Amor Plumbing vs Star Rooter And Plumbing
Alameda Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Star Rooter offers broader plumbing capabilities with full insurance coverage, while Amor specializes exclusively in water heater work but lacks workers compensation.
| Amor Plumbing | Star Rooter And Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.2 | ★ 4.7 |
| Years Licensed | 14 years | 19 years |
| License # | 972156 | 884481 |
| Workers' Comp | — | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Fremont, CA | San Lorenzo, CA |
| Website | www.amorplumbing.com | www.starrooter.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Amor Plumbing
Customers consistently praise Amor's water heater expertise and the owner's willingness to explain systems thoroughly, with many noting prompt service and competitive pricing.
Star Rooter And Plumbing
Star Rooter receives frequent mentions for same-day availability, thorough diagnostic work using cameras and crawlspace inspections, and transparent communication throughout varied project types.
Key Takeaway: Amor's feedback centers on specialized water heater knowledge and manufacturer warranty handling, while Star Rooter's reviews emphasize comprehensive problem diagnosis and efficient completion of diverse plumbing projects from simple repairs to major infrastructure work.
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...
Star Rooter And Plumbing
We appreciated how quickly the plumbers were able to come to our home and ascertain the best course of action they should take. They were able to resolve the issue of the stoppage in the drain line wh...
Freddy was a great and a best work for me and family.
We had a great experience with Star Rooter! He took very good care of my parents bathrooms who are located in Castro Valley. Freddy and crew, were knowledgeable, great to work with and super polite. P...
Consider Amor Plumbing if...
- ✓ You need water heater replacement or repair specifically, and value working with a specialist who maintains manufacturer certifications and handles warranty service directly
- ✓ Your project involves a tankless or heat pump hybrid system where Amor's focused expertise and manufacturer partnerships provide added confidence
- ✓ You're comparing quotes and Amor's pricing has come in notably lower, and you're comfortable verifying your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries
- ✓ You have a straightforward water heater installation with units purchased from Home Depot or Lowe's where specialized knowledge matters more than insurance complexity
Consider Star Rooter And Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your plumbing needs extend beyond water heaters to include drain issues, repiping, sewer work, or you want one contractor who can handle multiple systems
- ✓ You want full workers compensation coverage in place to eliminate liability risk if someone is injured during your project
- ✓ Your project involves permits, municipal compliance, or coordination with utility districts where Star Rooter's 19 years of experience navigating these processes adds value
- ✓ You need comprehensive diagnostic work with camera inspections or crawlspace assessment to identify hidden problems before committing to a repair approach
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Amor: Ask specifically about liability coverage and confirm with your homeowner's insurance that you're protected if a worker is injured during installation
- → For Amor: If your water heater issue might involve related plumbing problems (corroded pipes, pressure issues, drainage), ask whether they handle those repairs or if you'll need a second contractor
- → For Star Rooter: If you're specifically focused on water heater work, ask about their manufacturer certifications and experience with your specific unit type compared to a water heater specialist
The Bottom Line
If you need water heater work exclusively and your homeowner's insurance confirms coverage for contractor injuries, Amor Plumbing's specialized expertise and manufacturer certifications make them a strong choice, particularly for complex tankless or hybrid systems. However, Star Rooter And Plumbing is the safer option for most homeowners: they provide full workers compensation protection, handle the complete range of plumbing needs if problems extend beyond the water heater, and bring 19 years of experience navigating permits and complex installations. For straightforward water heater replacements where liability protection matters, Star Rooter eliminates the insurance risk while still delivering competent service backed by positive customer feedback.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It matters most for complex installations like tankless conversions, heat pump hybrids, or warranty repairs where manufacturer relationships are valuable. For a standard tank-to-tank replacement, the specialization is less critical. However, if your water heater problem could stem from broader plumbing issues like sediment buildup from corroded pipes or pressure problems, Amor's narrow focus means you might need a second contractor to address root causes.
The risk is real but manageable with preparation. If a worker is injured at your property, your homeowner's insurance becomes the primary coverage, which could affect your premiums or coverage. Before hiring Amor, call your insurance agent to confirm your policy covers contractor injuries and understand any deductible or coverage limits. Some homeowners accept this risk for specialized expertise at lower pricing, while others prefer the protection Star Rooter's workers comp provides.
It provides value if your water heater issue might be symptom of larger plumbing problems that require diagnosis beyond the unit itself. Star Rooter's camera inspections and comprehensive approach mean they can identify whether your water heater failure is connected to pipe corrosion, pressure issues, or drainage problems requiring coordinated repairs. If you're confident the issue is isolated to the water heater unit, Amor's specialized focus may serve you better.
For water heater work specifically, the gap is less significant since both have well over a decade of experience. The difference matters more for complex projects involving permits, municipal compliance, or major infrastructure work where Star Rooter's 19 years means more experience navigating regulatory requirements and handling complications. For a standard residential water heater replacement, both have sufficient experience to handle the work competently.
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 10, 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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