Compare Local Pros Compare Local Pros
2026 RANKINGS

Best Plumbing Contractors in Burlingame, CA

We compared 3 licensed plumbing contractors serving Burlingame based on credentials, insurance, experience, and customer reviews.

Updated April 2026

3
Total Contractors
27.7
Avg. Years Licensed
3
With Workers' Comp
Burlingame, California, nestled on the San Francisco Peninsula between San Francisco International Airport and downtown San Mateo, presents unique plumbing challenges for its 31,000 residents. This affluent community features a mix of historic homes dating back to the early 20th century in neighborhoods like Easton Addition and Lyon-Hoag, alongside modern developments near the bayfront. The city's proximity to the San Francisco Bay means many properties face issues related to aging infrastructure, soil settlement, and water pressure variations that require experienced professional attention.

Quality plumbing service in Burlingame isn't just about fixing leaks—it's about understanding the specific demands of Peninsula living. Many homes here require specialized knowledge of earthquake preparedness, including seismic gas shut-off valve installation, compliance with San Mateo County building codes, and familiarity with the city's strict permit requirements. Whether you're renovating a Craftsman-style home on Howard Avenue or maintaining a newer property in the Easton Addition, selecting the right plumbing contractor can mean the difference between a job well done and costly future repairs.

This comprehensive guide examines the top-rated licensed plumbing contractors serving Burlingame in 2026. We've verified each company's California State License Board credentials, analyzed thousands of customer reviews, confirmed insurance coverage, and evaluated their track records to help you make an informed decision. Our analysis focuses exclusively on contractors with active C-36 plumbing licenses, proper bonding, and documented success serving San Mateo County residents. Whether you need emergency repairs, water heater replacement, repiping work, or seismic safety upgrades, this guide provides the data you need to choose a qualified professional for your project.

Quick Comparison

# Contractor Rating Reviews Years Insured
1 Caccia Home Services 4.9 1897 47 Yes
2 Discount Plumbing Rooter Services 4.9 2659 1 Yes
3 Economy Plumbing 5 23 35 Yes

How We Ranked These Burlingame Plumbing Contractors

Our ranking methodology combines verifiable licensing data from the California State Contractors License Board with comprehensive review analysis and real customer feedback. We began by confirming that each contractor holds an active C-36 plumbing license with the CSLB, verified their workers' compensation insurance coverage, and confirmed their $25,000 contractor bond status—all mandatory requirements for operating legally in California. This initial screening eliminated unlicensed operators and contractors with disciplinary actions or expired credentials.

We then analyzed customer review data from Google and Yelp, examining both quantitative ratings and qualitative feedback. Rather than simply averaging star ratings, we evaluated review velocity (how consistently companies receive feedback), response patterns to negative reviews, and specific mention of reliability factors like punctuality, pricing transparency, and work quality. We paid particular attention to reviews mentioning Burlingame-specific work, such as projects involving local permits, seismic safety installations, and older home renovations common in this area.

Years of continuous licensure served as another critical factor, as longevity in the contracting business often indicates established relationships with local suppliers, familiarity with regional building codes, and proven business stability. We also considered specialization areas, response times, and whether contractors maintain local operations in San Mateo County, which typically translates to faster service and better understanding of municipal requirements unique to Burlingame and surrounding Peninsula communities.

What to Look for in a Burlingame Plumbing Contractor

When hiring a plumbing contractor in Burlingame, California State License Board verification should be your first step. Every legitimate plumbing contractor must hold an active C-36 license, carry workers' compensation insurance, and maintain a $25,000 contractor bond. You can verify these credentials at cslb.ca.gov by entering the license number—never skip this step, as unlicensed contractors leave you liable for injuries and typically provide no recourse for substandard work.

Burlingame operates under San Mateo County building codes, which require permits for most plumbing work beyond minor repairs. Any project involving water heater replacement, gas line work, repiping, or fixture relocations requires a permit from the Burlingame Building Division. A professional contractor will handle permit applications and ensure all work meets county standards, including California's strict earthquake safety requirements. Given Burlingame's location in a seismically active zone, ask specifically about experience with seismic gas shut-off valves and flexible gas connectors—these aren't just recommended but are increasingly required for certain installations.

