Diamond Certified Company Report

Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc.

Name: Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc.
Address: US
Telephone: (415) 868-5917
Rating: 9.0

(415) 868-5917

Contact

Diamond Certified Company Report

Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc.

(415) 868-5917

Contact

Diamond certified ratings dashboard

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION i

Customer LOYALTY i

Helpful Expertise i

Company Credentials i

Workers Compensation
Liability Insurance
License Verification
Business Practices
Current Complaint File
Legal & Finance

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 610 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS i

Doris M.

VERIFIED Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

1 of 610

Quality 10

10 10

Loyalty Yes

CRITIQUE

I think they're one of the best plumbing outfits in Marin County.

I like the guys who come out, they just get the job done the first time and if there's any problems they tell me to give them a call and they'll come right back out and take care of it. So I would say the peace of mind is what I like best. They're just great.

Joe F.

VERIFIED Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

2 of 610

Quality 10

10 10

Loyalty Yes

CRITIQUE

He's very reliable and when you call, he always returns phone calls. He has no answering service and you always talk to the same person every time you call.

He's personable, clean, does good work, and he's just really a good guy.

Tom M.

VERIFIED Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc. CUSTOMER

3 of 610

Quality 10

10 10

Loyalty Yes

CRITIQUE

They're kind of like the old time plumbers. They're knowledgeable and they're not out to gouge you.

That they were straight with me about what the situation was with things that need to be repaired, I know so little about plumbing, they could have taken advantage of me. It was just straight.

Read All 610 Survey Responses at Ratings View

Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE

Diamond certified company PROFILE

Mike Testa, Owner

Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc. provides a variety of general plumbing services for residential, commercial and industrial clients throughout Marin County. In addition to upgrading plumbing systems and performing various repairs, the company installs plumbing for new construction projects, remodels and additions; handles backflow prevention testing and sewer video inspections; detects leaks and locates sewer lines; and more.

Mike Testa’s family has been in the plumbing business serving Marin County for more than 70 years. Mr. Testa says his company has become a thriving operation that’s earned a reputation for providing excellent plumbing work and outstanding customer service. “We started with virtually no clientele, but we worked hard and eventually earned our customers’ respect and loyalty. Our 2015 Best Plumber in Marin award from Pacific Sun and our 17 years of earning Diamond Certified are indicative of our consistency.”

Mike Testa Plumbing’s plumbers attend regular training classes to stay updated on the industry’s latest technologies and techniques. Mr. Testa says they combine modern knowledge with old-fashioned customer service to create truly enjoyable plumbing experiences for clients. “We abide by the golden rule of doing business: treat customers the way we’d expect to be treated.”

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED CAPABILITIES ON Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc.

COMPANY CONTACT

Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc.

(415) 868-5917

EMAIL
4244 Redwood Hwy
San Rafael CA 94903
Map Hours Website

Service AREA

Marin County
Surrounding Communities

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SERVICES PERFORMED

Residential/Commercial
Line Locating
New Construction/Remodels
Service/Repair
Drain Cleaning
Repiping
Sewer Video Inspection
Leak Detection
Backflow Testing
Water Heaters

BRANDS Supported

Insinkerator
Kohler
Moen
TOTO
Navien
Hansgrohe
Grohe
Bradford White
A.O.Smith Water Heaters

Company Name:	Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc.
Website:	miketestaplumbing.com
Phone Number:	(415) 868-5917
DCID Number:	DCID4154790110
Hours:	Mon – Sat: 7am – 4pm
Areas Served:	Serving Marin County and Surrounding Communities
Managers:	Mike Testa and Kyle Barnhart, Owners
Years in industry:	36
# of Employees:	14
License:	519618
Insurance:	Liability Insurance, Workers' Compensation
Awards:	Best of San Rafael (2015-2017), Best of San Rafael Hall of Fame, Best Plumber in Marin Pacific Sun Magazine (2015), Prime Buyer’s Report Top 10 Certified
Founded:	1989
Areas of Expertise:	Residential/Commercial, Line Locating, New Construction/Remodels, Service/Repair, Drain Cleaning, Repiping, Sewer Video Inspection, Leak Detection, Backflow Testing, Water Heaters
Key Brands:	InSinkErator, Kohler, Moen, State Industries, Toto, Navien, Hansgrohe, Grohe, Bradford White, A. O. Smith
Customer Type:	Commercial, Residential
Warranties & Guarantees:	1-Year Warranties on Most Parts, Labor Guaranteed for 90 Days to 1 Year (Depending on the Job), Manufacturers' Warranties

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc.

Company Profile

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Company Philosophy

“Our goodwill and success are equally due to our personal relationships with our customers and our ability to perform the mechanics of the job. All our employees are knowledgeable, courteous, and make it their primary goal to be fair and honest in fulfilling our clients' needs. We stand behind our work, and we make sure our customers are completely satisfied with the plumbing services they've received.”

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Comparative Summary

All plumbers working for Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc. take training classes to stay current on the latest technologies and techniques. But when you ask owner Mike Testa what truly sets his company apart, he points to their old-fashioned personal touch. “My golden rule of doing business is: Treat customers the way you’d expect to be treated. My company isn’t out to make a quick buck,” he says.

