Alvarez Plumbing

Expert Plumbing Services in San Francisco, CA We Fix It Right the First Time

A burst pipe at 2 AM in the Richmond? Basement flooding during those winter storms we all dread? Look, we get it – plumbing disasters don’t wait for convenient times. Whether you’re in a classic Victorian in Noe Valley or a newer condo in SoMa, we’re the plumbers your neighbors actually call when things go wrong. We cover every corner of San Francisco – the Sunset, Mission, Pacific Heights, you name it. From backed-up drains to full sewer replacements, we’ve pretty much seen it all in this city.

Local Expert Plumbing Services in San Francisco, CA Experts Plumbers near you

Here’s the thing – we’ve been doing this for over 20 years in San Francisco. That means we know exactly why those old Victorian pipes keep acting up, why your basement floods every time we get those crazy El Niño rains, and what the city inspector is going to want to see before they’ll sign off on your permit. We’re not some national chain that treats every city the same. We know this place.

The people who live here keep calling us back because we actually show up when we say we will, we don’t try to sell you stuff you don’t need, and we fix problems so they stay fixed. Whether it’s a cranky water heater in Bernal Heights on a foggy morning or an emergency sewer backup in the Marina, we treat your home like it’s our own. Every single one of our plumbers is licensed and insured, and honestly, most of them have been working in San Francisco longer than some of the new tech companies have been around.

We answer our phones 24/7, even on holidays | You’ll know the price before we start | All our plumbers are licensed and background-checked | We guarantee our work, period

Our Complete San Francisco Plumbing Services

Plumbing Installation in San Francisco, CA

Renovating your North Beach apartment? Opening a new shop in the Design District? You need plumbing that's done right from day one. We install everything – new fixtures, complete plumbing systems for construction projects, whatever you need. And it all meets San Francisco's pretty intense building codes the first time, so you're not dealing with failed inspections and delays.

This city doesn't mess around with building codes. Everything has to be earthquake-safe, properly vented (which gets tricky on hills), and you need water-saving fixtures because California. We handle all the permits, deal with the city inspectors, and make sure everything passes inspection without drama.

From tankless water heaters that save space in tiny SF apartments to gas lines for those fancy chef stoves, we do installations that last.

What We Install:

New water heaters, including those space-saving tankless ones
Complete bathroom and kitchen fixture setups
Gas lines for stoves and fireplaces
Hookups for washers and dishwashers
Whole-house water filters
New sewer lines that meet all the city requirements

Plumbing Repair in San Francisco, CA

Most big plumbing problems start small. A little drip. A drain that's slightly slow. Weird sounds from the water heater. If you ignore that stuff in San Francisco, it gets expensive fast. We come out, figure out what's actually wrong, explain your options without the sales pitch, and fix it so it stays fixed.

Between old infrastructure, mineral buildup in the water, and temperature swings, plumbing here takes a beating. We've fixed corroded joints in Sunset bungalows, pressure regulator problems in Twin Peaks (elevation does weird things), and just about everything in between. Our trucks are stocked with parts for basically every fixture and pipe type in San Francisco, so we usually fix things the same day.

Fixing small problems now saves you from massive repairs later. When we spot something wearing out, we'll tell you honestly – but we're not going to pressure you.

The Repairs People Call Us For:

Dripping faucets wasting water and money
Toilets that won't stop running
Leaking pipes threatening water damage
Garbage disposals that stopped working
Shut-off valves that don't shut off anymore
Toilet parts that are worn out and need replacing

Sump Pump Installation in San Francisco, CA

Most SF properties don't need sump pumps, but if you've got a basement in the Outer Sunset, Richmond, or near the Bay, flooding is a real risk when those winter storms hit hard. A professionally installed sump pump keeps your basement dry and prevents mold, foundation damage, and losing all your stuff to water.

Because of San Francisco's hills and low areas near the beach, some homes get groundwater problems that regular drains can't handle. We look at how water's getting into your place, recommend the right size pump, and install systems with battery backup so you're protected even when the power goes out during storms.

Proper installation means the right discharge lines, check valves so water doesn't flow backward, and sealed pits (radon gas is a thing). Space is tight in SF, so we make sure everything fits and meets code.

