20 Best Plumbers in Oakland for 2026

🔧 20 businesses · 📍 Oakland, CA
✓ Verified Google reviews · ✓ Reviewed regularly · ✓ Updated June 4, 2026
Mark Reid
Written by Mark Reid, Home Services Editor · Verified June 4, 2026
Oakland's housing stock throws a lot at local plumbers. The city has a huge range of building ages, from Victorian-era Craftsman bungalows in the Temescal and Fruitvale neighborhoods with original galvanized steel pipes that are well past their useful life, to mid-century homes in the Dimond District that often have copper runs showing early signs of mineral buildup, to newer construction in areas like Jack London Square where PVC and PEX are the norm. The hills add another layer of complexity. Steep grades in Montclair and the Redwood Heights area mean water pressure can vary dramatically between floors, and clay-heavy hillside soil puts real lateral stress on underground drain lines. If you own property near the estuary or in lower-lying flatland neighborhoods, ground movement from the bay mud substrate is worth flagging to any plumber you hire, since it can cause gradual joint separation in older sewer laterals. In short, Oakland plumbers deal with a wider range of conditions than you'd find in a city with more uniform housing.

The businesses on this page were drawn from third-party business listings and ranked by public review rating and review count, with a small lift applied to businesses that have a working website and a contactable phone number. Before any business makes it onto the page, we check its homepage to confirm that plumbing is what it primarily does, which is how unrelated trades get filtered out. Listings flagged as permanently closed are removed automatically. Where you see a Trust Verified badge on a listing, that business has gone a step further and passed our full independent verification, covering trade qualifications and accreditations, public liability insurance, trading history, customer review history, and registered company information. You can find the complete checklist on our How We Verify page. Businesses without that badge have not been independently verified by us, and you should carry out those checks yourself before booking.

Before you commit to anyone, get at least two or three written quotes, not verbal estimates. Ask each plumber to specify exactly what work will be done, what parts they'll use, and what the labor cost is broken out from materials. For any water heater installation or gas line work, confirm the contractor holds a valid California C-36 plumbing license and ask to see the license number so you can cross-check it on the CSLB website. Permits matter too. A reputable plumber will pull the required permit for significant work like sewer lateral replacement or water heater installation rather than asking you to skip it. If someone pushes back on permits, that's a red flag. For emergency callouts after hours, ask upfront what the after-hours rate is so there are no surprises on the invoice.
How We Select & Rate The Best Plumbers in Oakland, CA

Rankings on this page are driven by public review rating and review count pulled from third-party business listings, with a small lift for businesses that have a working website and phone number. We check each business's homepage to confirm that plumbing is their primary trade, which keeps unrelated contractors off the page. Permanently-closed listings are removed automatically. Businesses marked Trust Verified have additionally passed our full independent verification, covering trade qualifications, accreditations, public liability insurance, trading history, customer review history, and registered company information. See our How We Verify page for the full checklist. All other businesses on this page have not been independently verified by us, and inclusion is not an endorsement. Always do your own checks before hiring.

Recommended and Featured listings are paid placements, so a business's fee affects whether and where it appears. Every other listing is ranked on rating and review count from third-party business listings. How we rank & verify →

Quick Comparison — Plumbers in Oakland, CA

# Business Rating Reviews Phone
1 Mr. Rooter Plumbing of The Oakland-Berkeley Area ⭐ 4.9 1,346 (510) 957-9648 View →
2 Pipe Spy ⭐ 4.9 199 (510) 465-3000 View →
3 Big Smile Plumbing ⭐ 5.0 115 (510) 999-8855 View →
4 We Can Do It Plumbing ⭐ 4.9 104 (510) 556-8630 View →
5 Oakland Rooter Plumbing ⭐ 4.9 103 (510) 479-1129 View →
6 Good Fit Plumbing ⭐ 5.0 74 (510) 423-1832 View →
7 Harry Clark Plumbing and Heating Inc ⭐ 4.7 79 (510) 444-1776 View →
8 Thumbs Up Rooter And Plumbing ⭐ 5.0 36 (510) 575-3340 View →
9 Oakland Plumbing Experts ⭐ 4.9 33 (510) 323-9298 View →
10 Universal Plumbing Inc ⭐ 5.0 19 (510) 400-5090 View →
11 Golden Coast Plumbing and Rooter Inc ⭐ 4.9 18 (510) 467-9525 View →
12 Underground Rooter Sewer and Drains ⭐ 5.0 13 (510) 866-5157 View →
13 Elden Plumbing and Heating, Inc. ⭐ 5.0 10 (510) 356-8917 View →
14 Challenge Rooter ⭐ 4.5 24 (510) 686-1119 View →
15 Bay Plumbing ⭐ 5.0 3 (510) 860-2147 View →
16 Water Heaters Masters ⭐ 5.0 3 (510) 535-9419 View →
17 Beyond Plumbing ⭐ 5.0 3 (510) 867-0756 View →
18 Renoir Plumbing Inc. ⭐ 5.0 3 (510) 842-6423 View →
19 Lacayo-Colt Plumbing & Heating ⭐ 4.3 12 (510) 336-3496 View →
20 The Oakland Plumber | Emergency Plumbing Service ⭐ 4.0 4 (510) 984-9442 View →

