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Amor Plumbing vs R B Travis
Alameda Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Amor Plumbing brings 14 years of water heater specialization but lacks workers comp, while R B Travis offers 4 years of full-service plumbing with proper insurance coverage.
| Amor Plumbing | R B Travis | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.2 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 14 years | 4 years |
| License # | 972156 | 1084502 |
| Workers' Comp | — | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Fremont, CA | Livermore, CA |
| Website | www.amorplumbing.com | www.serviceexperts.com |
Key Differences
The experience gap is substantial: 14 years versus 4 years of licensure. Amor Plumbing's tenure translates to more exposure to complicated water heater scenarios—corroded venting systems, unusual installation configurations, and manufacturer-specific quirks that only reveal themselves over hundreds of installations. Their manufacturer certifications with Noritz, Rheem, and AO Smith indicate specialized training beyond general plumbing knowledge.
The service scope differs meaningfully. Amor Plumbing concentrates specifically on water heater installations, repairs, and warranty work. R B Travis handles water heaters as one service among leak repairs, sewer lines, drain clearing, and general plumbing repairs. If your project is exclusively water heater replacement, Amor's specialization matters. If you need broader plumbing assessment or anticipate additional repairs, R B Travis's versatility becomes relevant.
What Customers Say
Amor Plumbing
Customers consistently praise Amor Plumbing's water heater technical expertise and thorough explanations of system options and warranty coverage, though some report initial scheduling challenges.
R B Travis
R B Travis receives regular feedback about punctuality, communication practices, and handling diverse plumbing projects with clean worksite practices and repeat customer relationships.
Key Takeaway: Amor Plumbing's reviews center specifically on water heater specialization and technical depth, while R B Travis customers emphasize reliability and communication across a broader range of plumbing services.
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...
R B Travis
Excellent work and we appreciate his professionalism
Have made multiple calls over more than 3 years. Consistently received expert service. Shoutout for Cody. Professional, good listener, fast and knowledgeable about his job. I would recommend RBTravis ...
Outstanding service from Javier at R.B. Travis. HomeServe scheduled R.B. Travis to fix two clogged sinks in my home (kitchen and bathroom). Javier called ahead, arrived on time, and went above and be...
Consider Amor Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your project involves a complex water heater installation like a tankless conversion, heat pump hybrid system, or warranty service where manufacturer certification matters and specialized expertise can prevent costly mistakes.
- ✓ You're comfortable verifying your homeowner's insurance adequately covers contractor injuries and accepting the liability risk associated with no workers comp coverage.
- ✓ You value deep experience specifically in water heating systems over general plumbing breadth, particularly if your home has an older system that may present hidden complications during replacement.
- ✓ You need someone who can explain technical details about different water heater technologies and warranty coverage implications for your specific situation.
Consider R B Travis if...
- ✓ Workers compensation insurance is a priority for you, providing clear liability protection if someone is injured during work at your property.
- ✓ Your plumbing project extends beyond just water heater work, or you want a plumber who can assess related issues like supply line condition, drainage problems, or other systems while on site.
- ✓ You value consistent communication practices and punctuality, with customers reporting reliable advance notice and arrival within scheduled windows.
- ✓ You work with a home warranty provider and need a contractor experienced in coordinating with insurance companies for covered repairs.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Amor Plumbing: Ask directly about liability coverage and confirm with your homeowner's insurance that you're protected if a worker is injured on your property without the contractor carrying workers comp.
- → For R B Travis: Ask about their specific experience with your type of water heater system and whether they maintain manufacturer certifications, particularly for specialized units like tankless or heat pump models.
- → For both: Request references from projects similar in scope to yours, and ask how they handle unexpected complications discovered during installation.
- → For Amor Plumbing: Ask about the scheduling process and typical timeframes from initial contact to appointment confirmation given some customer reports of delays.
The Bottom Line
If your project is a straightforward water heater replacement and you're willing to accept the workers comp liability risk after consulting your insurance agent, Amor Plumbing's 14 years of specialized experience and manufacturer certifications provide meaningful advantages for complex installations. However, R B Travis is the clearer choice for most homeowners who prioritize proper insurance protection, need versatile plumbing services beyond just water heaters, or want to avoid potential liability exposure. The workers comp gap isn't trivial—verify your homeowner's coverage before hiring any contractor without it. For specialized water heater projects where Amor's expertise justifies the risk, get confirmation in writing about liability coverage and ensure your insurance adequately protects you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, particularly for anything beyond a basic tank-to-tank swap. Water heater work often reveals corroded venting, inadequate gas lines, code violations from previous installations, or structural issues that require quick problem-solving. Amor Plumbing's 14 years and manufacturer certifications mean they've encountered these complications repeatedly and know how to address them without delays or change orders. For straightforward replacements in newer homes, the gap matters less.
If a technician is injured at your home, your homeowner's insurance may become the primary coverage for their medical bills and lost wages. This could mean a claim on your policy, potential rate increases, and out-of-pocket costs if injuries exceed your coverage limits. Before hiring any contractor without workers comp, call your insurance agent to understand your specific exposure and whether you need additional coverage.
R B Travis handles water heater installations as part of their general plumbing services and receives positive feedback, but they don't advertise manufacturer certifications or water heater specialization. For standard tank replacements, they're likely capable. For tankless conversions, heat pump hybrids, or warranty-specific work, ask directly about their experience with your specific system type and request references from similar installations.
R B Travis handles the broader range of plumbing services including pipe replacement, leak repair, and sewer lines, so they can address related issues during the same visit. Amor Plumbing specializes in water heaters, so if technicians discover corroded supply lines or drainage problems, you may need to coordinate with another contractor. If your home is older and you suspect related plumbing issues, R B Travis's versatility offers convenience.
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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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