When You Need a Sump Pump:

Basements below ground level near high water tables
Properties that flood seasonally
Basements that have flooded before
Crawl spaces with standing water issues
Hillside homes where water flows toward your foundation
Basement conversions that need drainage protection

Sump Pump Replacement in San Francisco, CA

Sump pumps wear out. After about 7-10 years of keeping your San Francisco basement dry, motors burn out, switches fail, and pipes clog. When your pump quits during a storm, you need a new one immediately before you've got inches of water down there.

We pull out the old unit, clean out all the gunk in the pit, check that the discharge lines aren't clogged, and install a new pump sized right for your property. Modern pumps have automatic switches and alarms that warn you if something's wrong. For places where power outages are a concern, we recommend battery backup.

Don't wait until the next big storm to find out your pump's dead. We can test your current system and let you know if it needs replacing soon.

Signs You Need a New Sump Pump:

Pump runs all the time and won't shut off
Loud noises or vibrations when it's running
Rust or corrosion on the pump
Pump doesn't turn on when water comes in
Keeps tripping your circuit breaker
Water overflowing from the pit

Snake Eyeball Service

Sometimes the only way to see what’s really going on inside your pipes is to look. Our “Snake Eyeball” service uses a high-definition plumbing camera to inspect drains, sewer lines, and hard-to-reach pipes anywhere in your San Francisco property. It’s like sending a tiny camera down your plumbing so we can spot cracks, blockages, or roots before they turn into expensive problems.

San Francisco’s older homes and mixed infrastructure mean a lot of mystery pipes and unexpected clogs. Instead of guessing or tearing up your floors, we use a waterproof camera that gives us a real-time video feed. You can even watch along as we locate the exact issue — whether it’s buildup, corrosion, or tree roots in your sewer line.

This inspection saves time, money, and a lot of mess. Once we’ve found the problem, we’ll recommend the smartest fix — whether that’s hydrojetting, pipe repair, or full replacement — and we’ll show you the footage so you know exactly what’s happening.

When to Call for a Snake Eyeball (Camera Inspection) Service:

Recurring drain clogs that keep coming back
Slow drains even after snaking or cleaning
Bad odors coming from sinks, showers, or basement drains
Suspected root intrusion or broken sewer lines
Before buying or remodeling an older San Francisco home
When you need proof of plumbing issues for insurance or permits

Why Choose Our San Francisco Plumbing Company

Those big national chains don’t know San Francisco. They can’t tell you why Victorian pipes are different from modern condos, or how earthquake codes affect your water heater installation. We’ve been working here for decades, and we know this city inside and out.

When you call us, you talk to actual local plumbers who’ve worked in every neighborhood. We know the quirks of 1906 earthquake-era buildings, we know the city inspectors, and we do the work ourselves – we don’t farm your job out to random subcontractors. Our licensed plumbers show up to your call and take pride in doing it right.

Over 22 Years of plumbing Experience

Plumbing here is different. We understand how Bay air corrodes pipes near the waterfront, why certain neighborhoods have high water pressure that needs regulators, and which old buildings used materials that need replacing now. Our team keeps up with code changes, maintains current licenses, and knows the history – whether it's a 1920s Edwardian or a brand new South Beach high-rise. That local knowledge means we figure out problems faster and fix them right instead of just slapping on a band-aid.

100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Plumbing emergencies happen at the worst times. Water heater breaks on Sunday morning? Pipe bursts on Thanksgiving? We actually answer the phone and send someone right away – not "next Tuesday when we have an opening." Our trucks are loaded with parts, we've got tools for everything, and we know where to get unusual stuff quickly in the city. Most repairs get done the same day, and our emergency line is answered 24/7 by real people who can dispatch help to anywhere in San Francisco within minutes.

Fair and transparent prices Plumbers

The contractor horror stories about surprise charges? We hate that too. You get a written estimate before we start, a clear invoice showing exactly what you paid for, and honest advice about whether fixing something makes sense or if replacement is smarter long-term. Our prices are fair for licensed pros using quality materials – we're not going to gouge you during an emergency. We offer financing for big jobs, discounts for seniors and military families, and maintenance plans that save money over time while preventing emergencies.

We serve yearas of experience in plumbering industry

We've built our reputation in San Francisco over years – thousands of happy customers, consistent good reviews, neighbors recommending us to neighbors. We're licensed through the state, fully insured to protect your property, and all our plumbers pass background checks. Many of our guys have been working in San Francisco for 15+ years. Our customers range from first-time homeowners in the Excelsior to property managers running buildings all over the city. When San Franciscans need plumbing done right, they call us.