Our Top Picks

1
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of The Oakland-Berkeley Area
Not Verified
4.9 (1,346 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 957-9648

Drain cleaning and pipe repair are among the core specialisms at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of The Oakland-Berkeley Area, a full-service plumbing outfit serving Oakland and surrounding neighborhoods. With a 4.9-star rating drawn from over 1,300 Google reviews, the company has built a consistent record across residential and commercial work in the 94621 corridor and beyond.

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2
Pipe Spy
Not Verified
4.9 (199 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 465-3000

Pipe Spy is a plumbing company based in Oakland, CA 94607, with a focus on diagnostic and repair work for residential and commercial properties. Holding a 4.9-star rating across 199 Google reviews, the company has built a consistent record among local customers. Pipe Spy handles jobs ranging from routine fixes to more involved pipe inspections and water heater work.

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3
Big Smile Plumbing
Not Verified
5.0 (115 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 999-8855

A perfect five-star average across 115 Google reviews marks Big Smile Plumbing as a consistently reliable choice for Oakland residents. The company handles residential plumbing repairs and installations in the 94602 area, covering everything from pipe repairs to fixture replacements and water heater work. Neighbor recommendations and repeat customers underpin that rating.

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4
We Can Do It Plumbing
Not Verified
4.9 (104 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 556-8630

Plumbing work across Oakland and the surrounding area is the focus of We Can Do It Plumbing, a local contractor serving residential and commercial customers in the 94601 corridor. With a 4.9-star rating across 104 Google reviews, the company has built a consistent record among neighbors for repairs, installations, and water heater service. Requests can be made directly through their website.

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5
Oakland Rooter Plumbing
Not Verified
4.9 (103 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 479-1129

Plumbing services across Oakland, CA, Oakland Rooter Plumbing covers drain clearing, pipe repairs, and water heater work for residential and commercial customers. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from over 100 Google reviews, the company has built a consistent record in the 94601 area and surrounding neighborhoods. Appointments are available through oaklandrooter.com.

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6
Good Fit Plumbing
Not Verified
5.0 (74 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 423-1832

Plumbing work in Oakland's 94619 area is the focus for Good Fit Plumbing, a local outfit handling repairs and installations for residential customers. With 74 Google reviews averaging a perfect 5 stars, the company has built a consistent record among neighbors across the east side of the city.

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7
Harry Clark Plumbing and Heating Inc
Not Verified
4.7 (79 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 444-1776

Rated 4.7 stars across 79 Google reviews, Harry Clark Plumbing and Heating Inc has built a consistent track record serving residential and commercial customers in Oakland. The company handles plumbing and heating work across the 94611 area, covering repairs, installations, and water heater services. Straightforward in scope and well-regarded by local customers, it represents a reliable option for routine and urgent plumbing needs.

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8
Thumbs Up Rooter And Plumbing
Not Verified
5.0 (36 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 575-3340

Residential and commercial properties across Oakland turn to Thumbs Up Rooter And Plumbing for drain, rooter, and general plumbing work in the 94601 area. The company holds a five-star rating across 36 Google reviews, reflecting consistent results for local customers. More information is available at thumbsuprooter.com.

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9
Oakland Plumbing Experts
Not Verified
4.9 (33 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 323-9298

Drain cleaning and water heater installation are among the core specialisms at Oakland Plumbing Experts, a plumbing company serving the 94607 area and surrounding Oakland neighborhoods. With a 4.9-star rating across 33 Google reviews, the business has built a consistent record for reliable residential work. More detail on services is available at oakiesplumbingexpert.com.

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10
Universal Plumbing Inc
Not Verified
5.0 (19 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 400-5090

Fixture installation and water heater repair are among the core specialisms at Universal Plumbing Inc, a residential plumbing outfit serving Oakland and the broader Bay Area. The company holds a perfect 5-star rating across 19 Google reviews, a strong signal for a local operation of its size. Service inquiries and booking details are available at universalplumbingbayarea.com.

