Plumbers in
San Francisco, CA
78 plumbers listed in San Francisco
Licensed plumbers in San Francisco handle everything from routine repairs and fixture installations to complex repiping and sewer line work. Whether you have an emergency leak or planning a bathroom renovation, San Francisco plumbers can help. Local project costs in San Francisco typically average $450, though rates depend on scope and permit fees (approx. $800–$2,500). San Francisco's housing market has softened slightly from its pandemic peak but remains extremely expensive. Renovated Victorians and Edwardians in Noe Valley and Pacific Heights are the most sought-after properties. The city's strict building limits mean renovated homes are in constant demand, often selling with multiple offers above asking.
Plumbers in San Francisco at a glance
- 78 plumbers are listed in San Francisco, CA on Ratedeed.
- 26 of the 27 listings shown here include a phone number you can call directly.
- Listings cover 28 ZIP codes in and around San Francisco, including 94102, 94103, 94104, 94105, 94107, 94108.
Plumbers elsewhere in California: Los Angeles (131), San Diego (104), San Jose (89), Riverside (62), Sacramento (60), Bakersfield (50)
Homes and plumbers in San Francisco: the local numbers
Housing in San Francisco
- San Francisco has about 414,602 homes (housing units).
- The typical (median) home was built in 1946, 30 years older than the California median of 1976.
- 76% of homes were built before 1980 and 61% before 1960; 8% were built in 2010 or later.
- The median value of an owner-occupied home is $1,394,500.
- 38% of occupied homes are owner-occupied and 62% are rented.
- 18% of homes are single-family detached houses.
- The most common heating fuel is natural gas from a utility (55% of homes), followed by electricity (36%).
- The median home has 4 rooms.
- Median gross rent is $2,476 a month.
- That makes San Francisco's housing among the older stock in the country: the typical U.S. home was built in 1980.
- Home values run 90% above the California median of $734,700.
- Most occupied homes here are rented (62%), so tenants should get their landlord's approval before hiring anyone for repairs or alterations.
- Apartments, condos and attached homes make up most of the housing: only 18% of homes are detached houses, so many jobs involve building rules, shared walls or a condo board.
Older homes like the 76% of San Francisco homes built before 1980 were commonly plumbed with galvanized steel supply pipes and cast-iron drains, which corrode with age, so repiping and drain-line replacement are common jobs in older housing.
With most San Francisco homes on natural gas (55%), gas water heaters are common; replacing one involves venting and gas-connection work that is usually permitted and inspected.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (San Francisco, CA).
Plumbers workforce in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area
- Median hourly wage
- $37.44
- People employed
- 5,660
- In the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro area, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earned a median of $37.44 an hour ($77,880 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $23.34–$74.68.
- About 5,660 people work in this occupation in the metro area.
- That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.80).
- These are what workers earn, not what plumbers charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters).
Climate in San Francisco and what it means for plumbers
- The average temperature in San Francisco is 57°F; summer afternoons average 67°F and winter nights 46°F.
- It gets about 24 inches of precipitation a year.
- There are about 0 nights a year at or below freezing and about 2 days at 90°F or hotter.
- It is a heating-dominated climate: about 2,909 heating degree days a year against 113 cooling degree days.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, San Francisco Downtown station USW00023272 (0.7 km from the city centre).
How San Francisco ranks against other U.S. cities
- San Francisco has the 7th-oldest housing of the 183 cities RateDeed covers (tied): the typical home was built in 1946. See the ranking
- Plumbers in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro area earn the 49th-highest median wage of 291 metros: $37.44 an hour. See the ranking
Ranked against the other cities in RateDeed's research, using the figures above.
Estimated Plumbers Costs in San Francisco, CA
Regional cost guide based on local contractor estimates, market labor rates, and material averages.
| Project Scope | Low Range | Average Cost | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
Plumbing Repairs & Fixtures | $150 | $450 | $850 |
Water Heater Installation | $1,200 | $2,200 | $3,500 |
Drain & Sewer Line Cleaning | $200 | $400 | $750 |
Bathroom Remodel Plumbing | $16,000 | $32,000 | $60,000 |
Planning estimates, not quotes from the businesses listed. How we estimate these ranges
Top Plumbers in San Francisco
Listings include contact details and service areas. Check licensing with your state board before hiring.
Showing 27 of 78. See every listing in San Francisco
More plumbers elsewhere in California
Listed in other California cities, not in San Francisco.
Licensing and consumer protection in California
Check that any plumber you hire is licensed and insured before you sign a contract or pay a deposit.
Who regulates this trade
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Verify a licence on the official register →Insurance and workers' compensation
$1 million general liability minimum. Workers' compensation is mandatory for any contractor with employees. Bond of $25,000 required for licensure (increased under SB 607).
Mechanic's lien protection
California has one of the strictest lien regimes in the country. Preliminary 20-day notices must be sent within 20 days of starting work. Mechanics liens must be filed within 90 days after project completion (or 60 days after a notice of completion is recorded). Unpaid subcontractors and suppliers can place liens on your property even if you've paid your general contractor in full. Always collect lien waivers from all parties before making final payment.
