7 Best Plumbing Dispatch Software to Optimize Operations in 2024

Welcome, plumbing professionals, to a guide designed to transform the way you manage your business operations.

If you’re here, you are likely struggling with the daily challenges of coordinating service calls, scheduling technicians, managing inventory, and keeping your customers happy. As market competition becomes more cutthroat, relying on pen and paper or outdated systems simply isn’t enough.   

The good news? 

We’ve got solutions tailored just for you in the form of plumbing dispatch software.

There are an overwhelming number of options available in the market, and navigating through all these countless solutions can be daunting. That’s why we took the time to personally evaluate and analyze a range of plumbing dispatch software options just for you.

After careful analysis, we’ve compiled a list of 7 best plumbing dispatch software that we believe can truly make a difference in the way you manage your business:

1. FieldEdge

Best for: Small and medium-sized plumbing businesses looking for an easy-to-use solution

Star rating: 4.2 (299)

FieldEdge is a cloud-based field service management solution designed for home service contractors, including those in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and related industries. 

We recently tested FieldEdge to see how it handles the demands of a plumbing business. While it shines with its user-friendly interface and features like drag-and-drop scheduling and automated invoicing, it’s not without its quirks.

Scheduling appointments and dispatching technicians is convenient, and job management features help track progress effectively. Customer management is another strong suit, providing detailed customer records, automated customer reminders, and delivering personalized service experiences.

We also appreciated the integration with QuickBooks, which streamlines the invoicing process. 

However, some features fell short of expectations. The mobile app, while offering on-the-go access for technicians, received mixed reviews regarding connectivity and user experience.  Some reviewers mentioned encountering glitches and slow loading times. 

Additionally, for a plumbing business that heavily relies on efficient routing, the lack of GPS or route optimization features might be a significant drawback.

Pricing:

FieldEdge does not publicly disclose its pricing; the company provides customized quotes based on each business’s specific requirements. 

However, our research indicates that FieldEdge is generally more affordable than some of the more enterprise-level plumbing business software options on the market.

Key features of FieldEdge:

1. Scheduling & dispatch: Manage technician schedules and job assignments, dispatching with ease and ensuring efficient task allocation.
2. Job management: Track job progress, update statuses, log job duration, and manage related records to ensure timely and accurate completion.
3. Customer management: Maintain detailed customer records, manage customer history, track job updates, and deliver personalized service experiences.
4. Contracts & Signatures: Accept one or multiple signatures on contracts, upload PDFs, and utilize custom forms for contract management.

Positive reviews:

Negative reviews:

Overall recommendation:

Overall, FieldEdge is one of the best software for small plumbing business. It has a user-friendly platform to manage basic scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and customer interactions. 

However, the lack of advanced features like route optimization and a potentially clunky mobile app are limitations to consider.  

If transparent pricing and robust features are high on your priority list, you might want to explore other options before making a decision.

2. Housecall Pro

Best for: Businesses looking for a feature-rich plumbing solution with marketing capabilities

Star rating: 4.7 (2780)

Our experience with Housecall Pro revealed its comprehensive set of features designed to streamline operations for plumbing businesses.

We tested Housecall Pro to see if it could streamline scheduling and dispatching for plumbing businesses. 

The software excels in simplifying scheduling tasks, allowing for easy appointment bookings through online booking features and a drag-and-drop calendar view. Dispatching technicians becomes effortless with real-time GPS tracking and in-app chat functionality.

Plus, the link with QuickBooks made invoicing a snap. Housecall Pro even throws in marketing tools to help attract new customers, which is a bonus. One of the standout features of Housecall Pro is its professional proposal and plumbing invoicing software. 

But here’s the hitch: plumbers rely heavily on efficient routing, and Housecall Pro just doesn’t offer that feature. Some reviewers also mentioned the mobile app being glitchy, which could cause problems with communication and updates for plumbers on the job.  

Customization options are also somewhat limited, which may be a drawback for businesses with specific workflow requirements.

Pricing: 

Housecall Pro offers three pricing tiers: Basic ($49/month), Essentials ($129/month), and MAX (custom pricing). There’s also a 14-day free trial.

While the pricing may be higher for larger businesses than some competitors, the value it delivers in terms of functionality and productivity gains makes it a worthwhile investment.

Key features of Housecall Pro:

1. All-in-one management: From scheduling and dispatching to invoicing and payment collection, Housecall Pro covers all essential aspects of running a plumbing business.
2. Real-time reporting: Gain valuable insights through real-time business performance reporting and analytics.
3. Plumbing booking software: Enable customers to book services 24/7 through online booking features.
4. CRM Capabilities: Manage customer information, recurring service agreements, and equipment maintenance in one place.