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11
Golden Coast Plumbing and Rooter Inc
Not Verified
4.9 (18 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 467-9525

Golden Coast Plumbing and Rooter Inc is a plumbing and drain-clearing service based in Oakland, 94601. With a 4.9-star rating across 18 Google reviews, the company has built a consistent record of customer satisfaction in the East Bay. Services cover standard plumbing repairs, water heater work, and rooter jobs for residential and commercial properties.

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12
Underground Rooter Sewer and Drains
Not Verified
5.0 (13 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 866-5157

Oakland residents and commercial property owners turn to Underground Rooter Sewer and Drains for sewer and drain work that goes beyond the basics. The company holds a 5-star rating across its Google reviews, a consistent signal for a specialty that often draws complaints elsewhere. Its focus stays on underground pipe systems rather than general plumbing, keeping the scope of work clear for customers with sewer line or drain-specific problems.

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13
Elden Plumbing and Heating, Inc.
Not Verified
5.0 (10 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 356-8917

Residential and commercial customers in Oakland turn to Elden Plumbing and Heating, Inc. for plumbing and heating work across the 94606 area. The company holds a 5-star Google rating, drawn from customer reviews reflecting consistent, reliable service. From water heater installations to pipe repairs, Elden handles the full range of plumbing needs that homeowners and local businesses encounter.

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14
Challenge Rooter
Not Verified
4.5 (24 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 686-1119

Challenge Rooter is a plumbing company serving Oakland and the surrounding area, with a 4.5-star rating across 24 Google reviews. The company handles drain cleaning, rooter work, and general plumbing repairs for residential and commercial customers. Its 94621 base positions it well for calls across the east Oakland area.

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15
Bay Plumbing
Not Verified
5.0 (3 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 860-2147

Bay Plumbing is a plumbing contractor serving Oakland and the surrounding area. The company handles residential and commercial work, from fixture installation and pipe repair to water heater service and shut-off valve replacement. Neighbors in the East Bay have a local option for both routine maintenance calls and more involved plumbing projects.

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16
Water Heaters Masters
Not Verified
5.0 (3 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 535-9419

Water Heaters Masters is a plumbing company in Oakland specializing in water heater installation, repair, and replacement. Serving the 94601 area and surrounding neighborhoods, the company focuses on residential and commercial water heating systems rather than general plumbing work. That narrower scope means faster diagnosis and more consistent service for customers dealing with a failed or underperforming unit.

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17
Beyond Plumbing
Not Verified
5.0 (3 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 867-0756

Fixture installation and pipe repair are central to Beyond Plumbing's work across Oakland's 94621 area, where the company also handles drain clearing and water heater service. Customers rate them 4.8 out of 5, reflecting consistent reliability on both routine calls and more involved residential jobs. More detail on their service range is available at beyondplumbinginc.com.

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18
Renoir Plumbing Inc.
Not Verified
5.0 (3 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 842-6423

Renoir Plumbing Inc. covers residential and commercial plumbing work across Oakland, with particular focus on pipe repair and water heater installation. The company operates out of the 94606 area, giving it close familiarity with the aging infrastructure common to older neighborhoods nearby. Service calls address everything from mineral buildup in supply lines to full fixture replacements.

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19
Lacayo-Colt Plumbing & Heating
Not Verified
4.3 (12 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 336-3496

Plumbing and heating work in Oakland's 94602 corridor is the focus of Lacayo-Colt Plumbing & Heating, a local outfit handling repairs and installations for residential customers. With a 4.3-star Google rating across a dozen reviews, the company has built a consistent record among neighbors in the area. Services follow standard trade scope, covering water heaters, pipe repairs, and fixture work.

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20
The Oakland Plumber | Emergency Plumbing Service
Not Verified
4.0 (4 reviews)
Oakland, CA (510) 984-9442

Emergency plumbing service covering Oakland and the surrounding area, The Oakland Plumber handles urgent calls alongside routine residential repairs. The 94607 zip code sits within their core service zone, making them a practical option for neighbors on the west side of the city who need a fast response. The company operates around the clock for situations where waiting until business hours is not an option.

