Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in San Mateo, California. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-focused provider known for rapid response times, especially for emergency services. They offer a comprehensive range of residential and commercial plumbing, from minor repairs to major installations and sewer line projects.
Consistently receives top marks for customer service, professionalism, and technical expertise. They are a full-service plumbing contractor serving both residential and commercial clients in San Mateo and the surrounding Peninsula area.
A long-standing, family-owned and operated business with a strong reputation for quality workmanship and reliability. They have built trust in the community over decades, handling everything from routine maintenance to complex plumbing system overhauls.
The plumbing market in San Mateo is competitive and characterized by high customer expectations. Due to the prevalence of older housing stock mixed with modern commercial developments, demand is strong for both emergency repairs/leak detection in homes and sophisticated installations in commercial properties. The average quality of service providers is high, with an emphasis on licensed, insured, and professionally certified technicians. Pricing is typically at a premium, reflecting the high cost of living and business operations in the Bay Area. A standard service call often ranges from $150-$300, with emergency and after-hours services commanding significantly higher rates. The most successful contractors distinguish themselves through exceptional customer service, transparent pricing, and the ability to handle a wide array of specialized services.
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 Mateo regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in San Mateo, California.
For standard service calls in San Mateo, you can expect a base fee of $150-$300, with hourly labor rates ranging from $100-$200. Costs are often higher than national averages due to the region's high cost of living, stringent California plumbing codes, and the licensing requirements for plumbers. Specific projects like water heater replacements or repiping an older home will have higher quotes, but a reputable plumber should provide a detailed, written estimate before starting work.
San Mateo's generally mild climate is beneficial, but the area's hard water is a primary concern, leading to mineral buildup that reduces appliance lifespan and water pressure. Additionally, the clay-rich soil common in the Bay Area can shift during the rare heavy rains, potentially stressing and damaging underground sewer lines. We recommend installing a water softener to combat scale and scheduling regular drain inspections to prevent root intrusion and line damage.
Always verify the plumber holds a valid, current **California C-36 Plumbing Contractor License** and carries both general liability and workers' compensation insurance. For local reliability, choose a company with a long-standing physical address in San Mateo County and check reviews specifically about their responsiveness to local codes, such as San Mateo's strict water conservation ordinances and earthquake gas shut-off valve requirements. Avoid "handymen" for plumbing work, as it's illegal and often leads to code violations.
Yes. While freezing pipes are rare, the winter rainy season (November-April) is critical for checking sump pumps, cleaning gutters to prevent foundation water issues, and inspecting your main sewer line for root intrusion, as tree roots are actively seeking water. Summer is the ideal time for proactive maintenance like inspecting irrigation systems for leaks, which aligns with local water district conservation rules, and servicing water heaters before increased use.
Absolutely. Many older San Mateo homes, especially those in historic districts, may have galvanized steel pipes that corrode and restrict flow, or even lead components. Re-piping with modern materials like copper or PEX is a common and valuable upgrade. Furthermore, any renovation work must comply with current California Title 24 energy and water efficiency standards, meaning fixture replacements (toilets, showerheads) must be high-efficiency models, and your plumber must be well-versed in these local retrofit regulations.