Compare Local Pros
Mike Counsil Plumbing vs Bailey Plumbing
Santa Clara Plumbing Contractors Comparison · Updated March 2026
Mike Counsil brings 32 years of veteran experience versus Bailey's 7 years, but both companies are fully insured and bonded with strong customer feedback.
| Mike Counsil Plumbing | Bailey Plumbing | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★ 5.0 | ★ 5.0 |
| Years Licensed | 32 years | 7 years |
| License # | 679261 | 1044290 |
| Workers' Comp | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Bond Amount | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Location | San Jose, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Website | www.mcplumbing.com | baileyplumbinginc.com |
Key Differences
What Customers Say
Mike Counsil Plumbing
Customers consistently praise quick emergency response times, straightforward professionalism from both office and field staff, and fair pricing for standard plumbing repairs.
Bailey Plumbing
Reviews emphasize thorough diagnostics, detailed communication throughout projects, same-day availability including weekends, and successful completion of complex work like whole-house repiping and sewer repairs.
Key Takeaway: Bailey's feedback highlights comprehensive project management and detailed customer communication, while Mike Counsil's reviews focus on efficient emergency response and professional service delivery without extensive elaboration.
Customer Reviews
Mike Counsil Plumbing
I called Mike Counsil Plumbing and Rooter because my water heater was leaking all over my garage, Their customer service reps on the phone were very nice and courteous. They scheduled an appt for me r...
Thank you for coming out and fixing the garbage disposal. Their response was quick, and the technicians were very helpful. Plus, they wore booties and cleaned up after themselves.
I had an excellent experience with Mike Counsil Plumbing. They are very professional & patient explaining things to me. The pricing was fair, and the customer service was outstanding. I highly recomme...
Bailey Plumbing
I have used Bailey Plumbing several times over the last few years. They are always responsive and identify and fix the problem for a good price. I would highly recommend Bailey for your plumbing needs...
Huge thanks to Matt, Bryan, and Abel from Bailey Plumbing! They were incredibly responsive and even worked over the weekend to help us out. Their dedication and service were outstanding. Highly recomm...
Chrus came out and showed us exactly what was wrong with our drain.. quoted us a price. It was fixed perfectly and without a bunch of problems. I would definitely recommend abd use this company for an...
Consider Mike Counsil Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your plumbing issue requires emergency response and you value a company with three decades of troubleshooting experience across every type of residential system
- ✓ You have an older home where decades of licensing history means the technician has likely encountered your specific plumbing configuration and common failure points
- ✓ You prefer straightforward service without needing extensive project communication, appreciating efficient repairs with professional courtesy
- ✓ Your project involves standard plumbing maintenance, appliance repairs, or water heater work rather than comprehensive system replacement
Consider Bailey Plumbing if...
- ✓ Your project involves complex work like whole-house repiping, sewer lateral inspection and repair, or tankless water heater installation where Bailey's documented project range is relevant
- ✓ You value high owner involvement and detailed communication throughout the diagnostic and repair process, with transparency before work begins
- ✓ You're a rental property owner or real estate professional needing a plumber for varied projects, as Bailey's reviews mention repeat business from these customers
- ✓ You need same-day service including evenings and weekends, as Bailey's reviews specifically highlight this availability for emergency situations
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- → Ask Mike Counsil about their experience with comprehensive projects like whole-house repiping or sewer lateral work if your needs extend beyond standard repairs
- → Ask Bailey for references from projects completed during their first few years in business to understand how long their current team has worked together
- → Ask both companies about their typical response time for your specific situation and whether the technician who provides the estimate will perform the work
- → Ask about warranty coverage on both labor and parts for your specific project type
The Bottom Line
Mike Counsil's 32 years of continuous licensing provides veteran-level troubleshooting depth that matters most for older homes, complicated diagnostics, or situations where you want someone who has genuinely seen it all. Bailey offers comprehensive project capabilities with documented success in repiping, sewer work, and complex installations, backed by high owner involvement and detailed communication. For standard repairs and water heater work, both are solid choices—let Mike Counsil's experience edge win if troubleshooting depth matters to you. For major projects requiring coordination and system replacement, Bailey's documented project range and communication approach make them the stronger choice.
Get Up to 3 Free Quotes
Compare prices from licensed, verified contractors
Frequently Asked Questions
For simple fixture replacements or clear-cut repairs, both companies can handle the work competently. The experience gap becomes meaningful when diagnostics get complicated—older homes with galvanized pipes, unusual configurations, or hidden damage behind walls. Thirty-two years means Mike Counsil has seen virtually every plumbing scenario multiple times.
Bailey's reviews specifically document whole-house repiping projects with positive outcomes, while Mike Counsil's feedback focuses on repairs and water heater work. For comprehensive renovation projects, Bailey has demonstrated project management capabilities and the documentation to back it up. Ask Mike Counsil directly about their repiping experience if you prefer their veteran status.
Yes, both companies provide the same fundamental protection with workers compensation coverage and $25,000 bonds. This means you're protected from liability if a worker is injured and have recourse if work isn't completed as contracted. The insurance protection is equivalent regardless of the experience difference.
Both companies receive positive feedback for emergency response times. Mike Counsil's reviews mention quick response to urgent situations like water heater leaks, while Bailey's reviews specifically highlight same-day availability including evenings and weekends. For your specific emergency timeframe, call both and compare their actual availability this week.
Looking for the Best?
See our ranked list of top plumbing contractors in Santa Clara.
Other Santa Clara Plumbing Contractors Comparisons
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 08, 2026.
This comparison is based on publicly available information. We recommend getting multiple quotes and verifying all credentials directly before hiring.
Get in Touch
Have questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you.