The Peninsula's climate presents specific considerations: while Burlingame enjoys mild weather year-round, homes here face bay area humidity that can accelerate pipe corrosion, particularly in older properties with original galvanized plumbing. Many historic Burlingame homes also have foundation settling issues due to bay mud soil conditions, which can stress pipe connections. Look for contractors familiar with these local challenges and experienced in working with the craftsman-style homes and older construction common in neighborhoods like Burlingame Hills and the Easton Addition. Finally, ensure your contractor provides detailed written estimates, explains warranty coverage clearly, and can provide references from recent Burlingame projects similar to yours.

Detailed Contractor Reviews

#1

Caccia Home Services

License #379364 • Burlingame, CA

47 years licensed Workers' Comp ✓ $25,000 bond Active License ✓
4.9
1,897 reviews
View Profile
Caccia Home Services stands out with an impressive 47 years of continuous licensing in California, establishing them as one of the longest-operating contractors on the Peninsula. Based in Burlingame with license #379364, they've built a reputation reflected in their 4.9-star rating across 1,897 Google reviews. While their name suggests plumbing specialization, customer feedback reveals they've expanded into comprehensive home services including electrical work, with recent reviews praising technicians like Jaime, Alan, and Ed for installing TV mounts, smoke detectors, electrical troubleshooting, and gas shut-off valve installations.

Reviewers consistently highlight the company's persistence in problem-solving, with one customer noting how technician Ed made three separate visits to diagnose rising electrical usage issues. The company's communication practices receive frequent praise—they text before arrivals and explain work thoroughly before beginning. Their installation of leak defense systems and seismic gas shut-off valves demonstrates familiarity with California's earthquake preparedness requirements, particularly relevant for Burlingame properties.

Caccia Home Services appears best suited for property owners seeking a multi-trade contractor who can handle both plumbing and electrical needs under one roof, particularly valuable during whole-home renovations or when issues require coordinated troubleshooting across systems. Their decades-long presence in Burlingame suggests deep familiarity with local building codes and the specific challenges of Peninsula homes. The nearly 1,900 reviews indicate significant volume capacity while maintaining quality scores.
#2

Discount Plumbing Rooter Services

License #1140843 • Burlingame, CA

1 years licensed Workers' Comp ✓ $25,000 bond Active License ✓
4.9
2,659 reviews
View Profile
Discount Plumbing Rooter Services operates with license #1140843, bringing focused plumbing expertise to Burlingame residents. Despite being licensed for just one year under their current license number, they've accumulated an exceptional 4.9-star rating across 2,659 Google reviews, indicating high service volume and consistent customer satisfaction. Their name might suggest budget-oriented service, but reviews emphasize quality workmanship alongside fair pricing.

Customer feedback highlights specific technical competencies: Mike's soldering work on difficult pipe repairs, Adan's professional handling of repairs completed within hours, and Ricardo's expertise in complex water heater conversions to tankless systems including repiping work. Multiple reviewers mention the company's communication excellence, noting two-hour arrival windows with real-time updates—a significant convenience factor for busy homeowners. Recent January 2026 reviews demonstrate current active service, with projects ranging from basic faucet repairs to comprehensive tankless water heater installations requiring gas line modifications.

The company appears particularly strong for homeowners needing water heater services, rooter work, and time-sensitive repairs where clear communication and scheduling reliability matter. Their technicians receive consistent praise for explaining repair processes and providing transparent pricing before beginning work. The combination of high review volume and consistently strong ratings suggests solid operational systems and quality control. For Burlingame residents seeking dependable service with emphasis on punctuality and clear customer communication, Discount Plumbing Rooter Services presents a compelling option backed by thousands of verified customer experiences.
#3

Economy Plumbing

License #613784 • Burlingame, CA

35 years licensed Workers' Comp ✓ $25,000 bond Active License ✓
5.0
23 reviews
View Profile
Economy Plumbing brings 35 years of licensing history to Burlingame under license #613784, combining decades of experience with a perfect 5-star rating across 23 Google reviews. While their review count is smaller than some competitors, the consistent perfect ratings and detailed customer feedback suggest selective, quality-focused operations with exceptional attention to customer satisfaction. Based in Burlingame, they demonstrate particular expertise in projects requiring building code compliance and technical precision.

Recent reviews from January 2026 showcase diverse capabilities: seismic gas shut-off valve installations for multi-unit properties, water heater replacements, and toilet repairs. Customers specifically mention receiving multiple competitive bids before choosing Economy Plumbing for fair pricing combined with superior service. Technician Jim receives individual recognition for clear communication, punctuality, and thorough explanations before starting work. The company's willingness to work after-hours, as mentioned in one review regarding water heater installation, demonstrates flexibility valuable during emergency situations.

