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Precise Plumbing vs Star Rooter And Plumbing
Alameda Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Star Rooter brings four additional years of experience and carries workers compensation insurance, while Precise Plumbing operates without workers comp coverage on file.
| Precise Plumbing | Star Rooter And Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 4.7 |
| Years Licensed | 15 years | 19 years |
| License # | 961915 | 884481 |
| Workers' Comp | — | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | San Leandro, CA | San Lorenzo, CA |
| Website | — | www.starrooter.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Precise Plumbing
Customers emphasize Precise Plumbing's rapid diagnostic expertise and ability to provide lower-cost alternative solutions, particularly valued as second opinions on complex sewer line issues.
Star Rooter And Plumbing
Customers consistently highlight Star Rooter's transparent communication throughout projects, with detailed explanations, adherence to quoted pricing, and efficient completion of both routine and major plumbing work.
Key Takeaway: Precise Plumbing is recognized for diagnostic problem-solving and competitive pricing, while Star Rooter earns praise for communication clarity and managing complex multi-day projects from estimate through completion.
Customer Reviews
Precise Plumbing
Jay, was not only quick to respond to my messages late at night but came early the following day for an estimate on a mothers day. When he arrived, he was very knowledgeable and prepared to do the ser...
I had another plumber come in and do a repair just 4 months ago. It's already leaking. I called Nick and he came over within 24 hours and repaired it for one third the price I paid before. He truly ca...
I was told by another plumber that I had a broken sewer pipe under the slab of my house. They quoted me $11,000. I called Precise Plumbing and spoke with Jay. He convinced me that he is an experienced...
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 Precise Plumbing if...
- ✓ You've already received a high estimate from another plumber and want a diagnostic second opinion, as multiple customers report Precise Plumbing identified simpler solutions at lower costs.
- ✓ Your project is straightforward diagnostic work or routine repair where the workers comp gap presents minimal risk exposure.
- ✓ You're comfortable verifying your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries and accept the potential liability trade-off for competitive pricing.
- ✓ You need weekend availability for estimates and value rapid response times for urgent plumbing issues.
Consider Star Rooter And Plumbing if...
- ✓ You want full insurance protection and cannot accept the liability risk of hiring a contractor without workers compensation coverage.
- ✓ Your project involves major work like complete home repiping, sewer lateral replacement, or water line installation from the street requiring deeper experience.
- ✓ You're facing municipal compliance requirements or utility district mandates where Star Rooter's 19-year track record provides additional credibility.
- ✓ Clear communication and transparent pricing throughout the project are priorities, as customers consistently mention detailed explanations and adherence to quoted costs.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Precise Plumbing directly about their workers compensation status and liability coverage, then confirm with your homeowner's insurance whether you're protected if a contractor's employee is injured on your property.
- → Ask both companies for references from projects similar in scope to yours, particularly if you're considering major work like repiping or sewer lateral replacement.
- → Request detailed written estimates that break down labor, materials, and timeline so you can compare the value proposition beyond just the bottom line price.
The Bottom Line
Star Rooter And Plumbing is the safer choice for most homeowners, bringing four additional years of experience, full workers compensation coverage, and demonstrated capacity for both routine repairs and major infrastructure projects. The insurance gap alone makes Star Rooter the better option unless you're willing to accept liability risk and have confirmed coverage with your homeowner's insurance. That said, Precise Plumbing offers real value for diagnostic second opinions when you've received a concerning estimate elsewhere, particularly for sewer line issues where customers report significantly lower alternative solutions. If you choose Precise Plumbing for cost reasons, address the workers comp question directly and understand your exposure before work begins.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For a quick one-person repair job, the risk is lower but still real. If a plumber is injured on your property and lacks workers comp coverage, they could file a claim against your homeowner's insurance, potentially affecting your rates. For major projects with multiple workers over several days, the exposure increases significantly. Contact your insurance agent to understand your specific coverage before hiring any contractor without workers comp.
Both are veteran contractors, so you're comparing 15 years against 19 years of navigating code changes, handling complications, and building relationships with inspectors and suppliers. The gap is less critical for routine repairs but becomes more meaningful for complex diagnostics or major infrastructure work where depth of experience with problem-solving matters. Star Rooter's broader project portfolio suggests they've encountered more varied scenarios.
Precise Plumbing has multiple customer accounts specifically mentioning significantly lower quotes and alternative solutions compared to initial estimates from other plumbers. Their diagnostic expertise appears particularly strong for sewer line issues. However, Star Rooter's transparent pricing approach and thorough camera inspections also provide reliable second opinions. Consider getting estimates from both if you're questioning a major repair recommendation.
Both handle sewer line work, leak repairs, and diagnostics effectively. Star Rooter demonstrates proven capacity for major projects like complete home repiping, water line replacement from street to house, and municipal compliance work based on customer project histories. Precise Plumbing's feedback focuses more on diagnostic work and repairs rather than large-scale installations. If there's risk your project could expand significantly, Star Rooter's broader project range provides more certainty.
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 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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