What catches homeowners out in California
California's CSLB license verification is critical — always check a contractor's license number at cslb.ca.gov and confirm it is active and in good standing. California law requires a $25,000 contractor surety bond on every licensed contractor as a consumer protection backstop. For projects over $1,000 (labor and materials combined under Business & Professions Code § 7048), a valid CSLB license is legally required. Unlicensed contractors face criminal misdemeanor charges, and homeowners who hire them forfeit key statutory protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring contractors
How much do plumbers earn in the San Francisco area?
In the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro area, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earned a median of $37.44 an hour ($77,880 a year) in May 2025, and the middle 80% earned $23.34–$74.68. About 5,660 people work in this occupation in the metro area. That is a lower share of local jobs than the national average (location quotient 0.80). These are what workers earn, not what plumbers charge: a contractor's hourly rate also covers insurance, licensing, vehicles, overhead and profit. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
How old are homes in San Francisco?
The typical home in San Francisco was built in 1946, and 76% of homes were built before 1980. The median owner-occupied home is worth $1,394,500. Older homes like the 76% of San Francisco homes built before 1980 were commonly plumbed with galvanized steel supply pipes and cast-iron drains, which corrode with age, so repiping and drain-line replacement are common jobs in older housing. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates.
How much does a plumber charge per hour in San Francisco?
Plumbing services in San Francisco typically cost $75–$175 per hour, with minor repairs averaging $150–$350 and larger projects like water heater replacement or repiping ranging from $1,200 to $6,500+. Emergency calls usually carry a premium of 50–100% above standard rates.
Do plumbers in San Francisco offer emergency services?
Yes, many plumbers serving San Francisco offer 24/7 emergency services for issues like burst pipes, severe leaks, and sewer backups. Emergency response times in San Francisco typically range from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the provider and time of day. Expect to pay a premium for after-hours, weekend, and holiday emergency calls.
How do I find a licensed plumber near San Francisco?
To find a licensed plumber in San Francisco, check that they hold a valid CA plumbing license and carry adequate insurance. On Ratedeed, you can browse plumbers serving San Francisco, view credentials, and compare free quotes to find the right fit.
What's the average cost to fix a leaking pipe in San Francisco?
Fixing a leaking pipe in San Francisco typically costs $150–$450 for accessible pipes, while hidden leaks behind walls or slabs can cost $600–$2,500+ depending on detection and restoration requirements.
Do plumbers in CA need to be licensed?
Yes, in California, plumbers must hold a valid state-issued license to perform most plumbing work. This includes installing, repairing, and replacing pipes, fixtures, and water heaters. Always verify a plumber's license before hiring them in San Francisco. Where a contractor has provided license details, they appear on their profile; always confirm with the state board before hiring.
How quickly can a plumber respond to an emergency in San Francisco?
Most licensed plumbers in San Francisco offer emergency response within 30 minutes to 2 hours for urgent issues like burst pipes, gas leaks, or sewer backups. San Francisco's San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI), 49 South Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94103 should also be notified for major water main issues. Keep a list of emergency plumbers on hand to minimize damage from unexpected plumbing failures.
Top Cities for Plumbers in California
Explore plumbers in the most popular California cities
What to Know Before Hiring a Plumber in San Francisco
Local information for homeowners
Building Department
San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI), 49 South Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94103
Avg permit processing: 15–60 business days
Visit Building Dept Website🌤️ Climate Considerations
San Francisco's microclimates vary dramatically neighborhood by neighborhood. The Sunset and Richmond districts experience heavy fog and moisture that can cause mold and wood rot, requiring extra vapor barriers and rot-resistant materials. Seismic retrofitting is a constant priority — soft-story wood frame buildings must be retrofitted under the city's mandatory seismic program. Coastal areas require salt-resistant finishes on all exterior metals.
💡 Local Tip
San Francisco's building department is one of the most stringent in the country. Almost any interior renovation in a multi-unit building requires a building permit and neighbor notification. Plan for 6–12 weeks of permit processing for anything beyond cosmetic changes. If your home is a designated landmark or in a historic district, you'll also need approval from the Historic Preservation Commission, adding another 4–8 weeks.
📈 Housing Market
San Francisco's housing market has softened slightly from its pandemic peak but remains extremely expensive. Renovated Victorians and Edwardians in Noe Valley and Pacific Heights are the most sought-after properties. The city's strict building limits mean renovated homes are in constant demand, often selling with multiple offers above asking.
Top Neighborhoods
Other Categories in San Francisco
Explore more contractor services in San Francisco
Ready to Hire a Plumber in San Francisco?
Request quotes from plumbers in San Francisco, CA. No obligation.
Get Free QuotesBrowse Nearby Services in California
- Home
- ›Contractors
- ›California
- ›San Francisco
- ›Plumbers