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Howdy Plumbing vs Mikes Plumbing And Rooter
Sacramento Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Both are newer contractors with similar experience, but Howdy Plumbing carries workers compensation insurance while Mikes does not.
| Howdy Plumbing | Mikes Plumbing And Rooter | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 2 years | 2 years |
| License # | 1119556 | 1111606 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sacramento, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Website | www.howdyplumbing.com | www.mikesplumbingandrooter.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Howdy Plumbing
Customers consistently praise Howdy Plumbing for presenting multiple solution options at different price points and providing thorough explanations that help homeowners make informed decisions.
Mikes Plumbing And Rooter
Customers emphasize Mikes Plumbing's exceptionally fast response times (often 30 minutes to 2 hours) and appreciation for their no-pressure, no-upselling service philosophy.
Key Takeaway: Howdy focuses on educating customers with options and explanations, while Mikes prioritizes speed and simplicity with minimal-intervention service when possible.
Customer Reviews
Howdy Plumbing
Kyle is a really nice guy. Did a great job for us and helped us with maintenance tips. Reasonably priced. We will definitely be using him again. Sounds of Sacramento Rehearsal
Kyle was very helpful and understanding with our problem. He explained what he was doing and how everything goes. Would heavily recommend this company.
Plumbing leak under sink. Kyle fixed clogged drain with ni charge! Very professional, will definitely use again!
Mikes Plumbing And Rooter
Mike is the only plumber you need. He is friendly, straightforward, and doesn't try to upsell. We needed someone to adjust the gas connection behind our new range to bring the range closer to the wall...
We hit a frantic snag on day one of a kitchen remodel when the water wouldn't turn off. A friend referred Mike and he came out the same day into the evening, fixed and replaced the valves and had wate...
I cannot recommend Mike enough- he really went above and beyond to get the job done. He's reliable, easygoing and has integrity. I appreciated his advice about potential future issues in my older home...
Consider Howdy Plumbing if...
- ✓ You want clear liability protection with workers compensation coverage in place, eliminating potential exposure if someone is injured during the plumbing work at your property
- ✓ You prefer a contractor who presents multiple solution options at different price points so you can choose based on budget versus long-term value
- ✓ Your project involves complex work like whole-house repiping or bathtub installations where thorough explanations and planning matter more than immediate arrival
Consider Mikes Plumbing And Rooter if...
- ✓ You're comfortable verifying workers comp status directly and confirming your homeowner's policy covers contractor injuries, or the plumber works alone as the owner
- ✓ You need the absolute fastest response time possible for emergencies, with arrival often within 30 minutes to 2 hours rather than same-day
- ✓ You value a no-pressure approach and appreciate contractors who might offer phone guidance for simple fixes rather than automatically charging for a service call
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Mikes: Ask directly about liability coverage and whether the owner works alone or with employees, then confirm with your homeowner's insurance whether you're covered if a contractor without workers comp is injured on your property
- → For both companies: Request references from projects completed in the past year similar to yours, since two years of licensing means limited track record with complex installations
- → Ask how they handle complications that arise mid-project, given their newer status means less experience diagnosing hidden damage in older homes
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Howdy Plumbing is the safer choice because workers compensation insurance protects you from significant liability if someone is injured at your property. Both companies are equally new with two years licensing and similar service quality, so the insurance difference becomes the deciding factor for risk-conscious homeowners. Choose Mikes only if you verify they work alone without employees, confirm your homeowner's policy covers uninsured contractors, and you specifically need their exceptionally fast emergency response times.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it matters for any work at your property. Even routine repairs involve risks like ladder falls, lifting injuries, or accidents in tight crawl spaces. If a worker without workers comp coverage is seriously injured at your home, your homeowner's insurance may have to cover medical bills and lost wages, potentially affecting your rates or coverage.
Two years is relatively new for complex projects like whole-house repiping or major sewer work where unexpected complications require seasoned judgment. For straightforward repairs and standard installations, newer contractors can perform well. For major projects, ask specifically for references from similar jobs and inquire about their background before obtaining their license.
Mikes Plumbing consistently receives feedback about 30-minute to 2-hour arrival times, which is exceptionally fast. Howdy Plumbing gets praised for same-day service including late evening availability, but reviews don't mention the sub-hour response times that Mikes customers frequently report. If you need someone at your door in under an hour during a flooding emergency, Mikes appears to prioritize that speed.
These aren't opposites—both companies communicate pricing clearly. The difference is approach: Howdy tends to present good-better-best options so you choose your price point, while Mikes focuses on what needs fixing without suggesting upgrades. Choose Howdy if you want to hear about premium solutions, or Mikes if you prefer the most straightforward fix without considering alternatives.
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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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