Best plumbers in San Diego, Calif.

Nothing makes us appreciate functional plumbing more than a faulty toilet, clogged shower drain or stubborn, slow-draining sink. If you're facing any of these common plumbing issues — and especially if you're dealing with a bigger plumbing emergency — connecting with a reputable, trustworthy plumbing technician is key.

To help you do this, Yahoo Local researched more than 100 plumbing companies in San Diego to bring you the four best. We factored in thousands of customer reviews from multiple platforms, checked Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation and complaints and verified state licensing. We even reached out to our top four picks directly to source exclusive details about pricing, service fees and labor warranties. If you're looking for a top-rated San Diego plumber , this guide has what you need.

Top San Diego plumbers

The best plumbing company in San Diego for YOU

All of the plumbers featured on this list have up-to-date licensing and long track records of reliable service. However, not every plumber will be right for your needs. To find the right plumbing company for you, you'll first need to consider your budget, the services you're looking for and your ideal project timeline. For example, if you're dealing with a plumbing emergency like a sewer backup or overflowing toilet, you'll need to find a plumber who can arrive as soon as possible. If you're in the market for whole-house repiping, you'll likely have time to schedule a bit further out.

If budget is your main concern, we recommend checking in with Collins Pacific Plumbing, Inc. first, which is our top pick overall. Collins Pacific offers straightforward, transparent pricing that's clearly listed on the website, and its service charges start at just $165 for basic drain cleaning. This company also foregoes diagnostic fees for straightforward services. Happy Plumbing is also a good place to start, as this company also does not charge diagnostic fees.

For those in need of emergency plumbing services, check out Core Plumbing and American Plumbing Co . These companies both offer 24/7 same-day service. If needed, American Plumbing Co can even arrive at your home within an hour of your first call.

Keep in mind that not every plumbing company offers the same services, so you should confirm that the plumber you want to work with offers the service you need before booking an appointment. For example, Core Plumbing specializes in hot water heater repairs, installations and maintenance, while some plumbers on this list do not offer these services.

Best plumbing companies inSan Diego , Calif.

Collins Pacific Plumbing, Inc. is the best overall San Diego plumbing company

In business since 1989, Collins Pacific Plumbing is a family-owned and -operated plumbing company offering comprehensive residential and commercial services. It covers everything from basic drain cleanings to water heater installation and maintenance, hydrojetting, commercial sewer line maintenance and repair, and more. It also offers small-scale home renovations and remodels. For its wide range of services, solid customer ratings and long track record of excellent service, we're featuring Collins Pacific Plumbing, Inc. as the overall best plumber in San Diego.

When we reached out to Collins Pacific Plumbing to ask about pricing, a representative told us most jobs are priced per service, rather than per hour. In some cases, a job may be priced based on time and materials if it falls outside the scope of the company's standard services. To fix a clogged bathroom sink drain, Collins Pacific quoted us a simple flat rate of $265. For kitchen sink drains or other more complex drain cleanings, the rate increases to $375. If hydrojetting is required, the service cost is $695.

If the reason for your drain clog is not straightforward, Collins Pacific charges a $149 diagnostic fee in addition to the cost of the service. For more complex issues, Collins may need to do a camera inspection. These inspections start at $475. If you're dealing with a plumbing emergency, Collins Pacific can typically provide same-day service.

Services offered

• Residential and commercial plumbing and HVAC

• Annual plumbing maintenance plans

• Installation and repairs for sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, drains, faucets, etc.

• Water heater installation and repair

• Garbage disposal installation and repair

• Water filter installation

• Emergency repairs

Even if you don't see a service listed here, it's likely that Collins Pacific offers it. Once you're ready to schedule a service, you can use the company's easy online booking system, which lets you preview the prices for each service. You can also schedule services by phone if you prefer. The Collins Pacific representative we spoke with was extremely helpful, easy to talk to and happy to answer all of our questions.

For jobs that require installation of new materials, like plumbing fixtures, pipes or drains, Collins Pacific offers product warranties and limited guarantees. However, for basic service-only jobs like drain clearing, the company does not offer a guarantee. If your drain becomes clogged again shortly after the service is performed, you will need to pay for the service again. This is common in the plumbing industry, as plumbers can't control what's being put down the drain after the technician leaves.

