David T.

7/18/2023

Cabrillo plumbing got the work done on time and under budget. Everything thing is working great three months on with Hot water always available in our new heat exchange system.

Donna W.

05/02/2023 12:00:00 SA

Cabrillo put in a complete new system for us . Heat and new air conditioning. The old duct work was a nightmare to remove and replace in such a small crawl space. Not to mention dealing with the old asbestos. They we excellent in every respect.
It was a messy job but they kept my home perfectly clean. We were completely satisfied and i highly recommend them.

Margaret W.

06/07/2023 12:00:00 SA

Javier, Fernando and Robert did an excellent job replacing our 75 gallon hot water heater. Cabrillo technicians are always courteous and professional. We received same day service.

Theodore S.

3/18/2023

Called Cabrillo Friday 18,2023. Told Sal that my toilet tank was not filling. Sal said they have a appointment for Saturday 19,2023. Brian was the technician he did a fantastic job figured out what the problem was. He fixed the problem within one hour. It was the toilet valve intake. Very satisfied with the job. Would recommend Cabrillo Plumbing. This company is my go to.

Minh H.

7/22/2022

I entered my garage and found sewage in half of my garage. I started to panic and stopped using my toilets and showers. I called my trusted plumbers at Cabrillo Plumbing. They scheduled an appointment immediately which calmed me down. Erick and Javier came out the next morning, troubleshooted the issue, and more importantly, RESOLVED the issue! Erick described the issues and shared the fixes!! He showed me the exact issue using a sewer line camera (a screw and tree root were in my pipe which caused blockage, see picture). He is super professional and friendly!! If you're reading my review, stop here, stop yelping and call Cabrillo plumbing if you want your problems FIXED!!

Brigitte C.

05/01/2023 12:00:00 SA

Steven arrived on time, respected our home with shoe covers/cleaned the area he worked at, was professional and did an exceptional job he was scheduled to do. Only snafu was a part/finish was incorrectly shipped even though I know he ordered the correct part/color. It will be installed when they receive the correct order. I was a loyal customer of my previous plumbing company for years that is no longer in business and I intend to carry that loyalty with Cabrillo. I highly recommend this company!

Theodore S.

01/12/2023 12:00:00 SA

Cabrillo Plumbing and Heating replaced my furnace. It was a fantastic experience. All the employees of Cabrillo were very professional friendly and knowledgably. The technician's that replaced my furnace were Erick ad Daniel. The replacement furnace they installed was a Trane 80% two stage furnace. It is very quiet and gives out great heat. This Trane furnace has a wireless thermostat where you can take it anywhere in your house. Erick is very efficient knowledgeable associate he looks like installed many a furnace. Erick knows his craft. Daniel the other associate the younger was also very efficient and knowledgeable. Both associate's answered all my questions that I had. When Erick and Daniel finished the installation they cleaned the area very well like it was before the installation of the furnace. I am very pleased with Cabrillo Plumbing Heating and Air. This company makes everything simple to the first phone call to the end.

Don R.

05/06/2023 12:00:00 SA

Do yourself a favor, save yourself some money, and look elsewhere for a plumber. It was a simple job, not an emergency: replace a kitchen faucet that worked fine with a newer version of the same faucet with improved temperature control. It took one man half an hour, and the charge was $600. And then he actually took the old faucet with him. Two days later I had an unrelated plumbing emergency. A neighbor recommended a plumber who couldn't have been more expert or sympathetic. And the charge for his hour and a half was less than $200.

Todor G.

11/28/2022

Our kitchen sink garbage disposal stopped working and we called Cabrillo Plumbing. The service quality was excellent. They were very responsive and the guy they sent, David Preciado, was quick in diagnosing the issue. He was professional, polite and with a sense of humor. Going forward, Cabrillo is the plumbing service we would always use. I recommend them highly!

Kathryn K.

03/11/2023 12:00:00 SA

I've used Cabrillo for years now. Sal at the front desk is both reassuring and efficient. Today Dave cleaned gobs of my roommate's hair out of my sink. I don't have a lot of money so I'm always nervous when plumbing issues arise in my 110 year old home. The Cabrillo techs are patient, skilled and efficient. Well worth the money!

Brian S.

8/31/2022

I've used Cabrillo for the past few years and they are a little pricey but worth every penny. The service is absolutely outstanding and repairs are fixed correctly every time. Highly recommended.

Brian G.

08/04/2022 12:00:00 SA

Very responsive and professional plumbing service. They communicate clearly what is needed and provided several recommendations and estimates for a new toilet install. I ended up installing a hose bib. Average pricing but it is quality work that will last a long time.

River B.

12/02/2021 12:00:00 SA

Excellent service.
From Candice and Sal in the office to the gentlemen fixing the plumbing issues. Very professional with excellent communication, always on time, dependable, respectful and clean.
The plumbing technicians (Dave and Brian) explain everything, walk through
any trouble shooting, answer all my questions and are patient.
After dealing with a Discounted Plumbing service full of nightmares and lies, it is refreshing to be able to count on an honest and dependable plumbing service.
Thank you so much for your team's work ethic.

erin s.

2/19/2021

As a new home owner, we were seeking a partner to assist us with our plumbing, heating and air. We called a few folks who were referred to us and weren't certain we'd found the right match. I saw a Cabrillo truck in the neighborhood and decided to give them a call.

We were blown away. Prompt, professional, and tech savvy. They show up in uniform and deliver consistent service. The quote comes via email with photos of our space and existing equipment or area to be serviced, with details and descriptions. We are kept informed via text message and email as to the status and timing of our service requests. The work is high caliber quality craftsmanship. We have a team of specialized service and when we have any troubles or added scope, it is the same individual who did the original work that comes to service, inspect and consult. They know our home and the projects they've completed for us - we're not starting from scratch every call.

In our home, they are worth the investment in building a relationship. We are confident we found a partner for our home.

This week we replaced a 40 year old furnace. Frank initiated the project and Eric & Jeremy were onsite all week diligently dismantling the old furnace and building the new furnace. Every day they kept the work area clean, removed all debris every night and had a clean workspace to start fresh and promptly. At the end of every day they would come up and let us know they were leaving for the day. They adhered to COVID protocols and kept their distance.

We are all in on Cabrillo. Thank you for another excellent experience.

Michael L.

12/17/2021

I am a longtime customer of Cabrillo. They are courteous, prompt, and do the job.

12/17/21 - I have an old home. So for all my plumbing needs, I really and truly rely on the professional and prompt service by Cabrillo. Thanks to Sal (in the Office), Todd, and Brian for coming this year to help me.

Ahdana A.

12/23/2022

we needed a new water heater and they were able to come out right away. He had Erick and Daniel come to install the new water heater. They both were very helpful a knowledgeable regarding their trade. I would highly recommend this team. Thank you!

Leon V.

4/13/2022

This review is regarding an estimate for a furnace replacement/installation (which is a charged service from Cabrillo). At this date in shopping for (a) an electric replacement for my current gas central heater as well as (b) configuring the replacement system so solve existing heating systems in my older residence -- I had both a free evaluation based quote as well as Cabrillo's charged evaluation based quote.

To address this charging for an evaluation and pricing of a quote I can say that I am definitely much more comfortable with effort and expertise that Cabrillo put into this process than what I got for a no cost system pricing quote. Having an older house with some existing heat distribution issues it was a bit of work to review the whole residence to see what was the current situation and what would be required to switch over to an electrical based system and solve the existing heat distribution issues. It took about an hour-and-a-half of the very expert technician's time to do the full evaluation at my house (let alone the time it will take back-office to complete the system specifications to determine a final price quote).

Even if I don't finally go with Cabrillo as the vendor for the final installation, I am very happy to have purchased this very thorough and professional system evaluation; an expense well worth it considering the expense of the final installed system.

Contrary to another review I've seen concerning the technician doing the evaluation/estimate I must say that my experience was great. Technician arrived at the start of the appointment window, was very professional in approach, was extremely knowledgeable about work required and some alternative approaches, and was very easy to talk with regarding my concerns and requirements.

Steve M.

11/12/2022 12:00:00 SA

Thank you Steve for replacing two toilets swiftly and professionally, and for the total plumbing checkup in our house. We appreciate your good work and good nature!

Dave C.

1/14/2022

We've had these guys out to do plumbing work for over 10 years and recently to fix our water heater.

Every time they come out to fix stuff (our house is 100+ years old and so there are some repairs required upon occasion) we are impressed with the quality of the work and also just how personable the employees are.

The fact that we know the name of the guy who does the plumbing work (Dave) and the fact that the guy who we just met who's fixing the water heater (Todd) said Oh yeah Dave said you had some pretty old pipes says that they are committed to providing a great customer experience and will stand behind it.

They are always on time. Always do a good job and we won't go anywhere else.

Christina C.

3/17/2022

So happy to have found Cabrillo plumbing and heating! My water heater went out so it was great being able to get a quick appointment. When I called to make the appointment the person I spoke to was super friendly and got me on their busy schedule right away. Todd and Steve came out and removed my very, very old water heater and replaced it with a shiny new one in all under a few hours. They were on time, professional, and they had a great attitude. I will definitely call Cabrillo again!

Arthur N.

10/13/2022

They are professional and friendly and solved the leak in my sink quickly. i recommend them to anyone who needs there services.

Henry T.

01/03/2022 12:00:00 SA

Needed to do minor service on toilet and discovered the valve to turn off water to toilet...no longer functioning. Have used Cabrillo for over 20 years for plumbing service needs. Some large - some small.

Contacted Cabrillo and they were able to fit us in same day! A bonus!
Todd, the plumber scheduled, contacted me - he was able to come earlier than scheduled - a double bonus.

Todd, as all Cabrillo plumbers have been was courteous & efficient. Valve repaired quickly.
Appreciate the professionalism as always with Cabrillo Plumbing. Thank again.

Fred M.

11/22/2021

I contacted Cabrillo for a plumbing need.

First, they don't provide free estimate. It will cost at lease $29.95 for one the technicians to come onsite for an estimate.

Then the estimate is so high which is more than double of other Bay Area plumbers' FREE estimates.

Contact at lease 3 plumbers to decide on your choice of services.

Cheryl A.

07/04/2020 12:00:00 SA

Once again I have to say BRAVO. This is the 2nd time I have used Cabrillo Plumbing. The first time was September 2019 and my water heater stopped heating. I called Cabrillo and the first point of contact was the operator who was extremly nice and genuinely concerned with my issue. We set up the appointment and the next day the service worker Brian arrived exactly on time. I apprectate that you receive a call about 30 minutes before the appointment to let you know they are on the way. Then even better you receive a text with the photo of the service provider and a history of the skill level of that prover. Brian reset my water heater, let me know that it could need replacing and gave me an estimate of what the cost could be.

This week on Monday my water heater went out completely so I called Cabrillo and once again I received exceptional service, my appointment was scheduled for 10 am to 1 the next day and they also checked to see if a replacement heater was in the local area if needed. I asked if possible if Brian was available as the service provider and yes he was. YEAH.

The next day my phone rang at 8:30 am from Cabrillo. The lady apologized for waking me, but she said Brian if free now and can come over. I said no problem. He arrived in 20 minutes ready to go. I believe in representing a company in every aspect should says we care. The uniforms are spotless, the trucks they drive look brand new. ( I appreciate the addition of the face mask on the trucks). He diagnosed the issue, called for his co-worker to assist who brought the new heater from San Mateo County while he dismantled the old heater. The new heater meets all of the county codes and is secured very well to my wall. He cleaned up all materials. We had a great conversation which felt like I have know him for many years. Brian's pride for Cabrillo was very obvious in his work ethic .

The cost of the heater and labor was less that I expected, I have a great warranty and I have schedule and appointment for and estimate to have my furnace replaced.

Glad that I decided to give Cabrillo Plumbing a call.

Mike G.

07/05/2022 12:00:00 SA

Earlier today I called Cabrillo Plumbing and Heating to repair a leak caused by a clogged drain. Todd Bacchi was dispatched and arrived within 30 minutes. Prior to arrival I received both an email and text confirmation along with Todd's photo and credentials statement. Upon arrival Todd quickly diagnosed the problem, provided a quote and upon authorization quickly completed the repair. Todd was professional, respectful, and communicative. We were impressed with the entire process and highly recommend both Cabrillo Plumbing and Todd Bacchi.

Tony S.

2/18/2022

I am updating my review to acknowledge Carrillo wanting to deliver better service and listening to what I had to say (and when they had read my first review). I appreciate the call back from their supervisor to take responsible measures to improve customer experience such when I had a very different experience with a reputable competitor

Amy S.

12/14/2020

My 19 year old water heater broke on Sunday and I called Cabrillo who were super professional and efficient over the phone. We set up something up for Monday morning between 10am and 1pm and Dave showed up right around 10am. He sent me the invoice via email before calling me back which was nice. I ended up paying about $3,500 for a new water heater and getting it to code. I don't know if this was a good price since I didn't get a second estimate. I had used them previously 9 years ago after extensive research so just went with them. To be frank, I couldn't be bothered with shopping around with all that is going on with my work and elder care during COVID. Maybe someone can reassure me that the price is fair?

christy P.

5/13/2022

Our toilet broke and my daughter was coming home from college so we needed it repaired ASAP. Todd came today and did a fantastic job! He was friendly, professional and wisely diagnosed and solved the problem. In less than an hour, he repaired everything and it works perfectly. I highly recommend Cabrillo to anyone in the Bay Area. We have used their services for the past 18 years and every time they are trustworthy, fast and really nice people. Christy P.

Scout F.

3/30/2022

On a Saturday in the early afternoon our double sink in our kitchen backed up with black water and sludge from the main line in our condo building. We shut the water off and began the long, hard search for a plumber who could rescue us ASAP. Our regular plumber does not operate 24/7 and said they could come out on Tuesday - as if we could live with the stench and no kitchen until then. We then contacted several 24/7 plumbers. We finally found a company that could send someone out early Sunday morning at 2:00am or maybe later. Finally we found Cabrillo. They said they'd be here by 4:00pm. They were only a little late. Very impressive for an emergency on the weekend. The blockage was deep into the condo building. The 15 foot snake couldn't get at it. Not to worry. The tech had a longer snake in his truck. No need for a second visit. The blockage was 30 feet out the mainline. The tech unblocked everything, descaled the pipes. Everything is fine now. We'll be calling Cabrillo for all of our plumbing needs from now on and suggest that others do, too. Highly recommend Cabrillo!

Kellee C.

11/04/2021 12:00:00 SA

Frank Cichetti did an excellent job explaining my options for various repairs needed in my home. He was on time and completed the job with utmost care and consideration. Frank is very professional and I would hire him again.

William B.

12/17/2021

This is an excellent company. All the employees we've encountered have been personable as well as knowledgeable. Gessa and Sal, the office staff members with whom we spoke on the phone, were delightful as well as informative.

Brian, the master plumber (who is special), and his assistant, Steven, are skilled, efficient and creative, as well as patient and open to questions. They solved a number of problems unique to our Victorian house.

Thank you all,
William Bonds and Mark Farmer

M W.

12/15/2020

We have been working with Cabrillo on our plumbing needs over the years so it was no surprise when we called them when our heater stopped working. Frank came to the house and was knowledgeable and professional. Once the work started Erick, Hugo and Frank worked hard to complete the job as quickly as possible.
Once the job was complete they cleaned the area and explained all we needed to know about the new heaters.
We appreciate them being on time each day and always helpful.

julien b.

07/08/2020 12:00:00 SA

Cabrillo was recommended to me by a friend of mine and I am extremely grateful to him.
They were the 3rd Plumber who came to our house to address a water pressure issue and finally we got the right answer with the right options.
Brian was extremely knowledgeable and kind.
Highly highly recommended.

Jan H.

09/11/2021 12:00:00 SA

My hot water heater was not heating water, as it should, Robert came out to fix it and solved the problem quickly. Robert also fixed the hot water valve under the kitchen sink, I am so pleased to have that taken care of.

Cabrillo Plumbing is the only plumbing company I will use, they are knowledgable and always can solve the plumbing problem.

Marilyn T.

5/24/2021

Our home was built in 1922. Plumbing issues crop up from time to time. We've been using Cabrillo for years for big and little jobs. They always fix the problem is a reasonable amount of time, clean up the work area and guarantee their work. All of their employees are knowledgeable, efficient and are great at troubleshooting shooting the problem. We will continue to call Cabrillo whenever an issue arises. Many thanks to David, Frank and newcomer Steve.

Larry K.

5/24/2021

The water heater had pilot assembly replaced. It was done in timely fashion. It took about an hour to complete. In my opinion, based on my follow-up with price check, it was definitely on a very high side. I was out of town and did not have a chance to get a second estimate. Otherwise, the job was well done and so far have no issues.

Mitzi N.

6/22/2020

Frank estimated the job of removing asbestos around our pipes, and replacing water heater, furnace, and adding an air filter to our system. Adolfo and Frank showed up 8am Friday morning. Adolfo told Frank there'd be less of a tear-down than anticipated, and Frank left. Adolfo went to work, and was done by 2pm. Grand and Erik arrived Monday morning, and were done by Friday afternoon. The difference is amazing!

Having hot water for doing dishes while someone else is in the bathtub is fantastic. And getting the new furnace to work with our Nest (and not have to take off any molding) took some cussing, but it works like a charm. Frank and Erik really came through for us. We're very happy with their work.

David F.

6/24/2020

Excellent work and service. They have installed faucets for me on a number of occasions and they were always perfect. Never had a leak or any problems with their work.

In addition, they stand behind their warranty. We had a faulty or defective faucet (no fault of theirs) and without any argument, they came and replaced the defective one.