Client Review

They actually showed up at 2 AM no joke.” We had a pipe burst in our Richmond District basement during one of those crazy rainstorms. I called a few places and no one answered except these guys. They were at our place in under an hour, shut off the water, and replaced the section of pipe before sunrise. Super professional and no surprise charges.

“Finally, a plumber who knows old San Francisco homes.” Our Victorian in Noe Valley had constant low water pressure and weird noises in the walls. Turns out the original galvanized pipes were almost completely closed up. These plumbers replaced everything with copper, passed inspection the first time, and left the place spotless. You can tell they’ve worked on a lot of SF houses.

They saved our restaurant from shutting down.” Our main kitchen drain backed up right before dinner service in our Mission restaurant. They came the same day, cleared the line, and even helped us schedule a camera inspection for after hours. Fast, efficient, and totally professional — worth every penny.

Contact Us for Plumbing Help in San Francisco, CA

From the Marina to McLaren Park, Chinatown to the Castro we’re ready to fix your plumbing problem today. Emergency drain in Japantown? Sump pump for your Richmond basement? Need to repipe your Glen Park Victorian? Just give us a call. Don’t let plumbing problems stress you out or damage your property – we’re here to help.

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Our Featured Frequently Asked Question

Do you do emergency plumbing in San Francisco?

Yeah, absolutely – 24/7, every day of the year. Pipe burst at 3 AM in the Richmond? Sewer backing up on Sunday in Noe Valley? We answer the phone and send someone out right away. Our trucks are fully stocked, so we show up ready to stop leaks, prevent damage, and fix whatever’s broken. Gas leaks, flooding basements, whatever the emergency is, we handle it.

What does sump pump installation cost in San Francisco?

Usually somewhere between $800 and $2,500, depending on what you need. Do you already have a sump pit or do we need to dig one? What kind of pump – pedestal or submersible? How complicated is running the discharge line? Do you want battery backup? We come out for free to look at your basement or crawl space, measure things, and give you a real written estimate before we start. Every installation includes proper venting, check valves, sealed pits – all the stuff San Francisco requires.

Why do SF homes have so many plumbing problems?

Honestly? A lot of houses here are really old – like 70 to 100+ years – and they’ve still got original pipes made of galvanized steel or cast iron that are corroding from the inside. Plus, the hills create weird water pressure issues, salty air from the Bay rusts pipes faster, ground shifting on hillsides stresses connections, and tree roots break into old sewer lines all over the place. Add in strict building codes and earthquake requirements, and DIY fixes often don’t cut it legally, which means they need professional correction.

Do you handle commercial plumbing for businesses?

Definitely. We work with restaurants, hotels, stores, offices, apartment buildings, all kinds of commercial properties in San Francisco. Commercial stuff is more intense – higher usage, ADA rules, health codes for restaurants, and you need service outside business hours so you don’t lose money. From grease traps to boilers, we’re licensed for commercial work and we coordinate all the permits and inspections with the city.

How often should I get my plumbing checked in San Francisco?

Once a year is smart, especially if your place was built before 1980. Regular checkups catch little stuff – small leaks, pipes starting to corrode, clogs forming – before they turn into expensive disasters. We check your water heater for buildup and wear, test water pressure and temperature, look at visible pipes for rust, run water through drains to check for slowness, and look for signs of hidden leaks like water stains or weird meter readings. Commercial properties with heavy use should probably do it twice a year.

Can you replace those old galvanized pipes in SF homes?

Yes, that’s something we do a lot. Tons of San Francisco homes built before 1960 still have the original galvanized steel pipes that are now rusting from the inside, restricting water flow and putting rust in your drinking water. We replace them with modern copper or PEX that lasts 50+ years, improves your pressure, gets rid of the rust problem, and sometimes even lowers your insurance. We minimize wall damage, handle all permits and inspections, and usually finish in 2-5 days depending on your house size.

Leave a Message For Us

Just shoot us a message about what’s going on with your plumbing, and we’ll get back to you fast – usually within an hour during the day.

Areas We Serve

About Company

For more than 22 years, Alvarez Plumbing has proudly served San Francisco, CA, and Daly City, CA, providing reliable plumbing solutions for both residential and commercial clients.