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Amor Plumbing vs Big Brothers Plumbing
Alameda Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Big Brothers Plumbing carries workers compensation insurance while Amor Plumbing does not, shifting liability risk to your homeowner's policy.
| Amor Plumbing | Big Brothers Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.2 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 14 years | 10 years |
| License # | 972156 | 1015557 |
| Workers' Comp | — | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Fremont, CA | Alameda, CA |
| Website | www.amorplumbing.com | www.bigbrothersplumbinginc.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Amor Plumbing
Customers emphasize Amor's deep technical knowledge of water heater systems and thorough explanations of complex equipment and warranty coverage.
Big Brothers Plumbing
Customers consistently highlight Big Brothers' same-day availability for emergencies and quick response times across a broad range of plumbing issues.
Key Takeaway: Amor is valued for specialized expertise in a narrow field, while Big Brothers is praised for rapid, reliable service across diverse plumbing needs.
Customer Reviews
Amor Plumbing
In the middle of winter our hot water heater decided it didn't get enough attention and stopped working. Our unit controls the hot water and the heater. Needless to say, we were in a tough spot. The p...
The pilot light for our new natural gas water heater was difficult to light and not staying on for much more than a day. After troubleshooting with the vendor Tech Support they eventually referred us...
I came here thru the Noritz website to have them check out a performance problem. They are the real deal with a demonstrated aptitude about the manufacturer validated by their partner badge having bee...
Big Brothers Plumbing
Chuck at Big Brothers Plumbing did an excellent job. We had a huge leak and needed help fast. Also, Ashton was very helpful in relaying our information to Chuck and sent him out the same day.
Called in to Big Brother because our relatively new Navien tankless heater stopped working late last night. After setting up a same day appointment, Sarai followed up with me and asked me to check a f...
Big Brothers Plumbing was great - friendly, timely, and able to quickly determine and solve the problem! Highly recommend!
Consider Amor Plumbing if...
- ✓ You're installing a complex tankless or heat pump hybrid system where manufacturer certification and specialized technical knowledge matter significantly
- ✓ You're dealing with a warranty claim or manufacturer-specific repair where Amor's partnerships with Noritz, Rheem, and AO Smith provide direct service authorization
- ✓ You're willing to verify your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries and accept that liability exposure in exchange for Amor's water heater specialization
- ✓ Your project is specifically water heater focused rather than general plumbing, and you value 14 years of focused experience in that narrow field
Consider Big Brothers Plumbing if...
- ✓ You want to eliminate liability risk entirely with a contractor carrying full workers compensation insurance
- ✓ You need same-day service for an emergency situation, where Big Brothers' track record for rapid response is well-documented
- ✓ You anticipate needing a plumber for various issues over time beyond just water heaters—drains, toilets, fixtures, disposals
- ✓ You prefer working with one contractor who handles multiple plumbing needs rather than specialists for different systems
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Amor Plumbing directly why they don't carry workers comp and confirm in writing that your homeowner's insurance will cover any worker injuries during the job
- → Ask Amor about their specific experience with your water heater brand and model, especially if you're installing a manufacturer they're certified with
- → Ask Big Brothers about their technicians' specific experience with your type of water heater system if that's your project focus
- → Request certificates of insurance from both companies and verify coverage limits before work begins
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Big Brothers Plumbing is the safer choice. Their workers compensation coverage eliminates a significant liability risk that Amor exposes you to, and their 10 years of experience is more than sufficient for the vast majority of plumbing work including water heater installations. Choose Big Brothers if you need same-day service, want one plumber for various needs over time, or simply want to avoid the insurance complications. Choose Amor only if you're installing a complex or manufacturer-specific water heater system where their certifications provide clear value, and only after confirming your homeowner's insurance adequately covers contractor injuries. Don't let 4 additional years of experience override the workers comp issue unless your project specifically requires Amor's specialized manufacturer partnerships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If a technician is injured while working at your home—falls off a ladder, burns themselves on a water heater, or injures their back lifting equipment—your homeowner's insurance becomes the primary coverage for medical bills and lost wages. This could lead to a claim on your policy, potentially affecting your premiums, or worse, leave you personally liable if injuries exceed your coverage limits. Before hiring Amor, call your homeowner's insurance to confirm you have adequate coverage for contractor injuries and understand the implications.
For straightforward water heater replacements with common brands, probably not—both companies have a decade-plus of experience handling standard installations. For complex tankless systems, manufacturer warranty work, or heat pump hybrids where Amor's certifications and specialized focus provide tangible advantages, you'll need to weigh that expertise against the liability exposure. The risk is the same whether it's a simple or complex job, so your insurance situation matters more than project complexity in this decision.
Big Brothers performs water heater replacements and repairs regularly according to customer feedback, including tankless systems, but they're a general plumbing service rather than water heater specialists. If you're installing a standard tank or common tankless unit, their 10 years of experience is entirely sufficient. For manufacturer warranty service or less common systems like heat pump hybrids, Amor's certifications and specialized focus give them an edge in technical knowledge and potential warranty authorization.
Big Brothers has a strong documented pattern of same-day emergency response, with customers consistently reporting technicians arriving within hours for urgent issues. Amor also mentions prompt service, but Big Brothers has built their service model explicitly around rapid emergency availability. If your water heater fails and you need someone there today, Big Brothers' track record is clearer—and they eliminate the workers comp liability that becomes even more concerning when technicians are rushing to handle emergency work.
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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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