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Goodfellow Plumbing vs Stellar Plumbing
San Mateo Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Stellar Plumbing carries workers compensation insurance while Goodfellow does not, a critical liability protection difference despite both being veteran contractors.
| Goodfellow Plumbing | Stellar Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 15 years | 20 years |
| License # | 963098 | 863322 |
| Workers' Comp | — | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | San Bruno, CA | Brisbane, CA |
| Website | — | stellarplumbinginc.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Goodfellow Plumbing
Customers emphasize Goodfellow's ability to adapt and find creative solutions when installations encounter unexpected obstacles requiring plan modifications.
Stellar Plumbing
Customers consistently praise Stellar's operational reliability, particularly punctual arrivals and clear communication throughout straightforward service calls.
Key Takeaway: Goodfellow is recognized for handling complexity and challenges, while Stellar is valued for process consistency and reliability on standard plumbing work.
Customer Reviews
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...
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 Goodfellow Plumbing if...
- ✓ You have a complex installation project that may require creative solutions and flexibility when unexpected conditions arise, and you're comfortable assuming potential liability risk
- ✓ Your homeowner's insurance policy explicitly covers contractor injuries for uninsured workers, which you've verified directly with your insurance agent
- ✓ You value a contractor's adaptive problem-solving approach over process consistency, particularly for challenging gas line or custom plumbing work
Consider Stellar Plumbing if...
- ✓ You want to eliminate personal liability exposure from worker injuries, which is the standard protection homeowners should expect
- ✓ You prioritize reliable scheduling and clear communication throughout the project, especially for straightforward installations and repairs
- ✓ You prefer a contractor with the longest track record in the area, representing five additional years of experience handling complications and diagnosing hidden damage
- ✓ You're planning faucet upgrades, filtration systems, or general plumbing repairs where operational consistency matters
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Goodfellow: Ask directly about liability coverage and verify with your homeowner's insurance whether you're protected if an uninsured worker is injured on your property
- → For Goodfellow: Request references from recent projects involving similar complexity to yours, particularly if your job may encounter unexpected conditions
- → For Stellar: Ask about their experience with adaptive problem-solving if your project involves older systems or potential complications
- → For both: Confirm which specific technician will handle your job and how long they've been with the company
The Bottom Line
Stellar Plumbing is the clearer choice for most homeowners. The workers compensation coverage alone eliminates a significant liability risk that you shouldn't have to accept, and their twenty-year track record with consistent punctuality and communication provides the operational reliability most plumbing projects require. Consider Goodfellow only if you have a genuinely complex project requiring adaptive problem-solving and you've verified with your insurance agent that you're protected from contractor injury liability—but even then, recognize you're accepting risk that most established contractors don't ask clients to assume.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It matters equally regardless of project size. Plumbing work involves inherent risks—crawling under houses, working in tight spaces, handling pressurized systems. A worker can be injured during a simple faucet replacement just as easily as during complex work. Without workers comp, you could be liable for medical bills and lost wages that easily reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Yes, particularly for diagnosing problems. Twenty years versus fifteen represents approximately 1,000-1,500 additional jobs completed, exposing the contractor to more edge cases, hidden damage scenarios, and complication patterns. For straightforward installations this matters less, but for older homes or systems with potential hidden issues, that additional pattern recognition is valuable.
Only if you've verified your homeowner's insurance covers uninsured contractor injuries and you have a project requiring significant adaptation. For standard repairs and installations, the insurance gap presents unnecessary risk. If you do need creative problem-solving, get written confirmation of your liability coverage first.
The data doesn't indicate emergency response capabilities for either contractor. Stellar's consistent punctuality for scheduled appointments suggests operational reliability, but neither company's review patterns specifically address after-hours emergencies. Ask both directly about emergency availability and response times if this is a priority.
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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