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Dittmann Plumbing vs Goodfellow Plumbing
San Mateo Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Dittmann's 50 years of experience and full insurance coverage provides stronger protection than Goodfellow's 15 years without workers comp.
| Dittmann Plumbing | Goodfellow Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 3.9 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 50 years | 15 years |
| License # | 311169 | 963098 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | San Mateo, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Website | www.dittmannplumbing.com | — |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Dittmann Plumbing
Customers consistently praise Dittmann's detailed explanations, punctuality, and responsive communication across diverse plumbing projects from routine repairs to emergency situations.
Goodfellow Plumbing
Customers emphasize Goodfellow's flexible problem-solving and ability to adapt installation plans when technical challenges arise, particularly for gas line work.
Key Takeaway: Dittmann's feedback reflects breadth across many project types with emphasis on communication and reliability, while Goodfellow's reviews focus specifically on resourcefulness during complex installations requiring plan modifications.
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!
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 Dittmann Plumbing if...
- ✓ You need workers compensation protection and want to avoid potential liability if someone gets injured during your plumbing work
- ✓ Your home is older and may have outdated plumbing systems where 50 years of local experience matters for diagnosing hidden issues
- ✓ You value detailed explanations of the work process and want technicians who walk you through each repair step
- ✓ You need comprehensive plumbing services including emergency response, water heaters, drain clearing, or fixture replacements
Consider Goodfellow Plumbing if...
- ✓ You have a complex installation requiring creative problem-solving and willingness to adapt plans when initial approaches don't work
- ✓ You need gas line installation alongside plumbing services and value resourcefulness in finding alternative solutions
- ✓ You're willing to accept the workers comp liability risk in exchange for potentially working with a smaller operation with high owner involvement
- ✓ Your project is straightforward enough that 15 years of experience provides sufficient expertise
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Goodfellow directly about liability coverage and confirm with your homeowner's insurance whether you're protected if a worker is injured on your property
- → Ask Dittmann for specific references from projects similar to yours, particularly if you have an older home with potential hidden plumbing issues
- → Ask both companies for detailed written estimates breaking down labor and materials to compare pricing structures
- → Ask Goodfellow about their crew size and whether the owner will be on-site for your project given the high owner involvement pattern
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Dittmann Plumbing is the safer choice with full workers compensation coverage protecting you from liability, 50 years of deep local experience for handling complications in older homes, and demonstrated capability across diverse plumbing needs. The insurance protection alone is significant—without it, you're assuming real financial risk. Consider Goodfellow only if you specifically need gas line work requiring creative problem-solving, you've confirmed your insurance covers contractor injuries, and your project doesn't require the institutional knowledge that comes with five decades of Bay Area plumbing experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward fixture replacements or drain snaking, 15 years is sufficient. But for older San Mateo homes with galvanized pipes, outdated venting, or mysterious leaks, Dittmann's 50 years means they've seen virtually every configuration and hidden problem that can arise. That depth helps avoid costly surprises mid-project.
Potentially yes. Without workers comp, an injured worker could sue you as the property owner. Your homeowner's insurance may provide some coverage, but it varies by policy. Call your insurance agent before hiring any contractor without workers comp to understand your specific exposure.
Some customers found Dittmann's installation quotes higher than expected, though service call pricing receives less criticism. Get written estimates from both companies for your specific project. The workers comp protection and deeper experience may justify a premium, but you should compare actual numbers for your situation.
Goodfellow's reviews specifically highlight successful gas line installation with adaptive problem-solving, while Dittmann's available feedback doesn't emphasize gas work. If gas line installation is your primary need and you're comfortable with the workers comp risk, Goodfellow shows demonstrated capability in that area.
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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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