Compare Local Pros
Castillo Plumbing vs Stellar Plumbing
San Mateo Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Stellar Plumbing has five more years of experience and carries workers compensation insurance, while Castillo does not.
| Castillo Plumbing | Stellar Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 15 years | 20 years |
| License # | 958170 | 863322 |
| Workers' Comp | — | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | South San Francisco, CA | Brisbane, CA |
| Website | www.castilloplumbinginc.com | stellarplumbinginc.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Castillo Plumbing
Castillo receives consistent praise for fast emergency response times and handling urgent situations including weekends, with customers emphasizing speed and clear communication during crisis calls.
Stellar Plumbing
Stellar earns recognition for punctual scheduled appointments and technicians who provide detailed explanations of work, with customers appreciating the organized service process for planned projects.
Key Takeaway: Castillo specializes in rapid emergency response while Stellar focuses on reliable scheduled service with thorough explanations, representing distinct service approaches rather than quality differences.
Customer Reviews
Castillo Plumbing
Had an emergency and Castillo Plumbing responded quickly, set expectations, and got the job done!
I love the work they did in my house very kind workers and also very understanding would 100% recommend.
(Translated by Google) Excellent service, fast, responsible, and organized. Very good, keep it up! (Original) Excelente servicio rapido y responsables y ordenados muy bien sigan haci .
Stellar Plumbing
Carter is an experienced professional who's on time and always fixes any issues we are having. Highly recommend!
Great experience from start to finish. Scheduling the appointment was easy, they arrived right on time, and Lan was extremely knowledgeable. Everything was explained clearly and the work was done effi...
Super happy with our upgraded kitchen faucet and water filtration system! Highly recommended professional service!
Consider Castillo Plumbing if...
- ✓ You're facing an urgent plumbing emergency and need immediate response, where Castillo's proven track record for fast emergency service is valuable
- ✓ You're willing to verify their liability coverage directly and confirm your homeowner's policy would cover potential worker injuries
- ✓ You prioritize speed of response over maximum years of experience for straightforward emergency repairs like drain clearing or emergency leak fixes
Consider Stellar Plumbing if...
- ✓ You want comprehensive insurance protection without any gaps in workers compensation coverage
- ✓ Your project involves scheduled work like fixture upgrades or system installations where punctuality and detailed explanations matter more than emergency speed
- ✓ You prefer working with a contractor who has the maximum experience available (20 years) for diagnosing hidden issues in older plumbing systems
- ✓ You value clear scheduling processes and on-time arrivals for planned service appointments
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Castillo Plumbing directly about their liability coverage practices and confirm whether your homeowner's insurance would cover injuries to their workers on your property
- → Ask both companies for references from projects similar to yours, particularly if you have an older home with potentially complicated plumbing
- → Ask about their typical response times for your specific type of project—emergency versus scheduled service—to ensure alignment with your needs
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Stellar Plumbing is the safer choice with complete insurance coverage, five additional years of experience, and strong performance on scheduled service calls. The workers compensation coverage alone eliminates significant liability risk. However, if you're facing a plumbing emergency right now and need immediate response, Castillo's proven emergency capabilities may outweigh the insurance gap—just verify their liability coverage first and check with your homeowner's insurance. For planned projects like fixture installations or system upgrades, Stellar's comprehensive coverage and punctuality make them the clear recommendation.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
If a plumber is injured while working on your property and the company lacks workers comp, your homeowner's insurance may be liable for medical costs and lost wages. This is a real financial risk you should discuss with both Castillo and your insurance agent before hiring.
Twenty years versus fifteen years both represent substantial experience, but those additional five years mean more exposure to unusual situations and complex diagnostics. For straightforward repairs, the difference is minimal; for older homes with hidden issues, more experience can prevent costly mistakes.
Castillo's reviews specifically highlight fast emergency response and weekend availability, suggesting they prioritize urgent calls. Stellar's feedback focuses more on scheduled appointments and punctuality, indicating they may be better suited for planned work rather than immediate emergencies.
Both receive positive feedback for professionalism and quality work. The difference is not in reliability but in service focus—Castillo excels at rapid emergency response while Stellar emphasizes scheduled service with detailed explanations and on-time arrivals.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top plumbing contractors in San Mateo.
Other San Mateo 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.