Positive review:

Negative reviews:

Overall recommendation:

Our experience with Housecall Pro has been positive. It stands out as a reliable and efficient plumbing business software, ideal for businesses looking to streamline scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and customer management. 

Its user-friendly interface, real-time tracking features, and CRM capabilities make it a valuable asset for optimizing daily operations.

While it may not be the perfect fit for every plumbing business, Housecall Pro is certainly worth considering as a feature-rich plumbing service software solution.

3. ServiceTitan

Best for: Medium to large-sized plumbing businesses seeking a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline plumbing operations

Star rating: 4.4 (220)

ServiceTitan emerges as one of our favorite solutions for plumbing service software, embodying a blend of advanced functionalities and practical tools. 

During our evaluation process, we found that ServiceTitan offers a wide array of features, including dispatching and scheduling, call booking, invoicing, price book management, and mobile estimates. 

The software’s ability to provide real-time insights and advanced reporting proved invaluable too.

Additionally, ServiceTitan’s scalability and customization options allow businesses to adapt and grow according to their evolving requirements. This makes it a versatile solution for both small-scale operations and large enterprises.

While ServiceTitan offers a comprehensive suite of tools and functionalities, we encountered some challenges during our evaluation. However, the challenges were very basic. 

The onboarding process felt a bit overwhelming. While a dedicated specialist is assigned to help, it can be time-consuming. Some users have also reported occasional glitches and responsiveness issues with customer support, highlighting areas for improvement.

All in all, ServiceTitan proves to be a highly effective plumbing business software, offering a wealth of features, data-driven insights, and customer-centric tools.

Pricing: 

ServiceTitan doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all price tag. They quote you a price based on your business needs and the number of technicians you have.

The company offers three main pricing tiers – Starter, Essentials, and The Works – with the cost based on a per-technician fee. This can be confusing because you can’t easily compare it to competitors’ upfront pricing structures. 

There’s also a separate onboarding fee that includes training for your team.

Key features of ServiceTitan:

1. Scheduling and dispatching: ServiceTitan’s advanced scheduling and dispatching tools allow you to efficiently manage technician schedules, assign jobs, and keep customers informed of appointment details and technician arrivals.
2. Invoicing and payments: The software’s invoicing capabilities, including the ability to create professional proposals and quotes, help streamline the billing process and get you paid faster. 
3. Customer relationship management (CRM): ServiceTitan provides a centralized hub for managing customer information, service history, and communication.
4. Reporting and analytics: The software’s reporting and analytics features give you valuable insights into your business performance.

Positive reviews:

Negative reviews:

Overall recommendation:

Overall, our experience with ServiceTitan has been positive. The plumbing software helps streamline plumbing operations, enhance the customer experience, and drive business growth. 

While the pricing and onboarding process may be a consideration for some, ServiceTitan’s advanced features and functionality make it a compelling choice for many medium—to large-sized plumbing businesses.

4. Service Fusion

Best for: Plumbing businesses seeking an all-in-one solution

Star rating: 4.3 (198)

Having thoroughly evaluated Service Fusion, we found it goes beyond basic plumbing management. It provides a field service management suite with enterprise-level capabilities at a competitive price point.

One of the standout features of Service Fusion is its all-in-one approach. From scheduling and dispatching plumbers to managing customers and sending invoices, it centralizes everything in one platform – a huge plus for streamlining workflows. 

Plus, integration with QuickBooks keeps your financial data flowing smoothly.

The mobile app also impressed us, facilitating real-time communication between plumbers and the office.

We didn’t stop at our own testing. We explored user feedback on platforms like Reddit to get a well-rounded picture.  

Many users praised Service Fusion’s customization options and competitive pricing. However, some concerns surfaced regarding occasional glitches, slow customer service responses, and limitations in specific functionalities like job quoting and integrations.

In summary, service Fusion is a strong contender for plumbing businesses seeking a feature-rich software solution with a user-friendly interface and competitive pricing.  

Pricing: 

Service Fusion offers three pricing tiers: Starter ($165/month), Plus ($250/month), and Pro ($420/month). All plans are billed annually, and users can save 15% by opting for the annual payment.

Key features of Service Fusion:

1. Scheduling and dispatching: Service Fusion’s scheduling and dispatching tools make it easy to manage your team’s workload, minimize overlaps, and ensure efficient job assignments.
2. Estimates and invoicing: The software’s estimate and invoicing modules allow you to create custom quotes and convert them to jobs with a single click, saving valuable time.
3. QuickBooks integration: Service Fusion seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks, keeping your accounting system up-to-date without any additional effort.
4. Payment processing: FusionPay, the built-in payment platform, enables secure and streamlined payment processing, helping you get paid faster.