Economy Plumbing's office staff receives as much praise as their field technicians, with reviews noting friendly, easy interactions and quick response times. Their website presence at economysf.com and local phone number suggest established operations serving the broader San Francisco Peninsula. The combination of 35-year licensing history, perfect recent ratings, and specific expertise in code-compliant installations like seismic shut-off valves makes Economy Plumbing particularly suitable for homeowners prioritizing established reputation and earthquake safety compliance. Their track record suggests they excel with customers who value clear communication, fair pricing determined through transparent bidding, and technically demanding installations requiring permit work and code knowledge.

How We Rank Contractors

Licensing & Insurance

Active CSLB license, workers' comp coverage, and bond amounts verified.

Experience

Years of licensed operation in California, demonstrating longevity.

Customer Reviews

Google & Yelp ratings weighted for consistent positive feedback over time.

Priority Score

Our algorithm combines all factors into a single score, updated regularly.

Our methodology for ranking Burlingame plumbing contractors relies on objective, verifiable data rather than subjective impressions or paid placements. The process begins with California State License Board verification, where we confirm each contractor's C-36 plumbing license status, check for disciplinary actions or license suspensions, and verify continuous licensure dates. We only consider contractors with active, unrestricted licenses and confirmed workers' compensation insurance coverage, as these represent the minimum legal requirements for operating in California. The CSLB database provides transparent information about bond amounts, which we confirmed at the required $25,000 minimum for all featured contractors.

Review analysis constitutes the second major component of our evaluation. We collect data from Google and Yelp, examining both quantitative metrics (average ratings, total review counts) and qualitative factors (review recency, specific project details, problem resolution examples). Rather than simply ranking by star average, we analyze review distribution patterns, looking for consistency over time and examining how contractors respond to criticism. We weight recent reviews more heavily than older feedback, as they better reflect current operations and service quality. Reviews mentioning specific Burlingame locations, local permit processes, or Peninsula-specific challenges receive particular attention as indicators of genuine local experience.

Years of continuous licensure serves as our third evaluation criterion, as longevity often correlates with business stability, established supplier relationships, and accumulated expertise in local building codes. However, we balance this against review volume and quality—a newer contractor with extensive positive feedback and high review velocity may rank comparably to a decades-old business with limited recent customer validation. We also evaluate service range, emergency availability, and whether contractors maintain physical offices in San Mateo County. All ranking factors are weighted to prioritize homeowner protection: proper licensing and insurance matter more than any other criterion, ensuring that featured contractors meet legal requirements and provide recourse if problems arise. No contractors can pay for placement or enhanced rankings—all featured companies earned inclusion through documented performance and verified credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does plumbing cost in Burlingame?
Plumbing costs in Burlingame typically run 15-25% higher than national averages due to San Mateo County's elevated cost of living, strict building codes, and premium labor rates on the Peninsula. Basic service calls generally range from $150-$250, while common projects show the following typical ranges: toilet repairs ($150-$400), faucet installations ($200-$500), water heater replacements ($1,500-$4,000 for tank units, $3,000-$6,000 for tankless systems), and whole-home repiping ($8,000-$15,000 depending on home size and pipe material). Emergency after-hours service typically adds 50-100% to standard rates. Seismic gas shut-off valve installations, increasingly common in earthquake-conscious Burlingame, typically cost $400-$800 including permits. Projects requiring San Mateo County permits add permit fees (usually $150-$500) plus the contractor's time for applications and inspections. Always request itemized written estimates from multiple licensed contractors, and verify that quotes include permit costs and disposal fees for old fixtures. Burlingame's mix of historic and modern homes can create cost variability—older properties often require additional work to bring systems up to current code during renovations.
Do I need a permit for plumbing work in Burlingame?
Yes, most plumbing work beyond basic repairs requires a permit from the Burlingame Building Division, which operates under San Mateo County building codes. Permits are required for water heater replacements, gas line installations or modifications, repiping projects, fixture relocations, sewer line work, and any project affecting your home's structural elements or major systems. Minor repairs like replacing washers, clearing drains, or fixing leaking faucets typically don't require permits. Your licensed contractor should handle permit applications and associated inspections—if a contractor suggests skipping permits to save money, this is a major red flag indicating they may not follow other code requirements. Permit fees in Burlingame typically range from $150-$500 depending on project scope. Unpermitted work can create serious problems when selling your home, as disclosure requirements mandate reporting major unpermitted modifications, potentially affecting property value and financing options for buyers.
What should I ask a plumbing contractor before hiring?
Before hiring a plumbing contractor in Burlingame, request their California contractor license number and verify it at cslb.ca.gov, checking for active status and any disciplinary history. Ask for proof of workers' compensation insurance and general liability coverage—legitimate contractors readily provide this documentation. Request a detailed written estimate that itemizes labor, materials, permit fees, and disposal costs, and clarify whether the estimate is fixed-price or time-and-materials. Ask how long they've worked in Burlingame specifically and request references from recent local projects similar to yours.

