Compare Local Pros
Matrix HG vs Phillips Plumbing
Contra Costa Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Matrix HG's workers compensation coverage provides crucial liability protection that Phillips Plumbing lacks, though both are veteran contractors.
| Matrix HG | Phillips Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 3.7 | ★ 4.3 |
| Years Licensed | 23 years | 17 years |
| License # | 812232 | 929739 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Concord, CA | El Cerrito, CA |
| Website | www.matrixhginc.com | www.phillipsplumbingco.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Matrix HG
Matrix HG receives mixed feedback with some customers praising knowledgeable technicians while others express concerns about pricing transparency and unexpected charges.
Phillips Plumbing
Phillips Plumbing earns consistently positive reviews highlighting competitive pricing, honest communication, and workmanship quality that exceeds cost expectations.
Key Takeaway: Phillips customers consistently mention transparent, honest pricing as a strength, while Matrix customers specifically cite pricing transparency as a concern—a stark contrast in how these companies handle cost communication.
Customer Reviews
Matrix HG
👌ðŸ¼
High level Company with prompt and accurate service Technicians.
Since Covid, our business opened 2 weeks and has been closed 7 months. We had no income coming in. But this company has worked with us. During this difficult time. Plus they did good work.
Phillips Plumbing
Every time I've called Phillips Plumbing that have helped me, always right, always competitively priced, and reliable. I couldn't live without them.
Did a bathtub drain replacement. They used quality parts, communicated through the process, and got the job done well. Definitely a good plumber to call.
Years ago, Phillips Plumbing was first recommended to me by a trusted contractor, I have been a customer ever since and never been disappointed. Ralph and his son run an honest old fashioned family ...
Consider Matrix HG if...
- ✓ You need HVAC work rather than plumbing services, as this is Matrix HG's specialty area
- ✓ Workers compensation coverage is a top priority for you, eliminating personal liability if a technician is injured
- ✓ You're willing to get detailed written estimates upfront given customer concerns about pricing transparency
- ✓ Your project involves commercial property, as Matrix HG has experience serving both commercial and residential clients
Consider Phillips Plumbing if...
- ✓ You need plumbing services and value the competitive pricing that multiple customers highlight
- ✓ You prefer working directly with a family-run business where owner involvement is high
- ✓ You're willing to verify your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries given the lack of workers comp
- ✓ You prioritize customer satisfaction trends over insurance formalities, as Phillips has consistently positive feedback about honest service and quality workmanship
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Phillips 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
- → For Matrix HG: Request a detailed written estimate before any work begins, with clear pricing for parts and labor to avoid the surprise charges mentioned in reviews
- → For Phillips Plumbing: Ask how they handle insurance claims if property damage occurs during work without workers comp coverage
- → For either company: Request references from projects completed in the last 12 months that match your specific needs
The Bottom Line
These contractors serve different trades, so your project type likely decides for you. For plumbing work, Phillips Plumbing offers competitive pricing and consistently satisfied customers, but you must address the workers comp gap by confirming your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries. For HVAC needs, Matrix HG provides the liability protection Phillips lacks, but get detailed written estimates upfront to avoid the pricing surprises some customers experienced. If you have a choice between trades, the workers comp issue is significant enough that Matrix HG offers better risk protection despite less consistent customer feedback.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
If a Phillips Plumbing worker is injured at your home, you could potentially be liable for medical costs and damages since they lack workers comp coverage. Before hiring them, contact your homeowner's insurance to confirm you're protected in this scenario. Some policies cover contractor injuries; others don't.
Several Matrix HG customers reported unexpected charges and pricing transparency issues, while Phillips customers consistently praise honest pricing and clear communication. This suggests Phillips may have better upfront cost communication, though they serve different trades. Ask Matrix for detailed written estimates before work starts.
Both qualify as veteran contractors with 17+ years in business, so the experience gap is less significant than other factors. The workers comp difference and customer feedback patterns are more important considerations for your decision.
No—they serve different trades. Matrix HG specializes in HVAC systems (heating, cooling, furnaces), while Phillips Plumbing handles plumbing work (drains, pipes, fixtures). Your project type determines which company is even an option.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top plumbing contractors in Contra Costa.
Other Contra Costa Plumbing Contractors Comparisons
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.
Get in Touch
Have questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.