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Hoppers Plumbing vs Russell Plumbing And Rooter Service
Placer Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Both are veteran contractors with decades of experience, but Hoppers carries workers compensation while Russell does not.
| Hoppers Plumbing | Russell Plumbing And Rooter Service | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 4.0 |
| Years Licensed | 20 years | 31 years |
| License # | 872354 | 706338 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Auburn, CA | Roseville, CA |
| Website | www.hoppersplumbing.com | — |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Hoppers Plumbing
Customers consistently praise thorough communication, detailed problem explanations, and professional handling of complex projects in older homes with fair pricing that matches quotes.
Russell Plumbing And Rooter Service
Customers note professional service approach with some repeat business, though feedback focuses on simpler maintenance work rather than complex installations.
Key Takeaway: Hoppers receives detailed feedback about communication quality and complex project management, while Russell's reviews are more general and focus on routine repairs rather than challenging diagnostic work.
Customer Reviews
Hoppers Plumbing
Hoppers is the best! They are knowledgeable, and provide great service,.
Very positive experience. Responsive, knowledgeable, and the estimate that I received was reasonable for the work required.
Hopper's Plumbing is fantastic! They arrived on time and performed the job flawlessly. Couldn't be happier!
Russell Plumbing And Rooter Service
Russell is the best. He does a great job, is very conscientious and even put up with my cranky mom! Thank you Russell.
I am a Realtor servicing mainly the Roseville/Granite Bay area. I use Russell from Russell Plumbing for all repairs at my home and recommend him to all my clients. He is professional and knows what h...
Consider Hoppers Plumbing if...
- ✓ You need complex work like sewer line replacement, whole-house repiping, or addressing hidden issues in older plumbing systems where Hoppers has demonstrated expertise
- ✓ Workers compensation coverage is non-negotiable for you, eliminating the liability risk of contractor injuries on your property
- ✓ Detailed communication matters to your decision-making, especially if you want thorough explanations of problems found and work recommended
- ✓ You're in the Auburn or western Placer County area where they're locally established
Consider Russell Plumbing And Rooter Service if...
- ✓ You have a straightforward repair or maintenance need that doesn't require complex problem-solving
- ✓ You're comfortable verifying current insurance status directly and potentially accepting liability exposure if coverage hasn't changed
- ✓ You're specifically in Roseville or Granite Bay and prioritize the longest possible licensure history at 31 years
- ✓ You have a direct referral from someone whose judgment you trust regarding this specific contractor
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Russell: Ask for current certificate of workers compensation insurance and confirm your homeowner's policy covers contractor injuries if they still don't carry it
- → For both: Request references from projects similar in scope to yours, particularly if you need complex diagnostic work
- → For Russell: Ask about their experience with projects like yours since reviews focus on simpler maintenance rather than complex installations
- → For both: Confirm response time expectations and emergency availability if you need urgent service
The Bottom Line
Hoppers Plumbing is the safer choice for most homeowners. The workers compensation coverage alone makes them lower-risk, protecting you from liability if someone gets hurt on your property. They also demonstrate broader capability with complex projects and consistently strong communication that helps you understand what's actually wrong with your plumbing. Russell's 31-year history is impressive, but without workers comp on file and less evidence of handling complex projects, you'd need compelling reasons to accept that additional risk and uncertainty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Both are solidly in veteran territory with 20 and 31 years respectively, so the experience gap is minimal in practical terms. The workers compensation difference is far more significant to your protection as a homeowner than the extra decade of licensure.
If a worker is injured at your home and the contractor has no workers comp, your homeowner's insurance may be liable for medical bills and lost wages, potentially costing thousands. You should verify current coverage directly with Russell and check with your insurance agent about your exposure before hiring.
Hoppers shows stronger evidence of handling complex situations in older properties, with customer feedback specifically mentioning shower repiping in older homes and thorough diagnostic assessments. Their communication approach also suggests they'll explain hidden problems they discover rather than just quoting the obvious work.
Hoppers has specific customer feedback about fast emergency response for backups and overflow situations. Russell's service scope isn't as clearly defined in available data, so you should ask directly about their emergency availability and response time commitments.
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See our ranked list of top plumbing contractors in Placer.
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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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