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Able To Plumbing vs Precise Plumbing
Alameda Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Able To Plumbing offers broader protection with workers comp insurance and seven additional years of experience, while Precise Plumbing lacks workers comp coverage despite solid diagnostic expertise.
| Able To Plumbing | Precise Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 22 years | 15 years |
| License # | 838521 | 961915 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Livermore, CA | San Leandro, CA |
| Website | www.abletoplumbing.com | — |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Able To Plumbing
Customers emphasize long-term relationships spanning 10 to 20 years, highlighting honest diagnostics that avoid unnecessary work and thorough explanations that build trust.
Precise Plumbing
Customers value Precise Plumbing as a second opinion resource with notably lower quotes and strong diagnostic skills, particularly for complex sewer line issues.
Key Takeaway: Able To Plumbing has built sustained customer loyalty over decades with repeat business, while Precise Plumbing is frequently mentioned as a cost-competitive alternative to initial estimates from other contractors.
Customer Reviews
Able To Plumbing
Travis installed my Bradford White water heater several years ago and just replaced the anode rod. Im very pleased with the service and highly recommend.
Love Travis and Courtney!!! They are awesome!!! I've been using them for 20+ years! Kind and honest!!!
After the recent earthquake swarms in San Ramon, I contacted Able To Plumbing & Rooter in Livermore to evaluate and ensure the safety of our natural gas lines in the backyard. It was a pleasure workin...
Precise Plumbing
Jay, was not only quick to respond to my messages late at night but came early the following day for an estimate on a mothers day. When he arrived, he was very knowledgeable and prepared to do the ser...
I had another plumber come in and do a repair just 4 months ago. It's already leaking. I called Nick and he came over within 24 hours and repaired it for one third the price I paid before. He truly ca...
I was told by another plumber that I had a broken sewer pipe under the slab of my house. They quoted me $11,000. I called Precise Plumbing and spoke with Jay. He convinced me that he is an experienced...
Consider Able To Plumbing if...
- ✓ You need comprehensive liability protection and want to avoid potential claims against your homeowner's insurance if a contractor injury occurs on your property
- ✓ Your home is older and may present hidden complications that benefit from 22 years of diagnostic experience with aging systems
- ✓ You value the stability and accountability of a long-established family business with demonstrated customer relationships spanning 10 to 20 years
- ✓ Your project involves gas line work, seismic safety devices, or other specialized installations beyond standard plumbing repairs
Consider Precise Plumbing if...
- ✓ You have a complex sewer line issue that requires thorough diagnostic work and you've already received one estimate you want to verify
- ✓ You need weekend or holiday availability for estimates and are willing to confirm your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries
- ✓ You're comparing competitive pricing options and value second opinions on complicated underground or under-slab problems
- ✓ Your project is straightforward enough that the seven-year experience gap is less critical than rapid scheduling
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Precise Plumbing: Ask directly about their liability insurance coverage and confirm with your homeowner's insurance agent whether your policy covers injuries to uninsured contractors working on your property
- → For both companies: Ask for recent references from projects similar to yours in scope and complexity, particularly if you have sewer line or underground work
- → For Precise Plumbing: Given their strength in providing competitive second opinions, ask what their diagnostic process includes and whether the diagnostic fee applies toward repair work if you proceed
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Able To Plumbing is the safer choice with workers compensation insurance that protects you from liability, 22 years of experience handling diverse complications, and a proven track record of customer relationships lasting decades. The company handles a broader range of projects with the same responsive service that Precise Plumbing offers. Consider Precise Plumbing primarily if you need a competitive second opinion on complex sewer diagnostics and you've confirmed your homeowner's insurance adequately covers contractor injuries. Don't let competitive pricing outweigh the financial protection that workers comp provides—verify your liability exposure before deciding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If a plumber without workers comp coverage is injured on your property, you could face a liability claim against your homeowner's insurance. Before hiring Precise Plumbing, contact your insurance agent to confirm your policy covers contractor injuries and understand your deductible exposure. This is a real financial risk that doesn't exist with Able To Plumbing's workers comp coverage.
For straightforward fixture replacements or simple repairs, the gap matters less. However, even routine jobs can reveal hidden issues like corroded pipes, outdated code violations, or water damage. Twenty-two years of experience means Able To Plumbing has likely encountered a wider range of complications and knows how to handle them efficiently without costly surprises.
Multiple customers reported receiving significantly lower quotes from Precise Plumbing compared to initial estimates from other contractors, particularly for sewer line work. If you've received one estimate that seems high, Precise Plumbing's diagnostic expertise may provide valuable perspective. Just factor in the workers comp consideration when making your final decision.
Both companies offer same-day service for urgent issues and receive consistent praise for rapid response times. Able To Plumbing has a longer track record of emergency responsiveness with advance notification before arrival. Precise Plumbing demonstrates weekend and holiday availability. Your choice should weigh the workers comp protection alongside scheduling convenience.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top plumbing contractors in Alameda.
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How We Compare Contractors
License Verification
All license data is sourced from official California CSLB records and verified regularly.
Review Analysis
Customer reviews are aggregated from Google and analyzed to identify patterns in service quality.
Detailed Comparison
We analyze credentials, insurance, experience, and feedback to highlight meaningful differences.
Not all licensed contractors are created equal. While a valid license is the baseline requirement in California, contractors can vary significantly in experience, insurance coverage, and customer satisfaction.
- Experience matters: A contractor with 15+ years of experience has likely encountered and solved problems that newer contractors haven't faced yet.
- Workers' compensation protects you: If a contractor without workers' comp insurance has an employee injured on your property, you could be held liable.
- Reviews reveal patterns: Individual reviews can be misleading, but patterns across many reviews often reveal a contractor's true strengths and weaknesses.
- Bond amounts vary: A contractor's bond provides financial protection if they fail to complete work as agreed. Higher bonds offer more protection.
Taking time to compare contractors on these factors can save you from costly mistakes and help ensure your project is completed by a qualified professional.
Data Sources: License information from California CSLB. Ratings and reviews from Google. Last verified March 07, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
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