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Transparency notice: Recommended and Featured listings are paid placements, so a business's fee affects whether and where it appears. All other listings are ranked by a combined score drawn from ratings and review counts published on third-party business listings, plus basic completeness signals such as a working website and phone. A Trust Verified badge means we have independently checked that business's documents; businesses without it have not been independently verified by us. How we verify →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a plumber cost in Oakland?
For standard service calls and minor repairs, most Oakland plumbers charge a flat trip fee somewhere between $75 and $150, and then an hourly rate on top of that, typically in the $95 to $175 per hour range depending on the company and the complexity of the job. A straightforward faucet replacement might run $150 to $300 all in. A toilet rebuild or shut-off valve replacement is usually $200 to $400. Water heater installation is more involved. A standard 40-gallon tank water heater swap in Oakland runs $800 to $1,500 installed, while a tankless unit can push $2,500 to $4,500 once you factor in the gas line upgrade that's often needed. Sewer lateral work is where prices really climb. Spot repairs start around $1,500, while a full lateral replacement from house to curb in Oakland can run $6,000 to $15,000 or more, partly because of the permit and inspection requirements the city enforces. Getting two or three quotes is completely normal and genuinely worth doing. Prices vary more than you'd expect between companies for the same job.
Does Oakland require a permit for plumbing work, and who's responsible for getting it?
Yes, Oakland requires permits for most significant plumbing work through the Oakland Building Services Division. This includes water heater replacements, sewer lateral replacements or major repairs, new fixture installations that involve moving drain lines, and any gas line modifications. The permit should be pulled by the licensed contractor doing the work, not by you as the homeowner, and any licensed plumber who knows their stuff will handle this as a matter of course. Be cautious if a contractor suggests skipping the permit to keep costs down. Unpermitted plumbing work can create real headaches when you go to sell the property, and it may not be covered if something goes wrong. Oakland also has a Sewer Lateral Program with specific requirements for inspections and upgrades, particularly relevant if you're buying or selling a home, so it's worth asking your plumber if that applies to your situation.
How do I know if I need to replace my sewer lateral in Oakland?
Oakland has clay-heavy soil in many neighborhoods, especially on the hillsides, and older homes often have original clay tile or cast iron sewer laterals that have been in the ground for 50 to 80 years. Signs that yours might be in trouble include slow drains throughout the house at the same time, gurgling sounds from toilets when you run other fixtures, sewage odors in the yard, or patches of unusually green grass over the lateral line, which can indicate a leak below grade. The only real way to know the condition is a sewer scope inspection, where a plumber runs a camera through the line. This typically costs $150 to $350 in Oakland and gives you a clear picture of cracks, root intrusion, bellying (where the pipe sags and holds standing water), or joint separation. Oakland's Sewer Lateral Program requires a compliant lateral for real estate transactions, so if you're buying or selling, get it scoped early in the process.
What should I do in a plumbing emergency before the plumber arrives?
The first thing to do with any active water leak is shut off the water supply. For a leaking fixture like a toilet or sink, there's usually a shut-off valve right behind or beneath it. Turn it clockwise until it stops. If the leak is more serious or the fixture valve won't stop it, go to the main shut-off for the house. In most Oakland homes this is either at the front of the property near the meter or inside near the water entry point. Knowing where yours is before you ever need it is genuinely useful. Once the water is off, call a plumber. Take photos of any visible damage, both for the plumber's reference and for insurance purposes if the damage is significant. For a gas smell, don't touch any switches, get everyone out of the building, and call PG&E's emergency line before calling a plumber. After-hours emergency rates are real. Most Oakland plumbers charge a premium for nights and weekends, often $200 to $300 just to show up, so it's worth asking when you call whether the situation can safely wait until morning.
How long does a water heater last in Oakland, and when should I think about replacing mine?
Most tank water heaters have a realistic lifespan of 8 to 12 years. Oakland's water supply has moderate mineral content, which contributes to gradual mineral buildup inside the tank and on the heating elements over time. If your unit is making a rumbling or popping noise, that's often mineral buildup on the bottom of the tank and a sign it's working harder than it should be. Other signs to watch for are rusty or discolored hot water, a drop in how much hot water you're getting, or moisture around the base of the unit. At that point, repair versus replace usually comes down to age. If the unit is under six years old, a repair often makes sense. If it's pushing ten years or more, replacement is usually the smarter call because another repair is likely not far behind. Tankless water heaters are popular in Oakland for their efficiency, but they do cost more upfront and sometimes require upgrading the gas line, so factor that into the total cost comparison.
How do I check whether a plumber in Oakland is properly licensed and insured?
Start with the California State License Board website at cslb.ca.gov. Every licensed plumbing contractor in California should hold a C-36 license. You can search by the contractor's name or their license number, and the site shows you whether the license is active, when it expires, and whether there are any disciplinary actions on record. Ask the plumber for their license number before they start work and check it yourself. It takes about two minutes. For insurance, ask specifically for a certificate of general liability insurance and, if they have employees, workers' compensation coverage. A legitimate contractor will provide this without hesitation. If they're reluctant or vague, that's a warning sign. Checking online reviews across multiple platforms gives you a broader picture of how they actually perform on jobs, and it's worth reading the negative reviews carefully to see how the contractor responded. Businesses on this page that carry a Trust Verified badge have had their credentials, insurance, and background independently confirmed by us, which saves you some of that legwork.