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Star Rooter And Plumbing vs Taz Plumbing
Alameda Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Star Rooter brings nearly twice the experience and full insurance coverage, while Taz Plumbing lacks workers compensation protection.
| Star Rooter And Plumbing | Taz Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.7 | ★ 4.5 |
| Years Licensed | 19 years | 11 years |
| License # | 884481 | 998588 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | San Lorenzo, CA | San Leandro, CA |
| Website | www.starrooter.com | — |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Star Rooter And Plumbing
Customers consistently highlight Star Rooter's thorough diagnostic practices using camera equipment and crawlspace investigations, combined with transparent communication throughout complex projects.
Taz Plumbing
Customers emphasize Taz Plumbing's ability to solve problems other plumbers couldn't fix and competitive pricing without upselling on straightforward repairs.
Key Takeaway: Star Rooter handles significantly larger infrastructure projects documented in customer feedback, while Taz Plumbing's strength lies in efficient problem-solving for repairs and component replacements.
Customer Reviews
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...
Taz Plumbing
Knowledgeable, super friendly, and efficient. Even learned a couple helpful things about plumbing unrelated to my issue!
Great and helpful plumbers, and saved the day when I had an emergency situation in need of repair. Fast and friendly. Very reasonable price for the job. Would absolutely use again!
We had a leaking pipe and Najeeb came out right away, and fixed the leak very quickly. He stuck to his quote and did not try to upsell us.
Consider Star Rooter And Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your project involves major infrastructure work like home repiping, sewer lateral replacement, or water line installation from street to house—work Star Rooter handles regularly based on customer accounts.
- ✓ You want the risk protection of full workers compensation coverage, eliminating potential liability if someone is injured during your project.
- ✓ Your plumbing issue may involve hidden damage or complex diagnostics requiring camera equipment and crawlspace investigation, areas where 19 years of experience proves valuable.
- ✓ You're dealing with municipal compliance requirements or utility district mandates, where Star Rooter's documented track record provides confidence.
Consider Taz Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your project is a straightforward repair or component replacement where Taz Plumbing's problem-solving reputation and competitive pricing offer good value.
- ✓ You've verified your homeowner's insurance provides adequate coverage for contractor injuries, and you're comfortable accepting that liability risk.
- ✓ You've had other plumbers struggle to solve a specific problem, as multiple customers note Taz Plumbing resolved issues others could not.
- ✓ Budget is your primary concern for a less complex project where the 8-year experience gap matters less than cost savings.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Taz Plumbing if they've obtained workers compensation insurance since their last filing, and if not, ask your homeowner's insurance agent whether your policy covers injuries to uninsured contractors working on your property.
- → Ask both companies for references from projects similar to yours in scope and complexity, particularly if you're considering Taz Plumbing for work beyond typical repairs.
- → Ask Star Rooter about their diagnostic process for your specific issue to understand how their camera equipment and inspection practices apply to your situation.
- → Ask both companies for detailed written estimates that specify exactly what work is included and what circumstances might require additional charges.
The Bottom Line
Star Rooter And Plumbing is the safer choice for most homeowners, particularly for any project beyond basic repairs. Their 19 years of experience, complete insurance coverage, and documented success with complex infrastructure projects provide substantially better protection and capability. The workers compensation gap alone makes Star Rooter the clear recommendation unless you're willing to verify your own liability coverage and accept that risk. Taz Plumbing remains a viable option for straightforward repairs if budget is your primary concern and you've confirmed insurance coverage for uninsured contractors, but understand you're trading protection for price savings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward repairs like faucet replacements or simple leak fixes, the experience gap matters less, and Taz Plumbing's competitive pricing may offer better value. However, even routine calls sometimes reveal hidden problems—corroded pipes, code violations, or water damage—where Star Rooter's additional experience diagnosing complications provides meaningful advantage. If there's any chance your issue involves more than what's immediately visible, the veteran experience becomes relevant.
This is a legitimate liability concern that requires action on your part. If a worker is injured on your property and the company lacks workers comp, you could face claims against your homeowner's insurance or personal assets. Before hiring Taz Plumbing, contact your insurance agent to confirm your coverage includes uninsured contractors, and get that confirmation in writing. This isn't a minor administrative detail—it's real financial risk you're assuming.
Customer feedback for Taz Plumbing centers on repairs and component replacements rather than major infrastructure projects. While their 11-year licensing history means they're legally qualified for complex work, Star Rooter's documented track record with complete repipes, sewer laterals, and municipal compliance work demonstrates regular experience with projects at that scale. For major investments, choosing the contractor with proven repetition in that specific work type reduces your risk.
For complex projects, major infrastructure work, or situations where diagnostic accuracy prevents costly mistakes, Star Rooter's veteran experience and complete insurance coverage justify higher costs. For straightforward repairs where the scope is clear and simple, Taz Plumbing's competitive pricing offers legitimate value if you address the workers comp liability issue. The answer depends entirely on your project's complexity and your risk tolerance.
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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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