Very reliable service. Highly recommend them.

Everso T.

03/12/2020 12:00:00 SA

Robert Burkett came by our apartments to inspect our very old wall heaters and thermostats, then wrote a proposal to get them replaced. I was so pleased the building owner accepted the bid from him/Cabrillo Plumbing & Heating to get the work done.

Robert was punctual each time, completed the job meticulously and quickly. His experience at doing installs really showed! Moreover, he brought drop cloths, then vacuumed and swept up the debris after all the work was done.

He also showed me how to light the pilot in the new furnace and how to set the new thermostat. Robert is an absolute professional and very pleasant to talk to. I would feel confident referring him to any of my friends and family. Thanks again for the great work!

Vincent T.

03/04/2020 12:00:00 SA

Brian and Gessa great. Very professional, helpful, and responsive. I've worked with Brian on multiple projects and am always happy with his attitude. He comes right on time, wears shoe covers, knows what to do since he has a ton of experience. Plus I know I can trust his opinion and his word.

Gessa is awesome and went out of her way to help me pick the right parts and style for my bathroom shower. She emailed me a ton of different options, and helped me narrow them down even when I wasn't sure who I'd buy the parts from. I'll definitely be going back to Cabrillo!

Nick S.

5/15/2021

Called Cabrillo when I noticed water under our aging 50 gallon water heater. Sal got me an appointment within 24 hours and even called back later to say that we'd be first on the schedule.
Our lead technician Frank was on time at 8am, quickly diagnosed the problem and took me through all the steps, code requirements and explained exactly what would be happening.
Complete replacement and a number of things that needed to get it to code. With the help of Eric, the installer, the work was completed early afternoon. No mess, no fuss.
Super professional, very friendly.
You're in good hands with Cabrillo -- would recommend them highly for all your plumbing and HVAC needs.

N. P.

6/15/2021

Brian with Cabrillo has helped me numerous times at my old, crooked 110-year-old house. He's fixed the dishwasher drain and, repaired previous shoddy work on my refrigerator water line. Today, Brian and Steve fixed a toilet that was leaking into my kitchen ceiling. (Gross!) They had to replace the flange and wax ring.

Cabrillo has great communication when booking and when the technician is on their way.

Always cheerful and knowledgable about old houses. Highly recommended!

Patricia S.

1/28/2020

Cabrillo Plumbing is, and has been, a 5+ star Company in my book for years. From Dave,Jeff, Sal and Candace, they each provide skilled professionalism each and every time I call on the Company's services. AND, I am sooo happy to add a BIG shout out for Brian! Brian is a true professional. He is skilled, thoughtful and solved a problem that required all of the above. A real go-to-guy!
Thank you all !
Patricia

Ashley K.

12/09/2020 12:00:00 SA

We have an old home with old plumbing and the folks at Cabrillo were fantastic to us. We worked with Rob, Jeff and Sal over a couple of appointments and were very impressed by how professional, patient, informative, and knowledgeable these folks were. They took their time to explain the issue and provided thoughtful options. I would confidently recommend Cabrillo for your plumbing needs - solid company with knowledgeable and friendly plumbers!

L J.

03/01/2021 12:00:00 SA

I have used Cabrillo before and have always been pleased with the professionalism and skill of the technicians. I like that the technician's name, photo and background is sent prior to the appointment so you know who is coming to your home.
Robert came to assess a gas leak that was urgently checked by a PGE tech the day before. The PGE tech had said the leak was coming from one of the two hot water heaters (he turned also turned off the hot water). The next day, Robert arrived and did a thorough evaluation of both heaters and found that PGE misidentified the problematic heater. Within 4 hours, Robert and Jeremy had replaced one heater, and replaced a part on the second. They also swept out my garage and left it cleaner than it was before they started work.
Lovely guys and excellent work!!!

Will G.

03/10/2021 12:00:00 SA

Brian came out to give us an estimate on replacing our water heater. He was early, which you almost never get from in-home maintenance companies. He laid out our options, and then to our surprise he was able to install the unit the same day. He got right to work on prepping the area while another person from Cabrillo brought the unit. The new, larger unit was hooked up within a couple of hours of his visit, and after they left it was as if they were never there- they had the whole work area covered and wore shoe covers the whole time.

Brian was very professional and friendly, and easy to recommend. My dog was a big fan too and slept beside the work area.

In terms of pricing, this is the first water heater I've purchased so I didn't really know what to expect. Based on googling, the price fell on the high side of expected prices in my area, but certainly within the typical range.

Maria B.

03/04/2021 12:00:00 SA

Robert Burkett and crew did a great job replacing old hot water heaters, old pipes and making the whole set-up safe for the building and tenants. They showed up on time and completed the job in the promised amount of time.
Robert was very responsive via phone and very professional as was his crew.
He left the area cleaner than he found it, as he promised he would do.

Kudos to Sal and Candice in the office for also being responsive and professional.

Great job by everyone involved! Thank you.

Glenn J.

12/21/2020

Frank and John did a fantastic job removing old hot water heaters, re-routing some pipes and getting us back up and running smoothly. They were on time, super knowledgeable and very professional. The work area was a bit tight in the garage and basement, but they made it all work. Nicely done. Thanks guys!

Nicole I.

12/02/2019 12:00:00 SA

Our house is full of old plumbing and we've had these guys out to fix countless issues over the past few years. Everyone we've dealt with from the main office to the repairman has always been a pleasure to deal with. I greatly appreciate that Cabrillo sends a picture and bio of the repairman so you know who to expect and let into your home.
We've had Brian Buford come out a few times and he was at our place again today to repair/replace leaky pipes under the kitchen sink. Always prompt, respectful, and friendly.

David S.

3/31/2022

One morning during the recent cold weather, our furnace started blowing a horrible smell smell out of the heat ducts. We a called a company that had serviced our system previously. They sent someone over to check out the situation. The tech didn't do any investigation of the furnace and when he smelled the odor coming out of the ducts, he said the manifold on the furnace had cracked and combustion products were coming into our living space. We were advised to turn off the furnace and not to use it. No repair was suggested other than a new furnace. We did turn off the furnace, but fortunately we called Cabrillo for a second opinion. Frank came over quickly and assessed the situation thoroughly. Unlike the other tech, he carefully examined the furnace and after extensive diagnosis, he determined that the installation was a sloppy job. A piece of plasticy insulation had fallen onto the manifold, melted, started vaporizing and was producing the awful smell. The fix was just to gain access to the manifold and clean in thoughly. After Frank's fix, the furnace is producing lots of odorless heat. Frank's diagnostic skill, thoroughness, and honesty saved us a ton of money. If he had not been here we would have probably ended up buying a new furnace. Frank and Cabrillo have our highest recommendation.

Bunny F.

10/20/2020

frank was fantastic!
professional, patient,
prompt and pleasant!!!

Xavier O.

08/10/2019 12:00:00 SA

Our hot water tank broke down. We called within 1/2 day Cabrillo was here, on schedule, confirmed the time of the appointment beforehand. Quick diagnostic, through explanations and options were provided by Rob. He was courteous, knowledgeable, efficient, answering questions from the units about a replacement. Got to work immediately, called before turning the water off, was not disruptive. the work is clean, up to inspection standards, through and Rob and Erick did a terrific job. Cabrillo is not cheap but you get what you pay for.
We highly recommend them.

Stephen A.

12/15/2020

Cabrillo was great!!! Brian Bufford was the best!!! I needed to have 2 hot water tanks replaced. Brian was professional, nice, and friendly!! He arrived when he said he would. Felt safe and comfortable. He got the job done, stress free!! I would highly recommend Cabrillo, local San Francisco plumbing and they get the job done!!

Alan H.

08/08/2019 12:00:00 SA

This is the only company I use for important plumbing jobs.
The service is top notch and done in a professional and timely manner.
The new water heater was installed the same day after the failure
of my old model.
Most jobs are not an emergency but I call Cabrillo whenever a plumbing
issue comes up.
Thank you, Cabrillo

Shawn C.

12/10/2018 12:00:00 SA

Dave, Patrick and Eric have all been here this month for jobs both big and small and HUGE! Each time these very professional and courteous gentlemen solved my problem immediately or within a reasonable amount of time. Sal at HQ/dispatch was also fantastic at the logistics.

No one wants to have to deal with the kind of projects that our house has offered up the past couple months - though I've gotta say, should you find yourself in need of plumbing solutions, call these guys. Quality work start to finish.

We've had many SF plumbers here over the 20+ years spent in this house and Cabrillo is simply the hands down best we've experienced so far.

We have found our Plumber.

Sharon F.

6/15/2021

I called to have older thermostat looked at since it was no longer responding. Frank arrived with mask and graciously covered his shoes upon entering the house. I explained my problem and I already had purchased a Nest Thermostat incase it needed to be changed. Frank did some quick investigation to verify compatibility with old wiring and the Nest. Frank was awesome! He completed the job expeditiously, he was friendly and most of all competent. Job well done! I highly recommend Cabrillo Plumbing and heating and specifically Frank!

Denise C.

11/13/2020

Rob, Erick & Hugo were just wonderful. They were installing a crawlspace furnace for me where thet had to excavate & haul away quite a bit of sand. In addition, a previous contractor had left a considerable amount of debris ounder my house which they were kind enough to remove & haul away with the sand.
They were so polite, on time, very professional and Rob is extremely knowledge. He came back after the installation was complete to explain the thermostat & show me the filtration system. They are definitely the folks to call.

Elizabeth B.

7/29/2019

Superb service as usual! Robert arrived precisely on time. He was courteous, professional and knew his faucets
After assessing the issues he completed the task quickly.
I highly recommended Cabrillo Plumbing!

Marc S.

5/21/2021

When our 8 yr old water heater starting making alarming noises whenever the burners were running, we called Cabrillo Plumbing to come take a look. We have used Cabrillo Plumbing for years and always found them prompt and easy to work with.
Frank discovered that the tank was leaking and the burners were corroding (and I suspect the noise was the gas whistling through the burners causing something to resonate). The heater needed replacing. The previous tank only lasted 7 yrs. Poking around the maze of plumbing (such is living in a 130 yr old house) he discovered a pressure reducer. The tanks had been installed without an expansion tank which probably accounts for their shortened lives. Since we're planning a renovation that would require moving the water heater - but we're ready to do that work now - Frank came up with some creative solutions and got us to a fix it forward solution that we can use for the renovation and that works for us now.
Frank and Erik did a terrific job explaining the work, keeping the job site clean and tidy, and making some minor alterations to address some of our concerns. The result looks clean and well organized, and clearly thought out for any maintenance that may be needed in the future.
All in all we're pleased with the outcome.

Caisa S.

8/14/2018

I didn't end up using Cabrillo, but I feel like I need to put in a good word for the company because everyone with whom I interacted was extremely professional, which is not necessarily the norm in this flakey business!

Our issue is a replacement hot water heater (ours broke). Cabrillo answered the phone late night Sunday and scheduled a tech to be at my house to provide an estimate the next morning between 7:00-7:30 am. The tech showed up on time and was extremely professional, informative, and friendly.

Cabrillo insisted on a permit, which is a good thing because my city requires one and I do not like that some companies say it is optional. It isn't. This was confirmed by our planning department. The emergency repair exception some companies tout means an emergency that takes place after hours, when it is impossible to get a permit. If you have time to shop around, a permit is required. The extra money is protection -- an independent third-patty evaluation of the work.

Why did I not choose Cabrillo for the job? Pricing. The cost is really out of line with the other quotes I received, thus, I picked a different company.

So why four stars even though Cabrillo's price was higher than other companies? Because the company acted responsibly and professionally, and the pricing is what it is. I got a price and was able to make an informed decision, which is the same opportunity everyone else has. I don't understand why a company that provides pricing upfront would be lambasted for being more expensive than its competitors. No one is holding a gun to anyone's head. Don't like the pricing? Get another quote and Move on. Geez.

Alexandria A.

6/25/2021

Replacing and relocating a furnace was the third project that Cabrillo did for me. The problem and solution were professionally identified, estimated and completed all with exacting standards and on schedule. Frank and Erick did a superb job start to finish, they took great care to explain every step, to treat my home with care. They were professional start to finish. They clearly take pride in their work. In a city were it is hard to get people, Cabrillo was fantastic at scheduling what was a high priority for me. I am grateful for Frank and Erick for a terrific job and would recommend Cabrillo to anyone - they have worked on the house furnace, hot water tank and a gas earthquake shut off system - all done expertly. Thank you - Frank and Erick.

Cathy G.

5/13/2021

We've used Cabrillo Plumbing for about 5 years to do all kinds of plumbing fixes on our home - from a broken main line, to replacing a water heater, to installing new fixtures in a bathroom and kitchen. The service people always send a message when they are on the way to our house, arrive in uniform, and always wear a mask while working during COVID. They are friendly, kind, and don't leave until the problem is fixed. We keep them on retainer now, so we get free visits at no charge, until we know what the problem is and are told how much it will be to fix it. We'll never use another plumber as long as Cabrillo is in business!

Eileen C.

12/12/2019 12:00:00 SA

We had a gas pipeline installed to feed a gas fire log insert for our fireplace, Dave and Oliver did the installation.
They made a pre-inspection and installation appointment and showed up on time, covered the work area and professionally installed the pipe... Cleaned up afterward and clearly described the work that was completed.
Highly recommend Cabrillo plumbing and Dave !
Joe

Rooibos T.

02/05/2020 12:00:00 SA

We paid them $200 just for an estimate for a heating system. 4 other vendors did it for free.

Their estimate was incomplete, poorly delivered, no follow-up and
3-TIMES the cost of others !!

Why would anyone do business with them - NO IDEA. Maybe they have figured out a way to trick the yelp algorithm

Chris N.

7/18/2018

Pros:
- They were able to show up a day earlier than my appointment for a weird back-to-back toilet drain/clog issue, so that was good!
- Guy was super nice, professional, informative and helpful about what was likely going on.
- Tried hard to resolve the issue on that first visit.
- Waived the fee for a first-time visit, creating some loyalty (I tipped for his trouble).

Cons:
- Was unable to resolve the issue on that visit.
- Quoted the next step as something pretty major, when (so far) I was able to remedy the problem using some more DIY techniques (though they are not the techniques a plumber would do, so probably why he didn't try or recommend them to me).

All in all, though, for sure a positive, professional experience and I would use them again!

Jordie W.

1/18/2020

Brian was terrific at diagnosing and solving the problem I was having with my water heater. The day before I called Affordable Water Heaters which was a bad error. They told me that I needed a new water heater and offered to gouge me a price of $3800! After checking their horrible reviews on Yelp I asked him to leave.

Excellent reviews on Yelp led me to Cabrillo plumbing. Brian said I didn't need a whole new water heater after all but to replace a part. He was experienced and wonderful to work with. I would hire them again in a heartbeat.

Tharnthong K.

02/04/2020 12:00:00 SA

Our heater was very old and broken down. When our technician (Frank) came in, not only was he polite,professional, and mainly realistic. At no point trying to up sell or convince us to do something we didn't want to. He gave us options of different price ranges and repair levels. What he thought was nesesary and what could wait. Great experience

Patty T.

03/11/2021 12:00:00 SA

From the first call being handled to the confirmation of who was to arrive at my door with picture of the plumber all went well. Even better the service delivered what without any problems. Was told in advance what was going to be done and how much it would cost. Was very pleased with Brian Bufford's knowledge and expertise. Will not hesitate to call again.

Viki F.

1/24/2020

Careful analysis discovered the source of the leak and fixed it. Clear explanation of each step in the process was very appreciated. They also made recommendations for addressing the water damage, very helpful.

Glade W.

8/17/2019

Great service by Dave, Eric, and Oliver at Cabrillo. Our water heater had started leaking late evening and Cabrillo was able to provide advice over phone right away schedule a visit the next morning 8am. Dave was highly courteous and professional, providing clear explanation of the situation and options. By early afternoon the same day, Dave and his crew had removed the old water heater, cleaned up the flooded mess and damaged wood, and installed a new water heater with new piping, vent, platform, wall straps, etc. Top notch service -- definitely recommended.

Richard M.

10/12/2017 12:00:00 SA

Cabrillo Plumbing, Heating And Air has always been my go to plumbing company for repairs. They have always been a call away when I required their services.

As of lately, I have been greeted by a really rude person who's on the telephone service that they have. They have even messed up the schedules. I was expecting them to be out at my house on the weekend and instead they were there in the weekday.

There was nothing I could do about that besides tell them to go back. It was really inconvenient.

Richard S.

2/16/2020

High marks for all aspects of Dave Preciado's work.
- He is experienced and knowledgeable.
- Was on time (actually early, which was good!).
- Has a great attitude, friendly, courteous and good natured.
- Clearly explained the problem(s) and what needed to be done.
- Made suggestions on what could be done to forestall future problems.
- Proceeded with agreed upon work in a timely and efficient manner.
- Was careful to double check his work.
- Cleaned up as he worked along with a finishing clean up at the end.
- Have used Cabrillo for a number of jobs over the years and highly recommend them!

Andrew G.

3/27/2020

Our tankless water heater kept going out and our home warranty sent out a different company who didn't fix it and said we were going to have to replace the whole unit but that it wasn't covered by our home warranty. We decided to call Cabrillo to get a second opinion and our tech Brian B arrived on time and was super friendly. He was able to quickly diagnose the issue and fixed our heater with without out replacing any parts, just a quick cleaning and reconnecting of part. He was super helpful in teaching me about my heater, how to service it and when i would eventually need to replace it. We can take hot showers again! This was about as good as a service company's service can get. 5 Stars!

John B.

