Compare Local Pros
James B Taylor Plumbing vs Steve Silva Plumbing
Napa Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Two veteran plumbers with nearly identical credentials but Steve Silva Plumbing handles significantly more project types with clear communication practices.
| James B Taylor Plumbing | Steve Silva Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 4.6 |
| Years Licensed | 48 years | 40 years |
| License # | 356649 | 483676 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Calistoga, CA | Napa, CA |
| Website | — | www.stevesilvaplumbing.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
James B Taylor Plumbing
Customers consistently emphasize extremely rapid emergency response times and professional workmanship from this family-operated business.
Steve Silva Plumbing
Customers repeatedly mention clear communication, detailed explanations of plumbing systems, and efficient completion across diverse project types.
Key Takeaway: Taylor's strength centers on ultra-fast emergency response while Silva receives consistent recognition for taking time to educate customers and coordinate more complex projects.
Customer Reviews
James B Taylor Plumbing
Chad was a godsend when we needed a quick fix for a shower leak. He arrived within minutes of our call and got everything patched up and working perfectly. Very reasonable rates too. Highly recommende...
Donnie Taylor carries on the tradition of the highest standards of workmanship and professionalism for which this family business is well known.
Nice family ran company with quick response time.
Steve Silva Plumbing
Happy with their service and professionalism. We highly recommend them
Terrific Service. Dean identified the problem quickly. He was friendly and actually showed me how my plumbing works in and out! I mentioned a second issue that we had and he said,"let's take a look". ...
I have been doing business with Steve Silva Plumbing for many years. The reason is quite simple, they show up on time, fix the problem the first time and in a timely manner. They are professional, tho...
Consider James B Taylor Plumbing if...
- ✓ You need emergency plumbing service in Calistoga specifically, where their 48 years of local presence means intimate familiarity with area systems and building configurations
- ✓ You value working with a family-operated business where service standards have been maintained across generations
- ✓ Your project is an urgent repair situation where their documented rapid response capability is the priority
- ✓ You prefer a smaller operation where you're likely to work directly with the same technician who knows your property
Consider Steve Silva Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your project involves water heater installation, sewer line work, gas valve installation, or other specialized plumbing beyond basic repairs
- ✓ You need scheduling flexibility and appreciate administrative coordination for appointment management
- ✓ You want detailed explanations of your plumbing systems and issues, which customers consistently mention as a company strength
- ✓ You're located in central Napa where their base of operations provides convenient service access with their multi-technician team
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask James B Taylor Plumbing about their experience with your specific project type if it extends beyond emergency repairs or shower work
- → Ask Steve Silva Plumbing about their typical emergency response time if you have an urgent situation
- → Ask both companies which specific technician would handle your project and about their individual experience with similar work
- → Confirm current pricing structures for your specific job type, as both companies serve the same market but may price differently based on project complexity
The Bottom Line
Both contractors offer veteran-level experience with full insurance and bonding, so you can't make a wrong choice from a credibility standpoint. Choose James B Taylor Plumbing if you're in Calistoga, need emergency repair service where rapid response is critical, or prefer a family-operated business with nearly five decades of local continuity. Choose Steve Silva Plumbing if your project involves installations, gas line work, or specialized plumbing beyond basic repairs, or if you value detailed explanations and coordinated scheduling through their multi-technician operation. For most homeowners facing complex projects or installations rather than emergency repairs, Silva's documented breadth of project experience gives them a practical edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
At 48 versus 40 years, both contractors are deeply experienced veterans, so the gap is minimal in practical terms. Both have weathered multiple economic cycles, building code changes, and evolving plumbing technologies. The more meaningful difference is project breadth, where Silva demonstrates documented work across more diverse plumbing categories including gas systems and water main valves.
James B Taylor Plumbing has specific customer documentation of arriving within minutes for emergency situations, making them the stronger choice if rapid emergency response is your priority. Steve Silva Plumbing receives praise for prompt service and same-day availability but doesn't have the same emphasis on ultra-rapid emergency arrival in customer feedback.
Steve Silva Plumbing has documented customer experience with water heater replacements specifically mentioned in reviews, including emergency water heater failures. While James B Taylor Plumbing likely handles water heater work given their 48 years in business, their customer feedback centers on repair work rather than installations or replacements.
Customer feedback suggests Steve Silva Plumbing emphasizes detailed explanations, with multiple reviews noting technicians taking time to explain plumbing systems and issues. James B Taylor Plumbing receives praise for professionalism but doesn't have the same consistent pattern of customers mentioning detailed communication. If understanding your plumbing system is important to you, Silva's approach may be preferable.
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See our ranked list of top plumbing contractors in Napa.
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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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