PO).
- The Office Manager gets a notification, approves it with one click.
- The PO is sent digitally to the Ferguson counter.
- The tech drives over, and the part is waiting. No paperwork lost.
3. Invoice Reconciliation
When the monthly bill comes from Ferguson, it can be a nightmare to match receipts to jobs.
- The Solution: Integrated software matches the digital Supplier Invoice to the Purchase Order automatically, syncing the cost directly to the specific Job for accurate reporting and job costing.
The Specialist: Commercial & Construction
If you are a “Plumber” but you spend your days doing rough-ins for new apartment buildings, commercial boiler installs, or government contracts, do not buy the software listed above. They are designed for short-duration service calls, not long-term projects.
Simpro: The Project Manager
Best For: Commercial Plumbing, New Construction, Multi-Phase Projects.
Simpro is built for the complexity of construction.
- Progress Billing: Can you bill 30% now, 30% after rough-in, and 40% after trim-out? Simpro can. Jobber cannot.
- Retainage: Does the general contractor hold back 10% of your payment until the job is done? Simpro tracks this “Retainage” automatically so you don’t forget to collect it.
- Takeoffs: It allows you to estimate complex jobs by importing supplier price lists and calculating labor hours based on difficulty.
- Deep Dive: Read our full Simpro review.
The Specialist: QuickBooks Desktop Users
Many plumbing shops have been running on QuickBooks Desktop (QBD) for 20 years. Your bookkeeper refuses to switch to Online.
FieldEdge: The Sync Master
Best For: Shops locked into QuickBooks Desktop.
FieldEdge was created by the founders of dESCO, a legacy plumbing software. It has the tightest, “Live” integration with QuickBooks Desktop on the market.
- The Sync: When a tech takes a payment in the field, it posts to your QuickBooks server in the office almost instantly.
- The Benefit: You don’t have to change your accounting workflow. You keep the robust reporting of Desktop while getting a modern mobile app for the techs.
- Deep Dive: Read our full FieldEdge review.
The Inventory “Black Hole” Strategy
Where do profit margins go to die? The back of a messy plumbing van.
Without software, you have “The Black Hole.” You buy parts, they go into a truck, and you never see them again. Are they used? Stolen? Lost? You don’t know.
1. Min/Max Replenishment
Good software (ServiceTitan/Simpro) allows you to set “Stock Levels” for each truck.
- Config: Van 1 must always have 5 Wax Rings (Min) and 10 Wax Rings (Max).
- Action: As the tech uses them on invoices, the count drops to 4.
- Automation: The software triggers a “Restock Report,” telling the warehouse manager to move 6 rings from the Warehouse to Van 1.
2. Warehousing vs. Truck Stock
You need to track “Locations.”
- Warehouse: The central hub.
- Mobile Inventory: Each truck is treated as a mini-warehouse.
- Transfers: When a tech takes a water heater from the shop, they scan it out. The software moves the asset from “Warehouse” to “Van 3.”
3. Barcode Scanning
Is it worth it?
- Reality Check: Scanning every $0.50 fitting is waste of time.
- The Strategy: Use barcode scanning for High Value Items (Faucets, Heaters, Pumps, Tools) via the mobile app. For small fittings (“Bin Stock”), use a visual check or weight-based estimation.
- Related: Detailed guide on inventory parts management.
Hardware for Plumbers: iPad vs. Rugged Tablets
You cannot buy software without buying hardware. But a plumbing site is wet, dirty, and dangerous for electronics.
1. The Standard: Apple iPad (10.2″ or Air)
90% of plumbing shops use iPads.
- Why: They are stable, hold their value, and have the best app support.
- The Risk: They shatter easily.
- The Fix: You must buy an Otterbox Defender Series case (or equivalent). Do not use the flimsy “Smart Cover.”
- Mounting: Use RAM Mounts to secure the iPad in the cab of the van so it doesn’t fly around during driving.
2. Android Tablets (Samsung Tab Active)
- Why: The “Active” series is ruggedized out of the box (water-resistant, drop-resistant).
- The Risk: Some apps (like Housecall Pro or ServiceTitan) are “iOS First,” meaning the Android version might be buggy or missing new features. Always check with the software vendor before buying Android.
3. Camera Integration
Plumbers rely on diagnostics.
- SeeSnake / Ridgid Monitors: Modern sewer cameras connect via Wi-Fi to a tablet.
- The Workflow: The tech records the blockage on the sewer camera -> The video streams to the iPad -> The tech uploads the video directly to the ServiceTitan Job Record.
- The Sale: Showing the customer the video inside the quote increases close rates by 40%.
Key Features to Look For
1. The “Good-Better-Best” Sales Flow
Selling plumbing is psychological.
- Old Way: “Mr. Smith, a new water heater is $1,500.” (Customer says: “Can you do it cheaper?”)
- New Way: “Mr. Smith, here are your options.”
