Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in San Diego, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, full-service plumbing and HVAC company known for its rapid response times, especially for emergencies. They emphasize upfront, flat-rate pricing and high-quality workmanship for both residential and commercial clients.
Specializes in resolving complex drain and sewer issues, from simple clogs to full pipe replacement using advanced techniques like hydro-jetting and video camera inspections. They are praised for their professionalism and expertise.
A family-owned and operated business with a long-standing reputation for reliability and honest service. They handle a wide range of plumbing needs, from minor repairs to major remodels, with a focus on customer education and satisfaction.
** The plumbing market in San Diego is highly competitive and generally of high quality. Due to the city's mix of older coastal homes and new construction, providers must be versatile in handling everything from historic pipe systems to modern PEX installations. The competitive nature drives a focus on customer service, with many top-tier companies offering guarantees on their work and upfront, no-surprise pricing. Typical pricing reflects the high cost of living and business operation in Southern California. Emergency or after-hours service calls often start at a premium rate (e.g., $150-$300 for the dispatch), with repair costs varying significantly based on the job's complexity. The prevalence of hard water in the region makes water heater maintenance and replacement, as well as dealing with mineral-clogged pipes, a common and specialized need for local plumbers. Consumers are advised to always verify a contractor's active California State License Board (CSLB) license number before hiring.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with San Diego regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in San Diego, California.
The most frequent issues are related to our hard water, which accelerates mineral buildup in pipes and water heaters, leading to reduced flow and efficiency. While we don't have freeze-related pipe bursts, the dry climate and expansive clay soil can cause foundation shifts that stress and crack sewer lines. Seasonal increases in tree root intrusion into sewer lines often occur in late spring and summer as plants seek water.
Regional labor and material costs make San Diego plumbing services moderately priced. For example, repairing a leaky faucet typically ranges from $150-$300, while a standard water heater replacement starts around $1,200-$2,500, depending on the unit and complexity. Always get a detailed, written estimate upfront, as costs for sewer line repairs can vary significantly based on San Diego's soil conditions and access.
Yes, San Diego follows the strict California Plumbing Code and has local amendments focused on water conservation. Most notably, when replacing a toilet, it must be a high-efficiency model that uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less. Similarly, many areas are subject to the County of San Diego's retrofit-upon-sale ordinance for homes built before 1994, which may require upgrading plumbing fixtures to low-flow versions before a property transfer.
Always verify the contractor holds a valid, active **C-36 Plumbing Contractor license** from the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). For sewer line work, ensure they have a San Diego County Environmental Health certification for sewer repairs. Choose a locally established company familiar with our soil types and common local issues like hard water, and read verified reviews about their responsiveness, especially during our drier months when plumbing use is high.
Low pressure is very common here, primarily due to hard water scale buildup inside pipes and on aerators, which restricts flow. It can also be caused by municipal supply adjustments or older, corroded galvanized plumbing still found in many historic San Diego neighborhoods. A licensed plumber can diagnose the specific cause, which may involve descaling, pipe replacement, or installing a water softener to combat our region's notoriously hard water.