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Dinelli Plumbing vs Goodfellow Plumbing
San Mateo Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Dinelli Plumbing carries workers compensation insurance while Goodfellow does not, a critical liability difference despite both being veteran contractors.
| Dinelli Plumbing | Goodfellow Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.5 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 24 years | 15 years |
| License # | 801472 | 963098 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Foster City, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Website | www.dinelliplumbing.com | — |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Dinelli Plumbing
Customers emphasize Dinelli's efficiency and integrity, particularly the willingness to repair rather than replace components unnecessarily.
Goodfellow Plumbing
Customers highlight Goodfellow's resourcefulness and flexibility when installations require alternative approaches due to unforeseen complications.
Key Takeaway: Dinelli is praised for straightforward honesty on repairs, while Goodfellow earns recognition for adaptive problem-solving on complex installations, suggesting different project strengths.
Customer Reviews
Dinelli Plumbing
Great sub contractor!! They just get it done and are very professional.
Great plumber,repaired the old valve instead of upselling a new one
Goodfellow Plumbing
I highly recommend Noel with Goodfellow Plumbing. He had to modify his original plan to install a new gas line and instead of scrubbing the installation, he came up with a solution from a different so...
Consider Dinelli Plumbing if...
- ✓ You want protection from liability if a worker gets injured during your plumbing project, as Dinelli maintains workers compensation coverage
- ✓ Your project is straightforward repair work and you value honest assessments without pressure to replace components unnecessarily
- ✓ You prefer a contractor with nearly a quarter-century of experience who has seen and solved more varieties of plumbing problems
- ✓ You're located in or near Foster City and want a local contractor with minimal travel time
Consider Goodfellow Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your project involves complex gas line installation or modifications where adaptive problem-solving is critical
- ✓ You're willing to verify insurance coverage directly and potentially adjust your own homeowner's policy to cover gaps
- ✓ You value a contractor known for persistence in finding alternative solutions when initial approaches don't work
- ✓ You're located closer to San Bruno and prioritize reduced service area distance
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Goodfellow: Ask directly about liability coverage and confirm whether your homeowner's insurance will cover worker injuries if workers comp isn't carried
- → For Dinelli: Ask about experience with projects similar to yours, especially if your work involves gas lines rather than standard plumbing repairs
- → For both: Request references from projects completed in the last year that match your scope of work
- → For Goodfellow: Ask how they handle insurance verification and whether they can provide alternative liability protection documentation
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Dinelli Plumbing is the safer choice with 24 years of experience, full workers compensation coverage, and a reputation for honest work without upselling. The insurance difference alone significantly reduces your liability risk. Consider Goodfellow only if your project involves complex gas line work where their adaptive problem-solving shines, and only after confirming liability coverage arrangements directly. If you're doing standard plumbing repairs or want straightforward protection, Dinelli offers clearer advantages across the board.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dinelli's 24 years versus Goodfellow's 15 years means Dinelli has navigated nearly a decade more of code changes, material evolutions, and unusual problem scenarios. For straightforward repairs, both have sufficient experience. For older homes with hidden issues or complex retrofits, the additional experience can mean faster diagnosis and more creative solutions to complications.
If a Goodfellow worker is injured on your property, they could file a claim against your homeowner's insurance or sue you directly. Some homeowner's policies cover this, but many have exclusions for contractor injuries. You should call your insurance agent before hiring to understand your exposure and whether additional coverage is needed.
Reviews show Dinelli handling valve repairs efficiently, while Goodfellow is noted for gas line installations requiring adaptive problem-solving. Both are licensed for comprehensive plumbing work, but their review patterns suggest Dinelli may focus more on repairs and Goodfellow on installations. Ask each contractor directly about their experience with your specific project type.
Some contractors operate as sole proprietors without employees, making workers comp optional in California. Others may have coverage that's not currently on file with the state. Before hiring Goodfellow, ask directly whether they have coverage, operate solo, or use subcontractors with their own insurance.
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See our ranked list of top plumbing contractors in San Mateo.
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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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