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Above All Plumbing vs Buckley Plumbing And Engineering
Alameda Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Both are veteran contractors with nearly identical credentials, but Above All Plumbing has substantial customer feedback while Buckley has limited review history.
| Above All Plumbing | Buckley Plumbing And Engineering | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.4 | ★ 4.0 |
| Years Licensed | 28 years | 29 years |
| License # | 739199 | 727798 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Newark, CA | Hayward, CA |
| Website | www.aboveallplumbing.com | buckleyplumbing.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Above All Plumbing
Customers consistently highlight Above All's responsive emergency service, efficient troubleshooting that avoids unnecessary work, and clear communication from both technicians and office staff.
Key Takeaway: Above All has established a documented pattern of customer satisfaction across emergency and routine work, while Buckley's current service quality cannot be assessed from available public feedback.
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...
Buckley Plumbing And Engineering
No reviews available
Consider Above All Plumbing if...
- ✓ You have an emergency plumbing situation and need confidence in same-day response based on documented customer experience with urgent calls
- ✓ You value clear communication throughout the service process, as both technicians and office staff consistently receive recognition for keeping customers informed
- ✓ You're a property manager or HOA board member needing a reliable contractor for ongoing maintenance relationships, as Above All has demonstrated sustained multi-year client relationships
- ✓ You want evidence of efficient problem-solving that avoids unnecessary extensive repairs, which multiple customers specifically mention
Consider Buckley Plumbing And Engineering if...
- ✓ You're located in Hayward and prefer working with a contractor based in your immediate area rather than Newark
- ✓ You have a direct referral from someone who has used Buckley recently and can personally speak to their current service quality
- ✓ You're comfortable evaluating a contractor primarily on credentials and licensing history rather than public customer feedback patterns
- ✓ You plan to request and verify multiple recent customer references directly from the company before making your decision
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Buckley for contact information for three customers they've served in the past six months with projects similar to yours, and follow up with those references about response time and communication
- → Ask both companies about their typical emergency response timeframe and whether they charge premium rates for same-day or after-hours service
- → Ask Buckley specifically about who will perform the work and how long their current technicians have been with the company, given the limited visibility into their team's performance
The Bottom Line
Above All Plumbing is the clearer choice for most homeowners who need to decide this week. Both companies have equivalent veteran credentials and proper insurance, but Above All provides visibility into how they actually perform—with consistent recognition for emergency responsiveness, efficient troubleshooting, and clear communication. This documented track record matters when you're hiring someone to handle urgent leaks or diagnose complex issues. Buckley may provide equally strong service, but without customer feedback to confirm current performance patterns, you're taking on additional uncertainty. If you have a direct referral for Buckley or they're significantly more available for your timeline, get detailed recent references before proceeding. Otherwise, Above All's proven service patterns make them the lower-risk choice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily—some established contractors simply don't have strong online visibility despite doing quality work. However, it does mean you're making a decision with less public information about current performance patterns. You'll need to put more effort into checking direct references and asking detailed questions about their process, typical response times, and how they handle complications.
No, both companies are veteran contractors with nearly three decades of experience navigating complex plumbing issues, building code changes, and diverse project types. At this experience level, the one-year difference is insignificant—what matters more is how they currently operate and communicate with customers.
Above All Plumbing has documented customer feedback specifically mentioning emergency response, same-day availability, and efficient troubleshooting during urgent situations. Multiple customers describe using them for emergency calls with successful outcomes. Buckley may offer similar service, but you'll need to ask them directly about emergency availability and verify with recent references.
Both cities are in central Alameda County and contractors routinely serve the entire area—the 15-minute drive between them is unlikely to affect response time or service quality. Focus on service track record rather than which city they're based in, though if you need multiple service visits for an ongoing issue, slightly closer proximity could offer marginal 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 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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