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Stellar Plumbing vs Tavor Plumbing
San Mateo Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Two equally experienced veteran plumbers, but Tavor lacks workers compensation insurance which creates liability risk for homeowners.
| Stellar Plumbing | Tavor Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 4.7 |
| Years Licensed | 20 years | 20 years |
| License # | 863322 | 866266 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Brisbane, CA | San Bruno, CA |
| Website | stellarplumbinginc.com | tavorplumbing.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Stellar Plumbing
Stellar Plumbing receives consistent praise for punctuality, professional service, and clear explanations during standard installations and repairs.
Tavor Plumbing
Tavor Plumbing stands out for diagnostic problem-solving abilities, with multiple customers noting they resolved issues other plumbers missed, leading to repeat business.
Key Takeaway: Tavor shows a pattern of handling more complex troubleshooting and diverse project types with high owner involvement, while Stellar focuses on straightforward service execution with clear communication.
Customer Reviews
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!
Tavor Plumbing
Fidelity home warranty sent Rick to fix our shower mixer valve after they had sent a different plumber to diagnose it. Rick was very responsive and easy to schedule then when he came he did a great jo...
A truly wonderful experience! Our plumber was punctual and super communicative. He showed up the same day he got the call for some non-emergency repairs, diagnosed the issues and came back the next da...
Rick has helped us through plumbing issues big and small. Never any stress and always with a great sense of humor. He's a notch professional and a top notch guy!
Consider Stellar Plumbing if...
- ✓ You want full insurance protection without verifying your own homeowner's policy coverage for contractor injuries on your property.
- ✓ Your project is straightforward like faucet replacement, water filtration installation, or routine repairs where diagnostic complexity isn't the primary concern.
- ✓ You prefer working with a company that maintains complete insurance compliance without requiring additional verification steps before scheduling.
Consider Tavor Plumbing if...
- ✓ You're willing to verify workers comp coverage directly or confirm your homeowner's policy protects you if a contractor is injured during the job.
- ✓ Your plumbing issue is complex or has stumped other plumbers, as reviews specifically highlight Tavor's diagnostic problem-solving abilities.
- ✓ You value high owner involvement and need services like sewer line work, gas leak repair, or water heater replacement that require specialized expertise.
- ✓ You're working through a home warranty or insurance company, as Tavor has established partnerships in this area.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Tavor directly whether they now carry workers compensation insurance, and if not, ask your homeowner's insurance agent whether your policy covers injuries to uninsured contractors on your property.
- → Ask Tavor for documentation of any alternative liability coverage they maintain to protect homeowners during service calls.
- → Ask both companies for references from projects similar to yours, particularly if your work involves complex diagnostics or specialized systems.
The Bottom Line
If you need straightforward plumbing work and want complete insurance protection without additional steps, Stellar Plumbing is the clearer choice with identical experience and full coverage. If you have a complex diagnostic problem or need specialized services like sewer or gas line work, Tavor's problem-solving reputation makes them worth considering, but only after confirming workers comp coverage directly or verifying your homeowner's policy covers you for contractor injuries. The insurance gap is the dealbreaker unless you're willing to manage that risk yourself.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It matters significantly for your financial protection. If a worker without coverage is injured on your property, you could face medical claims or lawsuits that your homeowner's insurance may need to cover, potentially affecting your premiums. Stellar eliminates this risk entirely while Tavor requires you to verify your own coverage before proceeding.
No, both companies have identical 20-year track records and veteran status. The insurance gap is an administrative and financial protection issue, not a reflection of plumbing skill. Tavor actually shows evidence of handling more complex diagnostic work, but the insurance concern is separate from technical capability.
Tavor's reviews specifically mention same-day and next-day availability, plus they handle emergency services including gas leaks. If you need urgent service and can quickly verify insurance coverage, Tavor appears more oriented toward rapid response situations.
The data doesn't include pricing information for either company. However, companies without workers comp sometimes have lower overhead costs that could translate to lower prices, though this isn't guaranteed. Request quotes from both to compare directly for your specific project.
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 11, 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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