3/17/2020

We love Robert. He is personable and very competent. We don't want to see our plumber very often, of course, but when we need him, we're happy to see him.

Victor B.

2/18/2020

My original review (at the bottom) was 2 stars. But the guys at Cabrillo did reach out afterwards and did what was fair to make it right - so I'm bumping it up to 4 stars. Fixing mistakes is what a good business does.

On the positive side, good prompt service and friendly people who do good work. On the negative side EXPENSIVE AF!
A tech charged us $268 for parts and labor. He was working for about 45 minutes and the part was $20. So if my math is right, that's $330 per hour. That is CONFISCATORY. I called them and said - hey I think you guys overcharged me. $330 per hour seems a bit excessive. The guy on the other end explained that they dont charge by the hour - they charge by the job. But that's silly - you can charge however you want, but if the hourly rate ends up as high as a good attorney's - there's something wrong. A reasonable person, would have said hey I see you are unhappy - let me give you a credit for the next time or here's a little refund or something like that. But all this guy wanted to do was to argue with me. And that's on top of the fact that they also compel you to pay them a $300 a year membership fee.

Tom S.

10/14/2019

I always rely on Cabrillo for my plumbing problems (and non-problems too!) My repairman, Brian, was right on time and took care of the problem right away.

I like Cabrillo because they explain what they're doing and what they expect it to cost. They always do a good job. I've used them a lot at this point.

Susan V.

11/12/2019 12:00:00 SA

Frank C. showed up exactly when they said they would, and with booties for his shoes which was really appreciated. He was happy, polite, pleasant and professional. He put down a blanket to protect our hardwood floor while installing a new kitchen facet and and a drinking water spout. He was efficient and patient with my questions. Another time he installed a hot water tank and that went very smooth as well! Love these people and wouldn't call anyone else but Cabrillo! My garbage disposal has a issue now and I know who I'm calling!

Mi M.

5/17/2019

This is by far the best plumber I've come across and this past few months I've learned about plumbing and how having an efficient, reliable, professional and yet get the job done right, fast & fair cost. We all understand the NASTY sewage work is. Have a plumber such as Brian of Cabrillo plumbing,new pipes, ejector pump installation is a tremendous peace of mind knowing that the work Brian done here is solid 100%!!URGENTLY managed from the very beginning to the end, trust worthy. Happy to say that the toilets, and very thing involved plumbing in this place is back.

Lorie L.

03/10/2021 12:00:00 SA

We needed prompt replacement of our Water Heater and were able to get an immediate appointment. The service was excellent; Erick and Hugo did great work while following all COVID protocols.

Karin W.

03/02/2020 12:00:00 SA

Per usual, I received a notification and a quick bio on the technician that will come tomorrow; I also received a call when the technician was on the way to confirm arriving time. The service was impeccable and the technician took the time to explain everything he was doing.

I trust the quality of the work and their customer service is impeccable.

Kathleen T.

5/14/2019

Cabrillo is the gold standard in my view for all things plumbing. These folks arrive on time, with solutions and they are both courteous and excellent at what they do. Huge fan. Today's visit was by Patrick though I've had exceptional experiences with everyone on their crew including Sal who handles inbound requests for their SF location.

Linda S.

03/07/2021 12:00:00 SA

I was charged $250 for an estimate that was more than double that of two others. Also their estimate did not include the type of furnace or A/C that was to be installed. Very disappointed.

Linda L.

1/28/2021

I called two days ago for a non-emergency plumbing issue. Brian showed up as scheduled at just after 8am this morning (scheduled time was 8am to 11am). He was professional, used (excessive!) Covid precautions and fixed the problem immediately.

Phillip B.

10/27/2019

Frank, Charley, and Erick were my team. Each had great talents.
As a team, they were absolutely perfect. They removed a 40 year old
furnace with asbestos covered ducts. They installed a new system with
all the bells and whistles. Fabricated ducts on site, fixed electrical
connections and moved and replumbed our hot water heater. I can't
say enough about their skills individually and as a team. These are the
guys you want in your house. If I were their boss, I would recommend
them for early promotion.

Alexander B.

01/06/2015 12:00:00 SA

There are no words to describe how lucky we feel to have found Cabrillo plumbing. My condo association had contracted another plumber to make repairs on our unit due to a leak. After a lengthy demolition and restoration, we turned on our water and found that the shower did not work. I had had it with the plumber the condo association was using and needed somebody to get the work done quickly. It was the worst possible timing, Monday, December 22, 3 days before Christmas. I contacted another plumber I trust who actually recommended Cabrillo. If that's not a good sign I don't know what it is.

From the moment I spoke to Justin at Cabrillo and scheduled the plumbers to fix our water valves I felt we were in good hands. There was constant communication with Justin and Gessa, which I greatly appreciated since I've must've driven them nuts by calling them at least 30 times. Once the job was done, they sent me photos and confirm that they had actually tested the line and confirm that the water was working properly.

Our building is over 100 years old so what they were able to do with new plumbing made our bathroom look brand-new.

Not only did they do a good job but they stand behind their work. A week later my condo association contacted me again to inform me of another leak in my unit. I contacted Cabrillo and they had a plumber out there within two hours and confirmed that the leak was not from our unit but from a valve from the building waterline.

Thank you Cabrillo!

Will L.

09/05/2019 12:00:00 SA

Frank showed up and got the job done. What I liked was that he was very clear, methodical, logical and communicative. I feel like I know what he did, why, and about the state of the plumbing in my house. I will definitely be using them again.

Catherine C.

5/24/2019

We had an excellent experience with Cabrillo! Easy and flexible scheduling. Frank was friendly, professional, and clearly explained the problem and the work he completed. We'll definitely use Cabrillo for our future plumbing and HVAC needs.

Barbara D.

12/23/2020

For several weeks the drain in my pedestal sink has been slow to drain. After several attempts plunging there was no success. A friend had used Cabrillo and had such a positive experience I called them. From the first contact their communication was clear and prompt and even sent a video showing Covid safety protocol. When Frank arrivedI felt an immediate sense of trust and hopefulness.It turned out to be a little complicated and he had to try several things to get it to drain but his communication was clear and extremely professional! He figured it out and I am so relieved and grateful! Will DEFINITELY call on Frank again for any future problems! He was terrific!!!!

Andrew C.

12/18/2020

When my water heater died, I called Cabrillo at 9:15 am and had a new one installed by 3:30 pm -- on a Saturday. Frank arrived on time, assessed the situation and clearly explained my options; repair, replace, upgrade. This was friendly, professional advice, not an upsell. His partner, Sal, arrived in an hour with the new tank and materials, and left with the old one. Frank's installation was a big improvement over what I had. I am very impressed with Cabrillo's professionalism and efficiency, and happy to recommend them. Good guys who get it right.

Andy P.

4/28/2019

Cabrillo, and specifically Frank Cichetti, were great. When my water heater broke and was leaking I called them on the recommendation of my neighbor. They promised someone would arrive within 45 minutes to do an inspection and make a recommendation, which they did. Unsurprisingly, it needed to be replaced.

Frank was very patient answering all my many questions and not pressuring me at all to use Cabrillo to perform the actual replacement. But if I wanted to go forward immediately they could replace it that afternoon, or schedule service for later. It was a lot more expensive than I expected, but I didn't do any comparison shopping and have no idea what water heater replacement and install typically cost.

Within a few hours everything was fixed and it's working great now. I also now know how to maintain my water heater. It was all quick and painless. Easy to pay onsite with a credit card, they communicate effectively with both text messages and emails to keep me up to date and send invoices, etc.

Sarah T.

05/02/2019 12:00:00 SA

For years now, I have counted on Cabrillo's team of expert plumbers to resolve my plumbing issues. My home is over one hundred years old and has some unique plumbing issues due to its age. Cabrillo has helped me understand what causes my plumbing issues and what preventative steps I can take to avoid them.

Today, Robert Burkett came from Cabrillo to fix my kitchen sink drain which kept regurgitating sludge. He identified what had caused the blockage and how I could prevent it. Robert also imparted some trade secrets for steps I could take on my own before calling Cabrillo if the plumbing issue returned. Robert left me with a free, 18-ounce container of an eco-friendly enzyme treatment to keep my drains in optimal condition. I learned so much from Robert that I took notes and started a file on plumbing for my own future reference!

Today's experience with Robert was typical of the type of professional service I have always received from Cabrillo. Plumbers are always very helpful, always very punctual, always thoroughly clean up after themselves and always recommend the most cost-efficient and most successful solution to my plumbing problems.

Joanne W.

2/19/2017

I have used Cabrillo plumbing three times recently. I also used them twice last year. They are prompt, reliable and what they fix stays fixed.

Their workman are knowledgeable and fastidious. And smart and kind.

I recommend the device unreservedly. Joanne Whitney.

Jeanette S.

11/20/2020

I would definitely recommend Cabrillo plumbing heating and air. We had a 30yr old furnace replaced by workers Robert Burkett and Erick Ortega. They did an excellent job. When the finished, it was a work of art. Afterwards Robert explained everything they did in detail and how everything works,also how to troubleshoot. We do not anticipate any problems. Erick and Robert were also very friendly. I would highly recommend asking for them specifically. On a scale of 1 to 5, I would give them a 10. Keep up the good work.

Joydeep G.

04/08/2019 12:00:00 SA

We called Cabrillo Plumbing when our shower valve broke. Brian Bufford was our service technician and did an amazing job fixing our shower valve. He had to order and test 3 different cartridge valves, which meant 4 home visits. Brian is incredibly professional, super knowledgable, and is the BEST technician ever. We will call Cabrillo Plumbing and Brian Bufford for all our future plumbing needs.

Tim S.

11/03/2020 12:00:00 SA

Cabrillo saved us when our 18 year old water heater failed a couple of weeks ago. They were here next morning with all work done by midday. Robert was wonderful to work with. This was the second time Robert paid us a visit, having fixed some other problems for us last year, as well. He's fantastic, and he was sensitive to our baby napping, saving the loudest work for after the nap! Cabrillo provides great customer service, and we couldn't be happier with our new water heater (and garden hose spigot, which Robert replaced during the same visit). Robert also consulted with us on our slow bathroom sink drain, and he left a product we can use to clean it. We'll definitely call Cabrillo again!

Melissa R.

4/24/2019

We have had a few things come up since July. Each time Sal and his team are very responsive- resolving each issue well and in a very timely manner. It is great to know that we have someone reliable to call if something comes up!

Thomas W.

7/20/2019

The crew (Frank, Erick and Josue), did an amazing job on the duct work and the air purification system at my bosses house. They were very professional, clean, and respectful throughout the week doing the job...I would definitely recommend this team to anyone...real pros!
And Frank, who was the lead on this project, was superb!

Thank you!

Sharon M.

12/22/2018

These people are so good! From the professionalism and knowledge of the office staff to the promptness, accuracy, efficiency and skill of my technician, Frank, everything they do is high quality, high integrity and high generosity. Frank helped resolve a mysterious and inconsistent issue with my furnace as well as uninstall a tricky water filter system. He didn't just do the task at hand, he went far beyond the call of duty. After having Frank help me out I realized how all the people I'd used beforehand may have saved me money in the short term but ended up requiring corrections to be made. Lesson learned, next time I'm going straight to Cabrillo for HVAC and plumbing issues. And requesting Frank!!

Deb M.

9/24/2018

It was a pleasure to deal with Cabrillo from start to finish. Calling to schedule an appointment was easy and they are extremely professional and have good follow up. I have an old 1960s sloan valve toilet located in the ceiling that needed to be replaced -- this was not an easy job to do. Frank C did an awesome job. He arrived early to prep the space to put tarps down and his tools ready. The work completed far exceeded my expectations. I would totally use Cabrillo again.

Mike R.

08/09/2020 12:00:00 SA

Frank did an outstanding job updating our HVAC system - identified some fundamental problems (a duct had collapsed in the basement) and designed a second system to take load off the main. Long story short, what was once an uninhabitable sweltering oven above the garage is now a comfortable home office. They were super professional - very careful with our home and left the area spotless after each day. Always masked - very important to us. Great job Frank!

Irene C.

12/05/2019 12:00:00 SA

The team from Cabrillo-Erick, Josue and Charlie were hard-working, expert, punctual and kind.

M L.

12/20/2018

Thank you to Office Manager, Gessa; to plumber, Brian; and apprentice, Gage, for repairing my shower leak and installing a new Gerber pressure flush toilet. From beginning to end, Cabrillo offers excellent customer service for my condo bathroom repairs. I've used Cabrillo many times over the years, and I can assure you that you will be pleased with the level of service offered by these folks. Thanks to Cabrillo, again.

Stacy H.

5/18/2018

Woke up today to a cold shower, not by choice. My husband called Cabrillo and discovered that our hot water heater was broken, leaking and needed replacement. They fixed it all today! I am so happy that I can take a hot shower this evening. I have to give a shout out to Frank Cichetti. He is professional, efficient, helpful, and really knows what he is doing.

RENEE a.

2/20/2019

A worker from Cabrillo stole jewelry from me while working in my home. He and I had a disagreement over an increase in price and that night I noticed an expensive bracelet gone right by where he was working. I went to the company owner who denied that happened even though he was not on site. I'll never use them again.

Steve P.

1/31/2020

These guys are great! excellent service. I had a water heater go out and called another company, they showed up late and when they brought the new water heater in it didn't fit, he got the wrong size. Then wanted to cut open the door jamb to make it fit, because the supply house is closed til Monday. Needless to say i kicked that guy out and called Cabrillo, they showed up on time, were very clean about the work and work area. Robert the technician who cam out was awesome, very professional and went above and beyond. Turned a really bad situation to a very happy one. Just the other day i was walking by my gas meter and i had a old mini pipe wrench sitting there to shut off the the gas in an emergency, noticed it was on the ground and when i looked i found Robert had zip tied an official Cabrillo gas meter wrench to the gas pipe and now i can get rid of my rusty wrench.
If your looking for a trustworthy, professional and very clean plumbing company call Cabrillo ...they are the best!

Michelle L.

2/20/2019

Brian and Oliver did such a great job installing a new water heater and replacing our aging heater that died after a power outage.

Brian came in promptly on Feb 15, Friday to access the situation and was very professional, informative and friendly and assured us that we would have hot water by Feb 18, Monday.

True enough, Brian and Oliver came in promptly at 8am, did what had to be done and by 1:30pm, we had hot water! I could tell that Brian took great pride in their work in ensuring that their work was a notch above the rest and that really put us at ease knowing that we were in good hands.

J. K.

2/19/2018

Thank you for your response and indication you have taken swift action. I take that as a sign of a good business that you run with integrity. I have no problem updating to 5 stars -- again not for any services provided but for being a responsible business owner in the community.

Olga A.

01/10/2020 12:00:00 SA

My husband and I have been loyal customers to Cabrillo for many years. Technician Oliver arrived to the job on time and he was very professional in our interactions. He explained exactly what he's going to do and the work was done in a timely manner. I will definitely continue to use Cabrillo in the future for any plumbing service.

Philip C.

07/04/2018 12:00:00 SA

As always, a great experience with Cabrillo.

While our initial job was simply to replace a water heater, we decided to move the unit a few feet to create more storage space in an in-law apartment. The job, (lead by Frank and his team of Oliver and Erik), was done thoroughly, and with exceptional attention to detail. They prepped the entire small apt. by draping to prevent dust/damage, and came up with the best solution to maximize the storage space in the unit.

While I think Cabrillo might be a bit on the high side, their work is so thoughtful and complete that we've always super-satisfied with the choice.

Rene C.

04/06/2009 12:00:00 SA

Wow, I am super surprised by the low ratings.

I've always found Cabrillo to be professional, honest, on time and always stand by their work.

A. S.

01/04/2020 12:00:00 SA

I've used Cabrillo for several plumbing projects in our home. Every time they solve the problem quickly and are thorough, professional, and friendly. Our recent experience with Erick Ortega was excellent as usual.

Mahin C.

09/10/2018 12:00:00 SA

Brian from Cabrillo Plumbing installed an earthquake shutoff valve for our main gas line.
He was on time, clean efficient and pleasant. Although Cabrillo Plumbing is super expensive,
but they do a great job.

Meghan C.

2/23/2018

Dave was a complete professional with a great sense of humor (which I needed as I waited for my shower to be fixed!) He was on time, efficient and had a smile on his face! I heartily recommend Cabrillo Plumbing - ask for Dave!

John F.

12/14/2018

I've used Cabrillo twice in the last year or so - once to replace an aging water heater that died and recently to replace an aging furnace that died. In both cases I was pleasantly stunned at how fast they were. And I'm very happy with the quality of the work.

On the furnace, Frank Cichetti was very clear in explaining the equipment, operation and cost. It was a pretty big job - at least it seemed so to me - and he and his partner had it done and cleaned up in just a few hours.

I called Cabrillo about the furnace because I was quite pleased with the job they did on the water heater. I didn't consider calling anyone else.

I hope I don't need them again for a long while, but if I do I won't hesitate to call them.

Andrea S.

9/28/2017

These plumbers are the ones you want in your house. I have been dealing with contractors in SF for over 20 years and Cabrillo Plumbers are in the top percentage of people you would call again. So professional with the uniforms and the clean vans with the logo. We had a small leak and the guy stayed for hours on the eve of a holiday to watch it until it stopped dripping, and then we had a huge issue that ended up needing the entire wall re-piped and it was easy to schedule them in between the dry-wallers and water remediation company and the painters. It was a mess and I felt very confident in their work and their professionalism. I found my go-to plumbers!

Tom C.

1/21/2020

We used Cabrillo to retrofit our home with an immediate hot water system. Oliver and Brian, our technicians, arrived on time, were personable and professional. They left the house clean and our hew hot water system up and running. Great service.

