Find a plumber in San Francisco, CA
A plumber installs and repairs pipes, drains, fixtures, water heaters and gas lines. People call one for leaks, clogs, a broken water heater, low water pressure or a remodel. A good plumber explains the problem, gives a price before starting, and pulls permits where the work requires them.
How many plumbers are in San Francisco?
The Census Bureau counted 148 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in San Francisco, CA ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, San Francisco County has 162, or 19.4 per 100,000 residents: fewer than the US rate of 33.3, and 152nd of 165 large US cities per resident.
Another 237 self-employed businesses in plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors are based in San Francisco County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 94124 (33), 94121 (16), 94110 (15), 94112 (14).
Half of San Francisco's homes were built before 1945, and 62% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 148 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, San Francisco County | 19.4 US: 33.3 |
| Rank among large US cities | 152 of 165 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 52% |
| Self-employed, San Francisco County | 237 Census NES 2023: plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors |
| Median year homes were built | 1945 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 62% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 836,321 ACS 2023 |
What do plumbers in San Francisco help with?
- Leak and burst pipe repair
- Drain and sewer clearing
- Water heater repair and replacement
- Toilet, faucet and fixture installs
- Gas line work
- Re-piping old lines
- Sump pumps and backflow devices
- Sewer camera inspections
- Garbage disposal installs
- Bathroom and kitchen rough-in
How do you choose a good plumber in San Francisco?
- Ask for the license number and look it up on the state or local license search.
- Ask whether the job needs a permit. Water heater swaps, gas work and moving fixtures often do.
- Get the price in writing: a flat rate for the job, or the hourly rate, trip fee and how parts are billed.
- For emergencies, ask about after-hours rates before they drive out.
- Ask who will do the work and whether a licensed plumber will supervise.
- Ask for a warranty on parts and labor.
Plumbers are licensed in most states or by local governments, and gas work almost always requires a license; ask for the license number and check it. See California license rules and lookup.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Will this job need a permit?
- Is the price flat rate or hourly?
- Is there a trip or diagnostic fee?
- What warranty do you give?
- Will you show me the problem before fixing it?
- What is your after-hours rate?
Red flags to watch for
- Refusing to give a license number.
- Gas work without a licensed plumber or permit.
- Pressure to replace a whole system for a simple repair.
- Big price changes after work starts without your approval.
What changes the price?
- Type of repair
- Access to pipes
- Parts and fixtures
- Emergency or after-hours timing
- Permits and inspections
- Age of the plumbing
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many plumbers are there in San Francisco?
The Census counted 148 plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors with employees in San Francisco, CA in 2023, plus 237 self-employed businesses in San Francisco County.
What should I do during a plumbing emergency?
Shut off the main water valve, turn off the water heater if needed, and call a plumber. If you smell gas, leave the home and call the gas company from outside.
How do I know if I need a new water heater?
Signs include rust-colored water, leaks around the tank, rumbling noises and not enough hot water.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe?
They can damage pipes and are dangerous to handle. A plumber can snake or camera-inspect drains instead.
Plumbers in nearby cities
Plumbers in other cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a plumber.