Albion Plumbing & Rooter

Total scammers don’t trust this company. The plumber that came out gave me flat rates for everything before starting the work then I agreed to let them do the work (except for the toilet removal and replacing for $ 250 and digging to expose the pipe then it took them three hours and a lot of head scratching and barely got my drain moving. then when it was time to pay this guy lies to me and tells me that he said $ 165 an hour not $ 165 to snake your pipe. I’m a carpenter so if he would have said that it was $ 165 an hour (which is ridiculous for an apprentice) I would have rented a snake for 50 bucks and done it myself. Ok now when he was doing the work he was moving pretty slow (probably overworked) and if I knew he was charging per hour I would have fired him after 1 hour. You have been warned.

This is the best plumbing company I have ever worked with in my 14 years as a homeowner in the East Bay!
I started my work with them on Oct. 9, 2015, when I spoke to Emilio, the scheduler who was super nice, and then to Raymond, co-​owner, who was also great. Michael Grant, the other co-​owner, and his team have done two outside projects for me at my home in Oakland, having to do with snaking, jetting, and putting a camera in my driveway storm drain. They also have inspected my sewer lateral line.
Michael also reviewed and completed work on a sump pump project in my basement that had been done improperly (unbeknownst to me!) and left unfinished by another contractor.
I was so impressed by Michael every time he has come to my home: except for one mixup with scheduling, he and his team have arrived on time, helpful with answering questions and educating me about issues, and most impressively, all of the equipment they use is new, clean, and modern, especially compared to other plumbers I have worked whose antiquated snaking and camera and other equipment look like they had been patched together with scotch tape!
I can’t recommend Albion Plumbing strongly enough!

Had a water leak start in our home and Albion was there the next day to help. Had to open a few walls, which they did methodically, and put down proper protection to keep things clean. Turned out to be a nail had punctured a water line in the wall and once we found it they had it fixed in 20mins.
Very prompt, helpful and professional.

We had an Emergency backup of the sewer late saturday nights and they where happy to help! There communications with me and the tenants was awesome. They snake out the main and showed me on the camera all the issues with the lines! They went beyond the call of duty! Thank you Emilio!

Great Service, reasonable price and most important — they were able to do it shortly after I called. I had an issue with a clog in the kitchen sink. The external trap was painted shut by the prior owner. Albion snaked the line from the inside and fixed the clog. He then cut the pipe for the external trap and replaced it. Very nice service technician.

Right from the initial phone call, I knew I was in good hands with Emilio. He listened to my plumbing problem, asked good questions and was able to get me a same day appointment. Emilio and Adolfo were so professional and so clean. They took the time to explain everything and made recommendations for improvements. I live in an old house and the plumbing is in need of help so I was all ears. There was no up-​selling or pressure to get more work done and I really appreciated that Emilio was willing to quote everything and put the cost in writing. Sometimes it can be so difficult to get that upfront cost and he made it so easy. I am so pleased with their efforts and all toilets and drains are flowing. Thank you Emilio and Adolfo!

These guys are great. They talked to me about other options before responding to my late night call. He was here fast, very thorough and professional. And nice while I was anxious. Don’t hesitate to call them.

Toilet had a blockage (medicine cap bottle) in the trapway that would not clear the outlet. The plumber (Isaac) arrived and did his best with an industrial toilet augur, but to no avail. He informed me that he could get the cap out but it would be more expensive for him to remove the toilet then to get an entire new toilet installed from say, Home Depot.
Although Isaac was unable to get the cap out via snake or augur, he was honest and upfront about what I should do and how to save costs. I appreciated his honesty and would definitely use their services again if I have any plumbing issues.

I needed a licensed plumber to install a home water filtration system. It was hard to find one who would even return my call, as I guess not that many are experienced doing this kind of job. Two companies came and gave me an estimate, and I went with Albion because it was much more reasonable than the other company’s. They also seemed to know what they were doing so I didn’t hesitate. We did go back and forth a bit in getting the job actually scheduled, but when they came they were very nice and did a good job. I would definitely recommend them and would consider using them again!

Needed a plumber to fix our water heater because the pilot light was not igniting. Was able to get an appointment the next day. Their staff were friendly and professional. Although the service techs came 30 mins late, they were able to diagnose the problem and get it done. We had to order a part which arrived the next day, was able to secure another appointment to finally fix the problem. Again, 30 mins late. I didn’t mind because they were able to update me the status of the tech that was coming out. The price was okay, not sure what other plumbers are charging out there. I’d definitely would call them back if I had other issues, overall service was acceptable. We now have hot water! Thank you!

Thank god for business owners like Michael! We were charged 290 for a job that was not fixed by one step plumbing (it was referred to us by Albion). I called Albion back telling them what had happened, Michael felt that the other company was not being fair so he came to our house after business hour to check what the problem was, he was here for more than 2 hours and did all he could for us. Found the problem and didn’t not charge us a penny! Thank you again Michael!!!

