Compare Local Pros
Able To Plumbing vs The Plumbing Ministry
Alameda Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Able To Plumbing holds a slight edge with 22 years versus 19, but the key difference lies in specialization: general plumbing versus sewer lateral expertise.
| Able To Plumbing | The Plumbing Ministry | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 4.5 |
| Years Licensed | 22 years | 19 years |
| License # | 838521 | 894946 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Livermore, CA | San Leandro, CA |
| Website | www.abletoplumbing.com | www.plumbingministry.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Able To Plumbing
Customers emphasize same-day availability, honest diagnostics that avoid unnecessary work, and long-term relationships spanning 10-20 years across diverse plumbing needs.
The Plumbing Ministry
Customers focus on sewer lateral projects with consistent mentions of professional excavation work, thorough cleanup, and clear communication throughout complex underground replacements.
Key Takeaway: Able To Plumbing's reviews reflect breadth across many plumbing service types with speed emphasis, while The Plumbing Ministry's reviews concentrate on specialized sewer infrastructure projects requiring technical expertise and process management.
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...
The Plumbing Ministry
I recently had sewer drain replacement work done by The Plumbing Ministry , and I couldn't be happier with the experience. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and efficien...
Excellent service
If you're in need of dependable and comprehensive plumbing services, Louis Ray and his team at The Plumbing Ministry are an excellent choice. They specialize in a full range of residential plumbing se...
Consider Able To Plumbing if...
- ✓ You need water heater replacement, fixture installation, gas line work, or general plumbing repairs where same-day service matters
- ✓ Your situation involves diagnosing intermittent problems where honest assessment prevents unnecessary replacement costs
- ✓ You value building a long-term relationship with a plumber who handles routine maintenance and emergency calls across multiple service types
- ✓ Your project is straightforward residential plumbing where 22 years of broad experience covers the complexity level
Consider The Plumbing Ministry if...
- ✓ Your project involves sewer lateral replacement, testing, or compliance work required for property sale or city notification
- ✓ You're considering trenchless sewer replacement to avoid extensive yard excavation and restoration costs
- ✓ You need a contractor experienced with city inspection processes and underground permitting in Alameda County
- ✓ Your situation involves clay pipe replacement or complex below-ground infrastructure where specialized equipment and methodology matter more than response time
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → If considering The Plumbing Ministry for general plumbing, ask what percentage of their current work is non-sewer related and whether they maintain the same quick response times for routine repairs
- → If considering Able To Plumbing for sewer work, ask about their experience with trenchless methods and how many lateral replacements they complete annually
- → Ask both contractors about their familiarity with your specific city's inspection requirements and typical permit timelines
- → Request references from projects matching your specific need, particularly if it falls outside each company's apparent specialty
The Bottom Line
Choose based on project type rather than marginal experience differences. If your need involves sewer lateral work, compliance testing, or underground infrastructure, The Plumbing Ministry's specialization provides clear advantage despite slightly fewer years licensed. For water heaters, fixtures, gas lines, and general plumbing repairs where same-day response matters, Able To Plumbing's broader service focus and explicit emphasis on quick availability makes them the stronger choice. Both are veteran contractors with proper insurance and bonding, so you're comparing good options. Match your specific project to each company's demonstrated strength rather than trying to identify an overall winner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For most standard plumbing repairs and installations, the difference between 19 and 22 years is minimal. Both contractors are well into veteran territory where they've encountered virtually every residential scenario. The licensing duration matters less than project match—choose based on whether your need aligns with general plumbing service or specialized sewer work.
Yes, particularly if you're considering trenchless replacement or need compliance testing for a property transaction. The Plumbing Ministry's concentration on sewer laterals means they've refined their process, likely own specialized equipment, and maintain established relationships with city inspectors. For a major underground project, this specialization reduces risk of complications.
The data doesn't clearly indicate this. While The Plumbing Ministry's reviews mention responsiveness to sewer emergencies, Able To Plumbing's reviews specifically emphasize same-day service as a consistent pattern. If quick response time for general plumbing emergencies is your priority, ask The Plumbing Ministry directly about their availability for non-sewer urgent calls.
High owner involvement typically means more consistent quality control and accountability, which both companies demonstrate. For complex projects like sewer lateral replacement, owner involvement ensures experienced oversight. For routine repairs, it means you're more likely to get the same familiar technician. This similarity between the companies is a positive baseline regardless of which you choose.
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 12, 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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