Compare Local Pros
Apollo Plumbing Services vs Clear Drain Plumbing
Santa Clara Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Clear Drain Plumbing brings 22 years of licensed experience versus Apollo's 4 years, a meaningful difference for complex plumbing diagnostics.
| Apollo Plumbing Services | Clear Drain Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 4.8 |
| Years Licensed | 4 years | 22 years |
| License # | 1093562 | 833802 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | East Palo Alto, CA | Los Gatos, CA |
| Website | — | www.cleardrainplumbing.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Apollo Plumbing Services
Apollo customers emphasize prompt service response, professional team conduct, and efficient completion with attention to detail in straightforward plumbing work.
Clear Drain Plumbing
Clear Drain customers consistently highlight rapid emergency response, diagnostic expertise, photo documentation practices, and long-term repeat relationships spanning many years.
Key Takeaway: Clear Drain demonstrates established emergency response systems and diagnostic capabilities with customers returning over decades, while Apollo's feedback focuses on fundamental service quality as a growing business.
Customer Reviews
Apollo Plumbing Services
I can't say enough good things about the plumbing service I received from plumber Palo Alto Plumbing Solutions. From start to finish, the experience was top-notch. Their staff was friendly and attenti...
I had an excellent experience with the plumbing services in East Palo Alto. The team was prompt, professional, and efficiently fixed my plumbing issue. They provided a clear explanation of the problem...
Quick response, excellent work! Apollo Plumbing Services in Palo Alto exceeded my expectations. If you need plumbing in Palo Alto, look no further.
Clear Drain Plumbing
Quick to respond. Excellent communication. Sent photos of all work that was completed. Highly recommend for any of your plumbing needs. Will definitely use again.
Prompt, efficient and professional. Would use them if I have any plumbing needs in the future.
I had an outstanding experience with Clear Drain Plumbing! He was impeccably professional, and wrapped up the job in record time. The pricing was fair and upfront. I can't recommend them enough for de...
Consider Apollo Plumbing Services if...
- ✓ You have a straightforward plumbing repair like a faucet leak or garbage disposal replacement that doesn't require complex diagnostics
- ✓ You're located in East Palo Alto or Palo Alto and prefer a local contractor who can respond quickly to your specific neighborhood
- ✓ You value supporting a growing local business and your project doesn't involve older home systems that might have hidden complications
- ✓ Your plumbing issue is clearly defined and you're comfortable with a contractor still building their track record with complex situations
Consider Clear Drain Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your home is older and plumbing problems may involve outdated systems, galvanized pipes, or hidden sewer line damage requiring experienced diagnostics
- ✓ You're facing an emergency situation like a backed-up sewer main and need a contractor with documented rapid response systems and emergency protocols
- ✓ You want photo documentation of completed work and established communication practices including appointment confirmations
- ✓ Your project involves complex work like repiping or sewer line clearing where 22 years of pattern recognition matters for avoiding complications
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Apollo for references from projects similar to yours, particularly if your home is older than 20 years or involves potential complications
- → Ask Clear Drain about their current service area responsiveness to your specific location, since they're based in Los Gatos
- → Request detailed estimates from both that specify warranties, timeline, and exact scope of work to compare value beyond just price
- → Ask both contractors how they handle unexpected discoveries during work, such as hidden pipe damage or code compliance issues
The Bottom Line
Clear Drain Plumbing is the stronger choice for most homeowners, particularly those with older homes, unclear plumbing problems, or emergency situations where 22 years of diagnostic experience and established response systems provide meaningful value. Apollo Plumbing Services represents a viable option for straightforward repairs in the East Palo Alto area where their local presence and competitive positioning as a growing business may offer advantages for simple, well-defined projects. If your situation involves any complexity or uncertainty about what's actually wrong, Clear Drain's veteran status isn't just a credential—it's practical protection against misdiagnosis and incomplete solutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For straightforward tasks like faucet replacement or simple drain clearing, both contractors can handle the work competently. The experience gap becomes significant when problems aren't what they initially appear—a slow drain that's actually a partially collapsed sewer line, or a water heater issue that reveals outdated venting. Clear Drain's 22 years means they've seen these patterns hundreds of times.
Apollo's East Palo Alto base positions them closer to Palo Alto customers, potentially meaning faster arrival for emergencies. Clear Drain operates from Los Gatos but serves Santa Clara County and demonstrates rapid response capabilities in their reviews. Ask each contractor directly about their typical response time to your specific address, especially if you're between the two locations.
Yes, both carry California's standard $25,000 bond and workers compensation insurance, providing identical financial protection if work isn't completed as agreed or if injuries occur. The bond amount is the same, but Clear Drain's 22-year track record without apparent licensing issues suggests established business practices, while Apollo is still proving their long-term reliability.
If your project involves diagnosing unclear problems, working with older home systems, or handling emergencies where mistakes are costly, the veteran experience often saves money by getting it right the first time. For simple, clearly-defined repairs where the scope is obvious, Apollo's pricing may offer better value. Get detailed estimates from both to compare actual cost differences for your specific situation.
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See our ranked list of top plumbing contractors in Santa Clara.
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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 07, 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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