Compare Local Pros
Stellar Plumbing vs Tremors Plumbing And Sewer
San Mateo Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Stellar brings 20 years of experience versus Tremors' 3 years, but Tremors specializes in emergency response and same-day availability.
| Stellar Plumbing | Tremors Plumbing And Sewer | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 20 years | 3 years |
| License # | 863322 | 1095390 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Brisbane, CA | San Mateo, CA |
| Website | stellarplumbinginc.com | tremorsplumbingandsewerinc.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Stellar Plumbing
Customers emphasize Stellar's punctuality, professional approach, and clear explanations during scheduled service appointments for fixture and system installations.
Tremors Plumbing And Sewer
Customers consistently highlight Tremors' exceptional speed and emergency availability, with same-day service and sub-hour response times combined with reasonable pricing.
Key Takeaway: Stellar receives praise for scheduled reliability and professionalism, while Tremors stands out for emergency responsiveness and competitive pricing—reflecting fundamentally different service models.
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!
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 Stellar Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your project involves an older home where hidden complications are likely, and you need a contractor who has seen how systems fail over time
- ✓ You're planning a significant plumbing investment like whole-house repiping or complex fixture upgrades where two decades of diagnostic experience adds meaningful value
- ✓ You prefer scheduling work in advance with a contractor whose 20-year track record provides maximum confidence in project completion
- ✓ Your timeline is flexible and you prioritize veteran expertise over emergency availability
Consider Tremors Plumbing And Sewer if...
- ✓ You need same-day or emergency service for urgent issues like drain blockages, sewer problems, or water heater failures where waiting days isn't practical
- ✓ You require after-hours or weekend availability for plumbing emergencies that can't wait for standard business hours
- ✓ You're comparing multiple quotes and want competitive pricing without sacrificing professional service quality
- ✓ Your project involves drain clearing, sewer line work, water heater installation, or other services where Tremors has documented customer experience and fast turnaround matters more than decades of history
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Stellar about their typical scheduling timeline and whether they offer emergency service if needed during your project
- → Ask Tremors for references from projects similar in scope to yours, particularly if your work involves complex diagnostics rather than straightforward repairs
- → Ask both companies about warranty terms on their work and whether pricing includes potential complications that might arise
- → Confirm each company's availability window that matches your project urgency and scheduling preferences
The Bottom Line
For emergency situations, drain clearing, sewer issues, or projects where same-day service matters, Tremors' operational model and documented fast response times make them the practical choice despite less experience. For complex projects involving older homes, major system work, or situations where diagnosing hidden problems is likely, Stellar's 20-year track record provides substantially more confidence and is worth the potential price premium. Both maintain proper insurance and bonding, so your decision comes down to project complexity versus timeline urgency. If your need is urgent and straightforward, call Tremors. If your project is complex or represents a major investment, Stellar's veteran experience offers better risk mitigation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward work like fixture replacement or basic drain clearing, both contractors have sufficient capability. The experience gap becomes significant when diagnosing intermittent problems, working with older pipe materials, or handling projects where complications are likely. Stellar's 20 years means exposure to how systems fail over decades, which helps anticipate hidden issues.
Three years of licensing represents established presence beyond startup phase, and their workers comp and bonding provide homeowner protection. However, for major investments like whole-system replacements or complex renovations, Stellar's longer track record offers more assurance. For emergency repairs and standard installations, Tremors has demonstrated competence through consistent customer satisfaction.
The review data doesn't indicate Stellar specializes in emergency response the way Tremors does. Tremors' business model clearly emphasizes same-day and after-hours availability with documented sub-hour response times. If emergency availability is critical to your situation, ask Stellar directly about their emergency service capabilities before assuming they match Tremors' responsiveness.
Tremors receives specific customer mentions of reasonable and competitive pricing, suggesting they compete on cost. Stellar's pricing isn't directly addressed in customer feedback, which may indicate standard market rates. For routine work where both have adequate capability, requesting quotes from both allows direct price comparison while considering Stellar's experience premium versus Tremors' competitive positioning.
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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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