- Option A (Fix): Repair current heater ($600) – No Warranty.
- Option B (Replace): Standard heater ($1,800) – 6 Yr Warranty.
- Option C (Upgrade): High-efficiency heater ($2,600) – 10 Yr Warranty.
- The Result: The customer usually feels “smart” by picking the middle option ($1,800), which is higher than your original quote.
- Check: Does the software allow you to build these estimates and quotes visually on the iPad?
2. Service Agreements (Memberships)
The key to surviving the slow season is recurring revenue.
- The Feature: You sell a “Diamond Club” membership for $19/month. It includes an annual drain camera inspection and 10% off repairs.
- The Automation: The software must automatically charge the customer’s credit card monthly (via Stripe integration) and auto-generate a “Service Task” for the annual inspection so you don’t forget to schedule it.
- Related: Automating memberships and service agreements.
The Plumbing Software Feature Audit
Before you buy, force the sales rep to show you these specific screens.
- [ ] Visual Pricebook: Can I see photos of the products? Can I bulk-update prices by 5%?
- [ ] Supply House Integration: Is Ferguson/Reece connected, or do I have to import CSVs manually?
- [ ] Mobile Offline Mode: Can the app function when the tech is deep in a basement with no signal?
- [ ] Multi-Location Inventory: Can I see exactly what is on “Truck 5” right now?
- [ ] Recurring Billing: Does it handle monthly credit card charges for memberships automatically?
- [ ] Warranty Tracking: Can I store the Serial Number and Installation Date of a water heater to get alerts when the warranty expires?
- [ ] QB Sync: Does the invoice sync to QuickBooks immediately or at the end of the day?
- [ ] Dispatch Map: Can I see where all my trucks are in real-time?
FAQ: Plumbing Software
What is the best software for a small plumbing business?
For a “one-man show” or a shop with 2-3 trucks, Jobber or Housecall Pro are the best choices. They are affordable, easy to learn, and handle dispatching perfectly. ServiceTitan is usually too expensive and complex for this size.
Do I need software with a built-in pricebook?
If you are moving from “Time & Material” to “Flat Rate” for the first time, having a built-in pricebook (like ServiceTitan Pricebook Pro or ProfitRhino linked to Housecall Pro) saves you hundreds of hours of data entry. If you already have your own Excel price list, you can import it into any software.
Which software integrates best with QuickBooks Desktop?
FieldEdge is widely considered the best for QuickBooks Desktop integration due to its “Live Sync” technology. ServiceTitan also integrates well but relies on the Web Connector. Jobber and Housecall Pro have very limited/weak Desktop integrations and prefer QuickBooks Online.
Can I manage new construction projects with these tools?
If you do large commercial projects (jobs lasting weeks or months), use Simpro. Do not use Jobber or Housecall Pro; they are designed for jobs that start and finish on the same day.
How much does ServiceTitan cost for a plumber?
ServiceTitan typically charges a platform fee (~$398/mo) plus a per-truck fee (~$100-$150/mo), along with a setup fee ranging from $3,000 to $15,000. It is a premium product.
How do I handle ‘On-Call’ dispatching at 2 AM?
You need software with a robust mobile app and “Push Notifications.” When the answering service creates a job, the software should trigger a loud alert on the on-call technician’s phone. Some apps allow you to set “On-Call Schedules” so only the designated tech gets the buzz, letting the others sleep.
Can I track customer assets (e.g., Water Heater Serial #) for warranty?
Yes. This is a critical feature. Look for “Asset Tracking.” You should be able to scan the barcode of a new unit, enter the serial number, and save it to the Customer Record. 5 years later, you can search that serial number to verify warranty status instantly.
How does flat rate pricing help my plumbing business?
Flat rate pricing (e.g., $250 for a toilet reset) protects your margins. If your tech is fast and does it in 30 minutes, you make a higher hourly rate. It also eliminates customer arguments about “how long it took” because they agreed to the price upfront.
Can I track my drain cleaning machines (assets) in the software?
Yes. High-end software like ServiceTitan allows you to track “Company Assets.” You can assign a specific Jetter or Camera to a specific truck, track its maintenance history, and ensure it doesn’t get “lost.”
How do I import my supplier’s price list?
Most software allows you to import a CSV file. Simpro has direct integrations with major suppliers (like Ferguson or Reece) to pull live catalog pricing, ensuring your estimates always reflect current material costs.
Sources
- ServiceTitan Plumbing Features (Verified Jan 2026) – https://www.servicetitan.com/industries/plumbing
- Housecall Pro Plumbing Features (Verified Jan 2026) – https://housecallpro.com/industries/plumbing
- Simpro Plumbing & Construction (Verified Jan 2026) – https://www.simprogroup.com/industries/plumbing-software
- FieldEdge Plumbing Software (Verified Jan 2026) – https://fieldedge.com/industries/plumbing-software/