Plumbing Pipe Repair

Find the best plumbing services and plumbers in San Francisco

Find the best plumbing services and plumbers in San Francisco

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Top 10 Plumbers near San Francisco, CA

Avatar for Flow Elite Plumbing & Hydronic Heating
Avatar for Flow Elite Plumbing & Hydronic Heating
10.
Flow Elite Plumbing & Hydronic Heating
10.
Flow Elite Plumbing & Hydronic Heating

5.0

(1)

5.0

(1)

Plumbing Drain Repair, Plumbing Pipe Repair, Plumbing Pipe Installation or Replacement, Toilet Repair, Sink or Faucet Installation or Replacement, Sink or Faucet Repair, Water Heater Installation or Replacement, Toilet Installation or Replacement

Licensed pro
  • Serves San Francisco, CA
Sarah J. says, "We have used Matt for multiple jobs around our house and couldn't be happier. He always does a good job explaining his findings and communicating both how and why repairs should occur. His prices are beyond fair. Before we found him we were using a flare rate company and were paying an average of $350/hr. It shouldn't cost $600 to have a new shower cartridge installed. Especially when it takes 45 minutes start to finish and the cartridge is a $25 part. That was the final straw. We started looking around and thankfully found Matt. His company, Flow Elite does not operate that way and we could not be more pleased!"See more
Sarah J. says, "We have used Matt for multiple jobs around our house and couldn't be happier. He always does a good job explaining his findings and communicating both how and why repairs should occur. His prices are beyond fair. Before we found him we were using a flare rate company and were paying an average of $350/hr. It shouldn't cost $600 to have a new shower cartridge installed. Especially when it takes 45 minutes start to finish and the cartridge is a $25 part. That was the final straw. We started looking around and thankfully found Matt. His company, Flow Elite does not operate that way and we could not be more pleased!"

Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

How much do plumbers charge per hour?

Depending on the service you need (unclogging a drain, fixing a pipe, installing new pipes, etc.), plumbers charge anywhere from $45-$165 per hour. Plumbers often operate on a fixed rate model, too. Some won’t charge hourly rates because the variables involved in their work makes it less practical to do so. 

Plumbers will scope out the work, calculate the cost of parts, and roll it together with other fees to give you an estimate for the job. They may even offer standard flat rates for things like installing a toilet or a sink. Reach out to plumbers near you to get an accurate cost estimate for your project or repair.

How do I find a good plumber in San Francisco?

You can locate a reputable and professional plumber near you by conducting an online search of the top-rated San Francisco plumbers. By doing this, you can see ratings and customer reviews, as well as customer-uploaded photos of actual work done by the plumbers. 

You should also make sure the plumbers you’re thinking about hiring have a license. You can learn more about license requirements (and verify a license) by visiting California’s Contractors State License Board

Once you’ve chosen a shortlist of plumbers, compare quotes and estimates among them to narrow down your options. Ultimately, hire a plumber with a good reputation and affordable pricing.

How long is a water heater supposed to last?

Your water heater is an essential part of your home, heating water for showers, dishwashing, laundry and more. On average, a traditional water heater will last 8-12 years. The general consensus is that it’s better to replace your water heater with a new one than to repair one that’s 10 years old or more. Older models are less energy-efficient and thus more costly to run than newer models with better technology. Here are some indicators of when it may be time to replace an old water heater instead of repairing it:

  • Leaks: If leaking is not caused by loose connections, the water may be seeping out through slight fractures in the metal of the tank that have formed over time.
  • Strange noises: Clanking, rumbling and other noises can mean that sediment has formed on the base of your tank, contributing to fissures leaks, and inefficiency.
  • Age: If it’s more than 10 years old, it’s probably time to replace.
  • Discolored or rusty water: Have a pro check it out; if the problem isn’t resolved by draining and cleaning, you’ll want to replace the heater.
  • Lack of hot water: Inconsistent heating and hot water supply that runs out too quickly likely means it’s time for a new unit.

What happens when a water pipe bursts?

When a pipe bursts, the water can cause indoor flooding and damage your home. If the pipe is in an accessible location, you will likely notice puddles of water right away. However, if the pipe is underground or behind a wall, it may cause reduced water pressure, a sulfur smell or discolored water. All of this can cause significant (and expensive) damage, which is why you should always contact a plumber near you if you suspect your pipes are leaking.

Can a leaking pipe burst?

Yes. A leak in your pipe can build up pressure and wear through the material. Left unchecked, this pressure can cause the pipe to burst. This is why it’s so important to fix your pipes and contact a plumber as soon as you notice a leak — no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. 

Smaller leaks are easier and inexpensive to fix, saving you time and money in the long run. In addition, many insurance policies will not cover water damage for pipes that burst due to gradual leaks.

What do you do if you have a burst pipe?