Positive reviews:

Negative reviews:

Chase S., Owner, Construction, 1-10 employees: “Lag issues throughout. Really bad customer service. Raised price 45% without notice.”

Lila J W., Broker, Real Estate, 1-10 employees: “We will never use or recommend this service. If their sales force can not be honest upfront and the administration will not prorate funds to try the service to find out it won’t work, you’ll just waste time and money on this system.”

Overall recommendation:

Service Fusion shows promise as field service software solution for plumbing companies, but it is not without its flaws. The software’s strong features, such as scheduling, estimates, and QuickBooks integration, make it a contender in the market. 

However, the reported software issues and customer service challenges may be dealbreakers for some businesses. 

It’s essential to carefully evaluate your specific needs and do thorough research before committing to any field service software.

5. Jobber

Best for: Plumbing businesses seeking a solution with strong automation features

Star Rating: 4.5 (749)

Jobber excels in providing a decent solution for plumbing businesses, offering features like estimating, scheduling, dispatching, and invoicing all under one roof. 

Its user-friendly interface and robust mobile app make it accessible and efficient for on-the-go management. We found the estimating and invoicing processes to be streamlined, allowing for quick conversion of quotes into jobs and automated invoicing for faster payments. 

Emergency calls are no sweat either – Jobber lets you quickly reassign tasks based on the closest technician’s location.  

Job creation is quick, too, with Jobber guiding you through creating professional online quotes that can be converted to jobs with a single click.

One standout feature is the Client Hub, which provides customers with 24/7 access to their portal for requests, approvals, and payments. This improves the overall customer experience. 

However, we noted that Jobber lacks real-time booking and 24/7 customer support, which could be areas of improvement for a more seamless user experience. 

Overall, Jobber is a solid choice for plumbing businesses seeking efficient dispatch software, Though it may have room for enhancement in certain areas.

Pricing: 

Jobber offers three pricing tiers: Core ($69/month), Connect ($169/month), and Grow ($349/month). Users can save a bit by opting for the annual payment.

They also offer a generous 14-day free trial to test-drive the plumbing management software before committing.

Key features of Jobber:

1. Scheduling and dispatching: Jobber’s scheduling and dispatching tools make it easy to manage your team’s workload, respond to emergencies, and ensure efficient job assignments.
2. Estimates and invoicing: The software’s estimate and invoicing modules allow you to create professional-looking quotes that can quickly be converted into jobs with a single click.
3. Automation of repetitive tasks: Jobber automates repetitive tasks like sending appointment reminders and follow-up emails, freeing up your time to focus on running your business.
4. Customer portal: Jobber’s client hub provides customers with 24/7 access to their accounts, where they can request plumbing services, approve quotes, and pay invoices.

Positive reviews:

Negative reviews:

Overall recommendation:

Jobber is a solid choice for plumbing companies looking to streamline their operations and provide a better customer experience. The software’s ease of use, scheduling tools, and client-facing features make it a strong contender in the field service management market.

However, the reported issues with QuickBooks integration and limited in-field communication capabilities may be dealbreakers for some businesses. 

It’s essential to carefully evaluate your specific needs and compare Jobber to other options before making a decision.

6. WorkWave

Best for:  Established plumbing businesses with room for growth

Star rating: 3.1 (57)

WorkWave works as a plumbing software catering to the unique needs of both commercial and residential plumbers. 

WorkWave’s strength lies in its flexibility and adaptability. It offers features that streamline scheduling, customer relationship management (CRM), mobile accessibility, and billing and invoicing processes. 

Our experience with WorkWave revealed it to be a solution that excels at providing best plumbing software tools for efficiently creating and adjusting plumber schedules. 

The CRM functionality impressed us with its ability to centralize customer information, track business activity, and provide plumbers with everything they need in one place. 

The mobile app further enhances productivity by enabling field technicians to access crucial customer details, work orders, and service histories on both iOS and Android devices.

However, during our evaluation, we noted a few areas where WorkWave could improve. One notable aspect is the lack of inventory management capabilities. It could be a drawback for plumbing businesses that require proper inventory tracking. 

Additionally, the software’s requirement for an annual contract may not suit all businesses. Also, some users find the payment processing features limited compared to certain competitors. 

Despite these areas for improvement, WorkWave’s overall performance makes it a valuable asset for growing plumbing businesses looking to manage plumbing scheduling efficiently.

Pricing: 

WorkWave does not provide publicly available pricing information. The platform offers customized pricing packages based on the specific needs of each business. 

