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Dr Drain Plumbing And Rooter vs Goodfellow Plumbing
San Mateo Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Goodfellow Plumbing brings 15 years of licensed experience versus Dr Drain's 3 years, though both lack workers compensation coverage.
| Dr Drain Plumbing And Rooter | Goodfellow Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 3 years | 15 years |
| License # | 1100857 | 963098 |
| Workers' Comp | — | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Millbrae, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Website | drdrainplumbingandrooter.com | — |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Dr Drain Plumbing And Rooter
Dr Drain customers consistently emphasize rapid response times, same-day availability, clear communication, and technicians arriving fully prepared with necessary parts and tools.
Goodfellow Plumbing
Goodfellow customers highlight adaptive problem-solving and flexibility when projects require modification or alternative approaches during execution.
Key Takeaway: Dr Drain's reviews focus on speed and preparation for emergency service, while Goodfellow's emphasize technical resourcefulness for complex installations, suggesting different operational priorities.
Customer Reviews
Dr Drain Plumbing And Rooter
I had to install gas and water shutoff valves for my insurance change and Dickson and Dandy installed the valves perfectly for us. I got quotes from a couple more places and Dickson's quotes were most...
Very reliable and reasonable plumbing services. I've used Dixon and his crew for several issues over the past five years. They've helped during an emergency (Sunday night) and have consistently provid...
Very professional and thorough folks. I called them for a same day emergency leak under the sink and they arrived within the hour. They diagnosed the issue and had everything ready in the van. After a...
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 Dr Drain Plumbing And Rooter if...
- ✓ You need emergency plumbing service tonight or this weekend, as Dr Drain specializes in rapid response with consistent reports of arrival within hours of initial contact
- ✓ Clear communication throughout the process matters to you, with customers frequently noting detailed explanations and regular updates during scheduling
- ✓ You want a plumber who arrives prepared with parts already stocked in their vehicle, reducing the likelihood of multiple trips for common repairs
- ✓ Your project is straightforward residential work like fixture replacement, drain clearing, or leak repair where speed and preparation outweigh long-term institutional knowledge
Consider Goodfellow Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your project involves gas line installation or complex work where Goodfellow's specific experience is documented in customer reviews
- ✓ You value veteran contractor experience for diagnosing hidden problems or handling complications that emerge during repairs, which 15 years of licensed work provides
- ✓ Flexible problem-solving matters more than response speed, particularly if initial installation plans require adaptation or alternative approaches
- ✓ You prefer working with an established contractor who has navigated 15 years of code changes, supplier relationships, and diverse San Mateo County plumbing systems
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Confirm your homeowner's insurance policy covers contractor injuries on your property, and ask each company about their liability coverage given neither carries workers compensation
- → Ask Dr Drain for references from projects similar to yours completed during their three years in business, particularly if your job involves complex diagnostics
- → Ask Goodfellow about their typical response timeframe for service calls, as their reviews don't emphasize speed the way Dr Drain's do
- → Request detailed project timelines and availability from both companies, as Dr Drain emphasizes same-day service while Goodfellow's approach may differ
The Bottom Line
For emergency plumbing needs requiring same-day response and clear communication, Dr Drain Plumbing And Rooter demonstrates consistent delivery despite being newer to the industry. For complex installations, gas line work, or projects where veteran diagnostic experience and adaptive problem-solving justify waiting for availability, Goodfellow Plumbing's 15 years of licensed work provides deeper institutional knowledge. The workers compensation gap affects both equally—verify your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries before hiring either company. If your project is straightforward and time-sensitive, Dr Drain's proven rapid response gives them the edge. For technical complexity, Goodfellow's experience depth becomes more valuable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward fixture replacements or simple drain clearing, the gap matters less. But for diagnosing mysterious leaks, handling old pipe systems, or managing complications during repairs, Goodfellow's 15 years means exposure to hundreds more problem scenarios. Dr Drain's 3 years is still meaningful experience, but veteran contractors have seen more edge cases that help when standard solutions don't work.
If a plumber is injured while working on your property and the company lacks workers comp, your homeowner's insurance could become the primary coverage, potentially affecting your rates or exposing you to liability claims. Before hiring either company, call your insurance agent to confirm your policy covers contractor injuries and understand any coverage limits or deductible implications.
Dr Drain appears to focus heavily on generating customer feedback as part of their growth strategy, common for newer businesses building reputation. Goodfellow's 15 years may rely more on repeat clients and referrals than online reviews. The review volume difference doesn't necessarily indicate service quality, but it does show Dr Drain's emphasis on documented customer satisfaction.
Dr Drain clearly positions itself for emergency response, with consistent customer reports of same-day and weekend service within hours of calling. Goodfellow's reviews don't emphasize speed, suggesting they may be better suited for planned installations or projects where problem-solving capability matters more than immediate arrival. Ask Goodfellow directly about their emergency service availability if you need urgent response.
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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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