As a tight-knit family business, Collins Pacific does not conduct formal background checks on its crew members. However, the company only employs in-house technicians and does not work with subcontractors. All Collins Pacific employees are carefully trained.

Collins Pacific Plumbing, Inc. is accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating and zero registered complaints. It also holds an impressive 4.9-star average rating on Google from more than 300 reviews, 4.7 stars on Yelp from about 200 reviews and 4.9 stars on Angi from about 70 reviews.

To learn more about this company, call 858-361-4140 or visit the website . Collins Pacific Plumbing, Inc. is located at 8840 Kenamar Drive, #401, San Diego, Calif., 92121. The office is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Core Plumbing is our top alternative San Diego plumber

Core Plumbing is owned and operated by father-and-son duo Don and Grant Schoenberger. It opened in 2005 and offers a comprehensive spread of plumbing services to homes and businesses. In addition to basic services like drain cleaning and water heater repairs, Core Plumbing also offers hydrojetting, water filtration installation and whole-house repiping. With multiple decades in business, an impressive array of services and strong customer ratings, Core Plumbing is our pick for the top alternative plumbing company in San Diego.

This company offers flat-rate menu pricing (not hourly) and promises no hidden fees. Unfortunately, Core Plumbing could not provide any specific pricing details when we called. Instead, a representative told us that customers should make an appointment for an in-person consultation with a technician who can diagnose the job and provide pricing info. Core Plumbing does not charge service fees or diagnostic fees as long as the customer authorizes the work to be performed. However, if you schedule a consultation and then decide to work with a different plumber, you will be charged a $59 service fee for the visit.

For emergency services, Core Plumbing can typically provide same-day service. For larger or less-pressing projects, the company can likely arrive the next day or within the same week. Core Plumbing offers financing options for those who qualify, with terms starting at 0% APR. Customers can finance projects up to $25,000.

Services offered

• Residential and commercial plumbing

• Drain cleaning and unclogging

• Water filtration systems

• Hydrojetting and sewer repair

• Whole-house repiping

• Water heater installation and repair (including tankless water heaters )

• Plumbing maintenance programs

Core Plumbing specializes in water heater repairs, installations and replacements. While not all plumbing services can be warrantied, the company offers a one-year warranty on projects that involve installation. If you pay Core Plumbing to install a water heater, for example, you will be covered under a manufacturer's warranty. The company also stands behind its work by offering a service guarantee, promising customer satisfaction.

The representative we spoke with could not confirm whether or not the company conducts formal background checks on its employees. However, Core Plumbing does not work with subcontractors, and all of its employees go through a vetting and screening process. All technicians who work with Core Plumbing are licensed and insured.

Core Plumbing is not accredited by the BBB , but it holds an A+ rating and has received zero complaints. It also holds a 4.8-star average rating on Google from more than 1,300 reviews, 4.6 stars on Yelp from more than 900 reviews and 4.9 stars on Angi from more than 40 reviews.

To learn more about this San Diego plumber, call 858-295-7746 or visit the website . The office is located at 7292 Opportunity Road B, San Diego, Calif., 92111. It's open for service calls 24/7.

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American Plumbing Co. is the best San Diego plumber for written warranties

Another family-owned and -operated business, American Plumbing Co. has been providing straightforward plumbing services to San Diego since 1995. A smaller-scale operation than some of the other companies on this list, American Plumbing Co. is the sole proprietorship of Charlie Gonzales, who has been a licensed plumber since 1983. Gonzales's business is trusted by local homeowners, as well as by large businesses like La Quinta Hotels and Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center.

We were not able to secure any specific pricing details from this company, as Gonzales prefers to perform in-person estimates. We did confirm, however, that American Plumbing Co does not charge for its estimates and that the company offers flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees.

For major issues like leaks, burst pipes and sewer backups, American Plumbing Co offers same-day service, including on weekends, and can often arrive on site in as little as an hour. While it doesn't offer 24/7 customer service by default, American Plumbing Co. does offer after-hours service for plumbing emergencies. For most basic plumbing jobs, work can be completed in one to two hours.

Services offered

• Residential and commercial plumbing

• Leak repairs

• Repiping and drain line replacement

• Drain cleaning and repairs

• Water heater installation and repair

• Installation and repairs for water pressure regulations

• Repairs for toilets, burst pipes and shut-off valves

American Plumbing Co. also offers emergency drain cleaning using motorized snakes.