Interested users will need to reach out to the provider directly to get a quote.

Key features of WorkWave:

1. Scheduling and dispatching: WorkWave’s scheduling and dispatching tools allow users to create and adjust plumber schedules easily, as well as respond to unexpected service calls.
2. CRM: The software’s customer relationship management features provide plumbing companies with a centralized hub to store and access customer information, plumbing jobs histories, and other important data.
3. Mobile app: The WorkWave mobile app enables field technicians to access customer details, view work orders, and update job status while on-site.
4. Invoicing and billing: WorkWave’s invoicing and payment processing capabilities help plumbing businesses get paid faster and reduce administrative overhead.

Positive reviews:

Negative reviews:

Overall recommendation:

WorkWave is a powerful field service management software that can be a great fit for growing plumbing companies. Its scheduling, dispatching, and CRM features are particularly strong, and the overall flexibility of the platform makes it a contender in the market. 

However, the lack of transparent pricing, the required annual contract, and the weaknesses in payment processing and inventory management are some points of concern.

If you’re a growing plumbing business that prioritizes advanced features and scalability, WorkWave might be worth a closer look, especially if you can secure a competitive quote during the sales process.

7. Kickserv

Best for:  Small plumbing businesses seeking an affordable dispatch software solution with exceptional customer support

Star rating: 4.4 (374)

Kickserv presents itself as a straightforward solution for handling everything from managing customer requests and scheduling appointments to sending invoices. 

One of Kickserv’s biggest advantages is its user-friendly interface. Even plumbing contractors who aren’t particularly tech-savvy can quickly get up and running with the software.  

The free plan, which allows up to two users, is a great way to test Kickserv’s core functionalities, such as estimates, invoicing, and job management.

Kickserv’s customer support is what makes it stand out. Having access to 24/7 support via phone, live chat, and email was a big plus.  

However, Kickserv isn’t without its drawbacks. While it offers features for creating estimates and invoices, they are fairly basic.  

Additionally, some user reviews mentioned limitations in the mobile app functionality compared to the desktop version.  While the app allows plumbers to view schedules and update job statuses on the go, it seems like more complex tasks might require a laptop or desktop computer.

In conclusion, Kickserv is a strong contender for small—to mid-sized plumbing businesses seeking a user-friendly, affordable plumbing management software solution with exceptional customer support.

Pricing: 

Kickserv offers a range of pricing plans to suit the needs of different-sized plumbing businesses. The options include a free plan (for up to 2 users), Lite ($47/month), Standard ($95/month), Business ($159/month), and Premium ($239/month). 

The annual plans offer an additional 20% savings, making Kickserv a cost-effective choice compared to some competitors.

Key features of Kickserv:

1. Customer management: Kickserv provides a centralized hub for managing customer information, job histories, and communication. It helps plumbing companies to stay connected with their clients.
2. Estimates and jobs: The software’s estimate and job management tools allow users to quickly create and send professional-looking estimates, which can then be easily converted into jobs.
3. Invoicing and payments: Kickserv’s invoicing capabilities make it easy to get paid faster, with options for online payments, signature approvals, and integration with QuickBooks.
4. Mobile app: The Kickserv mobile app gives field technicians the ability to manage jobs, track time, and accept payments directly from the jobsite. It helps improve productivity and customer experience.

Positive reviews:

Negative reviews:

Overall recommendation:

Kickserv is a decent choice for plumbing companies looking for a dedicated field service management solution. The software’s customer-centric focus, industry-specific features, and affordable pricing make it a good contender in the market. 

While the platform does have a few areas that could use improvements, such as the invoicing capabilities and QuickBooks integration, the overall experience is positive, and the customer support team is highly responsive. 

For small to medium-sized plumbing businesses, Kickserv is definitely worth considering.

A Versatile and Affordable Alternative to Plumbing Dispatch Software

As we’ve explored the various plumbing software options, it’s clear that while they offer advanced field service management capabilities, some businesses may be looking for a more specialized and affordable solution. 

Here comes the role of Upper, a platform that, while not a full-fledged field service management system, provides a range of functionalities that can significantly streamline your plumbing dispatch operations.

If you’re a plumbing company seeking a cost-effective way to optimize your routing, scheduling, and customer communication, Upper could be an excellent alternative to consider. 

Here’s why:

1. Efficient route planning and optimization

• Upper’s advanced route planning and optimization algorithms can help you create the most efficient routes for your plumbing technicians, taking into consideration various time- and distance-based constraints.
• With just a few clicks, you can generate optimized routes that minimize driving time, reduce fuel costs, and ensure your technicians arrive at the right place at the right time.

