Faster Designs: The WDC-Pro Streamlines Multi-Family Plumbing Systems
When plumbing engineers design systems for multi-family buildings, the stakes are high. Construction schedules are tight. Budgets are locked. And design fees are fixed, making every hour of engineering time count. Yet many engineers still rely on pipe sizing approaches developed decades ago, long before water-efficient fixtures or performance-based modeling.
That’s where the WDC-Pro™ comes in.
Developed by IAPMO, the WDC-Pro is a subscription-based online application that simplifies and accelerates the process of designing hot and cold water piping systems for multi-family buildings.
Purpose-built for plumbing professionals, the WDC-Pro allows engineers to lay out fixture groups, size domestic water systems, and generate outputs aligned with current plumbing codes and the requirements of authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs)—all within a streamlined digital interface.
Designed for the Way Engineers Work
Most engineers working on multi-family projects operate under a design fee. That means there’s no margin for inefficiency. Reducing design time is vital to staying profitable and meeting deadlines.
The WDC-Pro supports that goal by dramatically reducing the time required for repetitive, manual sizing tasks. Users can configure and size systems directly within the tool by utilizing apartment and fixture group templates and noting segments of piping. The app handles large quantities of calculations and outputs demand values in a single concise report, freeing engineers to focus on higher-level design challenges.
For firms handling multiple projects or tight turnarounds, the WDC-Pro helps compress the design phase efficiently and accurately.
Built for Multi-Family Complexity
Designing plumbing systems for a 45-unit building isn't just a matter of scaling up a single-family layout. Every project brings a unique mix of vertical and horizontal layouts, stacked risers, fixture types, and occupancy profiles. That complexity requires a tool that’s not only fast, but flexible.
The WDC-Pro lets users define projects with precision, organizing fixture groups by floor, unit, or riser. It supports cold and hot water systems and provides intuitive controls for defining flow paths. The tool also allows engineers to compare outputs using different parameters, helping to test assumptions and refine system performance.
The result: more informed decision-making, faster iterations, and fewer surprises down the line.
Reduce Risk and Rework
In an environment where code compliance is non-negotiable, the WDC-Pro adds an extra layer of confidence. Built on IAPMO’s extensive technical expertise and aligned with today’s plumbing codes, the WDC-Pro assures users that their sizing decisions are grounded in accepted standards.
This reduces the risk of costly rework, missed code references, or costly oversizing due to conservative estimates. For design teams tasked with delivering quality work under pressure, the WDC-Pro helps minimize liability and maintain consistency across drawings and submittals.
Deliver Value Without Oversizing
Oversized systems cost more to build and can introduce unintended consequences for performance and public health. Larger pipes require more material, add labor hours, and can even create water stagnation, increasing the risk of biofilm growth.
By sizing systems more precisely, engineers can help keep projects on budget and ensure water moves efficiently through the system. Right-sizing the plumbing systems in a 45-unit building can save between $86,000 and $190,000 in unnecessary construction and connection costs. Tools like the WDC-Pro make it easier to deliver that kind of value consistently, even on tight timelines.
Choose a Plan That Fits
The WDC-Pro is a paid tool that is priced with flexibility in mind. Engineers can choose from monthly or annual subscriptions that match their firm’s workload and project volume. Whether handling occasional multi-family projects or operating at scale, the WDC-Pro offers a way to increase output without increasing headcount.
Plans include unlimited project access and cloud-based storage, with updates and enhancements included. Since it is browser-based, there is no software to install or maintain—and no compatibility issues to contend with - teams can get up and running quickly, with minimal disruption to existing workflows.
A Smarter Way to Design
In a market that demands speed, accuracy, and sustainability, the WDC-Pro helps plumbing engineers deliver. It shortens the time spent on pipe sizing, strengthens confidence in system design, and supports smarter material usage—all while aligning with the latest plumbing codes.
Engineers are already juggling multiple priorities: managing design hours, delivering on time, and meeting the performance expectations of builders and developers. The WDC-Pro gives them a tool to do that more efficiently—with less guesswork, less risk, and more control.
Explore the WDC-Pro at wdcpro.iapmo.org and see how faster, smarter plumbing system design starts with the right tools.