I’ve had good plumbing service before from various providers, but I have never had it provided with the kindness that was shown to me a few weeks ago when I needed the plumbing under my kitchen sink fixed. Not only was the work and the service excellent, but both were delivered with genuine humanity and kindness during a time of personal tragedy. Highly recommended.

I called two plumbers the Saturday after Thanksgiving to unstop a slow draining sink and bathtub in our downstairs bathroom (while hosting 3 out-​of-​town family members). One asked to leave a message. Women’s Plumbing Repair, over the phone, stated that it was likely a massive blockage and therefore a major job… which they don’t do on weekends. Now a little worried I asked who they would recommend who does work on weekends and she suggested Albion.
It turns out that was good advice! Called Albion, and they came out within an hour. After checking that the «clean out» was okay, they determined it was hair and a shampoo cap that was blocking the line. Fixed and out the door in 40 minutes. Friendly and straightforward. Its who we will call first the next time we need a plumber.

I called Albion for a plumbing repair at an apartment building affecting a tenant. They quoted $ 125 per hour. They were quick to answer the phone, and quick to arrive to the property. And the plumber who arrived was extremely nice and polite.
The plumber Armando, determined a leaking valve needed to be replaced, and he wrote up a contract for $ 379. This included $ 129 for unnamed materials, and labor at a flat rate of $ 250. I needed to sign the contract before he would begin the work.
This appeared to be a bait and switch. It was never explained why the $ 125 hourly rate was no longer applicable. The cost of materials was a mystery. The actual materials were not described, listed or itemized. But the amount was a definite $ 129.
I felt they were attempting to take advantage of a desperate situation. I chose not to sign the contract as the price change from hourly to a fixed two hour charge did not seem right.
UPDATE 11÷22÷14:
I had the work completed by someone else, and the only «part» needed was a 15 cent rubber washer to stop the leak. I think it’s fair to say the non itemized, generic $ 129 for parts was ridiculously expensive. It appeared to be an attempt to take advantage of a customer. The work also took less than an hour. I saved over $ 200 by going with someone else.
This was my experience. Yours may vary.

Our garbage disposal stopped working and we called Albion plumbing. We made arrangements for the next day and the guy came right on the scheduled time. It was Albion himself! He was able to fix the problem within 10 minutes and did not try to sell me a new garburator. He also gave me tips on cleaning the garbage disposal, told me the cause of the problem, and how to fix it if it occurs again. I thought the price was pretty reasonable, at $ 125 for diagnosis, but would have been nice if he gave me a little discount since he was only here for such a short period of time.

What do you do if you’ve got a plumbing emergency at 9:30 PM? (Water! Water! Everywhere!) Call these guys. They came out quickly, fixed the problem, and were super polite and nice. Can’t ask for more.

After my basement flooded, I called these guys first based on their stellar Unilocal reviews. The upshot is that they send inexperienced people who don’t know what they’re doing to do the work at high rates.
The phone was answered by someone kind of rude who promised to show up in a half an hour, and after waiting around for over two hours and two more phone calls to check their whereabouts, a very young looking guy pulls up in a fancy truck.
He takes one look at the flooded basement and says he has to pump the water out. He also said that since he had the small pump, it’d take about 2 hours @ $ 145/​hr before any work is done. I point out that there is a drain and it’s not working, could he snake it? He calls his boss who sounds less tentative and threatens higher rates if I don’t make the decision on the spot as it was already after 4pm (because they showed up much later than expected).
I sent the assistant guy packing and called another plumber who immediately located the drain and ran the snake. Oh, he charged far less money than Albion would have.

Albion came to the rescue. Had backed up sewer that prevented use of laundry, shower, kitchen sink, et all.
Armando came and attacked the problem promptly, clearing clogged drains from two directions within an hour. Pricing was fair. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

HONESTY = HUMANITY.
HIRE THEM FOR YOUR NEEDS!!!
Albion Plumbing runs a business the way a business should… I had a leaky sink… the Owner of Albion Plumbing (HIMSELF) showed up at my door… The issue I had wasn’t something he thought required a Fee… he tightened a nut, and did not charge me at all… (I then immediately wrote this review)… IMMEDIATELY.

For those of you searching for a good, reputable plumbing contractor, stop now. Call Albion.
When Albion left my home this afternoon I asked myself «when was the last time I received a higher level of service?» And I truthfully could not think of another time. Every business out there can learn something about fast responsive service, good follow through, and good workmanship. They really are Top Notch, Grade «A» from beginning to end.
I discovered a broken water pipe in my backyard that was flooding my garden. They promptly answered the phone and were able to schedule a visit this afternoon. They arrived exactly at the time they said they would — which for me is a first for a home contractor. Michael then repaired the problem quickly and efficiently.
Once I get the opportunity to harvest my vegetables, I will definitely call Albion again to replace the pipe and definitely recommend them to anyone in need of a plumber for projects large and small.
Here are Four Reasons to call Albion:
1) Fast responsive service
2) Clean and professional
3) Outstanding workmanship
4) The right tools and equipment — They are professionals!
Thank you Michael and Raymond. Thank you Albion!
James