2. Comprehensive scheduling and dispatching

• Upper’s scheduling tools make it easy to manage your plumbing technicians’ schedules. You can set time windows, service times, and breaks to ensure maximum productivity.
• Dispatching is a breeze. You can assign jobs to the nearest available technician and communicate updates to them through the mobile app.

3. Real-time tracking and proof of delivery

• Keep an eye on your plumbing technicians’ locations and progress with Upper’s real-time GPS tracking capabilities.
• Capture proof of delivery with photos, signatures, and notes, helping to resolve any customer disputes and streamline your operations.

4. Automated customer communication

• Upper’s customizable customer notifications keep your clients informed about the status of their service, enhancing their overall experience and communication.

5. Affordable pricing and User-friendly experience

• Upper’s pricing plans are designed to be budget-friendly, with a 7-day free trial free route planner plan available, and annual subscriptions offering significant savings.
• The platform’s intuitive interface and mobile device app make it easy for your team to get up and running quickly without the need for extensive training.

By leveraging Upper’s capabilities, you can save time, reduce costs, and provide an exceptional customer experience – all without breaking the bank.

If you’re ready to take your plumbing dispatch process to the next level, we encourage you to explore Upper by taking a 7 days free trial.

What is Plumbing Dispatch Software?

Plumbing dispatch software is a type of software designed to help plumbing companies manage and streamline their operations, including dispatching technicians to service calls, scheduling appointments, tracking inventory, and generating invoices.

Some key features of plumbing dispatch software typically include:

1. Route planning and optimization: Optimizing technician routes to minimize travel time, reduce fuel costs, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
2. Dispatch management: Allowing the dispatchers to view the availability and location of technicians in real-time and efficiently assigning service calls to the nearest or most appropriate technician.
3. Scheduling and calendar management: Enabling the scheduling of appointments, managing technician schedules, and sending reminders to both customers and technicians.
4. Customer management: Maintaining a database of customer information, service history, and preferences to provide better customer service.
5. Inventory tracking: Monitoring the company’s parts and equipment inventory to ensure technicians have the necessary supplies on hand.
6. Invoicing and billing: Automatically generate invoices, track payments, and integrate them with accounting software.
7. Reporting and analytics: Providing data-driven insights into the business’s performance, such as service call volume, technician productivity, and revenue.

6 Key Benefits of Using Plumbing Dispatch Software

Investing in reliable plumbing service software can bring a plethora of advantages to your business. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits of using plumbing dispatch software:

1. Plumbing dispatch software helps companies save time and resources by automating scheduling, dispatching, and routing tasks, leading to more efficient operations.
2. With real-time updates and notifications, both dispatchers and technicians can stay connected, leading to better coordination and faster response times.
3. Route optimization features ensure that technicians take the most efficient paths to service calls, reducing travel time and fuel expenses.
4. Access to customer information, service history, and preferences allows plumbers to deliver personalized, high-quality service, which increases customer satisfaction.
5. Automated invoicing and billing processes eliminate manual errors, speed up payment cycles, and improve overall financial management.
6. Reporting and analytics tools provide valuable insights into business performance, allowing companies to make informed decisions and optimize their operations further.

How to Choose the Right Plumbing Dispatch Software

With so many plumbing software options on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is the best fit for your business. 

Here are 7 key factors to consider when evaluating your choices:

1. Comprehensive functionality: Look for a solution that offers a full suite of features to manage your entire plumbing workflow, including route optimization, scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, inventory tracking, and reporting. The more integrated the software, the more efficient your operations can be.
2. Ease of use: The software should have an intuitive, user-friendly interface that your team can easily navigate. Avoid overly complex platforms that require extensive training or technical expertise to operate.
3. On-the-go mobile capabilities: Opt for software that offers mobile compatibility or dedicated mobile apps. This allows your technicians to access job details, update statuses, communicate with the dispatch team, and even generate invoices from the field.
4. Room to grow: As your business grows, your plumbing service software should be able to scale to accommodate your expanding needs. Look for a solution that can handle increasing numbers of technicians, customers, and job volumes.
5. Seamless integrations: Seamless integration with your existing software, such as accounting, CRM, or fleet management systems, can help ensure smooth data flow and avoid duplication of work.
6. Responsive customer support: When issues arise, you’ll want a software provider that offers responsive and knowledgeable customer support to help you troubleshoot and get back on track quickly.
7. Value-oriented pricing: Consider the long-term value of the software, not just the upfront cost. Factor in the potential efficiency gains, reduced operational costs, and increased revenue that the right plumbing software can deliver.