Compare Local Pros
Comet Plumbing And Sewer vs Top Hat Plumbing
Santa Clara Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Two veteran plumbers with different risk profiles: Comet carries workers compensation while Top Hat does not, a significant liability consideration for homeowners.
| Comet Plumbing And Sewer | Top Hat Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 4.9 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 15 years | 22 years |
| License # | 951887 | 822792 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | — |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | Sunnyvale, CA | Morgan Hill, CA |
| Website | www.call-comet.com | www.tophatplumbing.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Comet Plumbing And Sewer
Comet's customers consistently emphasize speed and accessibility, with same-day service, weekend availability, and rapid emergency response mentioned repeatedly alongside clear communication.
Top Hat Plumbing
Top Hat's customers highlight diagnostic accuracy and long-term reliability, with some reporting nearly two decades of continued service and praise for solving complex problems efficiently.
Key Takeaway: Comet is characterized by rapid response and availability when you need help fast, while Top Hat is valued for accuracy in diagnosing difficult problems and maintaining relationships over many years.
Customer Reviews
Comet Plumbing And Sewer
Comet plumbing did a excellent job at my home . A fair price, competent, knowledgeable, efficient , clean and professional! Thank you Andy, I will be calling you for future issues if needed.
We had a drain issue right around the holidays and Andrew fixed it that same day. He and his team have always done great work at a fair price!
Andrew from Comet Plumbing was wonderful! He helped install two clean-outs and fixed a root infested pipe for a reasonable price (plus nice discount). I'll definitely be using them again!
Top Hat Plumbing
Top hat plumbing is top notch ! He installed a water leak detection system flawlessly for me at my house ; and do to the layout; was a seemingly daunting task ; but not for Russ. Highly recommend thi...
Russ has been my go-to plumber for almost 2 decades. He is honest, reliable and personable. He will go the extra mile to make sure everything is done right. Highly recommend!
Best plumber in Morgan Hill. Russ is super responsive and always shows up on time. He is trustworthy and always honest. He does great work and does things the right way!
Consider Comet Plumbing And Sewer if...
- ✓ You need weekend or holiday service, as customers consistently report Comet's availability outside standard business hours
- ✓ You want same-day response for plumbing emergencies, with customers noting Andrew often arrives within hours of contact
- ✓ Workers compensation coverage is important to you for liability protection if someone is injured during the project
- ✓ Your project is in Sunnyvale or northern Santa Clara County where Comet is based and can respond quickly
Consider Top Hat Plumbing if...
- ✓ You have a mystery leak or complex diagnostic challenge, as Top Hat specializes in leak detection systems and buried pipe problems
- ✓ Your home has older infrastructure or aging pipes that require experience with properties dating back decades
- ✓ You're willing to verify alternative liability coverage arrangements and confirm your homeowner's policy protects you adequately
- ✓ Your property is in Morgan Hill or southern Santa Clara County where Top Hat can provide local service
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Top Hat directly about liability coverage arrangements and whether they carry workers compensation through an alternative method not on file, then confirm with your homeowner's insurance what your exposure would be if a worker is injured
- → Ask Comet about typical response times to your specific location if you're outside central Sunnyvale
- → Ask both companies for references from projects similar to yours, particularly if you have diagnostic challenges or older home infrastructure
- → Ask about crew size and whether the owner will be on-site, as both companies indicate high owner involvement
The Bottom Line
For most homeowners, Comet Plumbing And Sewer is the safer choice with its workers compensation coverage protecting you from liability exposure, combined with strong credentials including 15 years of experience and customer praise for rapid response. Top Hat's lack of workers comp creates real risk unless you verify alternative coverage and confirm your homeowner's policy adequately protects you. If you have complex diagnostic needs and are willing to address the insurance gap directly with Top Hat and your own insurer, their 22 years of experience and leak detection expertise may serve you well. Otherwise, Comet offers veteran-level skill without the liability concern.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It matters significantly. If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, your homeowner's insurance may need to cover medical bills and liability claims, potentially affecting your rates or coverage. Before hiring Top Hat, contact your insurance agent to understand your exposure and ask Top Hat if they carry coverage through a method not shown in state records.
Not for most homeowners. Both companies operate at the veteran tier with deep expertise—15 versus 22 years doesn't create a meaningful skill gap at this experience level. The insurance difference represents a concrete liability risk, while the experience difference is marginal. Choose based on project needs and risk tolerance, not years alone.
Comet has a clear advantage for emergencies based on customer feedback. Reviews consistently mention same-day service, weekend availability, and response within hours of contact. Top Hat receives praise for reliability and on-time service but doesn't show the same pattern of rapid emergency response that Comet demonstrates.
Location matters for response time but shouldn't be the only factor. If you're in Sunnyvale, Comet's local presence supports their fast response reputation. If you're in Morgan Hill, Top Hat provides local service. For areas between them, ask both about typical response times to your address and weigh that against the workers compensation and service style differences.
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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 13, 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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