Unlike some plumbers, American Plumbing Co. offers a written warranty on labor and materials, along with a satisfaction guarantee. According to Gonzales, "If something isn't right, we'll make it right." It's worth noting that, as a smaller company, American Plumbing Co. was somewhat harder to reach by phone than the other companies on this list. With this in mind, it may not be the top choice for plumbing emergencies, though Gonzales said he can be on site within an hour in some cases.

American Plumbing Co. is accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating and zero complaints. It also holds a 4.9-star average rating on Google from more than 360 reviews, 4.8 stars on Yelp from about 40 reviews and 4.8 stars on Angi from about 30 reviews.

To learn more about this plumbing company, call 619-723-1114 or visit the website . The office is located at 422 21st Street, San Diego, Calif., 92102. It's open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

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Happy Plumbing Inc. is our best plumbing company for plumbing inspections

Owned and operated by Blake and Cheryl Roberts, Happy Plumbing is the newest San Diego plumber on our list. It's been in business since 2012, and it offers an array of basic and specialty plumbing services. One of Happy Plumbing's specialized services is camera inspections, which can help diagnose complex problems and offer a big-picture look at the state of your home's plumbing. With a hassle-free estimate process and strong ratings on Google, Yelp and Angi, Happy Plumbing is one of the best San Diego plumbers for most situations, especially if you need an inspection.

Like many San Diego plumbers, Happy Plumbing requires in-person consultations before providing pricing information. That said, the company does not charge service or diagnostic fees, and it provides an easy online scheduling system. Appointments are typically available within 12 to 24 hours, and for emergency situations, a tech can arrive within an hour.

On its website, Happy Plumbing notes that "the national average for unclogging a sink is around $200 for most households." For those who qualify, Happy Plumbing offers financing options. It does not charge overtime for after-hours or weekend jobs.

Services offered

• Installation and repairs for toilets, sinks, garbage disposals, showers and more

• Repiping with PEX

• Leak detection and repairs

• Same-day water heater repairs (gas and electric)

• Hydrojetting, drain cleaning and repairs

• Emergency repairs and same-day appointments

• Camera inspections

Dedicated to using up-to-date technology to make its services efficient and effective, Happy Plumbing uses sewer cameras for inspections and hydrojet technology for clogged drains. It also offers some services that other plumbers may not offer, like trenchless piping and sewer line installation.

Happy Plumbing is located in Santee, and the drive into San Diego can take between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. This means that Happy Plumbing may not be the best fit for major plumbing emergencies, since you'll need someone to arrive as fast as possible. Happy Plumbing is also closed on weekends, so while it can provide service within an hour during normal opening hours, it's best to call a different plumber if you need 24/7 service at night or on a weekend day.

The representative we spoke with could not confirm whether or not the company conducts formal background checks on its employees. However, they did confirm that all technicians are licensed and insured full-time employees, not subcontractors.

Happy Plumbing is accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating and just one complaint, which has been closed. The company holds a 4.9-star rating on Google from more than 300 reviews, 4.6 stars on Yelp from about 160 reviews and five stars on Angi from seven reviews. While it does not offer written warranties for basic services like drain cleaning, it promises a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

To learn more about Happy Plumbing, call 619-272-6044 or visit the website . The office is located at 9440 Wheatlands Court, Suite 14, Santee, Calif., 92071. Happy Plumbing is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed on weekends.

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You can count on Yahoo Local plumbing advice, and this is why

We have decades of experience providing trustworthy information on local businesses at Yahoo. But instead of just telling you trust us, we put in the work to show you why you can. Our custom business ranking system (which you can read all about on our full methodology page ) incorporates rankings from major platforms like Google, Yelp, Angi and Facebook. It also factors in BBB ratings and complaints, licensing status and more. Overall, we truly believe our local business rankings are the most comprehensive and accurate available. Plus, unlike some competitors, Yahoo Local never takes payment for inclusion, and our picks are fully independent, not "sponsored."

Here's a look at what went into the rankings for our list of the best plumbers in San Diego:

• 103 plumbers evaluated

• 77,989 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

• Eight ranking criteria incorporated

• Interviewed or connected with all four featured plumbers

• Independent price quotes sought from all four featured plumbing companies

• Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

• Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

California plumbing FAQs

How do I know if my water heater needs repairs or a full replacement?

