Compare Local Pros
Above All Plumbing vs Alfa Plumbing
Alameda Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Above All Plumbing brings nearly twice the licensed experience (28 years vs 15 years), offering deeper expertise for complex or unpredictable plumbing situations.
| Above All Plumbing | Alfa Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.4 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 28 years | 15 years |
| License # | 739199 | 963788 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Newark, CA | Albany, CA |
| Website | www.aboveallplumbing.com | www.alfaplumbing.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Above All Plumbing
Customers emphasize Above All's diagnostic skills and efficient troubleshooting that avoided more extensive repairs, along with consistent emergency availability.
Alfa Plumbing
Customers highlight Alfa's quick scheduling and cost-effective approach, specifically mentioning fixture rebuilding and repair alternatives to replacement.
Key Takeaway: Above All receives recognition for problem-solving expertise that prevents unnecessary work, while Alfa earns praise for finding budget-friendly repair options before recommending new installations.
Customer Reviews
Above All Plumbing
The team is professional and responsive! We asked to replace the pipes and installed a new RO filter under kitchen sink, the new pipes are beautiful!
Junior worked tirelessly on the leak at our place and was super kind and communicative.
From start to finish Above All Plumbing has been superb. We were recommended by a family friend. Rick, the owner answered the call right away and by the end of the day, Dawn had called to fit us in. C...
Alfa Plumbing
Fast, efficient communication. Even though our issue wasn't an emergency, they were able to get someone here quickly and he resolved the problem quickly and efficiently. This is the third time we've u...
Called Alfa Plumbing for an estimate to replace water heater. Aaron came out to inspect and estimate and then he said Erin and Sal would be out to install. Job is finished and I have hot water. Thank ...
Very impressed my the professionalism, timliness and friendliness for our job in Berkeley. Thank you Alfa!
Consider Above All Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your home is older (pre-1980s) and plumbing problems might involve outdated systems, galvanized pipes, or unusual configurations where extensive diagnostic experience matters
- ✓ You need commercial plumbing work or manage multiple properties requiring coordinated service and established dispatch protocols
- ✓ Your project could uncover hidden complications (main line issues, concealed leaks) where you want a contractor who has seen similar scenarios dozens of times
- ✓ You value a contractor with the longest possible track record in the local market and nearly three decades of problem-solving history
Consider Alfa Plumbing if...
- ✓ You're in the Berkeley or Albany area and want a contractor with direct local presence for potentially faster arrival times
- ✓ You appreciate cost-conscious solutions and want a plumber who actively looks for repair options before recommending full replacements
- ✓ Your project is straightforward (water heater replacement, toilet repair, fixture work) where 15 years of experience is entirely sufficient
- ✓ You prioritize a contractor known specifically for quick scheduling and next-day availability for non-emergency situations
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Above All about their experience with your specific home vintage and whether they've encountered similar plumbing configurations in Newark-area homes built in your era
- → Ask Alfa for examples of when they've rebuilt or repaired components on projects like yours rather than replacing them, and request cost comparisons
- → For emergency situations, ask both companies about their actual dispatch process and average response times to your specific neighborhood
The Bottom Line
For most standard residential plumbing needs, both contractors are solid choices with proper licensing, insurance, and proven track records. Choose Above All Plumbing if your home is older, your project has potential for hidden complications, or you simply want the deepest possible experience base—28 years means they've genuinely seen it all. Choose Alfa Plumbing if you're in the Berkeley/Albany area, your project is relatively straightforward, and you appreciate a contractor known for finding repair solutions before recommending replacements. The experience gap is real but matters most when complexity enters the picture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward installations in homes with standard plumbing, probably not—both have ample experience. The gap matters more when complications arise: corroded connections, code violations in existing setup, or venting issues in older homes. Above All's extra years mean they've navigated more of these curveballs.
Both receive consistent praise for fast response and same-day service. Above All mentions established dispatch coordination, while Alfa specifically gets noted for next-day availability even for non-emergencies. For true emergencies, ask each company their current response time to your neighborhood rather than relying on general claims.
Customer feedback suggests it's about smart alternatives—rebuilding fixtures that still have life rather than automatic replacement. This appears to be value-focused service, not corner-cutting, though you should always ask for clear explanations of repair versus replace recommendations with expected longevity for each option.
Yes, particularly for larger homes or complex systems. Commercial work requires managing bigger projects, coordinating with property managers, and handling high-stakes situations where downtime is costly. These skills transfer well to complicated residential jobs or multi-unit properties.
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 13, 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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