# Plumber Comparator

> Plumber Comparator (https://plumber-comparator.com/) is an independent information and referral website for homeowners in California, published by Clément Lacaille (Tech-Bharat). It gives typical plumbing cost ranges for 17 services, local water and permit facts for 145 California cities, and guides on hiring a licensed plumber; homeowners can request free quotes from local plumbers. It is not a plumbing contractor.

## Key facts

- Plumber Comparator is an independent information and referral site for California homeowners. It is not a plumbing contractor, does not list, rank or review plumbers, and its editor is not a licensed plumber.
- Coverage: 145 California cities in 10 regions, typical cost ranges for 17 plumbing services, and 247 guides.
- Typical labor rates run from $95/hr in the Central Valley to $250/hr in San Francisco; water heater installation typically costs $1,300–$3,500 and drain cleaning $150–$500. These are broad ranges, not quotes.
- In California, plumbing work of $1,000 or more (labor and materials), or that needs a permit, must be done by a contractor licensed by the CSLB (Business and Professions Code § 7048); licenses can be checked at cslb.ca.gov.
- Water heaters must be braced or strapped against earthquakes (Health and Safety Code § 19211).
- Local data on city pages comes from water utility annual reports (Consumer Confidence Reports) and official city permit pages, cited on each page.
- Paid printable guides (one-time card payment via Stripe, instant access, refund on request within 14 days): California Homeowner Plumbing Pack ($59); California Plumbing Price Book 2026 ($12); Water Heater Replacement Kit for California Homes ($9).
- Quote requests are free for homeowners and are shared with local plumbers only with the homeowner's explicit consent.
- Publisher: Clément Lacaille (Clem corp, sole proprietorship, Tech-Bharat brand), 19 avenue des Rochers, 94170 Le Perreux-sur-Marne, France. Contact: admin@tech-bharat.com.
- Seller of the paid guides: LACANGEL GROUP, SAS, SIREN 995 268 018, VAT FR21995268018, 1 rue Marguerin, 75014 Paris, France (administration@lacangel.fr).

## Printable guides (paid)

- [Price Book and buyer's kits](https://plumber-comparator.com/shop/): all paid guides.
- [California Homeowner Plumbing Pack](https://plumber-comparator.com/shop/california-homeowner-plumbing-pack/): $59. Sewer line, slab leak, water heater: what is normal, what it should cost, what to ask before you sign. Claim letters, a year of maintenance, Price Book and Water Heater Kit included.
- [California Plumbing Price Book 2026](https://plumber-comparator.com/shop/california-plumbing-price-book/): $12. Every price range on this site in one place, plus the license, contract and quote checklists.
- [Water Heater Replacement Kit for California Homes](https://plumber-comparator.com/shop/water-heater-replacement-kit/): $9. Repair or replace, sizing, California code items, quote worksheet and install-day checklist.

## Plumbing costs in California

- [All plumbing cost guides](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/): 17 services.
- [Drain Cleaning cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/drain-cleaning/): typical California range $150–$500. Clogged sink, tub or floor drain cleared
- [Hydro Jetting cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/hydro-jetting/): typical California range $300–$800. High-pressure water jetting for grease and roots
- [Sewer Camera Inspection cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/sewer-camera-inspection/): typical California range $150–$600. Video diagnosis of your sewer lateral
- [Sewer Line Repair & Replacement cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/sewer-line-repair/): typical California range $1,500–$25,000. Spot repairs, trenchless lining and pipe bursting
- [Water Heater Repair cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/water-heater-repair/): typical California range $150–$700. No hot water, leaks, pilot and element fixes
- [Water Heater Installation cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/water-heater-installation/): typical California range $1,300–$3,500. Tank replacement, code upgrades, permits, haul-away
- [Tankless Water Heater cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/tankless-water-heater/): typical California range $2,800–$6,000. On-demand hot water — installation and service
- [Leak Detection cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/leak-detection/): typical California range $150–$600. Electronic location of hidden water leaks
- [Slab Leak Repair cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/slab-leak-repair/): typical California range $500–$4,000. Under-foundation leak repair, reroute or repipe
- [Whole-House Repiping cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/repiping/): typical California range $4,500–$15,000. Replace failing supply pipes with copper or PEX
- [Toilet Repair & Installation cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/toilet-repair/): typical California range $150–$800. Running, leaking, clogged or new toilets
- [Faucet & Sink Services cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/faucet-and-sink/): typical California range $150–$600. Dripping faucets, new fixtures, sink installs
- [Garbage Disposal cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/garbage-disposal/): typical California range $150–$500. Repair, replacement and new installs
- [Gas Line Services cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/gas-line/): typical California range $300–$2,000. New lines, leak repair, appliance hookups, earthquake valves
- [Water Softener & Filtration cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/water-softener/): typical California range $1,000–$3,500. Whole-house softening, conditioners, RO systems
- [Water Pressure Problems cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/water-pressure/): typical California range $150–$800. Pressure regulators, low flow, banging pipes
- [Emergency Plumber cost](https://plumber-comparator.com/cost/emergency-plumbing/): typical California range $200–$1,000. 24/7 response: bursts, backups, no water