Kathy L.

1/17/2020

Frank from Cabrillo did a very professional job in analyzing the possible problems with our furnace and providing possible next steps required. Happily it was fixed after the installation of a new pilot generator. Frank is very detail-oriented and thorough in his work, very neat and punctual.

Susan L.

05/12/2015 12:00:00 SA

Gessa- ur are awesome. I enjoyed working with you so much!

You care so much about Carrillo Plumbin and all your customers. You're a gem to the industry.

Brian M.

09/06/2015 12:00:00 SA

My hand wash sink broke due to my carelessness so I called Cabrillo.
They came to my house promptly and analyzed the problem, wrote me a quote within 5 minutes and bam. I almost fell down with the quote = $570+change, yes $570++.
I ended going to my local hardware store, got my copper piping for $14.95, fixed the problem within 1/2 hr et voila.
The cost of $1,100 per hour is ludicrous.

Frank M.

3/18/2020

Frank came out today to work on my dead furnace. As usual with Cabrillo Plumbing (third job with them) the work was done professionally and on time. Not the cheapest but they do the best work I have seen.

Elizabeth S.

3/14/2020

We had had trouble for a couple of weeks with the diverter on our shower, made worse this morning by an attempt to use it, resulting in very little shower at all. Cabrillo couldn't guarantee a visit today, but put us on stand-by, understandable on a Saturday with a last-minute problem. I was pleased to get a call in the afternoon telling me that Brian was on his way. Yay! Brian was courteous, wore booties over his shoes to keep things clean, and did a quick repair that solved our shower problem. Nice job, and thanks, Cabrillo, for getting to our problem so quickly.

Louisine F.

2/27/2020

Brian came promptly, quickly diagnosed the issue, and fixed it in a timely way! He was careful to remove the old plumbing and install the new fixtures without making any mess. A great experience!

rosaruiz r.

3/21/2018

Today I called Cabrillo Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. I have been a client for many, many years. I was told today, I was red Flagged which means that they will not service my location. When I asked why? The owner would not give me an answer. So please keep this in mind when dealing with this company. They may come out and do a service but you may get Red Flagged and they won't come out again if they don't like you for some reason.

Be careful with this company.

Greg S.

2/14/2020

Our 39 year old heater finally died and we also discovered that our water heater was about to reach its end as well. We called Cabrillo. We could not have made a better decision. Quality equipment, extremely efficient and excellent craftsmanship. Frank and Eric did our job and they were professional throughout. Kept us informed of what they were doing and solved some problems in midstream. Can't say enough about what a pleasure it was to work with them. They took care to create as little disturbance as possible and were very attentive to cleaning all of their work areas. I highly recommend Cabrillo and Frank and Eric.

Donna P.

2/22/2020

I'm experiencing the peace of mind that comes from having good plumbers like Dave and Oliver on the job. I called Cabrillo when I got tired of mopping up puddles after taking baths in my clawfoot tub. They started out fixing a leaky drain and stayed all day replacing rusted water supply pipes. I couldn't believe the size of the holes! I'm grateful the water dripping onto the dirt in the basement crawl space didn't attract termites. I can now soak in the bathtub without worries. Thanks!

Scott Y.

5/30/2019

Oliver Brodech made a service visit to help with a faucet installation. I spent a day wrestling with a corroded old faucet that would not detatch, but Oliver took care of the old faucet and was generous with his time helping me undertand the installation the new faucet, where he offered washers and other pieces missing or the wrong size from the product I ordered online. Oliver and his colleagues at Cabrillo are as professional as they come in the business and are my first choice for any size of plumbing project.

Lynn K.

5/25/2019

I'm giving 4 out of 5 stars only because I always save one star for extraordinary service. But I confidently give Cabrillo 4. We've been using them for years. We have an old house with a mixture of old and new plumbing. They always figure out what went wrong. This time, Brian gave me a good lesson on what shouldn't be going into the garbage disposal as I'd clogged the pipe beyond the wall. Turns out that just because the disposal can handle it, doesn't mean the pipes can. He came promptly, cleared the line, and left all within an hour. I can't really compare the cost to others. I don't think they're out of line with other companies, but I can say that I trust them - when I've used others, the result isn't always solid.

Melissa S.

07/09/2019 12:00:00 SA

Happened to open the water heater closet and saw corrosion on the top of the water heater. Called Cabrillo and Dave arrived w/in a couple hours to diagnose the problem. Less than 24 hours later and the new water heater is installed and we are back up and running like nothing ever happened. Erick and Josue showed up first thing in the morning to start the job, the whole crew finished on time, and as quoted. Cabrillo is always my go to for plumbing and heating. I wish every business was run like Cabrillo.

Barbara D.

9/18/2019

I have used Cabrillo for several years on a number of different projects. They have done superior work, are friendly and professional. They have been honest about the scope of the job and never tried to push for more than necessary but quite the opposite. They will try to find the best solution at the least expense.

Susan O.

9/14/2019

I called Cabrillo on Wednesday with an issue with a wall furnace. Within 2 hours of my call a technician (Robert) came out to my apartment and assessed the issue and proposed a solution. Within minutes of the appointment I had a report of the visit and a quote for the work that needed to be done. On Friday at 8:30 two technicians arrived (Erick & Josue) and replaced the williams wall furnace, which involved taking out a very old unit which had been glued on to the wall (!), replacing the gas mains connections and many other parts which were very damaged and in a dangerous condition. They did the work so efficiently, were extremely courteous and friendly and left their work area immaculately clean - you would not even know they were there. I was so impressed with the speed of response, professionalism of all the people I dealt with and especially with the excellent work carried out by Erick & Josue. I will definitely use Cabrillo for any needs in the future.

Gary B.

09/04/2019 12:00:00 SA

Dave did a great job, he arrived on time, worked efficiently and fixed the problem.

Ali N.

8/29/2019

Needed new pressure regulator valves and Oliver from Cabrillo did an awesome job. Replaced the shutoff handles and tucked the new pipes in wall nice clean. Looks great and works great. I highly recommend them!

J.C. F.

11/01/2019 12:00:00 SA

Truly exceptional in every way. When I realized my hot water was leaking from the bottom of my old tank, I knew I was in for a long day. Sal with Cabrillo dispatch got someone out to me fast and even at the early part of the promised window because I had an important appointment. Then Dave took a close look, presented a few recommendations and options, and got everything squared away for install first thing the following morning. From there, Dave returned to get the job started, along with Oliver and Josue who took over and did a wonderful installation. Everything was repaired well and looked great. They kept things super clean, tested and showed me the new set up, and I was back with hot water in no time. I can't recommend Cabrillo Plumbing and these guys more highly!

James D.

07/10/2019 12:00:00 SA

Cabrillo is really great. Came out the same day at the promised time, both Eugenio and Jeff, the owner. Very polite, clear explanation of price, got the job done cleanly and efficiently. Really a pleasure to deal with.

Tony J.

6/24/2019

Oliver Brodech and Josue Hernandez of Cabrillo visited today to repair a faulty air conditioner installation made by another vendor a few years ago. They arrived on time and ready to work...Oliver took the lead on this project; both were very professional, friendly and efficient while working in a cramped hot attic space. Oliver fully explained what was done, providing photos and a video of the finished work product. This follows a string of very impressive interactions with Cabrillo personnel over the last couple of years. They may not be the least expensive, but you know that you will receive a very thorough quality job.

Akinyele S.

6/19/2019

With a few different Cabrillo plumbers working with us over the last 10 or 15 years, we are ALWAYS impressed by their skills, knowledge and speed (we thought a new toilet might take all day to install; they were done in 2 hours!). Always friendly and intelligent, we never use anyone else.

Michele R.

11/26/2018

The folks at Cabrillo were awesome: Our 22-year old water heater sprung a leak on Thanksgiving Day (yikes) when we were expecting a house full of people! They were immediately responsive when I called stressed out on T-Day morning... super helpful troubleshooting it so we did not have to be without hot water on the holiday, and were out early the very next day to take care of it. Extremely knowledgeable - we have a complicated system in our building, and Frank explained how it all worked and what kind of retrofitting we needed to bring it up to code. Installation was professional and top-notch - Robert and Oliver had the entire job (2 water heater, retrofitting and new valves) completed before the day was over, kept us in the loop on how it was progressing. They really know what they are doing. Thank you!

Aninha F.

11/13/2018

I have been using Cabrillo services for almost ten years now. The team is very professional and knowledgeable about all I needed help with - all sort of plumbing and heating things to be fixed. Today, I just had the thermostat replaced by Frank, all was smooth and quick, as always. Frank has helped me with a number of calls over the years. He takes the time to discuss his diagnostics with me, provide me the alternatives and make good recommendations on a course of action. The office team is also very professional and helpful on the phone.

Christopher A.

02/12/2019 12:00:00 SA

Frank Cichetti recently replaced a 25 year old gas forced hot air furnace for us. He was able to diagnose the probable cause of our problem quickly. Even though he had a circuit board replacement part in his truck, there was no assurance that this part would be a long-term remedy, so we elected to replace the furnace. He returned the next day and he and an assistant did a very professional job replacing the unit with a 2-stage furnace and thermostat. Frank was very professional and did the installation and ducting work very skillfully. I would not hesitate to use Cabrillo for plumbing and heating work in the future - very good experience.

maker of p.

7/24/2017

Called for an estimate. Put on hold several times, all the while made to feel like I was interrupting the receptionists morning. Then she comes back to say oh sorry, we are not talking any new clients. Ugh, dismissive.

Paul S.

04/04/2019 12:00:00 SA

Cabrillo has taken care of our plumbing and heating needs for over 15 years. They are responsive and engaged. They treat our house like it was their own, and always leave the house in immaculate condition. Their recommendation for plumbing and heating solutions are always practical and well-suited to our odd old house. Frank is usually the lead guy, and I feel like he's now an old friend. I love the new furnace he installed and the plumbing work is also terrific. I'd give them six stars if I could.

Ted H.

10/13/2018

I had Frank over to service my ancient furnace. He was great. He cleaned the furnace and fixed the pilot light. He left the job site perfectly clean. It's like he wasn't even here (except now I had heat in my house!). I'd definitely go back to him for more work in th futire

Whitney B.

12/20/2013

We've done work with these guys before and have been very satisfied with their work. They've always been reliable and responsive, and the work quality was high. Pricing for the past jobs we've done (including removing and replacing every toilet in our 3.5 bathroom house along with all sink fixtures) was acceptable and seemed in line with market.

With all that experience, I was very surprised to have a negative one this week. Our water heater was leaking (mildly) and we wanted it repaired/replaced. We called Cabrillo and they certainly arrived on time but tried to do a very hard sell to my husband on a $2700 water heater. It sounded high, so we checked with some friends of ours in the construction business, researched water heater prices online and looked up average costs on Angie's List. All of those pointed to a range of $1000-1600 total, including installation. One of the construction people we consulted asked his own plumbing guy, who called $2700 extortion for a water heater.

When conveying that to the Cabrillo individual, he only sold harder, said systems installed by others at that price would be inferior and started going down a list of highly technical features that mean nothing to a homeowner. No other offers or options were presented. Ultimately, we let him go without doing any work, and found a highly rated company that was there within an hour and did a fully installed new water heater for a total of $1400.

We are happy to pay a reasonable price for good work, and expect to pay going rate or even slightly higher to guarantee quality. But $2700 was unreasonable, poorly explained and without merit. Sorry, Cabrillo - don't think we'll be calling you again after that encounter.

Chris T.

3/23/2014

Brian from Cabrillo did an excellent job resolving our leaky kitchen sink problem -- on a Saturday morning, no less. Brian was punctual, quick, courteous, and competent. He identified the cause of the leak and adeptly replaced the faulty hardware with new hardware (that we chose on the spot using a Cabrillo iPad), which was delivered by Cabrillo Plumbing within an hour's time. To top it off, Brian was mindful to use booties and protective floor coverings and left the premises tidy and spotless.

You could probably find a more affordable option, but we were extremely pleased with the outcome and service. (Please note: As of the date of this review, Cabrillo's website offers a $50 first time customer discount off any service. You may want to confirm the offer is valid before you make an appointment.)

We may have paid a premium for the service, but it gave us peace of mind that we didn't have to micromanage Brian.

Donna Z.

2/22/2019

Cabrillo Plumbing responded quickly when our heater broke during unusually cold weather in San Francisco. Frank took a lot of time to explain everything to me. He's amazing. It was a complicated project that took a lot of extra effort. Both Frank and Eric worked above and beyond to get it done. They were professional, skilled and patient. I'm so happy and grateful to be warm!

Raymond L.

09/02/2018 12:00:00 SA

My hot water tank broke on Thursday night, called my usual plumbing company but they couldn't schedule me in until the following Tuesday. They referred me to Cabrillo. I called and was able to get an appointment on Saturday afternoon between 1-4PM. Cabrillo informed me on Saturday morning that one of their technician Frank Cichetti could be there early. Frank texted me with his bio and arrived within 30 minutes. Frank was friendly, professional and understood my main priority of getting hot water to the house. He walked me through what needed to be done in detail, was able to provide me an estimate on site. Once agreed the replacement was carried out immediately. The job was completed earlier than he had promised. The quality of work was exceptional in my opinion. Frank cleaned up the work area once completed and was extremely diligent throughout the entire repair. Once the work had been completed, Frank clearly explained the entire system to me. Frank has given me a great repair experience during the entire period. I am very happy with the work he performed and would highly recommend Cabrillo and especially Frank to anyone. Now my house has much stable hot water flow and I am very happy about it. I think the price I paid is on the high end, but given the urgent circumstance, the repair was done on Saturday, the quality of work Frank and his teammate performed and Frank's working attitude, I think it was worth it!

Courtney H.

10/13/2018

This company is great, so easy to work with! Frank is awesome! Fast, efficient, and great at what he does. He is super knowledgeable and helpful! I will be using Cabrillo and Frank again for years to come!

Sarah B.

11/20/2013

I've been using Cabrillo for over 10 years. They installed our new furnace and our tankless water heaters. We have tried THREE other plumbers in the area (maybe I'll name names later) but each one of them either wouldn't answer the phone, wouldn't show up on time or at all and had NO idea what the hell they were doing. They often left a mess, leaving me to clean it up. One guy charged us $1100 to fix noise issues and it didn't work and we were still expected to pay. I looked up the problem online and found out why the noise was happening but this plumber couldn't figure it out and wasn't resourceful enough to ask for help. I called him back several times-which is more time, money and time off for me. I found the 3 other guys on Yelp, by the way.

I went back to Cabrillo because nothing is more expensive that wasted money on unprofessional, incompetent plumbers. Cabrillo is not cheap but if you can afford crappy work, you can afford GOOD work. They're ALWAYS on time, they ALWAYS answer the phone. They're incredibly professional and most importantly, they get the job done the first time.

When they installed out tankless heaters, they piggybacked them and there was an installation issue. What did they do-they contacted the manufacturer and got what they needed instead of throwing (MY) money at it. When the heaters were installed, the city inspector came out to inspect it and I was inside, he was outside. I could hear him say to Cabrillo that everything looked great and that they always do a great job. This was comforting.

Recently, we called Cabrillo about a noise issue with our pipes and they fixed the noise by actually looking for the source of the noise. No one else had done that. While they were down there, they cleaned our furnace filter. They're also the only plumbers I know that we can call to flush out water heaters out for maintenance. The other plumber we had called to replace a sink pipe didn't even know what to do and didn't even want to try and figure it out. Nice, no?

Bottom line, you can spend money or you can waste it. Your choice.

Jill F.

01/04/2018 12:00:00 SA

I need to give a shout out to Robert! He returned in pouring rain to take care of a part replacement in our furnace. He is such a pleasant young man, always has a smile and never complains. He has such positive energy and is a terrific representative for Cabrillo.

Luke M.

1/22/2007

Worth avoiding. While they are very friendly and professional, Cabrillo tried to charge me nearly DOULBLE the market rate to install a gas heater. I wound up using someone else.
UPDATE: They cashed my check anyway, a month after I cancelled my contract with them. It then took two months to get them to refund my money and they still subtracted a second $130 call-out charge. For nothing.

Fred E.

9/14/2007

3 strikes and they're out:
1) They wouldn't give me a quote over the phone (for a standard job, installing a pressure regulator).
2) They charged me $59.95 to come out and give me the estimate, which the guy got straight from their standard pricing book!
3) They wouldn't take my $50 off coupon, because the small print says it's not good for estimates.
Oh, and 4) Their quote was MORE THAN DOUBLE what it ended up costing with another plumber.

Ryan E.

12/30/2015

I had these guys come to my place and provide an estimate to replace (1 - ONE) toilet.. The quoted me nearly 2000.00 dollars.. talk about gouging. I would not recommend them if your looking for a Fair price.

Bill R.

10/21/2019

This is approximately the sixth time I've turned to Cabrillo both for plumbing emergencies and remodeling at my condo. This time it was the untimely demise of the ancient water heater one fine evening, closely followed by a horizontal geyser of hot water. Called Cabrillo while still wet and Jeff (owner) answered. Sal (dispatcher) called back at 9:00 am the next morning (a Saturday). Robert (plumber) arrived that same afternoon. Removed piece-of-garbage original PLASTIC drain valve and replaced with a gleaming first-class brass one and drip cap, than checked out the water heater. He is a thoroughly professional, courteous, and pleasant fellow. I could not possibly be more pleased and grateful, and I commend them highly. Superb workmanship, courtesy, and reliability. They gave the venerable water heater another few years, but when it gives up the ghost you can be assured that Cabrillo will get another call from me.

