Compare Local Pros
Gordon Plumbing And Tankless vs Shields Plumbing
Sacramento Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Shields Plumbing brings 26 years of licensed experience compared to Gordon's 4 years, a significant advantage for complex or unpredictable plumbing issues.
| Gordon Plumbing And Tankless | Shields Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 4 years | 26 years |
| License # | 1087785 | 779715 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Citrus Heights, CA | Citrus Heights, CA |
| Website | gordonplumbingandtankless.com | shieldsplumbing.net |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Gordon Plumbing And Tankless
Gordon customers emphasize long-term loyalty and educational communication, with many following the owner from previous employment and trusting the company as their exclusive plumber for all needs.
Shields Plumbing
Shields customers highlight consistent accessibility and no-pressure service, appreciating transparent pricing and reliable availability even during emergency situations over many years of repeat business.
Key Takeaway: Both companies earn strong customer loyalty, but Gordon's pattern suggests deeper personal relationships with individual customers while Shields demonstrates sustained reliability across a broader customer base including commercial clients.
Customer Reviews
Gordon Plumbing And Tankless
Good follow through and got the work completed
Zeb is honest and competent
I always call Gordon Plumbing for any plumbing issues that arise. My latest issue involved the gas line of an old wall heater which was never removed when the heater was replaced with HVAC. Well, ove...
Shields Plumbing
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...
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 ...
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 Gordon Plumbing And Tankless if...
- ✓ You're specifically installing or servicing a tankless water heater system and want a contractor who specializes in this technology and can provide detailed maintenance guidance
- ✓ You value building a relationship with a growing local business where the owner is highly involved in every project
- ✓ Your project is straightforward without significant risk of hidden complications requiring decades of diagnostic experience
- ✓ You've received a strong personal referral from someone who has used Gordon repeatedly over many years
Consider Shields Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your home is older and plumbing work may uncover unexpected problems like corroded pipes, outdated materials, or code compliance issues requiring experienced problem-solving
- ✓ You're planning a complex project like a full re-pipe, commercial property work, or anything requiring coordination with other contractors
- ✓ You want a contractor who has seen virtually every plumbing scenario in Sacramento County homes over 26 years and can diagnose problems quickly
- ✓ Experience level and long-term market presence are priorities for your peace of mind on a significant investment
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Gordon about their specific experience with your project type and how they handle unexpected complications that fall outside routine service calls
- → Ask Shields how they maintain the responsive, personalized service homeowners praise despite being a larger, more established operation
- → For either company, ask for references from projects similar to yours in scope and complexity, particularly if your home has older plumbing systems
- → Confirm which technician will handle your project and how long they've been with the company
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Shields Plumbing's 26 years of licensure provides meaningful advantages in diagnostic capability, problem-solving experience, and confidence handling unexpected complications that arise during plumbing projects. Their veteran status doesn't compromise the responsive communication and fair pricing both companies deliver. Choose Gordon if you're specifically focused on tankless water heater expertise for a straightforward installation or if you've received a strong personal referral, but recognize you're working with a contractor still building their experience base. For older homes, complex projects, or situations where hidden problems are likely, Shields' extensive track record is worth prioritizing.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
For truly straightforward work like replacing a faucet or clearing a drain, the experience gap matters less. However, even routine service calls can reveal hidden issues—corroded pipes behind walls, improper previous installations, or code violations—where Shields' 26 years of diagnostic experience provides faster, more confident decision-making. If there's any chance your project could become complicated, experience becomes valuable insurance.
If you're specifically installing or maintaining a tankless system, Gordon's specialized focus offers real value through detailed product knowledge and maintenance education. However, if your home has older plumbing that might complicate the installation, Shields' broader experience could be more important. Ask both contractors about their tankless experience and how they'd handle integration with your existing system.
Pricing transparency appears consistent for both, so get detailed written estimates from each. The real cost consideration isn't just the quote but how they handle surprises—a veteran contractor may catch potential problems during the estimate phase that a newer contractor discovers mid-project. Ask each how they price change orders when unexpected issues arise.
Customer feedback indicates both companies maintain high owner involvement and personalized attention despite their size difference. Gordon's smaller operation may mean more direct owner interaction on every call, while Shields has sustained personal service over decades of growth. Ask each company who specifically will perform your work and how scheduling decisions are made during busy periods.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top plumbing contractors in Sacramento.
Other Sacramento 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.