Water heaters are complex appliances, and diagnosing them requires the help of a professional. In some cases, you may be able to get away with a repair if you're just having trouble getting your water to heat up or stay hot, especially if your unit is relatively new. However, if your water heater is leaking, getting old, or if the problems are persistent, it may be time for a replacement. Water heater lifespans vary significantly, but if your unit is reaching the end of its expected life, replacement is probably the wiser move.

For more, check out these eight surefire signs you need to replace your water heater .

How long does a water heater typically last in California?

The lifespan of your water heater will largely depend on the type, brand and model, as well as on how well it's maintained. For example, tankless water heaters tend to last longer (about 15 to 20 years, according to N.Y. propane supplier Bottini Fuel ), while tank-style water heaters typically only last between six and 12 years, according to The Home Depot .

In California, water heaters may last slightly longer than expected, as they won't have to work as hard in the state's mild climate. According to High 5 Plumbing in Colorado , water heaters have to work much harder in colder months, which may contribute to a shorter unit lifespan.

Here's some more guidance on how often water heaters should be maintained .

What are the most common issues people call plumbers to fix?

Common household plumbing issues include clogged drains, clogged toilets and leaky faucets. Other common issues include burst pipes (especially in cold climates) and water heater issues. Because these issues are so common, most plumbing companies offer services that cover all of these categories.

How can I tell if I can fix a plumbing issue myself or if I should call a pro?

Many small household plumbing issues, like clogged drains or leaky faucets, can be fixed the DIY way. However, if you're dealing with anything major, like a significant leak or broken water heater, you'll definitely want to call a pro.

If the issue you're facing falls between these two categories, try looking up a tutorial on YouTube that shows how you might go about fixing the problem. If you feel confident that you'd be able to tackle the repair yourself, it may be worth a try. Just remember that plumbing is more complicated than it looks, and the risks of doing the repair incorrectly can be significant (and costly).

For anyone who feels ready to dive into a DIY plumbing project, here are the best DIY plumbing tools to have on hand.

Is it better to go with a smaller plumbing company or a larger one?

True to our name, Yahoo Local makes a point to recommend working with local service providers whenever possible. This is because small local companies can offer personalized service, flexible pricing and localized expertise that larger companies may not be able to match. However, working with a larger company can sometimes be the better option, especially if you're dealing with a plumbing emergency and can't get scheduled in with a local plumber soon enough.

Do plumbing companies in California need to be licensed?

In most cases, yes. While plumbers performing small jobs early in their careers may not need a license, California requires any plumber working on projects valuing $500 or more to be licensed through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), according to ServiceTitan . Unlicensed plumbers must be directly supervised by a registered contractor.

Do all reputable plumbers do background checks?

Many do, but not all. If you're looking for a plumber who conducts formal background checks on employees, you'll most likely be able to find one. However, it's also very common for plumbing businesses to be owned and operated by family members, and in this case, business owners may view background checks as unnecessary. Some plumbers also work with the same crews for decades at a time, so they may feel comfortable vouching for their employees even without formal background checks.

Do plumbers usually charge by the hour or flat rate?

It depends. While many plumbers charge flat rates for specific services, others may charge by the hour. In general, it's better to go with a plumber with flat rates, as this can help prevent unexpectedly high final bills. Before agreeing to work with a plumber, get clear on their pricing structure and request a written estimate of costs.

Should plumbers provide written estimates before beginning a job?

Yes. You should always get a written estimate from a contractor before the work begins, whether it's a plumber, roofer or general contractor. Most reputable plumbers will provide a written estimate by default, but if they don't, make sure to request one.

If a plumber would rather use a handshake agreement than a written estimate, this may be a red flag, and it's probably best to find a different plumber to work with.

Do plumbers usually offer warranties? And if so, what kind?

Most plumbers offer warranties on product installations and more complex projects like repiping. However, many do not offer formal warranties for service-only jobs like unclogging a drain or toilet. This is because many factors are out of the plumber's control, and it would be difficult (or impossible) to guarantee some services for a set length of time.

That said, many top-rated plumbers offer service guarantees, promising to stand by their work in the event that a repair doesn't work. Before deciding who to hire, find out what types of warranties or guarantees the plumbers in your area offer. If a plumber offers warranties or service guarantees for all projects, this is a great sign.

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