William W.

9/17/2010

What's that sound?

I dunno, but it's 6am and it doesn't sound good

As it turns out, our water heater exploded and we were woken up to a flooded basement and a geyser where out hot water heater used to be.

Called Cabrillo because they were the first ones to answer their phone. By 7am they were at our house and starting to work. They also helped us find a company that cleaned up the water damage.

Not cheap, but friendly and professional, and we had hot water by 4pm.

I'd use Cabrillo again.

Xander S.

08/03/2006 12:00:00 SA

Outstanding, best-in-class, solve-any-problem quickly and within timeline promised. They have done everything from a new line my water/ice-maker in fridge, to correcting drain flow issues in two places, to quickly and to-code installing a new hot water heater the day before Thanksgiving when 20 guests were arriving for the holiday meal, to moving gas lines for a kitchen remodel -- oh, I could go on. They are extremely prompt, professional, reliable and worthy of unqualified recommendations. You have never seen such clear and accurate estimates, thoughtful and well-executed projects and such well-groomed folks who straighten up after finishing their work so well that my place was cleaner than before they arrived.

They even consulted with me for free (they are a licensed contractor too) about removing a soffit over my ancient stove and other matters. They even recommended hiring someone else to do the actual demolition work to save me money.

The only negative comment is actually a back-handed compliment. They are so good that they cost A LOT. Some projects have literally been 2-3 times the price that I would have expected from a lesser service. But they have a manual with them to do their estimates and also call their main office to confirm for more special projects so I don't feel I am being scammed as much as that I am paying a gigantic premium for incredible work. I would hire them again in an instant despite the cost.

Holly B.

2/16/2011

Update #2:

Cabrillo diagnosed the issue as a faulty thermostat. We replaced the thermostat on our own (bought a $20 and stuck the two wires in place for free). It still didn't work, so we called APOLLO HEATING (review to follow). They came out and diagnosed a completely different issue, replaced the part, and I now have reliable heat.

Now I'm really glad I ushered Cabrillo out, opting NOT to charge my landowner over $300 for something that wasn't even the issue to begin with!

George M.

7/25/2009

Their prices are extorsion. They wanted $750 to replace a garbage disposal -- and I bought the unit so it was $750 just to install it!

I sent them packing and they gave me a coupon for a free box of See's Candy -- I guess hoping I wouldn't post this review. I later found a plumber who did the job for $150.

Caveat emptor!

Clifford L.

06/12/2010 12:00:00 SA

P.S.

Reliability overview:
I just did a 'star' count among the reviews and the mediocre-to-low ratings outnumber the high ones; meaning, at best, inconsistency is bad business. Correct me if I 'm wrong.

#2: The service call was not to repair the furnace.

#3 Violation of safety code was not urgently expressed immediately to us at the time of the service call.

Lisa S.

09/05/2013 12:00:00 SA

I don't know what some of the other reviewers are smoking. I wonder if there are some fake bad reviews on here because they don't match my experiences at all...

I had Cabrillo come out and do a FREE estimate for installing a furnace in my 100+ year old Victorian house. The technician came promptly at the appointed time, and was nothing less that clean, professional and courteous. In the end they recommended I go the other rout . I was also thinking of installing gas fireplace heaters instead of having to build venting into the walls or put 2 furnaces one in the basement, and one in the attic - they recommended I do that instead, thus loosing my business So my experience with them has led me to feel that they have my best interests at heart.

I was so happy with their services that I had them install a new toilet in one of my bathrooms. The work was done on time, and perfectly, at a reasonable rate. I am thinking of having them come bask and install a steal shower in my master bath next.

Alex C.

6/17/2015

Cabrillo Plumbing wanted $7,195.00 to replace a 36 feet exterior gas pipe. But guess what? I hired another company called Golden Wu Construction Inc. of Daly City and they charged me just $1020 and had the job done within a day and passed the building inspection test for me within 3 days. The following is my story.

The 36 feet gas pipe that's buried under my front lawn was leaking gas. So the PG&E man shut off my gas and told me to hire a plumber to replace that pipe and told me that a building permit is required and inspection by the city is also required before they can turn the gas back on for me. I was introduced by another plumber to Cabrillo Plumbing and scheduled an appointment with them. They told me that they charge $29 for an on site estimate, and I agreed to it.

But right after I scheduled an appointment with Cabrillo Plumbing, I remembered an old Chinese contruction master who I dealt with in the past. He is Mr. Liu from Golden Wu Construction Inc. of Daly City. So I called him too and he came immediatly to my house to take a look at my problem.

This is what Mr. Liu told me, To replace this underground gas pipe, I have to dig up your entire front lawn and probably destroy all of your trees and bushes. And the new pipe buried underground would last around 20 years. Then you need another replacement when time is up. This is a huge and messy job and its going to cost you a fortune. But today is your lucky day. I see that you have a concrete wall right beside your front lawn. So we can simply run the gas pipe above ground fastened to your concrete wall. I can fasten the gas pipe to the wall just 6 inches above the lawn and the pipe will stretch all the way from the PG&E meter to your house. No digging is required, so this would save you lots of money. Plus the gas pipe would last at least 100 years if it is above ground. It might look uglier but all you have to do is paint the pipe white so that it matches your wall's color and plant few more flower or bushes to cover up the pipe.

Wow! What a wonderful idea! I was sold on that idea immediately. But Mr. Liu did not give me a quote immediately. He took the measurement and told me that he would go home to do a little calculation and he would call me and tell me how much it would cost.

Then on the next day, Brian from Cabrillo Plumbing showed up and gave me an estimate within 30 minutes. He told me he wants $7,195 to do this job. I was shocked out of my socks! $7,195???

I asked do they accept monthly installments. Then Brian from Cabrillo Plumbing said they need the entire $7195 paid in full when the job is complete. Then I asked him would it be cheaper if they can simply run the gas pipe above ground and fasten the pipe to my concrete wall. Then Brian told me he still would charge me around $7000 to run the pipe along the wall. He said when pipe is buried underground it lasts longer. So he strongly recommended me to bury the pipe underground.

I cannot accept his $7195 offer. So I paid him the $29 estimation fee and he left.

Then I called Mr. Liu of Golden Wu Construction Inc. back and asked him how much would he charge me. He told me he would charge me $900 if I apply my own permit at the Pacifica's City Hall myself. I agreed to his offer immedaitely and drove to the City Hall and applied my permit and spent $120 for the permit. At the city hall, I asked them lots of questions. The building inspector told me the gas line can be above ground.

Mr. Liu came the next morning at 10 AM and had the 36 feet long gas pipe built and fastened to my concrete wall by 4 PM. He built a shut off valve at one end of the new pipe and put an air pressure gauge at the other end. Mr. Liu never entered my house. Before Mr. Liu left, I asked him how much he would have charged me if I wanted the 36 feet pipe buried under my front lawn. He said he would have charged me $3000. (I never told Mr. Liu about the estimate I got from Cabrillo Plumbing.) The city inspector came 2 days later and passed it for me within a few minutes.

After this whole incident, I think Cabrillo Plumbing's business practice is extremely suspicious. Here's why:

1. Cabrillo Plumbing wants $7195 to bury 36 feet of gas pipe underground. And Mr. Liu only wanted $3000 for the same type of job.

2. They said they still want around $7000 if I want to simply run the gas pipe above ground along my concrete wall. But Mr. Liu only received from me $900 for that job and I spent just $120 for a permit at the city hall.

3. Brian from Cabrillo Plumbing told me that gas pipe buried underground would actually last longer than gas pipe above ground. I am not making this up. Do you own research folks. All I know is that my underground gas pipe lasted only 16 years while my other above ground pipes look virtually brand new.

charley N.

4/20/2018

These guys set a standard for professionalism and competence. I bought a new toilet this week, and had another company do the initial installation. They totally messed it up. So I called Cabrillo to do the job properly. Dave arrived promptly and diagnosed all the errors made by the first plumber, who had left out a gasket, and otherwise done things wrong in both assembly and installation. Cabrillo worked efficiently, NEATLY, and repaired damage to the inlet of the toilet, installed the correct gasket, shimmed the fixture due to an uneven floor, provided a new wax seal, and otherwise did a great job. The work is immaculate. Dave even cleaned and disinfected the floor, and left the bathroom looking terrific, with a great new fixture. THANKS for the excellent work.

Joyce K.

1/18/2018

Our gas furnace stopped working. I contacted Cabrillo based on Yelp reviews instead of the company I had previously used. He came on time. Thoroughly explained the problem and how to prevent it in the future and was more than happy to answer my many questions about our unit, its future outlook and potential alternatives even though we both knew we weren't going to replace the furnace for several years. But when we do, we will call Cabrillo. Are they more expensive than others as many people indicated? I don't know but I don't care. The price felt fair to me. You should see what the people who service my subzero refrigerator and wolf stove charge.....

justin g.

03/05/2010 12:00:00 SA

This business is a scam. They don't want to repair and try to upsell you into getting a new furnace! Their prices are insanely inflated.

After suspecting I was getting estimates that were too high I called around and found other company that would fix my wall furnace for couple hundred dollars instead of spending thousands to replace a functioning unit with Cabrillo.

Following the repairs, the furnace has been functioning perfectly for over a year and I saved a ton of money taking my business elsewhere. Avoid Cabrillo at all costs and shop around!

Suzanne B.

04/05/2010 12:00:00 SA

I've used Cabrillo Plumbing twice for bathroom/kitchen plumbing issues. The first time they were the company chosen by my property manager, and the man who came out was really courteous. He discovered 1-2 more problems than I was aware of and called my property manager to get approval. He fixed everything that was approved and left my bathroom clean. After dealing with multiple other plumbers, many who left my bathroom a mess, I was pleased.

The second time was a plumbing issue that I caused by dropping something down the drain. I called Cabrillo back, based on our last experience with them. Like many plumbers, they don't provide estimates (or even ranges) over the phone, but if you end up going with them, they drop the diagnosis fee. The man who came out most recently, Dave, was also very courteous. He offered to snake the drain because that's what I'd asked him to do, but advised that it wasn't necessary. The fix was actually much easier and less costly than I was expecting and I appreciated that he didn't take advantage of me.

They've been nothing but easy and pleasant to work with.

Jean L.

02/12/2019 12:00:00 SA

Our old water heater started leaking and we got a prompt, friendly call back from our request via their website. We also got emails and texts to let us know the time of arrival and information about the technician who would be providing the service. By 10:30, David Preciado arrived, assessed the situation, and had the new water heater installed by the end of the same day we had the problem. We were very grateful to have such prompt, thorough and professional service.

John R.

7/30/2010

Cabrillo is not the cheapest, but I've used them twice now for plumbing projects and can say they are far better (and more honest) than any other plumbing company out there.

There was some dry rot near a house outlet, which I assumed was water leaking into the wall. Turns out it wasn't the case and they didn't sell me an unnecessary pipe repair.

I have a downspout pipe which fills up with crud and has to be taken apart and cleaned out every year. Previously, Roto Rooter just came and snaked it, and in a year it was full of crud again. Cabrillo put a cap at the bottom so it can be opened and be more accessible (i.e. future cleaning will be easier and cheaper).

Neighbors were stealing our water (including to fill a cement mixer during a remodel)! Cabrillo put a locking cap on the outside, but the plumber told me that skeleton keys are easy to buy, and he put a switch inside to turn off the water, as well as an extra bracket to mount the hose more securely.

Cabrillo has always shown up on time, done an excellent job, and have had very courteous and helpful plumbers.

EDIT: They also stand by their work. We bought a new faucet from Cabrillo and it failed. Even though I'm fairly sure it was well out of warranty, Cabrillo fixed it at no charge the same day we called them.

Bill S.

8/26/2013

I'm quite amazed at all the reviewers that are giving Cabrillo low scores merely over pricing. It's like going to Neman Marcus and complaining that they don't sell men's dress shirts for $15 like Wal-Mart.

I hired a bargain plumber once and a few months later when my floor was buckling and tile was popping up, I realized that by not hiring a professional I'd cost myself far more than I thought I had saved.

I respect my home too much to not hire professionals and that's why I chose Cabrillo to come out and fix my latest plumbing issue and it's why I'll be calling them back for any HVAC work as well. The service, speed, and quality were top-notch and I didn't blink at the price because I have the peace of mind that it was done right the first time.

Carolyn W.

10/08/2018 12:00:00 SA

Ten days ago our Rinna tankless water tank stopped heating water. Cabrillo just finished replacing it and everything about their service was top notch. 8 years ago a dishonest and inept contractor installed it without a filter decreasing the life of this pricey device. Brian, from Cabrillo, clearly explained how the tank functions, the cause of the malfunction and my options. I elected to replace the tank, a significant financial investment, because of the 12-year warranty on the tank and the warranties on labor and ancillary devices. Brain, Gage and Oliver arrived promptly, insisted on wearing shoe coverings every time they entered the house, worked quietly and neatly to diagnosis and replace. When the finished they left my garage cleaner than they found it. All of my interactions with the office staff were equally delightful. When there was a small problem with the repair after 9 p.m. the answering service quickly forwarded my call to a plumber on call. The issue was resolved early the next morning, a Saturday, with a follow-up on Monday morning. My sense from dealing with Cabrillo is that employees are valued and treated with respect. Communication is prompt, clear and exudes a feeling of authentic concern and warmth. I will never call another plumber.

Rose S.

7/24/2018

Cabrillo was so responsive when we called yesterday when our air conditioner wasn't working. The service tech, Frank Cichetti, was very professional and helpful. He was patient not only explaining the problem and the service options to me but also in detail again to my husband when he called. He fixed the AC and got it back and running quickly (which was a huge relief as I had a houseful of guests coming for dinner) but did a really great job cleaning and replacing our heating filter and he even mounted our Nest back on the wall (as it was still hanging after the wall was painted). I also appreciate that he wore booties when coming in the house. We are really happy with the experience we had with this company!

Heiko L.

03/07/2020 12:00:00 SA

We recently bought a house in the Outer Richmond district from a flipper. The heating system was not able to cope with conversion of the lower floor to residential use. We called Cabrillo to get an assessment and a plan to fix this, on recommendation. Frank was the tech who came to our house and diagnosed the root causes of the problem. He recommended a reasonable solution, worked out a proposal and was able to start right away. In the coming two weeks Frank and his colleagues redesigned our heating to a zoned system with a large air return to feed a new Trane furnace. At some point even the owner, Jeff, chipped in. Now our whole home is heated well where we need it. Throughout the process Frank and his colleagues were extremely professional, delivered great craftsmanship, were very clean, and displayed some kind of neediness in problem solving, which I like. I can highly recommend Cabrillo, and specifically Frank, if your heating system needs a thorough redesign.

Suzanne L.

09/12/2018 12:00:00 SA

I have used Cabrillo Plumbing for years. They are my go-to when I have problems. Good estimates and options are always reviewed before work begins. All work is done in an efficient manner and they leave the site in good order when they leave. It is easy to get an appointment and estimates arrive promptly.

Raquel P.

5/25/2017

I am not sure if words can describe the gratitude that I feel towards Cabrillo plumbing. Geesa, Dave, and Erick are amazing. I had a gas leak in my condo where my tenant was just moving in. The first company called charged me an outrageous price because they knew that I was trying to take care of the issue asap since my tenant had no hot water, heat, or stove. And then they did not even fix the leak. I called Cabrillo who were totally honest with me about the work that needed to be done, had creative ideas on how to reduce cost, and were totally transparent about the cost for everything involved. Dave was great at explaining the work he had done and needed to do, Geesa was amazing at coordinating everything with my tenant and keeping me updated since I could not be on site during all of this, and Erick was onsite to make sure the inspection went smoothly. I was so relieved to find such kind and competent people after being taken advantage by the other company initially. Cabillo will be my go to plumber!

Ruby H.

06/07/2018 12:00:00 SA

I want to give 5 stars to Frank Cichetti and Cabrillo for wonderful service and attention to details. I have been a customer for a long time and with a technician like Frank, I will continue to be a customer.

Janis P.

11/27/2018

My landlord called these guys to replace the valve on my apartment's shower. Brian showed up on time and was able to get the job done in the time promised. I was impressed that he was very conscious to keep my apartment clean--he made sure to put on shoe covers so as not to track in dirt, put down a carpet in the area where he was working, and brought in a vacuum to finish up the job near the drywall that had to be cut in the hallway. The extra effort was appreciated!

David L.

10/05/2018 12:00:00 SA

Frank Cichetti did a great job repairing my furnace. He was on time, courteous, professional and meticulous. I appreciated the service and will use Cabrillo again.

Pete P.

8/18/2017

We recently called Cabrillo for an emergency situation. The emergency situation ended up to be a huge plumbing problem. The Cabrillo team spent a week at our office. During that time they were mindful of us running a business and always cleaned up their mess before leaving each day. We will definitely recommend them for any plumbing problems.

Kimbro B.

06/07/2011 12:00:00 SA

Uh oh, there's no hot water.

My wife's business had used Cabrillo, so we tried them at home. The guy they sent was very friendly and professional, and replaced our failed thermocoupler in a flash. He was also very knowledgeable, discussing esoteric eco-friendly water heaters with my wife.

We used them again when our furnace went kaput. The second guy was Good, though perhaps not Very Good. Luck of the draw, I suppose. Still, they're now our go-to for home infrastructure headaches.

Their prices were reasonable -- perhaps we could've hunted more aggressively for a better deal, but reasonable works when shivering in our SF home.

Natalie D.