Inquire about their permitting process: who handles applications, typical approval timelines, and whether they coordinate required inspections. For older Burlingame homes, ask about their experience with galvanized pipe replacement, foundation settlement issues common in bay area soil conditions, and earthquake safety upgrades. Verify their warranty terms for both parts and labor—California law requires specific warranty minimums, but many contractors offer enhanced coverage.

Finally, discuss project timeline, payment schedule (never pay full cost upfront—California law limits deposits to $1,000 or 10% of contract price, whichever is less), and how they handle unexpected conditions discovered during work. Ask whether their quote includes bringing work up to current code if required, as this can significantly affect project costs in homes with older plumbing systems.
How do I verify a contractor's license in California?
Verify any California contractor's license through the California State License Board website at cslb.ca.gov. Click on "Verify a License" and enter either the contractor's license number or business name. The search results display the license status (Active, Inactive, Suspended, or Revoked), issue date, expiration date, and license classification—plumbers should hold a C-36 license. The database shows workers' compensation insurance status, bond information, and any disciplinary actions or citations. You can also call the CSLB at 1-800-321-2752 for verification. Always perform this check before signing contracts or making payments, as unlicensed contracting is illegal in California and leaves you without legal recourse through the CSLB complaint process if work is unsatisfactory or incomplete.
What's the best time of year for plumbing work in Burlingame?
Burlingame's mild Mediterranean climate allows plumbing work year-round, but late spring through early fall (April through October) offers optimal conditions for projects requiring exterior work or whole-home repiping that may temporarily interrupt water service. During these months, contractors typically have fuller schedules due to increased demand, so book 3-4 weeks ahead for non-emergency projects. Winter months (November through March) see Peninsula rainfall that can complicate outdoor excavation for sewer line work or main water line replacement, though contractors can work around weather with proper planning. Winter often brings slightly better availability and potentially more competitive pricing as demand softens. For water heater replacements and indoor plumbing projects, timing matters less, though many homeowners schedule these during summer when cold water service interruptions are more tolerable. If your project requires San Mateo County permits, factor in 2-3 week processing times regardless of season, though holiday periods around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's may extend these timelines.
Selecting the right plumbing contractor in Burlingame requires balancing multiple factors: verified licensing and insurance, demonstrated experience with Peninsula properties, transparent pricing, and proven customer satisfaction. The three contractors featured in this guide—Caccia Home Services with 47 years of licensing history, Discount Plumbing Rooter Services with exceptional review volume and communication practices, and Economy Plumbing with perfect ratings and code-compliance expertise—each bring distinct strengths to different project types and homeowner priorities. Whether you're addressing emergency repairs, planning a water heater upgrade, or ensuring your home meets California's seismic safety standards, these licensed professionals offer documented track records serving Burlingame residents.

Remember that the lowest bid isn't always the best value, particularly in a community like Burlingame where property values demand quality workmanship and proper permitting. Take time to verify licenses through the CSLB, request multiple written estimates, check references from recent local projects, and ensure your contractor clearly explains the permitting process and timeline. The unique challenges of Peninsula properties—from earthquake preparedness requirements to aging infrastructure in historic neighborhoods—require contractors who understand both California building codes and the specific conditions of San Mateo County homes.

Compare Local Pros provides the verified data and contractor comparisons you need to make informed decisions, but the final choice depends on your specific project requirements, timeline, and priorities. Request quotes from multiple contractors, ask the detailed questions outlined in this guide, and don't hesitate to verify credentials independently. Quality plumbing work protects your most significant investment—your home—and choosing a properly licensed, experienced contractor ensures that protection while providing legal recourse should any issues arise. Use the information and contractor data in this guide as your starting point for finding the right plumbing professional for your Burlingame property.

Related Pages

Data Sources: License information from California CSLB. Ratings and reviews from Google. Rankings updated regularly.

This ranking is based on publicly available information and our proprietary scoring algorithm. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.

Get in Touch

Have questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.