Plumbing in Oakland, California

Plumbing companies in Oakland, CA

Plumbing companies serving Oakland and nearby Alameda County communities, with the services and service areas each one lists. We list 2 companies with a local office here:

• Mr. Rooter Plumbing of The Oakland-Berkeley Area, 50 Hegenberger Loop, Oakland. Services include garbage disposals, plumbing, toilet repair and replacement, sump pump services, emergency plumbing, backflow preventers; serves Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Kensington, Montclair, Oakland, Piedmont, San Leandro and more.
• Roto-Rooter Oakland, CA, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza STE 249, Oakland. Services include drain cleaning, emergency plumber, water damage, commercial plumbing, excavation, sump pump; serves San Pablo, San Leandro, San Ramon, Dublin, Livermore, Tracy, Oakland, Alameda, Fremont, Union City and more.

What to know about plumbing in Oakland

Sierra snowmelt in the pipes

About 90 percent of the water East Bay Municipal Utility District delivers comes from the 578-square-mile Mokelumne River watershed on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, and EBMUD calls Sierra snowmelt its primary source. EBMUD gives the hardness of its water as a range of 1 to 7 grains per gallon. Use that range when setting up a new dishwasher or water heater, and report taste or odor concerns to EBMUD at 1-866-403-2683. Source: EBMUD: Water quality FAQs

Sewer lateral certificate before a sale

Oakland is one of the cities covered by the East Bay Regional Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, along with Alameda, Albany, Emeryville, Piedmont, Kensington, El Cerrito and the Richmond Annex. It applies when you buy or sell a property, build or remodel for more than $100,000, or change the size of your water meter, and a Compliance Certificate is required to close escrow. A contractor usually inspects the lateral by closed-circuit TV and sets up a verification test that EBMUD witnesses, so book that work well before your closing date. Source: East Bay Regional Private Sewer Lateral Program

Lead lines removed, testing available

EBMUD says it has removed all known lead service lines and continues to remove lead fittings whenever crews find them. The locations of former lead service lines appear on an interactive look-up map, and EBMUD runs a program that tests customers' tap water for lead for free. If your home is older or has had plumbing work of unknown quality, call 1-866-403-2683 to ask about a test before replacing pipes. Source: EBMUD: Lead information

Check the license

Plumbing contractors in California hold a C-36 Plumbing Contractor license from the Contractors State License Board. As of 2026, the license is required for any job that needs a building permit, uses employees, or comes to $1,000 or more for labor and materials combined. Check the license number with CSLB's Check a License tool before hiring. Source: official licensing page

Frequently asked questions

Is Oakland's water hard?

EBMUD lists the hardness of its water as ranging from 1 to 7 grains per gallon. About 90 percent of its supply comes from the Mokelumne River watershed in the Sierra Nevada.

When do I need a sewer lateral certificate in Oakland?

Under the East Bay Regional Private Sewer Lateral Ordinance, you need a Compliance Certificate when you buy or sell a property, build or remodel for more than $100,000, or change your water meter size. EBMUD witnesses a test showing the lateral is free of leaks.

Does EBMUD still have lead service lines?

EBMUD says it has removed all known lead service lines and shows the locations of former lead lines on an interactive map. It also offers free lead testing of customers' tap water.

1-800Deals lists companies based on the information they publish; a listing is not an endorsement. Before hiring, check licensing, insurance, reviews and a written estimate.