## Plumbers by city

- [All cities](https://plumber-comparator.com/cities/): 145 California cities.
- [Plumbers in Los Angeles, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/los-angeles/): Los Angeles County, Los Angeles metro: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in San Diego, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/san-diego/): San Diego County, San Diego County: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in San Jose, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/san-jose/): Santa Clara County, San Francisco Bay Area: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in San Francisco, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/san-francisco/): San Francisco County, San Francisco Bay Area: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Fresno, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/fresno/): Fresno County, Central Valley: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Sacramento, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/sacramento/): Sacramento County, Sacramento area: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Long Beach, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/long-beach/): Los Angeles County, Los Angeles metro: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Oakland, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/oakland/): Alameda County, San Francisco Bay Area: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Bakersfield, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/bakersfield/): Kern County, Central Valley: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Anaheim, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/anaheim/): Orange County, Orange County: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Stockton, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/stockton/): San Joaquin County, Central Valley: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Irvine, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/irvine/): Orange County, Orange County: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Riverside, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/riverside/): Riverside County, Inland Empire: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Santa Ana, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/santa-ana/): Orange County, Orange County: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Chula Vista, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/chula-vista/): San Diego County, San Diego County: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Fremont, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/fremont/): Alameda County, San Francisco Bay Area: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Santa Clarita, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/santa-clarita/): Los Angeles County, Los Angeles metro: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in San Bernardino, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/san-bernardino/): San Bernardino County, Inland Empire: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Modesto, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/modesto/): Stanislaus County, Central Valley: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Fontana, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/fontana/): San Bernardino County, Inland Empire: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Moreno Valley, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/moreno-valley/): Riverside County, Inland Empire: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Oxnard, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/oxnard/): Ventura County, Los Angeles metro: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Huntington Beach, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/huntington-beach/): Orange County, Orange County: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Glendale, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/glendale/): Los Angeles County, Los Angeles metro: local rates, water hardness, permits.
- [Plumbers in Santa Rosa, CA](https://plumber-comparator.com/plumber/santa-rosa/): Sonoma County, San Francisco Bay Area: local rates, water hardness, permits.

## Guides

- [All guides](https://plumber-comparator.com/guides/): 247 guides.
- [How Much Does a Plumber Cost in California? 2026 Rates Explained](https://plumber-comparator.com/guides/how-much-does-a-plumber-cost-in-california/): How much does a plumber cost in California? Typical hourly rates ($95-$250), service call fees, flat-rate vs hourly pricing, and regional differences.
- [How to Hire a Plumber in California](https://plumber-comparator.com/guides/how-to-hire-a-plumber-in-california/): A step-by-step guide to hiring a plumber in California: CSLB license checks, insurance, the $25,000 bond, written estimates, and reviews that matter.
- [CSLB License Check](https://plumber-comparator.com/guides/cslb-license-check-guide/): Learn how to verify a California plumbing contractor on cslb.ca.gov, what the C-36 license means, and why unlicensed work over $1,000 is illegal.
- [Emergency Plumber Costs in California](https://plumber-comparator.com/guides/emergency-plumber-costs/): Emergency plumber costs in California: after-hours and weekend rates of 1.5x-3x normal, what truly counts as an emergency, and how to limit water damage.
- [Water Heater Lifespan](https://plumber-comparator.com/guides/water-heater-lifespan-repair-or-replace/): Most tank water heaters last 8-12 years. Learn the warning signs, when a repair makes sense, when replacement wins, and what each option costs in California.
- [Tank vs Tankless Water Heater in California](https://plumber-comparator.com/guides/tank-vs-tankless-water-heater-california/): Tank water heaters cost $1,300-$3,500 installed vs $2,800-$6,000 for tankless. Compare running costs, gas line upsizing, Title 24, and which fits your home.
- [Slab Leaks in California](https://plumber-comparator.com/guides/slab-leak-signs-causes-repair/): Hot floor spots, spiking water bills, and hissing pipes can signal a slab leak. Why California homes get them, detection, and repair costs of $500-$4,000+.
- [Trenchless Sewer Repair in California](https://plumber-comparator.com/guides/sewer-line-replacement-trenchless/): Trenchless sewer repair in California: CIPP lining and pipe bursting run $80-$250 per foot, $4,000-$15,000 for most laterals. When it works, when it does not.
- [Hard Water in California](https://plumber-comparator.com/guides/hard-water-in-california/): Much of California has hard to very hard water. How scale damages heaters and fixtures, softener options and costs, and local salt-softener restrictions.
- [Boiler Replacement Cost in California](https://plumber-comparator.com/guides/boiler-replacement-cost-california/): What replacing a residential boiler costs in California, the price difference between standard and condensing units, and when it makes sense to repair, replace, or switch away from a boiler entirely.
- [Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a Home](https://plumber-comparator.com/guides/plumbing-inspection-before-buying-a-home/): A plumbing inspection before buying a California home: sewer scope, water heater age, supply pipe materials, what it costs, and the repairs it can save.
- [Earthquake Plumbing Prep](https://plumber-comparator.com/guides/earthquake-plumbing-preparedness/): Quake-proof your home's plumbing: seismic water heater straps, flexible gas and water connectors, automatic shutoff valves, and knowing your main shutoffs.

## About this site

- [About](https://plumber-comparator.com/about/): who publishes Plumber Comparator.
- [Methodology](https://plumber-comparator.com/methodology/): how cost ranges are built and which public data is used.
- [Legal notice](https://plumber-comparator.com/legal/)
- [Terms of sale](https://plumber-comparator.com/terms-of-sale/)