Compare Local Pros
Above All Plumbing vs Reed Plumbing
Alameda Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Two veteran plumbing contractors with nearly identical credentials but different service strengths: Above All emphasizes emergency response while Reed focuses on diagnostic accuracy.
| Above All Plumbing | Reed Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.4 | ★ 4.5 |
| Years Licensed | 28 years | 35 years |
| License # | 739199 | 601931 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Newark, CA | Livermore, CA |
| Website | www.aboveallplumbing.com | dareedplumbing.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Above All Plumbing
Above All Plumbing customers consistently emphasize responsive emergency service, same-day availability, and efficient troubleshooting that resolves issues quickly.
Reed Plumbing
Reed Plumbing customers highlight diagnostic accuracy, finding cost-effective solutions that avoid unnecessary major work, and transparent communication about pricing.
Key Takeaway: Above All is recognized for speed and availability in urgent situations, while Reed is noted for diagnostic expertise that saves customers money through accurate problem identification.
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...
Reed Plumbing
TL;DR: Good folks, will use again. I'm in the middle of a bathroom remodel, and so short a toilet for the family. Flush the toilet, and realize I'm standing in a puddle ... bad. Yeah, it's "just" a w...
They took all the extra time necessary to fix a small problem that took an unexpectedly large amount of time, with patience and professionalism and without charging more than the pre-agreed cost.
Called on Saturday about a clean out that kept on getting plugged up. They showed up the next working day on Monday bright and early and spent 2 hours blasting grease all the way down to the street wi...
Consider Above All Plumbing if...
- ✓ You need emergency plumbing service or same-day availability for urgent situations like major leaks or complete drainage failures
- ✓ You're located in Newark or nearby communities where Above All's response time would be faster than a Livermore-based company
- ✓ You value high owner involvement and prefer working with a company where the owner stays closely connected to daily operations
- ✓ Your plumbing issue is straightforward and the priority is getting someone out quickly rather than complex diagnostic work
Consider Reed Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your plumbing problem is difficult to diagnose or previous contractors haven't identified the root cause successfully
- ✓ You're concerned about cost control and want a contractor known for finding solutions that avoid unnecessary major work
- ✓ You're located in Livermore or eastern Alameda County where Reed's proximity provides better service access
- ✓ Your project involves complex repairs where Reed's additional seven years of experience with challenging situations could prove valuable
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → What's your typical response time to my specific location in Alameda County, and do you charge travel fees for my area?
- → Can you provide references from projects similar to mine, particularly if my issue involves older plumbing systems or difficult diagnostics?
- → How do you handle situations where the actual problem differs from the initial estimate once work begins?
- → Who will be performing the work, and how long has your current crew been with the company?
The Bottom Line
Both contractors provide reliable, professional plumbing service with excellent credentials and similar protection for homeowners. Your choice should depend on your specific situation. Choose Above All Plumbing if you need emergency service, same-day availability, or you're located closer to Newark. Choose Reed Plumbing if your problem requires strong diagnostic skills, you've had difficulty identifying the root cause, cost control is your priority, or you're located in the Livermore area. For routine maintenance or straightforward repairs, either contractor will serve you well, so let geography and availability guide your decision. Contact both, explain your specific situation, and ask about response times to your location before making your final choice.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward repairs like faucet replacements or simple drain clearing, both companies have more than sufficient experience. The difference becomes relevant for diagnostic challenges, older homes with outdated systems, or situations where previous contractors failed to identify the root problem. Reed's customer feedback specifically mentions finding cost-effective solutions and accurate problem identification, suggesting their additional years translate to stronger diagnostic capabilities.
Above All Plumbing has stronger customer feedback regarding emergency response and same-day availability. Multiple customers specifically mention their responsiveness for urgent situations. While Reed maintains professional service, their reviews emphasize diagnostic accuracy rather than emergency speed. If you're dealing with an active plumbing crisis, Above All's track record for rapid response makes them the stronger choice.
Location matters significantly for response time and potential travel charges. Above All operates from Newark, serving that area and surroundings, while Reed is based in Livermore. For emergency service or situations requiring multiple visits, choosing the contractor closer to your home will save time and potentially money. Ask each company directly about their response time to your specific address.
Reed Plumbing's customer feedback specifically highlights their ability to identify solutions that avoid major expenses and their practice of holding to pre-agreed pricing even on difficult jobs. Several customers mention Reed finding cost-effective approaches when more extensive repairs seemed necessary. While Above All provides professional service, Reed's reviews more consistently emphasize value and transparency around pricing.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top plumbing contractors in Alameda.
Other Alameda Plumbing Contractors Comparisons
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.
Get in Touch
Have questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.