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Goodfellow Plumbing vs Tremors Plumbing And Sewer
San Mateo Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Goodfellow brings 15 years of veteran experience but lacks workers compensation, while Tremors is newer with only 3 years licensed but carries proper insurance coverage.
| Goodfellow Plumbing | Tremors Plumbing And Sewer | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 15 years | 3 years |
| License # | 963098 | 1095390 |
| Workers' Comp | — | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | San Bruno, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Website | — | tremorsplumbingandsewerinc.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Goodfellow Plumbing
Customers consistently praise Goodfellow's flexible problem-solving abilities and willingness to adapt installation approaches when initial plans encounter obstacles.
Tremors Plumbing And Sewer
Customers repeatedly highlight Tremors' exceptional response speed with same-day and after-hours service, combined with fair pricing and thorough explanations throughout the service process.
Key Takeaway: Goodfellow's strength lies in adaptive technical problem-solving during complex projects, while Tremors excels at rapid emergency response and clear customer communication across routine service calls.
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...
Tremors Plumbing And Sewer
They're the best - simply put. They have the knowledge, the skills, and do an amazing job. Jordan and Effren installed a new toilet, fixed our shower and tub, and installed a new water heater, all i...
Francisco & David are amazing! I had a problem and they solved it with expertise and care! Thank you guys!! I highly recommend them.
Francisco was responsive, fast, and professional. He was able to come out in the evening within thirty minutes of my call and took care of the problem with our clogged pipes. Will definitely be using ...
Consider Goodfellow Plumbing if...
- ✓ You have a complex plumbing issue in an older home where diagnosing hidden problems and adapting solutions on the fly will be critical, and you're comfortable verifying your homeowner's insurance covers contractor injuries
- ✓ Your project involves gas line work that may require creative routing or problem-solving when initial installation plans need modification
- ✓ You prioritize veteran-level experience over emergency response speed and are willing to accept the workers compensation insurance gap
- ✓ You've confirmed with your insurance agent that you have adequate liability coverage for uninsured contractors working on your property
Consider Tremors Plumbing And Sewer if...
- ✓ You need emergency plumbing service and value documented fast response times, including same-day and after-hours availability
- ✓ Workers compensation coverage is a non-negotiable requirement for contractors working on your property to protect yourself from liability
- ✓ Your project is straightforward enough that 3 years of licensed experience is sufficient, such as water heater installation, drain clearing, or toilet replacement
- ✓ You want a plumber with documented reasonable pricing and a track record of thorough customer communication throughout the service
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → For Goodfellow: Ask directly about liability coverage and confirm with your homeowner's insurance that you're protected if a worker is injured on your property during the project
- → For Goodfellow: Request references from projects completed in the past 2-3 years involving similar complexity to yours
- → For Tremors: Ask about experience with projects similar to yours and whether they've encountered complications like the ones veteran plumbers typically handle
- → For both: Confirm availability for your timeline and whether they personally perform the work or use subcontractors
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Tremors Plumbing And Sewer is the safer choice despite less experience, primarily because their workers compensation coverage protects you from significant liability risk. Their documented emergency responsiveness, reasonable pricing, and 3 years of successful service delivery across diverse project types make them well-suited for typical residential plumbing needs. Choose Goodfellow only if your project genuinely requires veteran-level diagnostic skills and adaptive problem-solving, and only after confirming with your insurance agent that you're protected from contractor injury claims. For straightforward repairs, replacements, or emergency situations, Tremors offers better risk management and faster response times.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward repairs like drain clearing or water heater replacement, 3 years is generally adequate. However, for older homes with galvanized pipes, sewer line issues requiring diagnosis, or projects where hidden damage might emerge, 15 years of experience means exposure to far more complications and solutions. Goodfellow's veteran status becomes most valuable when projects don't go according to plan.
If a worker is seriously injured on your property and the contractor lacks workers comp, the injured worker may file a claim against your homeowner's insurance, potentially raising your premiums or exceeding your coverage limits. The risk increases with job complexity and duration. You should call your insurance agent before hiring any contractor without workers comp to understand your specific exposure.
Yes, customer feedback consistently highlights Tremors' same-day response and after-hours availability, with multiple mentions of arrival within an hour. If you have an active leak, backed-up sewer, or failed water heater, Tremors has documented strength in rapid response. Goodfellow's reviews don't emphasize emergency speed, suggesting their strength is more in planned projects requiring problem-solving.
Both have performed gas line work successfully, but the choice depends on your priorities. Goodfellow's reviews specifically mention flexibility when gas line routing requires creative solutions and plan modifications. Tremors has performed gas line installations as part of their documented service range with professional results. For straightforward gas line runs, either works; for complex routing in tight spaces or older homes, Goodfellow's veteran experience may prove valuable if you can address the workers comp concern.
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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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