11/07/2017 12:00:00 SA

I hired Cabrillo Plumbing to give me an estimate, with the understanding that they would charge for the estimate, but deduct the estimating fee from any work I hired them for. The plumber quoted me about $1000 for one solution and said that if that didn't work, they would charge $1500 for the other work that would definitely solve the problem. I must have repeated the numbers to him five times to keep it straight in my head and make sure I was clear so I could discuss the options with my partner. When they completed the first phase of the work that did not solve the problem, they sent me a quote for over $13,000, waaaay more than the $1,500, and way more than the other estimate I had received for about $3000. I decided to go with another plumber. Cabrillo also did not credit my account for the estimating fee, so I am now having to deal with recouping that cost from them.

lynn g.

11/09/2016 12:00:00 SA

Crooked, incompetent or just greedy? It's not clear with Cabrillo Plumbing. We can say that Cabrillo's staff showed up to do a $189 routine maintenance job on an approximately 7 year-old Trane high-efficiency forced air heater. Noticing trace bits of rust within one tiny area of heater's cabinet, they diagnosed the machinery as defectively installed, subject to buildup of water inside the furnace cabinet ...... thus possibly leading to failure of motors, wires, and the heaters ability to function safely. They also told us that the likely cause was the un-level installation of the heater. Their solution to address this dire condition (never mind the fact that the heater had been working great for the prior seven years) was to have Cabrillo install a brand new heater for only $ 8,050. To assist us in making a decision, Cabrillo red-tagged the unit, and (we kid you not) removed and took our gas supply line.

We wisely got a second opinion from a less corrupt plumber. They found, quite contrary to the b.s. proffered by Cabrillo, that the probable source of the incredibly tiny moisture leak was the absence of a hose clamp on a tiny diameter water line. Problem solved in two minutes time with a fifty-cent part. As to the alleged defective installation, we, unlike Cabrillo, actually took a level to the heater and verified that the install was within-the-lines-bubble level.

In Cabrillo's defense, they did promptly return our $189 payment as well as the stolen gas supply line after I told them I'd be writing a rather uncomplimentary Yelp review.

If you are inclined to pay ridiculously excessive amounts of money for work you likely don't need, then by all means, give Cabrillo a call. Otherwise, you'll likely be better off randomly picking any other plumber with a pulse to provide an honest assessment of what needs to be done at a equitable price.

molly r.

07/05/2018 12:00:00 SA

We purchased a new refrigerator but discovered the waterline for the ice maker was outdated. Cabrillo sent Frank Cichetti and he did an outstanding job! The job was not easy due to the the configuration of our kitchen. Frank stayed late and did an amazing job. Cabrillo has reliable and consistent staff and that is why they are our only call when we have plumbing issues.

Jilie V.

01/03/2015 12:00:00 SA

I called to have some one come out and do an assessment on my furnace. When I said I lived in Oakland she said:

Ohhh, ummm, I will have to check with owner to see if that is a zip code we service. We will only service some zip codes in Oakland. Is that zip code in Piedmont? I know we'll come there.*

I told her to lose my number that I would NEVER give my money to a local company (I specifically chose a small local business to give my $$ to) who is still racistly red-lining historically Black Cities. Shame on you. CLICK.

Disgusted.

Ellen K.

06/06/2018 12:00:00 SA

I have used Cabrillo for a couple previous service calls -- they provide excellent service and expertise. We recently had a leak which turned out to be a damaged refrigerator plexi hose. Our service technician was Frank Cichetti -- he was very professional, assessed problem and provided an explanation of what was going on and how it would be repaired. That was the reason for the service visit, but I asked if he could look at a clogged shower drain (Drano wasn't working). He resolved that problem on same service call vs. having to follow-up later. It felt absolutely great knowing when he left the house it was back in better order. I live in an SF downtown condo and our super recommends Cabrillo (as does Cole Fox Hardware on 4th Street as well).THANK YOU!

L H.

10/11/2014 12:00:00 SA

Cabrillo plumbing...super great, talented guys! I have been using them for several years now. Last week they were over to take care of my leaky dishwasher (unfortunately, a big leak...ruptured hose...oh well) and Patrick did an awesome job in getting it all repaired plus tuning up my faucets and checking and unclogging my drains. They are dependable (on-time), professional, and reasonable $. They love my 3 inquisitive poodles, too! I always try to have one of their $50 coupons on hand which they honor even if it has expired. HIGHLY RECOMMEND ;)

Scott J.

05/09/2017 12:00:00 SA

Update. I called Cabrillo to replace a garbage disposal. The woman I spoke with was very nice. I asked how much it would cost and she said I'd have to wait until they looked at it. Fair enough. Except when the plumber called me he quoted me $1200. That is ridiculous. It takes about an hour to change a disposal - so this quote works out to about $1000/hour. I called two other plumbers - they both laughed when I told them about the quote. I hired one of them. They gave me an hourly quote plus quote for the disposal. $350 total. They told me some plumbers get a commission on the fee - which I think accounts for the $1200 quote. I still ended up having to pay Cabrillo $169 for their ridiculous quote. A reputable plumber will give you a quote or at least a range ahead of time. I will never use Cabrillo again.

Addadada A.

01/07/2013 12:00:00 SA

It has been exactly THREE YEARS ago that CABRILLO Plumbing, Heating & Cooling repaired our one broken heater. I am very happy to report that the heater has been WORKING WONDERFULLY for the past 3 years since it was repaired by CABRILLO !

You may remember that two OTHER companies wanted to replace the 'broken' heater, plus both those companies wanted to replace the other apartment's working heater which sits next to the non-working heater! Yes, the other two companies wanted to replace a working heater?

Really. Read my original review...you will be flabbergasted!

So, three years later, I would like to again THANK the CABRILLO PLUMBING, HEATING, & COOLING company!

THANK YOU CABRILLO FOR YOUR HONESTY & THE REPAIR WORK!

THE HEATER HAS BEEN WORKING FINE THANKS TO CABRILLO!

Stan G.

12/14/2013

Wanted a $69 fee to do an estimate on the replacement of a forced air furnace and top of the line air cleaner. There are too many reputable companies out there that don't change an estimate fee for a job that will net them thousands of dollars.

Matt S.

12/24/2018

I've been really happy with the results of several gas/ventilation projects that Cabrillo did in our home. We were having problems with an obnoxious forced air central heating system, which was louder than any ventilation system I had ever heard (sounded like a hair dryer) and would pour hot air into a room to go back and forth between sweater temperatures and sweating temperatures (felt like a hair dryer). They discovered that the furnace was way too big for a single unit and there was no practical way to tone it down because it was an all-or-nothing system. While one always wants to beware of repair people trying to sell you something new instead, in this case, they pegged the problem perfectly; we downsized (and modernized) to a new furnace and life has been much better ever since. They also installed better caps on our outside duct vents so outside odors would no longer come in through those vents, and, when we needed to have our laundry closet gas reconfigured for a new dryer, we called them and they took care of that also. Ultra-friendly, punctual, and ultra-professional every step of the way. Robert Burkett did the first couple of projects, and Brian Bufford did the last one, both great. Reasonable prices as far as I can tell. Highly recommend!

Jeff P.

01/10/2014 12:00:00 SA

The poor reviews here puzzle me, as is sometimes the case when I visit firms I know on Yelp.

I have used Cabrillo for more than a decade, and they have always been professional and have gotten the job done right. They have handled not only standard fixes but also installations of a tankless water heater and a central A/C unit.

Highly recommended.

Gina S.

3/19/2007

Cabrillo's aweful. They're the only company that charges for an estimate in furnace installation.

The technician was scheduled for 8am. At 8:20, someone called to say the technician will arrive at 8:30. The technician arrived at 8:45am and spent the next 10 minutes outside my house honking the horn and god knows what else. My guess is having a smoke becuase when I finally got fed up waiting for him to knock on the door and went to the door to get him, he brought in with him the lovely aroma of smoke.

Ugh.

Paul Q.

4/22/2007

I called for an estimate to replace my soon-to-fail tank-type water heater with a tankless. I agreed in advance to pay for a service call. The guy seemed to know what he was talking about, and sat at my kitchen table writing an estimate. My eyes nearly popped out of my head when he handed it to me. It was $5200. It will take two men all day, he explained, and there needs to be special venting installed. By the way, he said, this is considered an emergency repair, so it won't need a permit.

So I did a little investigating. The heater unit costs $600. It's sitting in my living room in the box, right now. It needs a vent with a power fan to vent out a side wall. The side wall in my garage already has a hole in it where the dryer vent used to be, so I just have to put it in and brace it, then tie in its cut-off switch to the water heater. You bolt the heater to the wall and connect gas, cold, and hot water lines. You have to make sure you have enough space for air intake (garages work nicely) and that the gas line is big enough to deliver enough gas (they use more gas when running than a tank). And, I checked, you have to get a permit (most people don't, but you're supposed to); for $5200, I'd have expected Cabrillo not only to get me a permit, but to frame it in gold.

BTW, two men, working 8 hours, after subtracting a generous $1000 for parts, comes out to $262.50 an hour. Far as I can tell, they'll spend most of that reading the newspaper.

Oh, and the estimate wasn't itemized.

When they called to ask if I wanted to schedule it, I started laughing. I said I didn't think they wanted the work, since they didn't make an even vaguely viable bid. I just wish they hadn't taken the service call and charged me for it, if they never had any intention of making a reasonable bid. But fair's fair. I said I'd pay for a service call and I did, and learned, at a small price in the end, never to call Cabrillo.

Remy M.

1/21/2010

One week after my posting Cabrillo sent me an email offering to discuss my concerns about what I thought was serious overcharging for a routine job. I called the customer service representative back and went through the issues described in my posting. The representative explained that jobs are quoted only after the technician visits the site (incurring the immediate $29 charge), and quotes are based on a pricing book that is updated a couple times a year. Importantly, quotes are NOT based an actual estimate by the then on-site technician of time-to-be-spent on the work to be performed (note: in my case, actual work was about 1/2 hour, material cost was about $150, meaning an hourly rate of roughly $1,500--and I thought lawyers were expensive!). The customer representative was very courteous and open about how the prices are determined by a pricing book. Equally important, he said that Cabrillo was anxious to make things right and was open to hearing from me how that could be accomplished. My response was that if Cabrillo felt that I was farily charged under the circumstances (see above, none of which was disputed by the representative) then I did not want anything. My feeling is that it is up to Cabrillo to look at the facts and do the right thing; if they feel the charges are fair and reasonable then do nothing. That was what they elected to do.

Lessons learned: (1) Look at the YELP reviews first, not after the fact. Had I done so, I would have seen the overwhelming number of reviews complaining about exhorbitant charging practices at Cabrillo. Shame on me. (2) Shop around, even if you think that what you have is a small and defined job. Shame on me. (3) Don't let paying $29 for a quote lead you to accept that quote. That is what this business model is built on: you won't want to hassle getting someone else to quote the job because it would take more time, hassle, etc. If the quote seems unreasonable and its not an emergency, get another quote from another vendor. Shame on me.

Jack L.

12/08/2007 12:00:00 SA

Their technician arrived promptly, was very courteous, put on little booties to keep my carpets clean, and seemed like he knew what he was talking about, but then came the estimate (and estimates are NOT free).

I needed a few things done in the kitchen and bathroom. Everything came out of a book. The quote seemed really high so he did some minor adjustments for $129.00 (outrageous, but since he was already here...) and i told him I would have to think about the other repairs.

I did some calling around afterwards to other plumbers and the bathroom job that should take 45 minutes and cost $90-100 for labor and $15 for the part, Cabrillo quote $335! For the kitchen, to install a new faucet that I would buy at Home Depot or Lowe's should take less than an hour for $90-100, Cabrillo quoted $620!

Ok, i am wiling to pay a premium for prompt and efficient service, but three and SIX times any other plumber? RIDICULOUS.

When I called their office and tried to discuss it with them, they stated that the work only on a set price basis that they did not calculate jobs on labor + parts.

I warned my upstairs neighbors when they made an appt. with Cabrillo, but they had them come out anyhow. Their quote was also 3X what anyone else would do. Of course, they passed as well.

If you have money to throw away, by all means call them.

Trishan A.

2/22/2010

I have to say that I'm pretty surprised by the low ratings. I called for a same day appointment on a Saturday after a week+ of solid rain this winter (clogged downspout drain). The woman said that they would schedule me at the end of the day but I was worried about it getting dark outside. She called back a couple times to update me on the time and since I needed it fixed, I opted for them to come whenever they could, it was dark by the time the technician got here but he still went outside and worked in the (mild) rain.

Technician was clean, courteous, we walked all around and found that the problem was the cross pipe going to the other side of the house, reasonably simple job if you have a snake (which I don't). Gave me the estimate, which I will say wasn't expensive for what would amount to ~ 1 hour of work but after a month of basement flooding, I was ready to pay a lot. He not only snaked the horizontal pipe but also cleared a blockage in the down pipe at the top which unleashed a bunch of water and muck on top of him. He didn't need to do that and I wouldn't have known the difference until the next torrential rainstorm came along. He even gave me a suggestion to buy a new drain cover on an outside drain... could've sold me whatever he had in the truck but told me I could get one for much cheaper at Home Depot. I knew that, but if I hadn't, then I would have appreciated the honest help.

They aren't cheap, but IMO, they're worth it. Seems like it depends on what technician you get but I would definitely use them again.

Iliana C.

11/13/2006

Cabrillo is awesome. After dealing with idiots at Roto-rooter I was so relieved to talk to experts at Cabrillo. They did a great days work fixing my shower leak and were so friendly and knowledgeable. They were a bit on the expensive side but when it comes to plumbing you shouldn't sacrifice quality for a better deal, as I learned the hard way.

Dawn G.

10/08/2013 12:00:00 SA

I've been working with a few plumbing companies trying to get my toliet fixed - it wasn't a major problem but I realized we needed to get a new toliet. We contacted some plumbers (most of whom still need to get back to us) and then we contact Cabrillo Plumbling. WOW. They were amazing. Very polite and professional - Brian came out, exhausted all options within an hour, gave us a quote - and within a day we had our new toliet and old one removed. They may be a bit expensive, but to me worth it when I get service, answers, and resolution so quickly.

Dan G.

10/16/2013

I had a great experience w/Dave, the service tech for Cabrillo. First, I was able to get a same-day appointment, which was great. Second, Dave found the issue very quickly and let me know what the best solution was. He was quick, friendly, and didn't try to upsell me on anything. I got to Cabrillo through a word of mouth, and I will use them again if I have a need.

steve k.

11/17/2011

I had used Carmichael McDonald for many years for the apartments I manage. The owner retired and Cabrillo bought them out so when calling Carmichael I was automatically directed to Cabrillo. In a jam with blocked kitchen sink I went ahead with Cabrillo even knowing their reputation for high prices.

The plumber was on time, everything went smoothly clearing the jam and replacing the u-trap - satisfied with the work. The shocker came with the bill - $278 for 45 minutes of work and and $5 in parts!!

Carmichael McDonald used to charge $92 for the 1st hour of labor!! Maybe I'm just used to the low price but $275 an hour is crazy expensive!!

Tamar H.

12/09/2009 12:00:00 SA

We just bought a house and discovered problems with the heater. Cabrillo was the first I called, (I simply googled and picked near my area) and they sent someone over within two hours. Right away I was impressed with their professional and courteous attitude. Before long, the problem was discovered, and it stemmed from negligent installation of our heating unit. In addition to giving us a quote to fix the problem, they wrote up the problem in detail, and took photos for me to use when trying to get the company that installed it to fix it. I felt very supported by the nice fellow that came to the house, and trust that if we end up hiring Cabrillo, that the work will be excellent!

Dale R.

5/18/2010

I needed a new water heater (replace failing old one with similar basic new one) and called Cabrillo because the previous owner used them and because I wanted a larger company, having been burned before by the one-man-operation thing.

My single star rating is due to one factor: price. I'll say right away, in every other aspect they seem fine. The guy was super nice, as was the lady I booked the appointment with. The guy was late for my appointment (scheduled for 4-6pm but they arrived at 6:45pm) but that was not a problem for me.

I should have seen the first red flag when I made the appointment. They charge $29.95 just to come and give and estimate. That's kind of ridiculous, nobody charges for giving an estimate....on anything. But I said yes, thinking I would most likely use them for the job and they do refund it by applying it toward service you have them do.

They gave me an estimate for $2,495.00 which is completely outrageous. The water heater unit itself is around $380-400 (I've researched online) and there is nothing special about the location or accessibility of my water heater. I do live up three flights of stairs so possibly and extra $50 or something for that, but still.

Before going over the estimate the guy did say, We're not the cheapest ones out there (understatement, and 2nd red flag) and he also said, We give the estimate as a total cost rather than breaking it down into x amount of hours, cost for each piece of hardware, etc. That was a big red flag #3. Very convenient for them because the customer doesn't know exactly where they are being ripped off.

Two other estimates came in at $1,000 and $1,200. These are in line with what I would have expected.

Bottom line, please don't call Cabrillo. I can't stand the idea of a rip off house like this getting business because people don't know any better. I don't mind paying a little extra for certain value-adds that various companies might offer, but this place is a rip off plain and simple.

Lindonesia S.

08/07/2010 12:00:00 SA

I'd give these guys a 5 star for marketing, a 4 star for service and 2 for their pricing. Their ads in the phone book suck you in but what gets you is all of the stickers that they place all over the water heater and anything else they get their hands on. So when desperation happens and your sh$t goes down they're the go-to guys. Unfortunately the marketing comes at a price. Expect to pay 40% more than the smaller guys(wow for all that you'd expect them to be buying superbowl spots and sponsoring yacht races). And when they get there they talk down to you like you'll never even come close to getting what the problem is. The guy that did some work for us talked to me like I need to spend 2 semesters at the ivy-league of HVAC to even begin to get what he was talking about.shop around

G. R.

03/04/2011 12:00:00 SA

We had a clogged kitchen sink and as luck would have it, we received a coupon in the mail for $98 drain cleaning from Cabrillo around the same time. Dan the man was exceptionally friendly and professional. He showed up on time and quickly, cleanly and efficiently got the drain unclogged from outside of the house. He even wore booties when in the house to protect the floor and thoroughly cleaned the kitchen sink when he was finished! I'd highly recommend these guys for drain cleaning with their promotions.

