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All Pro Backflow vs Shields Plumbing

Sacramento Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026

Quick Verdict

All Pro Backflow is a specialized backflow-only contractor, while Shields Plumbing is a full-service plumber with nine additional years of experience.

All Pro Backflow: A 17-year specialist focused exclusively on backflow testing, repairs, and compliance services for residential and commercial properties.
Shields Plumbing: A 26-year full-service plumbing contractor handling everything from routine repairs to complete system replacements and emergency calls.
All Pro Backflow Shields Plumbing
Rating 5.0 5.0
Years Licensed 17 years 26 years
License # 934557 779715
Workers' Comp ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
Bond Amount $25,000 $25,000
Location Folsom, CA Citrus Heights, CA
Website allprobackflow.com shieldsplumbing.net

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Key Differences

The most significant difference is scope of service. All Pro Backflow specializes exclusively in backflow prevention devices—testing, repairs, and replacements—serving customers who need annual compliance testing or emergency backflow repairs. Shields Plumbing operates as a comprehensive plumbing contractor handling water heaters, re-pipes, drain clearing, fixture repairs, and general plumbing emergencies across residential and commercial properties. Shields brings nine additional years of licensed experience (26 versus 17 years), which translates to deeper institutional knowledge for complex plumbing diagnostics and system-wide problems. Both companies share similar customer feedback patterns around responsiveness, fair pricing, and punctuality. However, if your project involves anything beyond backflow devices—leaking pipes, fixture replacements, water heater issues, or general plumbing repairs—only Shields can address it. All Pro's specialization means deep expertise in one narrow area, while Shields offers versatility across the entire plumbing system.

What Customers Say

All Pro Backflow

Customers emphasize long-term relationships and reliability for annual backflow compliance testing, with appreciation for scheduling reminders and clear explanations of test results.

Shields Plumbing

Customers consistently highlight responsiveness for emergency situations, transparent pricing without upselling, and the ability to handle diverse plumbing problems efficiently.

Key Takeaway: All Pro's reviews focus on specialized compliance testing relationships, while Shields' reviews emphasize versatility in handling unexpected plumbing emergencies and diverse repair needs.

Customer Reviews

All Pro Backflow

Jan 2026

Saxton and crew were great!! Thank you 👍

Jul 2025

Great service. Awesome company

Jul 2025

Annual test for backflow done yesterday at Brandon. He was quick and efficient. He took time to explain my test results and expectations for the future. Love that this company calls me to set appoi...

Shields Plumbing

Jan 2026

I had Eduardo come out for a tricky service call where the city the city was unable to tell us where our sewer line was and they were able to find the line and pinpoint a couple of key locations for u...

Jan 2026

I dealt with both Blaine and Eduardo at Shields Plumbing regarding a water heater installation. They were both communicative, responsive and easily accessible. We're in the middle of the permitting ...

Dec 2025

Shields was timely and quick with their work, had a change that needed to be done and they came out and took care of it right away.

Consider All Pro Backflow if...

  • You need annual backflow testing for compliance with local water district requirements and want a specialist who focuses exclusively on this work
  • Your property has multiple backflow devices requiring coordinated testing schedules, and you value a company that sends testing reminders
  • You're a property manager or commercial facility needing reliable annual compliance testing across multiple locations
  • Your project is specifically a backflow device replacement or repair, and you prefer a contractor whose entire business model revolves around this equipment
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Consider Shields Plumbing if...

  • Your plumbing needs extend beyond backflow devices to include water heaters, fixture repairs, drain clearing, or system diagnostics
  • You want a single plumbing contractor who can handle both your immediate repair and any additional issues discovered during service
  • You value the deeper institutional knowledge that comes with 26 years of licensed experience for diagnosing complex or hidden plumbing problems
  • You need emergency plumbing services for urgent situations like sewage issues, leaks, or complete system failures that require comprehensive plumbing expertise
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Questions to Ask Before Hiring

  • Ask All Pro Backflow if they can handle any additional plumbing issues if discovered during backflow service, or if you'll need to hire a second contractor
  • Ask Shields Plumbing about their specific experience with backflow testing and certification requirements if that's your primary need
  • Confirm with either company what their response time is for emergency situations and whether they charge premium rates for after-hours calls

The Bottom Line

This decision comes down to project scope. If you specifically need backflow testing, device replacement, or compliance services, All Pro Backflow's 17-year specialization makes them the focused choice. However, for any plumbing work beyond backflow devices—or if you're unsure what your plumbing problem involves—Shields Plumbing is the clear choice with 26 years of comprehensive experience and the ability to diagnose and repair any plumbing issue in one visit. Most homeowners facing general plumbing problems will find Shields more practical and versatile.

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Frequently Asked Questions

All Pro Backflow specializes exclusively in backflow prevention services, so they would not handle general plumbing repairs like leaking pipes or fixture problems. If your backflow testing reveals broader plumbing issues, you would need to hire a separate plumbing contractor like Shields to address those.

Shields Plumbing handles backflow work as part of their comprehensive plumbing services, but their core business spans all plumbing systems rather than focusing exclusively on backflow devices. If you need only routine annual testing, All Pro's specialization may offer deeper focus on compliance and testing procedures specific to backflow prevention.

Shields Plumbing is the better choice for undiagnosed plumbing issues, as their 26 years of comprehensive experience allows them to troubleshoot across all plumbing systems. All Pro Backflow would only be appropriate if you've already identified the problem as backflow-device related.

For routine annual backflow testing, both companies have sufficient experience. The experience gap matters more if your situation involves complex plumbing diagnostics, older systems with hidden problems, or projects requiring comprehensive plumbing knowledge beyond backflow devices alone.

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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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