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Dittmann Plumbing vs Egan Plumbing
San Mateo Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Two veteran plumbers with similar credentials but Dittmann offers verifiable customer feedback while Egan has limited review history.
| Dittmann Plumbing | Egan Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 3.9 | ★ 3.7 |
| Years Licensed | 50 years | 40 years |
| License # | 311169 | 484784 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | San Mateo, CA | San Carlos, CA |
| Website | www.dittmannplumbing.com | www.eganplumbing.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Dittmann Plumbing
Customers consistently mention detailed work explanations, punctual arrivals, and responsive communication throughout projects, with some noting higher-than-expected pricing on installations.
Key Takeaway: Dittmann provides verifiable service patterns across multiple project types while Egan's limited review history requires additional reference checking to assess their actual service approach.
Customer Reviews
Dittmann Plumbing
Always responsive in a timely manner and reasonable.
It was a pleasure doing business with the folks at Dittman. They are punctual, knowledgeable, efficient, and professional. Don and Dave helped snake the kitchen drain, Maria answered my many questio...
These fellas know what it takes to resolve most every plumbing issue!
Egan Plumbing
The Best
Consider Dittmann Plumbing if...
- ✓ You want detailed explanations during repairs and appreciate technicians who walk you through each step of the work process
- ✓ Punctuality and responsive communication throughout the project are priorities worth paying for
- ✓ You're comfortable requesting detailed quotes upfront given feedback about higher pricing on some installation projects
- ✓ You value verifiable customer feedback that documents consistent service patterns across multiple project types
Consider Egan Plumbing if...
- ✓ You have a direct referral from someone who recently used Egan and can describe their actual experience firsthand
- ✓ You're willing to conduct additional reference checking to compensate for limited public feedback
- ✓ Pricing competitiveness is a priority and you want to compare quotes from both veteran companies
- ✓ Their San Carlos location is more convenient for your property and you prefer working with the closest available contractor
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Egan for at least three recent references with projects similar to yours, and actually call them to ask about communication style and pricing transparency
- → Request detailed written estimates from both companies that break down labor and materials separately to compare pricing structures
- → Ask each company how they handle unexpected complications discovered during work and whether their quotes include contingency provisions
- → Confirm typical response times for both routine appointments and emergency calls in your specific area of San Mateo County
The Bottom Line
Dittmann Plumbing offers more predictability through documented customer patterns showing detailed service explanations and punctual communication, though you should expect potentially higher pricing and request itemized quotes upfront. Egan Plumbing brings equivalent veteran credentials and may offer competitive pricing, but their limited review history requires you to invest time in reference checking before committing. If you need to decide quickly, Dittmann's verifiable service approach provides less uncertainty. If you can dedicate time to vetting Egan through direct references and you prioritize competitive pricing, request quotes from both and compare the total value proposition including communication commitments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Both companies qualify as veteran-tier contractors with multi-generational expertise in local plumbing systems and code requirements. The practical difference between 40 and 50 years is minimal for technical capability—both have navigated decades of building code updates and technology changes. The more relevant distinction is Dittmann's documented service approach versus Egan's limited verifiable feedback.
Several customers found installation quotes higher than expected, which suggests their pricing may be above market average for certain projects. This doesn't necessarily indicate poor value if their detailed explanations and reliable service justify the premium for your situation. Get itemized quotes from both companies to compare directly, and ask Dittmann to explain what's included in their pricing structure.
Not necessarily—some established contractors simply have fewer customers who leave online reviews, or they may rely heavily on repeat business and referrals. However, it does mean you need to do more legwork: ask Egan directly for references, verify how long their current technicians have been with the company, and potentially start with a smaller project to evaluate their service approach before committing to major work.
Dittmann has documented experience with emergency flood response and customers mention their responsiveness, which provides some confidence in urgent situations. However, for true emergencies, call both companies to see who can respond fastest—availability matters more than review history when you have water actively damaging your property. Verify emergency response protocols and typical arrival times when you request quotes.
Looking for the Best?
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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