Better Water Heaters Comparative Summary

Plumbing and water heater repair companies are always looking for ways to discern themselves from their competition, and those that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award are already several steps ahead. In addition to its Diamond Certified status, Better Water Heaters differentiates itself by taking a uniquely transparent approach to dealing with customers—instead of solely focusing on running the company and overseeing operations, owner Frans Cartwright is personally involved with every job, from answering the initial phone call to approving the finishing touches. “I’m the one who the customers talk to directly,” he confirms. “I handle every job fairly and equitably, and I’ll do whatever it takes to satisfy them.”

Better Water Heaters has been servicing and replacing water heaters for residential and commercial clients throughout the Bay Area since 2003. Unlike plumbing firms that specialize in servicing one specific type of water heater, the company has expertise with both conventional and tankless systems, and its service vehicles are equipped to complete installations in one visit. It also repairs plumbing leaks, replaces shut-off valves, offers residential copper repiping, and installs and replaces recirculating pumps and pressure regulators. “Most plumbers consider water heater work to be inconvenient, because they aren’t properly set up for it,” says Mr. Cartwright. “Since we specialize in water heater repair and replacement, we’re able to offer expert work at a fair and reasonable price.”

One of the most distinctive features of Better Water Heaters is its highly trained, full-time technicians—none of whom are paid on commission, which, according to Mr. Cartwright, greatly benefits the company’s customers. “We’re not salespeople; we’re technicians and plumbers. We’re a small company, so I personally train each of our employees to guarantee consistently excellent service.” Mr. Cartwright adds that if a problem surfaces after a job is completed, Better Water Heaters addresses it as quickly as possible. “We try to do a quality job the first time, but if something isn’t right, we immediately come back and resolve it at no additional charge.”