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Shaw Plumbing vs Steve Silva Plumbing
Napa Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Two veteran Napa County plumbers with similarly strong credentials, differentiated primarily by service approach and project scope demonstrated in customer feedback.
| Shaw Plumbing | Steve Silva Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.0 | ★ 4.6 |
| Years Licensed | 45 years | 40 years |
| License # | 398901 | 483676 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Calistoga, CA | Napa, CA |
| Website | www.shaw-plumbing.com | www.stevesilvaplumbing.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Shaw Plumbing
Shaw Plumbing customers appreciate accommodating scheduling practices, proactive communication about arrival times, and solid service completion, though some experience delays in receiving project quotes.
Steve Silva Plumbing
Steve Silva Plumbing customers consistently highlight rapid response times, same-day availability for emergencies, clear communication throughout service delivery, and professional handling of diverse projects from routine repairs to complex installations.
Key Takeaway: Steve Silva demonstrates established emergency response capabilities with same-day service and broader documented project diversity, while Shaw operates at a more measured pace better suited to scheduled installations and routine maintenance.
Customer Reviews
Shaw Plumbing
Great service, called before arriving and kept us updated about progress of service being done. Answered all questions after service was completed in addition.
Excellent service as always!
Did an excellent job
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 Shaw Plumbing if...
- ✓ You're planning a scheduled installation like a tankless water heater replacement where timing is flexible and you can accommodate a longer quote process
- ✓ Your property is in or near Calistoga, making Shaw's location more convenient for routine service calls
- ✓ You value scheduling flexibility and appreciate contractors who proactively call ahead to confirm appointments
- ✓ Your project is straightforward maintenance or installation work without time pressure
Consider Steve Silva Plumbing if...
- ✓ You're facing a plumbing emergency or need rapid response for a water heater failure, leak, or flooding situation
- ✓ Your project involves gas line work, water main valves, or other specialized installations beyond basic plumbing repairs
- ✓ You need same-day or next-day service availability and can't wait several days for attention
- ✓ You're located in Napa proper or prefer a contractor with demonstrated experience coordinating complex emergency scheduling through dedicated administrative staff
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Shaw Plumbing about their typical turnaround time for project quotes and whether they offer emergency service with rapid response capability
- → Ask Steve Silva Plumbing about service call fees and availability for your specific location if you're in the northern parts of Napa County near Calistoga
- → Confirm with either company how they handle unexpected complications discovered during the job and whether they can source specialty parts quickly
The Bottom Line
If you're facing an emergency or need quick turnaround on a plumbing issue—particularly water heater failures, leaks, or gas line work—Steve Silva Plumbing demonstrates clear capabilities in rapid response and diverse project handling. If you're planning a scheduled installation like a tankless water heater and your property is in the Calistoga area, Shaw Plumbing offers strong service with accommodating scheduling, though you should plan for a longer quote process. Both contractors bring exceptional credentials and decades of expertise, making either a solid choice. Your decision should hinge on urgency, project complexity, and location. For emergency situations or complex installations requiring quick coordination, Steve Silva has the documented track record. For routine scheduled work in northern Napa County with flexibility on timing, Shaw represents a capable local option.
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Frequently Asked Questions
At 40 and 45 years respectively, both contractors are equally seasoned veterans—this difference is negligible. Both have serviced plumbing systems through multiple technology generations and building code updates. Your decision should focus on service approach and project type rather than this minimal experience gap.
Customer feedback clearly indicates Steve Silva Plumbing has established systems for rapid emergency response, with multiple mentions of same-day service for water heater failures and flooding. Shaw Plumbing's feedback doesn't highlight emergency capability, and the noted delays in quote turnaround suggest they operate at a more measured pace better suited to scheduled work.
Potentially, yes. Shaw is based in Calistoga at the northern end of Napa County, while Steve Silva operates from Napa proper. For routine scheduled work, this matters less, but for emergencies or if you need multiple follow-up visits, the closer contractor may provide faster service. Ask each company directly about their typical response time to your specific address.
Not necessarily. Both are fully licensed plumbing contractors capable of handling comprehensive plumbing work. Steve Silva's reviews simply document a broader range of completed projects including gas lines and emergency repairs, while Shaw's available feedback focuses on installations and routine service. Ask Shaw directly about their experience with your specific project type if it falls outside what's documented in reviews.
Looking for the Best?
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 13, 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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