First, switch off the water supply to reduce the water damage. You should also turn off the electricity for the part of your home that has sustained the leak, as it can be extremely dangerous if the water comes into contact with an electrical socket. Next, drain the remaining water from your faucets so it doesn’t freeze inside the pipes. 

Once you’ve done all of this, search for qualified plumbers in your area and ask them to provide you with a quote. 

What are the signs of a burst pipe?

If your water pressure has suddenly dropped or your sink and toilet have unexpectedly started clogging, you may have a burst pipe. Other tell-tale signs include watermarks on the wall of your bathroom or laundry room, drips or puddles in your home or basement, or water from your faucets that have suddenly turned brown. You may also notice a strange rotten-egg smell or the sound of gurgling water in your home.

If you notice any of these signs, contact a plumber near you to fix your pipes immediately.

Does insurance cover a broken pipe?

Sudden water damage may be included under most homeowners’ insurance policies, but it’s typically not covered if the damage could have been avoided with proper maintenance.

For example, if a pipe in your laundry room suddenly bursts and causes damage to the flooring and walls, that is usually covered by insurance. But if a pipe under your sink has been leaking for months and causes your wood floors to rot, your policy won’t cover that damage.

Always double-check with your insurance agent (or another expert)  to see what your policy covers.

How much does it cost to repair a broken pipe?

The national average cost to repair broken pipes ranges from $120 to $170. Prices can vary depending on the type of damage, whether the pipe is easily accessible, the materials needed and where the pipe is located. For example, an exposed pipe under the sink will likely cost much less than a pipeline in your yard that requires digging. 

Your overall cost will also depend on the hourly rate of the contractor. Most plumbers charge between $60 and $65 per hour for standard pipe repair, and up to $95 per hour for complex plumbing work. 

Contact the best pipe repairers in your area to find out how much it will cost to fix your pipe(s). 

To learn more about pricing factors, read “How much does pipe repair cost?

Do plumbers offer remote or virtual services?

If you see a profile that states the plumber is offering remote services, contact the plumber before hiring them to see what those services include. Although plumbing is a job that has to be done in-person, you can ask them if they offer virtual consultations or an online walk-through. 

Reviews for San Francisco plumbers

There are 901 five star Plumbers in San Francisco, CA on Thumbtack.

Plumbing services available in San Francisco, CA.

A plumber can help with numerous water-related issues in your San Francisco home, including:

  • Sump pump services
  • Sewer line repairs
  • Shower and bathroom plumbing services
  • Clogged drains (toilets, sinks, tubs/showers, garbage disposals)
  • Plumbing leak repairs
  • Burst pipe repairs
  • Hot water heater troubleshooting and installation
  • Gas line installation
  • Frozen pipe prevention and repair
  • Water line repairs
  • And much more

Find plumbers in the surrounding areas and neighborhoods.

You can also use Thumbtack to narrow your search by zip code, and look for San Francisco plumbers who serve these neighborhoods:

  • Mission District
  • Financial District
  • Russian Hill
  • Chinatown
  • Japantown
  • Civic Center
  • Sunset
  • Dogpatch
  • North Beach
  • Nob Hill
  • Marina District
  • SoMa
  • The Castro
  • Haight-Ashbury
  • Hayes Valley
  • Pacific Heights
  • Tenderloin

When to hire a plumber.

While small plumbing problems may be easy to troubleshoot, several situations require help from a professional plumber. 

  • If you have a plumbing emergency, such as a frozen pipe, burst pipe or clogged sewer line, it’s important to get help from a professional plumber as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
  • If you’re building a new home or tackling a major remodeling project, you’ll likely need to hire a plumber to install the new plumbing system.
  • If you have a problem with your plumbing, such as a leak or a clog, a plumber can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action to prevent further damage and fix the problem. 
  • If you need a plumber to perform routine maintenance on your plumbing systems to ensure they are operating efficiently and to catch any potential problems before they become major issues.

Hiring a plumber can help ensure your plumbing system's safety and efficiency, saving you time and hassle in the long run.

How much do plumbers charge in San Francisco?

How much a San Francisco plumber will charge you for their services will depend on a few things. For example, what type of service are you requesting? How severe is the problem? How much labor, equipment and materials will the project require? All of these factors (and more) can determine how much you’ll pay for plumbing services. 

For an accurate price estimate, contact several top-rated plumbers in your area and ask for quotes.

How to hire a top-rated plumber,

Finding top-rated plumbing services in San Francisco is easy with Thumbtack. Simply follow these steps:

  1. Search Thumbtack for a San Francisco-area plumber, and refine your search results by providing information about your project when prompted. 
  2. Look through reviews from past customers to help further narrow your list. 
  3. Contact San Francisco plumbers directly through Thumbtack to learn more about their services and get an in-person estimate. 
  4. Confirm if the plumber is licensed and insured. They may have specific certifications that prove their expertise in certain areas. 
  5. Get a written estimate, and discuss how long the project may take before the plumber starts working.
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