Debra S.

07/02/2013 12:00:00 SA

I always get A1 service with Cabrilo and my ST-Dave is always so helpful in explaining and letting me know what needs attention next (not that I can always afford it) but knowing I can trust this company is really great.

Glenn R.

03/02/2010 12:00:00 SA

Responded promptly to an urgent call for help with my stuck sump pump. In fact, they were able to make a call faster than the other 3-4 places I phone, so I appreciate that. Also, the repairman was polite, efficient, and did an great job. Highly recommended!

Malcolm M.

2/25/2011

I used these people years ago when I had to do an emergency toilet replacement while I was out of town. I didn't know then what I know now about plumbing and how much things should cost. These people reamed me, in a very intentional, predatory and dishonest way. They use pressure tactics, get in you part way and then spring new costs on you, the whole deal.

Never went back to these jerks. They sent me a $50 coupon once even and I threw it away. Avoid this company at all costs.

James A.

04/06/2018 12:00:00 SA

Cabrillo Plumbing has been a reliable contractor for us for many years. They maintain our heating system, tankless water heaters and generally look after our home's plumbing needs. We use them for emergencies (joys of home ownership!) and for plumbing upgrades such as new faucets etc as the need arises. One reason we use Cabrillo is that they warrant their work and products they purchase for our home. Well, after many years it happened. A faucet they installed was defective from the manufacturer and caused a big leak Guess what? They honored their company warranty in full, replaced the defective equipment and repaired and installed new kitchen plumbing. No argument, hidden charges or anything. They are a standup professional organization with the best plumbers in the City. In all honesty, they will never be the least expensive. They are the best at what they do and charge accordingly. You get what you pay for with Cabillo.

Ling K.

9/17/2014

Brian Bufford of Cabrillo is excellent. We have had him for three separate jobs. He replaced a leaky bathroom sink, replaced a water heater, and today, replaced a lousy toilet that clogs constantly. Brian is very knowlegeable and advises his customers on the pros and cons of what he advises. He is polite and cleans up after he is done.

In addition, the woman who does the scheduling at Cabrillo, is great. Very professional. Better still, Cabrillo does not give unrealistic time windows - they are usually there within the first one third of the time window. They are not cheap but I love the fact that they are so professional.

C B.

3/26/2010

Had a bunch of things that had built up over time that needed to get taken care of. Replacing faucets, disposals, toilet mechanisms, etc, etc. All fairly small items. While It certainly was an expensive visit - I've got the say the quality of the work was great
- the customer focused attitude of the plumber was spot on
- arrived on time
- explained exactly what he was going to do
- Didn't try and upsell me or find other problems to fix.
- Office staff were friendly and efficient each time I called
All in all a good experience. Just wish it didn't hurt the hip pocket so much.

Marty And D M.

12/05/2009 12:00:00 SA

Hello
Just wanted to say what a super job Bob & shaun did installing our
water heater.I highly recommend cabrillo plumbing, And I say if you
want the job done well then its worth the price.

Regards
Marty&Donna Martinez

Dianne S.

01/07/2010 12:00:00 SA

We were greatly impressed with Cabrillo and how Miguel Morett handled our problems with the need of a new furnace and filter system.He is a great representative of a professional technician. He is clean, honest and polite. knowledgeable and meticulous, he set out to correct our outdated,corroded ducts and install a new furnace and thermostat and filtering system to help my allergies and respiratory problems. I am willing to pay the price for outstanding work. A year later they honored the warranty and fixed the noise we were having with the fan turning on and off. I highly recommend them. You won't be sorry especially if you ask for Miguel.Its guaranteed peace of mind.
Dianne and Steve Scheck

jim g.

6/13/2015

These guys definitely are not cheap, but you get the quality you pay for -- they are thorough and super-professional. Ten years ago, when I was renting an apartment, my then-landlord had them come in to fix a leaky bathtub. Since this was a 100-year old building with lead pipes, things turned into a major refurbishment job fast: they had to replace all the lead pipes from the tub back to the main sewer line in the foundation to bring things up to modern building codes. They were great to deal with back then -- always on time, considerate of your home, etc. Now I'm a home-owner, and my hot water heater started acting up yesterday, so I called them to help out. They diagnosed the problem, uncovering a potential safety issue probably caused by the gruff plumber who installed that unit originally, and ultimately replaced that unit with a new tank. They worked until about 7pm on a Friday -- at one point there were three trucks parked outside and three guys working here. They did a better job than the previous install, adding a drip pan underneath the new unit, cleaning up some piping, and securing the vent flue properly. They photographed and documented everything, and gave us a nice binder full of the documents before they left. I also get a kick that they proudly wear WHITE uniforms! Cabrillo is like that one dentist you've been to, who digs and digs and uncovers ALL the problems with your teeth. It might be more painful, but you leave knowing your teeth are in the best shape they can be.

David P.

5/23/2013

WHAT A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!! I recently had an excellent experience with what I consider to be unusual in dealing with Pumbers. I dealt with Mr. Jeff Meehan the President of the company and can not say enought about the wonderful way that I was treated. 5 star all the way. I hope that anyone reading this review can also have the same experience as I did.

Win S.

11/01/2014 12:00:00 SA

I have used Cabrillo before, and they have always been fantastic. It had been awhile since I needed plumbing so they had fallen off my radar...Today I decided to change a water filter under my sink and lo and behold, the filter screw broke off leaving me with a gently flowing waterfall right above my outlet where my fridge and dishwasher were plugged in. I was slightly panicked and started calling down the yelp list. I got answers like we are booked until Monday. Not so good to hear when you have a problem like this on a Saturday morning. Then the light bulb went off in my head and I thought Cabrillo! I called them and the receptionist was just lovely. She promised to check and call me right back, which she did. An hour later, Brian showed up and fixed the problem in 15 minutes. He even had little milk bones in his bag for my dog! Class act Cabrillo... Thanks for saving the day.

Renee C.

12/09/2011 12:00:00 SA

Super friendly and efficient. They went beyond the call of duty. I would go into more detail but their service was so good I'm afraid I would get them into trouble with their boss(es) for working too hard.

Michele K.

4/21/2011

I live in a 4 unit condo. Two units were having issues with the toilets. Anthony came out and checked everything out, found a blockage and cleared it. He explained what he thought was the problem and what he was doing. He did a thorough job. While he was here, he checked the toilets to make sure everything was working properly.

He also fixed a toilet which was improperly installed. He explained why it was wrong and fixed it. After he left, the toilet began making a loud whistling sound when flushed. I called Cabrillo and they sent Anthony out again. He again explained why it was happening and what he was doing.

I appreciate the thorough and thoughtful work of Cabrillo. Care was taken to keep the work place clean and neat. The second visit was free which was even better! I highly recommend Cabrillo for their plumbing work.

J B.

7/26/2011

Having used Cabrillo one time in the past with good results, I decided to call them to begin the process of replacing my 25 year old toilet. From my first calling them to the completion of the installation was less than 24 hours. I am very happy with the process, it was much easier than I expected it to be. David the service technician, Wesley from the office staff, & the other people that I communicated with over the phone were very helpful in guiding me from step to step. Although I have no idea as to prices and didn't shop around, I am happy with the price that I paid. It included Cabrillo picking up the new toilet at the supplier, complete installatioin, & getting rid of the old toilet. I was happy to use the $150 coupon that I had been mailed recently. Getting things done easily was more important than price in my case. I won't hesitate to use them in the future.

Patty W.

02/08/2010 12:00:00 SA

I would highly reccomend Cabrillo for proessional, reliable and courteus customer service. Was able to get them quickly to my house, repair 2 items efficiently and no mess left behind.

Great experience with the office and the plumber , Dave.

I will reccomend them to all of my clients in real estate.

John L.

8/26/2010

My wife and I called Cabrillo a week ago because a pipe was leaking. We called at roughly 7:30pm and then again at 8:30pm with no call back. I called again at 10pm very disappointed to have not received a call back and asked for them to please call in the morning.

When the plumber arrived the next morning, not only was he surly but immediately suggested that we needed a new water heater.
It was not our decision, we rent the home from friends that got moved to the East Coast for a job.

When I arrived home that evening, I saw the bill for replacing the broken water heater. It was $5100.

Needless to say, I was shocked. When I called to question the owner of Cabrillo about the bill, he said I don't break bills down and we're not the cheapest ones out there.

On behalf of the owners of the house, I have since called five other plumbing companies all of which provided me with a worst case scenario estimate of roughly $3000.

The bottom line is that Cabrillo took advantage of a situation because the owners of our home live three thousand miles away.

Be forewarned, Cabrillo's reputation throughout the Bay area is terrible.

Atilla T.

11/08/2010 12:00:00 SA

Replacing Water Heater: Huge price differences

I will spare you another 6 am Oh! There is no hot water conversation. The crux of this review is the HUMONGOUS/ GINORMOUS/ BRONTOSAURUS sized price difference between Cabrillo and other companies.

I called them first. They arrived fast and their rep was a nice guy. I almost went for it as another morning without a hot shower seemed intolerable. I ended up deciding to get a couple of other quotes to just go through the motions.

I am not a fan of big box retailers but both Sears (in-house) and Home Depot (sub-contractors) have very fast response times as well. Anyway, I actually ended up going with an independent plumber. Result:

Cabrillo $ 3,021.59 ( I love the decimals here) vs $1,250 (for identical labor/ water heater, in accordance with the SF city code).

Lesson: Do not ignore local plumbers of good reputation.

I am sorry but Cabrillo is nothing but a rip-off as far as water heater replacement is concerned.

T G.

06/08/2012 12:00:00 SA

Our Cabrillo experience was excellent - from start to finish.

We were very worried to call for a Plumber as we have had some bad experiences in the past, and were so pleasantly surprised by our experience. In all our years, it is the best experience we have ever had with plumbing.

All the people we had contact with from Cabrillo were professional, kind, respectful, organized and above all knowledgeable and honest. What a relief it was for us.

More specifically, the person answering Cabrillo 800 number patiently and knowledgeably answered our numerous questions and scheduled the appointment. The two technical experts politely called 30 minutes before arriving, and then insisted on putting on shoe covers at the front door. We were impressed with their professionalism and knowledge. We very much liked that they informed us about options and costs before any work was started. We liked their the flat-rate system rather than per-hour charges from other plumbers - we like that the cost was quantified for us - it made us feel more confident.

All in all, it was obvious to us that this is a company that strives to make the experience as good as possible for the customer. Something that must be coming from the top. We wish there were more companies like this.

Nancy M.

04/02/2013 12:00:00 SA

I have used Cabrillo for over 10 years now for the big jobs. I love them and really don't understand the negative reviews...They are worth the money because they do everything up to code...as a homeowner that's important to me. They are professional/prompt/communicative/ and WORTH EVERY PENNY. I don't call them for the little stuff...I can do that myself . Try replacing a cast iron waste pipe yourself...

I've had experience with other plumbers and they are the up-sell artists...You have to be on guard at all times with the other guys.
.
Cabrillo gives you a price...at that point you can take it or leave it...I'm telling you I've never had to call them back for the same problem...I've never had to worry if the work is up to code...I've never had them work on a fictitious problem or create one ..I've never had them not leave the place cleaner than when they walked in ...I've never had a creepy feeling from any of their guys. I've never had them notice some little thing around the work area that they could improve that they didn't. I've always seen them do it right...the first time, with quality parts. and they know their stuff...and believe me, I've had them here for days at a time...I'd know if they were winging it.

From what I've heard Cabrillo is good to their employees too...that's key to the good work ethic I've witnessed. These guys like their jobs! They work hard and are appreciated by their company and by ME!

Kathryn K.

6/19/2013

I have used Cabrillo Plumbing for home repairs and for repairs at the martial arts dojo (a non-profit) where I train in Aikido. They have always been prompt, courteous, extremely neat and clean, professional - and they get the job done quickly and completely. I am a very satisfied customer and so is everyone to whom I have recommended Cabrillo.

I just returned from vacation to find that I had a leaky shower - 5 gallons per hour leaking - yikes! Called Cabrillo and they came out first thing this morning. The repair was going to be expensive and I couldn't find my coupon. I called and Jeff, the owner, authorized a coupon to help offset the cost and to make sure that I would remain a happy, loyal customer - and I am!

Thanks, Cabrillo, for being there when I need you!

steve a.

7/26/2009

Although this happened a few years ago, it still makes me mad when I see their trucks. I scheduled a time for them to install a laundry sink.
I took time off from work and at the end of the time window I get a call saying that they couldn't make it. Same thing happens a week later.

Minou V.

04/10/2007 12:00:00 SA

Horrible experience with Cabrillo. And it cost me an arm, a leg, and some pipes that are worthless. Unfortunately my former TIC partner called them after closing her eyes and picking the first name in the phone book when the individual who was renovating her bathroom got into 'trouble'. Read $$$$$$ later with Cabrillo. They were In and Out (like the Burger company of similar name) and still there are problems with the pipes. Food and debris flowing down to the lower flat. Bleech. I would avoid them. Also on the list to avoid is O'Grady Plumbing. They sent out the same blonde plumber who snaked the pipes (twice) with absolutely no resolution of the problem. My vote goes to Rescue Rooter. I have never been disappointed with them.

siciliana s.

11/30/2006

Cabrillo used unscrupulous methods to try to get me to purchase a heater that I didn't need. I received estimates from several name-brand companies for my heater that wouldn't run reliably. The other 2 companies told me I needed a $50 part to repair the problem. Cabrillo told me I needed a new heater. They also red tagged my heater and told me I couldn't turn it on because there was a gas leak. I called PG&E, and they said Cabrillo was not authorized to red tag anyone's heater. There was no gas leak. I wouldn't recommend Cabrillo. P.S. I wonder if their incidents of red tagging heaters is higher in the winter time?

Benzee B.

8/18/2007

VERY VERY Expensive but they do quality work. I called them out for a faulty shower and a leaking toilet and I ended up paying not only for that but also for a pressure valve on my main line. I spoke to friends later and everyone seems to agree that Cabrillo will always find other issues with your plumbing that need repair. They explained to me that with excessive pressure in my pipes their warranty would not be good and the pressure could hurt my other fixtures. Their estimate was accurate and they did do quality work but I think $1800.00 was way on the high side. I would only use them again if it was an emergency.

lynn t.

9/27/2009

We had a very unpleasant and definitely bad experience with this company. I read the reviews already posted and agree with the ones that state they are very expensive, not completely up front with anything, and bordering on con artists. We have a fairly new home that was recently remodeled. Out water heater went out, and this company was contacted one a friend's recommendation. I had also seen alot of print advertisements. We were charged also for the privilege of having them come and give an estimate for a replacement. Trying to discuss this issue with the dispatcher was impossible. Pay or we do not come. He repeatedly stated that everyone does it. The estimate came in at over $2245.00 for a water heater - only the water heater - that we replaced later that day for $875.00 - all costs included. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY TO ANYONE!

Joe T.

12/12/2012 12:00:00 SA

They replaced a 16 section of pipe that was rotted. That set us back over $1000, and they had to break into our ceiling, which we had to repair. Then a week later they came back because of water heater problems. They wanted $2200 to replace the water heater, saying that they use top of the line water heaters (40 gal costs $1200, they said). Those prices were discounted because of our Gold Service we bought from them. Discounted ?!?!? They us Bradford White water heaters and they do not cost $1200. Even so, that means they were charging about $1000 labor to install it. Their prices are so extremely out of line it's criminal. They are fast and friendly, but I can get fast and friendly elsewhere for 1/2 the price. They are criminals.

Gean T.

10/17/2009

terrible experience with these people, expensive, would have given a no star if possible (agree most of the other bad reviews)
11-2-09 just have heard from a co-worker today the same story ... really terrible business in her opinion and mine

mandel b.

1/31/2009

Have used them for disposal replacement and various toilet mechanism repairs. Professionals have been polite and timely. Quality of work has been mixed (disposal replacement, OK, but toilet tank internals have required several return visits). Overall, expensive and would expect to not have to have return visits to make things right.

Linda B.

03/04/2009 12:00:00 SA

I recently called Cabrillo to replace a spray hose only on a Grohe kitchen faucet. I asked for a quote on part and labor. The serviceman said they did not break down parts and labor but the total would be $330.00 Later I checked online for the same hose part and with a plumbing supply store... the replacement hose was listed feom $69-$75. The Cabrillo labor charge to replace the hose was $250+. Not bad for 45 minutes labor!
In addition I asked the serviceman about a shower handle that rotated slowly. He took a photo of the handle ( said his company had to research the part) and charged me a preleminary $129.00 for this.
After researching the cost of the faucet hose I contacted the firm questioning the excessive charges. The manager said they NEVER quote parts +labor but give an all inclusive price. I asked them to return my $129.00 photo charge. I found another company that fixed the shower for $95.00. It did not require any parts, just the cleaning out of mineral deposits from the inside of the handle.

Cabrillo vastly overcharges and is not transparent in their quotes.

Frances T.

