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Performance Plus Plumbing vs Big Brothers Plumbing
Alameda Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Performance Plus brings 32 years of veteran experience versus Big Brothers' 10 years, with both offering same-day service and full insurance coverage.
| Performance Plus Plumbing | Big Brothers Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 32 years | 10 years |
| License # | 692664 | 1015557 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Livermore, CA | Alameda, CA |
| Website | performanceplusplumbing.com | www.bigbrothersplumbinginc.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Performance Plus Plumbing
Performance Plus customers consistently emphasize rapid response, efficient diagnosis, and quick problem resolution, with technicians praised for their expertise and professionalism.
Big Brothers Plumbing
Big Brothers customers repeatedly highlight transparent pricing discussions, thorough explanations of work, and taking time to educate homeowners about their plumbing systems.
Key Takeaway: Performance Plus feedback centers on speed and diagnostic efficiency, while Big Brothers feedback emphasizes communication, education, and upfront pricing transparency before work begins.
Customer Reviews
Performance Plus Plumbing
Performance Plus Plumbing LLC exceeded my expectations! The team was professional, friendly, and highly skilled. They arrived on time, quickly identified the issue, and completed the repair efficientl...
This company is very honest, Sylvia explains the service in detail, and her pleasant demeanor is soothing to your worries during a break down of your equipment. Appointments that are scheduled with th...
Our Condo Association needed emergency leak detection and of all the companies contacted, the service was same morning and they were able to locate the source. They are very professional and Cliff is...
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 Performance Plus Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your home is older and plumbing issues may involve complications like corroded pipes, outdated fittings, or systems that require specialized knowledge of historical configurations
- ✓ You need warranty work on a water heater, as Performance Plus maintains manufacturer authorization for warranty repairs across multiple brands
- ✓ You're in Livermore or the Tri-Valley area and prefer working with a locally-based contractor with deep regional experience
- ✓ Your priority is fast diagnosis and efficient resolution over extended explanation sessions, particularly for straightforward repairs
Consider Big Brothers Plumbing if...
- ✓ You're a newer homeowner who values detailed explanations and wants to understand your plumbing system better, as Big Brothers consistently receives feedback about their educational approach
- ✓ Transparent pricing discussions before work begins are important to you, with customers specifically noting upfront cost conversations
- ✓ You're located in Alameda, Oakland, or San Leandro where Big Brothers maintains their operational base
- ✓ You appreciate contractors who emphasize worksite cleanliness protocols like shoe coverings and thorough cleanup
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Performance Plus about their experience with your specific home age and plumbing configuration, and request examples of similar projects they've completed
- → Ask Big Brothers how their pricing compares for the specific work you need, and whether their estimates include a detailed breakdown of labor and materials
- → For water heater work, ask both companies about their warranty coverage on installations and whether they stock common replacement parts locally
The Bottom Line
Both companies maintain full insurance, same-day availability, and professional service standards, making either a defensible choice. Performance Plus Plumbing's 32 years of continuous operation represents significantly deeper experience that matters most for older homes, complex installations, or situations requiring advanced diagnostic skills. Big Brothers Plumbing's 10 years establishes them as reliable and fully capable, with a distinct service approach emphasizing customer education and transparent pricing that newer homeowners particularly appreciate. If your project is straightforward and you value detailed explanations, Big Brothers serves that need well. For complicated situations, warranty work, or homes with older plumbing systems, Performance Plus's veteran experience provides meaningful additional value.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For a simple tank-to-tank swap in an accessible location with standard connections, both companies can handle it competently. The experience gap becomes significant if your water heater is in a tight crawl space, requires rerouting gas lines, involves code compliance upgrades, or if complications arise during removal. Performance Plus's 32 years means they've navigated these challenges hundreds of times more.
Big Brothers receives specific and repeated customer feedback about taking time to educate homeowners, explain repair options, and answer questions thoroughly. While Performance Plus technicians are described as professional and knowledgeable, their feedback emphasizes efficient problem-solving rather than extended educational conversations. If you want detailed explanations before decisions, Big Brothers shows a clearer pattern of this approach.
Yes, if you need warranty work on your water heater. Manufacturer authorization means Performance Plus has met specific training and service standards for those brands, and warranty repairs will be fully covered. For non-warranty work, both companies can handle water heater repairs and replacements competently, though Performance Plus's three decades suggest deeper troubleshooting experience.
Moderately, yes. Performance Plus operates from Livermore serving the Tri-Valley area, while Big Brothers is based in Alameda covering the Oakland and San Leandro area. While both can likely reach your location for emergency service, choosing the company closer to you may mean faster response times and lower service call fees for non-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 11, 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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