# Piping DataBase vs BuilderFax By Lumber

The clearest difference is price: BuilderFax By Lumber at Free against Piping DataBase's $9.99. BuilderFax By Lumber also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 5) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 5 weeks). Piping DataBase's advantage is ratings volume (212 vs 7) and chart position (#20 vs unranked). On rating, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

BuilderFax By Lumber is free to download; Piping DataBase costs $9.99 up front. Piping DataBase sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. BuilderFax By Lumber asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Piping DataBase against 5.0 for BuilderFax By Lumber. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Piping DataBase has 212 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Piping DataBase ships an update every 5 weeks, BuilderFax By Lumber every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Piping DataBase | BuilderFax By Lumber |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.9 (212 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/piping-database-xtreme/id361124046/reviews) | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/builderfax-by-lumber/id6754037484/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **212** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 86.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#20** | — |
| Size | 18 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | **6.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Radin Alcira](https://appshunter.io/developer/352538434) | [Lumberfi Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714403069) |

## What reviewers say

### Piping DataBase

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/piping-database-xtreme/id361124046)

**Currently charting:** #20 Top Paid · Utilities, #135 Top Paid (US App Store)

Access a comprehensive piping database with detailed component information, dimensions, and figures. This continuously updated reference app offers a user-friendly interface for piping layout, drawings, and material take-offs. Get all modules for free for a limited time.

**Highlights:** Largest piping database, Detailed component information, Standard piping symbols, Interchangeable dimension units, Material take-off reference, Continuous updates based on user requests

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pipe Spacing | Free | one-time |
| Flanges B16.47 | Free | one-time |
| Malleable Iron Fittings | Free | one-time |
| Orifice Flanges B16.36 | Free | one-time |
| Flange Joint  Bolt Tightening Sequence | Free | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Handy reference
- 🔧 Comprehensive data
- 👍 User-friendly
- 💰 Worth the money
- 🔍 Accurate information

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or bugs
- 🔍 Incomplete or inaccurate data in some areas
- 💻 Needs better compatibility with newer devices/OS

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes after recent update
- Incorrect dimensions for some fittings

**Requested features**

- Add support for more pipe/fitting standards (e.g. DIN, AS)
- Include more detailed information (e.g. flange pressure/temp ratings, swage dimensions)
- Implement a favorites/recent list for quick access
- Provide a PC/desktop version for easier integration with CAD


### BuilderFax By Lumber

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/builderfax-by-lumber/id6754037484)

Securely store, manage, and share your professional certifications and licenses. Upload documents, categorize them for easy access, and instantly share verified credentials via QR code or SMS link for on-site proof.

**Highlights:** Add and manage certifications, Categorize professional documents, Share verified credentials instantly, QR code and SMS link sharing, Secure verification page

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Piping DataBase free?

Piping DataBase costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is BuilderFax By Lumber free?

BuilderFax By Lumber is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Piping DataBase or BuilderFax By Lumber?

BuilderFax By Lumber is rated higher. Piping DataBase averages 4.9 out of 5 from 212 ratings, while BuilderFax By Lumber averages 5.0 from 7 ratings.

### Do Piping DataBase or BuilderFax By Lumber have ads?

Neither Piping DataBase nor BuilderFax By Lumber shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Piping DataBase or BuilderFax By Lumber?

Piping DataBase ships an update every 5 weeks, and BuilderFax By Lumber every 9 days. Most recently, Piping DataBase was updated on October 20, 2026 and BuilderFax By Lumber on October 16, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*