06/11/2011 12:00:00 SA

I've been with Cabrillo for 10-15 years maybe longer after trying out a LOT of other plumbing companies. The one time the tenants called one of the Rooters to unplug their bathroom, the Rooter punched a hole through the drain pipe and we had a huge leak, ceiling and walls and floors in the unit below had to be removed to tix the pipe (which Cabrillo did, the Rooter company wanted to charge me again to fix the hole they made). At some point, some of the work a young Cabrillo guy did started a worse leak the next day so I called Cabrillo back and they sent the young guy and a more senior guy out together--senior guy talked the younger guy through what he did wrong. Younger guy was writing up a bill for that day's work but the older guy told him they had to eat the bill since it was their mistake (and Cabrillo has always written up a cost bill before doing the work so I'll know). They've repiped some of our '30s pipes to bring it up to code (and stopped some weird leaks we kept having each winter because pipes were all hooked together). They've replaced water heaters for us. They've fixed our '30s wall heaters sometimes having to rig things up since parts are hard to get. They replaced all our water guzzling toilets with water savers. The only complaint I have is that the guy who replaced my kitchen sink drain basket replaced it with a basket that, by the very means used to tighten the basket to the nut underneath, scraped off the chrome plating so the brass showed through and it's only continued to flake off (since is stainless steel so the brass looks bad and will need to be replaced for aethetic purposes before we sell). I'm calling Cabrillo tomorrow to come out and figure out, and fix, whatever made the utility sink and kitchen sink overflow (flooding the place, no one was home) today when I did the laundry in our apartment above. Yes, they cost a bit more than cheaper outfits but they are good and if they see other potential problems, they'll let you know so you can decide if you want it taken care of before it does become a problem (I mentioned I can't remember when I last had our water heater replaced, he took a look and said it was 18 years! I don't want a flood, again, so I had him replace it before it broke). I think the more experienced, senior guys are better then the newer ones. The guys have all been courteous and cleaned up nicely and I (being female) didn't feel condescended to by the guy--they actually let me hang around watching and they explained what they were doing and answered all the questions I always have. Knowledge is good but I also know when to call the professionals (more often now that I'm getting too old to do the heavy work, the bending, etc.). I've recommended Cabrillo to people at work, friends, others simply because Cabrillo has been good to work with. They have always presented me with the cost--including labor, parts, time, all of it--of the job, which I sign off on BEFORE they do the work so it's no surprise at the end and they've never asked for more after. When the plumber on site doesn't have the part needed, he calls the dispatcher and either arranges for someone to deliver it to him or else he runs over to their supply site and gets it during his lunch break. They do have guys who aren't as experienced as others and, i would assume, if you don't like the job one guy is doing you could probably call the office and tell them that and they'd try to replace him if another guy was available. Unless Cabrillo has let their experienced plumbers go these past few years, replacing them with far less experienced plumbers, I think their prices are fair because they do quality work. Yea, you can get something done cheaper by some other company and it won't matter (replacing thermostats, getting toilets unstopped, basic simle plumbing) but when it comes to true, serious plumbing and pipes that you don't want shabby work done so you won't have to redo it over and over again, I call Cabrillo.

Rona M.

06/02/2013 12:00:00 SA

Replacing the inside workings of a toilet tank cost over $800. Just the insides! How can they be so expensive? It wasn't made of gold or even silver, but that's what they charged. Not nice.

Igor O.

08/09/2010 12:00:00 SA

Pete from Cabrillo plumbing installed my new toilet today - very professional and honest. They were running a little late, but were updating me all the time - really appreciate that. Highly recommend them.

Michael W.

9/24/2010

These guys are crooks. I needed a water line replaced at my house from the street to the house. I even dug the trench for them so it was a simple job which would take an hour at the most. He quoted me $2800. Then he charged me for the estimate. Don't do business with these thieves.

Bill S.

12/02/2009 12:00:00 SA

I've used Cabrillo on several occasions to repair plumbing issues in my home. They are always available, on time and professional. They've done good work, make sure I'm taking advantage of any discounting, and have always offered additional help gratis. They're my go to guys.

Kathryn K.

11/07/2010 12:00:00 SA

This place is great. We discovered water damage on our ceiling on a Friday night. I called and they sent someone over the next day. He was courteous and knowledgeable. He pulled the upstairs toilet, fixed the wax seal and then offered to cut a small hole in our ceiling so we could see the extent of the damage. It ended up being no big deal. I was so relieved. He was even super nice to the kids who were thrilled to see him in action. I'd use them again in a heartbeat. I'd give them 5 stars but they were a tad on the spendy side. I think we got what we paid for so no real complaint there.

Melissa W.

5/30/2010

I called to get an estimate for a new heating system and the guy came out and took measurements. The price keep spiraling up and up as he tested where I would say something was too much. I called to get the information on all the measurements and possibilities was told all I could get was the price until I paid for their services. How could i compare their $30,000 heating system to the $12-15,000 quote I got from other venders without seeing what kind of golden pipes with diamond studs they would use...

Cathy S.

10/02/2011 12:00:00 SA

VERY EXPENSIVE and only fair work. They were late for appointment, and were not at all pleasant when I made it clear that this was an appointment for an estimate. I am new at hoe remodeling, but I do not apprieciate being treated as being totally ignorant. I do know when I am being ripped off! This is what I thing they were doing. There have got to be many other much better plumbing companies to work with in SF. This was a great learning experience in what I do not want from a contractor!

Josh J.

01/12/2013 12:00:00 SA

Wow, I just had an amazing experience with Cabrillo. Dan came by to diagnose an issue, was super nice and extremely prompt - on a Saturday, no less. It only cost $29.95 to visit and give an estimate, which is completely reasonable. He came by and was very helpful and honest about their pricing and how, if I so chose, I could even repair something myself with some basic helpful hints. So, after reading the reviews here, I was braced for a price gouging but instead got a very helpful person helping me understand the pros and cons of DIY vs the pros. Will call again in the future.

Frank M.

9/16/2010

Cabrillo replaced old plumbing in my house a few years ago and charged exorbitant prices to do so. Their plumbers apparently didn't know how to connect copper pipes correctly as we now have corrosion from contact with other metals in in the kitchen and bath areas and i have to pay (not them!) to have all this ruiined copper pipe replaced. They even used improper connecting straps to the copper! Cabrillo must have sent out the new apprentices to do this expensive work as any homeowner who has fixed simple plumbing knows this caveat about not connecting copper to other metal. This is absolutely no suprise of their quality of poor and overpriced work. See my reviews of 4/7/09 and 11/4/08. Never again Cabrillo! - f.a.m

Penny K.

8/30/2009

The guy who came out from Cabrillo was wearing a white suit that looked like he was delivering milk. At the front door he put on some pink booties and walked through the house like it was Chernobyl. After a long-winded speech about liability insurance and a written estimate of $600, I declined his work offer and told him I was looking for a no-frills plumber to simply fix the pipe. I had to give him $30 for the estimate that took him 20 minutes to write. I got a name from a neighbor and Steve Murillo from Murillo Plumbing came right out and had the pipe fixed in no time for a total of $140. I saved over $450! Those fancy vans, uniforms and booties have nothing to do with plumbing knowledge or experience. Steve from Murillo also had a great personality.

Zoe B.

9/15/2009

After experiencing difficulties with another SF plumbing company, a friend referred me to Cabrillo. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable and courteous (especially appreciated that he used boot covers while walking through my house). They may not be the cheapest, but their plumber was able to address the drain problem that the other company could not. I would definitely recommend them.

Rod O.

1/21/2010

We were really impressed with the speed and the efficiency with which our technician unstopped our bathroom shower drain, which had been backing up with sludge. He and his assistant (trainee) wore immaculate white uniforms, shoe covers when inside our home, and gloves. They made it a point to be very neat and even cleaned up the mess afterwards. The price for the work was comparable to other quotes we had gotten, so we definitely felt we got our money's worth.

Howard W.

12/05/2008 12:00:00 SA

Proceed very carefully before contracting with this company. In December 2004 they did major (and expensive) sewer work for me. When a problem with the sewer recurred in September 2008 and there was a strong indication that Cabrillo's work had been sub-par, they refused to even discuss it or to accept any responsibility. They even suggested that I was trying to rip them off. There are too many outstanding plumbers in San Francisco to take a chance with Cabrillo - buyer beware

Al Z.

12/21/2008

Although Cabrillo does charge $59.95 for an estimate, the plumber knew his job, and very professionally laid out the various options and costs I could consider regarding a toilet repair, up to the option of an expensive replacement of the entire unit. However, he was able to remedy the problem by tightening two loose gaskets using equipment not at my disposal, and my total charge was no more than the estimate expense. I was impressed that there was no pressure to conduct unnecessary repairs, and the technician made certain that I was satisfied with his work before departing. Cabrillo was recommended to me by Cole Hardware, and I certainly would endorse that recommendation and have confidence to use this company again.

Dick J.

12/02/2009 12:00:00 SA

Have used this company three times, as well as joining their CAP program (provides a discount and some free services, such as the usual furnace check, other inspections to make sure your appliances and systems are working well and find new work they can charge you for doing). Work has been top-notch in every case, and the free inspection found nothing work fixing in the furnace (probably will need a new one soon) and drained the water heater.
Today we had a bathroom sink which did not drain at all. Usually I pull the stopper, fish out the hairs and gunk, run some hot water, and all flows again. This time I had gotten all the accessible pipes off and clean, and there was still no flow. My snake went in, turned to the wall, and then could not make the next turn. David took about 1-1/2 hours running his snake down to the blockage, clearing it, and reassembling all the pipes I had taken apart. Area was as clean as I had left it. Charge was $277 (with the CAP and senior discount I paid $227), which seems very reasonable for plumbing these days.
Most plumbing calls are at least semi-emergencies. Cabrillo have come either same day or next day after we call.

Marc K.

6/16/2010

Very professional, genuinely caring, solved the problem and very courteous. Can't say anything bad. When I need a plumber I'll definitely call them again.

Jeff R.

6/25/2010

We had a clogged kitchen sink and after numerous tries to unclog it ourselves, we were forced to get a plumber. We called Cabrillo and they were able to get someone out that day. They were in and out in about 20 minutes. It was painless. There was a cost for an estimate but they told us that up front prior to our committing to using them. Overall it was a positive experience and I would recommend them.

Suzanne S.

07/03/2010 12:00:00 SA

We have been very happy with our Cabrillo service. We are repeat customers because their service and quality are fantastic. Their technicians are very courteous and knowledgeable. They seem to be higher-priced, but they seem to know their stuff.

Kathy U.

7/15/2010

Not sure why the aggregate stars are so low, because I have had nothing but great service from Cabrillo regarding a chronic toilet clog problem. Since the beginning of this year I've had to call Cabrillo out numerous times (I think we're at the fifth visit now) to unclog a toilet that probably needs to be replaced at this point. Each time both the customer service on the phone and in my home was excellent. They did everything they could to accomodate my schedule and to figure out what the problem was with my toilet. In fact, for two of the visits they didn't charge me because the problem kept recurring. Short of removing the toilet and searching for blockage, they did all they could. I highly recommend their service.

Eve L.

8/26/2010

They're expensive. However, plumbing is something I don't like to mess around with -- I just want a highly reliable and professional experience, and fast. I've used Cabrillo about four times, and I've also used an independent guy from time to time. Aside from price, I find Cabrillo to be the better experience because they can come to your house soon (always a plus since plumbing needs are urgent), they are courteous and clean, they explain things so I can understand them, and they've even helped me with ideas on how I can do some light plumbing stuff on my own, cheap, without even using them -- that's nice! They leave your house clean, not a mess.
Some might find their pricing methods odd (looking up an estimate for the whole job in a book), but in fact I find that sort of relaxing, since I'm not then watching the clock and wondering if they're taking too long in order to jack up labor fees -- they're just going to take the amount of time it takes to do it right. Yes, that sometimes means that the time spent is pretty pricey, when looked at on an hourly basis. But at least I know I'm getting into something specific, not open-ended. Don't miss their $50 off coupon online -- that'll take the sting out a little. Very nice people to have in your home. I really trust them.

David S.

12/29/2010

Cabrillo installed our new furnace and replaced all our duct work. The crew was very professional and efficient. This winter when our furnace suddenly stopped working they came out the same day and got it fixed, again very efficiently. Every year they come out and inspect the furnace and clean the filters. Always reliable, prompt and effective.

Kim L.

9/24/2011

Bob from Cabrillo snaked our sewer pipe - he was knowledgeable, open and honest. He was very clean and respectful. HOWEVER.... after having it snaked it twice ($363 the first time and $171 the second time) with no success, we discovered a company (called $15 Sewer and Drain) who snaked the pipe and put a camera in for $87! Save your money and go to $15 Sewer and Drain instead.

M A.

8/15/2012

I had an excellent experience with Cabrillo when I thought all I needed was a new water heater. Turned out I had a carbon monoxide leak into my basement, which goes without saying, is terribly dangerous. A technician came out the next day and diagnosed the problem, gave us a solution we could do ourselves, and all free of charge! To top it off, they gave us a new carbon monoxide detector also for free. The guys were knowledgeable, clean, and courteous.

David W.

10/24/2012

Cabrillo Plumbing was recommended by my long term plumber when he retired. Had to call them when a tenant complained about her shower and sink. They were very courteous on the phone and came out within 45 minutes. The guy was very friendly and did a good job, but the problem I have with them is the exorbitant amount they charged me. For repairing the shower mechanism, the sink stopper, and replacing a toilet lid, they charged me $890.00. I feel like I was mugged. They did give me a $50 discount since I was a first time caller, but that hardly made a dent. I will NEVER use this company again and I would not recommend them, unless you have deep pockets.

Mary A.

02/03/2010 12:00:00 SA

We've used Cabrillo several times and were pleased the first time, less so in subsequent visits. The last time, several months ago, the guy came out for a relatively simple problem, spent a couple hours doing a thorough evaluation of a (12 yr. old) house and proposed several thousands of dollars worth of possible fixes to problems we didn't even know we had. Overall, it was my impression that they must reward the service people for selling up, because this guy was dogged. Also, their pricing seemed on the high end. Don't mind paying for good service, but this last experience left a bad taste.

Stenya S.

11/16/2010

I needed help unclogging my kitchen drain, and I was told Cabrillo is good and honest. The plumber came when they said they would; he was neat, clean and courteous. They offered me a discount that I didn't know existed. When a spill accidentally occurred, the plumber carefully cleaned up after it, and he left the area clean. He worked to save me time and money, and I appreciate it. Yes, they aren't the least expensive, but you get what you pay for. The job was done quickly and well.

Nancy H.

09/08/2013 12:00:00 SA

So I've used Cabrillo a few times before for simple stuff--furnace check up (inspection) then I needed a toilet replaced. Each time they were prompt, efficient and professional. So yesterday, when I went down to my basement and the hot water heater had leaked all over the floor--'who ya gonna call?' Yikes-what a mess, water, cardboard boxes with 'stuff'-not a good combo. Cabrillo had a hot water heater in stock, and could get someone out w/i a few hours. Turns out I got a call from office dispatch saying Brain was on his way sooner than expected. He shows up and says, Don't worry about moving those garden tools, that's what we're here for... They installed a mighty fine new water heater, went over the maintenance to make it last longer than the warranty, how to shut off in case of earthquake, took away the old tank, cleaned up after installation and were nice and congenial the entire time. All for one flat rate. Yes, it was probably a little higher than some but I'm a big believer in 'you get what you pay for'. It was an all inclusive price. No nickle & dimeing.Plus- they came on a Saturday, where in and out w/i 2 hours & I had hot running water before 5 pm. Peace of mind and assurance that the job was done correctly and done right the first time. That's what I was paying for and that's what I got and then some. I highly recommend them.

Kerry W.

09/06/2010 12:00:00 SA

A month or so ago the spigot shot off my co-tenant's water heater, flooding the entire basement and storage area. We called Cabrillo and the plumber came immediately and was very nice, competent, and efficient. We replaced both of our water heaters and the new ones seem to work just fine. In fact, the plumber identified an illegal gas connection to the adjacent clothes dryer and repaired it as well. But the cost was, I think, exorbitant. A couple of years ago, I replaced a 40 gallon gas water heater in another house for approximately $1100 for water heater and installation--I was told at the time that that was on the expensive side. Now only two years later, Cabrillo charged over twice as much--$2300+--for the exact same thing (not including the cost to repair the illegal gas line). Perhaps the water heater they chose, Bradford White U440T6FRN, is a particularly expensive one. But if that's the case, I wish I'd been given a choice.

David R.

04/09/2012 12:00:00 SA

I had Cabrillo run a new gas line and a new water line to my kitchen from my garage below. They charged me half the amount quoted by another well known plumbing company, and the same amount quoted to me by a small solo plumber. So Cabrillo was quite competitive. The technicians, Frank and Celles, and Robert for a few hours as well, were all very professional, courteous, patient and skillful. I also purchased a new toilet from them and had them install it on the same trip. Here the price was significantly higher than the Home Depot special for the same toilet, but I wanted to get it all done at once and it was worth it to me to spend a bit more (actually significantly more) and not have to schedule time away from work to meet another workman at my house. Cabrillo showed their integrity by coming back at my request to replace the bowl on the new two piece toilet, as strangely it was a different shade of white than the tank. I did not get any push back at all - they sent a new bowl and a new tank two days later, since they did not know which of the components was actually the off color, and did what it took to get it right. Again, no argument, no push back no problems. I would recommend them highly. Only reason for not giving 5 stars is the very high price for the toilet and install, but again, they were very transparent on the pricing and I could have just done the Home Depot alternative if I had more time. For the important work, the work you really need to be done by skilled professionals, Cabrillo is the pace to go and their pricing is very fair.

Cabrillo Plumbing, Heating & Air