Mr. Testa and his family have been plumbers in the Marin area since the 1940s, his grandfather first, then his father, and now him. He established Mike Testa Plumbing in 1989 and within a few short years turned it into a successful, smooth-running company. Mike Testa Plumbing is a magnet for some of the best plumbers in the region. Once they start at the company, they’re committed. Among his current staff of 10, every plumber has been with the company at least 12 years.

Mike Testa Plumbing installs plumbing systems for new construction, remodels and additions. They have a service and repair department and offer drain cleaning, sewer video inspection, backflow testing, line locating, and leak detection.

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Industry Info

There are plenty of reasonably-priced plumbers. But don’t let a five dollar differential sway you. Before you hire a plumber or plumbing company, Mike Testa, owner of Mike Testa Plumbing, suggests you first do some fact checking. “Look for third-party validation of the type provided by Diamond Certified or other ratings companies that evaluate quality and trustworthiness,” he says.

Mr. Testa also suggests giving preference to companies that have been in business a long time and have a reputation for good service. “You can ask friends and neighbors to recommend a good plumber. Another good strategy is to ask real estate agents. Nothing will delay a home sale faster than plumbing problems, so realtors often have a list of reliable, fast-response plumbers.”

Odds are you’ll find a few reputable plumbers in your area. Mr. Testa says the next step is to pick a plumber you like and feel comfortable doing business with. “Your gut instincts are usually worth following. Even if it means paying a few dollars more, you’ll save that much in anxiety,” he explains.

Consciously or not, many plumbers give preferred treatment to loyal customers. So it’s a good idea to establish a relationship with a local plumbing company before you need one in a pinch. If possible, hire them to do non-emergency repairs or fixture installations during normal business hours. When you have an actual emergency on your hands, you’ll find it much easier to get your plumber’s attention if you’re a regular and not a panicked stranger.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: I started Mike Testa Plumbing in 1989. My father was a plumber for over 30 years. So was my grandfather, right here in Marin County, back in the ’40s.

Q: What’s your availability?

A: If you have a serious problem, we try to accommodate you that day. On the rare occasion we’re just too busy, I can refer you to someone else who can take care of it.

Q: Do you charge a flat fee or an hourly rate?

A: We charge an hourly rate because we think it’s more fair for our customers. One problem with charging a flat fee is providing estimates. With a flat fee, a plumber comes to your house to diagnose the problem and provide an estimate that you then have to pay for, even if you aren’t happy with the estimate.

Q: So, paying a diagnostic fee is a bad idea?

A: No, not at all. It’s just not how I prefer to do business. In the long run, I think it’s better for everyone that I just go out, fix the problem, and charge a reasonable rate for the time spent actually fixing the problem. I think that’s the fairest way. There are some types of jobs that I do quote diagnostic fees for, but for most repairs, an hourly rate is best for the consumer.

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SELECTED PHOTOS FROM Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc.

Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc.
Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc.
Mike Testa Plumbing works on all types of plumbing fixtures, including bathtubs.

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Kyle Barnhart

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Kyle Barnhart is vice president of Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc., a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (415) 868-5917 or by email.

Kyle Barnhart: Gradual Growth

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN RAFAEL — Looking back on his plumbing career, Kyle Barnhart identifies a gradual progression of steady professional growth. “My entire career has basically been one big on-the-job learning experience,” he says. “It started in my childhood—my father was a plumber and he used to take me with him to jobsites. I always had an interest in the trade, especially the troubleshooting aspect. You really have to use your brain, and a lot of times, it’s like figuring out a puzzle. After high school, I got a job with a general contractor I knew and things took off from there. In 2012, I was hired at Mike Testa Plumbing and I’ve been here ever since.”

As vice president of Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc., Kyle says his favorite part of his job is passing on his knowledge to rookie plumbers. “I do a little bit of everything here, from hands-on work to office management, but I particularly enjoy training our new employees. It’s good to see younger people with an interest in the trade, and I appreciate the opportunity to teach them the right way to do things.”

A resident of Petaluma (where he lives with his wife, Kaci, and their two daughters), Mike spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I have a 2010 Harley-Davidson FXDC that I enjoy riding and working on,” he details. “I’m also a big reader and do a lot of small remodeling projects on our home.” Additionally, Kyle enjoys spending quality time with his family. “We try to keep our kids busy, because otherwise they go crazy. They’re involved in soccer and taekwondo, and we also take them to the park and go on family bicycle rides.”

In regard to his professional career, Kyle says honesty is the best policy. “I try to be upfront about everything with our customers. I don’t like to sugarcoat things. I find that a straightforward, honest approach helps ensure our customers get the best possible value and service.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Kyle says he’d plan a European vacation. “I’ve been to Europe once, but I’d like to go back for an extended length of time and bring my family. In particular, I’d like to tour the Nordic countries of Sweden, Iceland and Finland.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?

A: Sauced BBQ & Spirits in Petaluma.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?

A: A night owl.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

A: Stay inside, read and hang out with my kids.

Q: Music or talk radio?

A: Music.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?

A: Cookies—you can’t go wrong with those.

Expert articles

Maintaining Your Water Heater

By Kyle Barnhart of
Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc.
SAN RAFAEL — Most water heater problems stem from a lack of routine maintenance. Over time, sediment and mineral buildup can inhibit a water heater’s efficiency and water flow, leading to subpar performance and even premature failure. Routinely flushing your traditional or tankless water heater will prevent these types of problems and help ensure efficient long-term operation.

Tankless water heater maintenance

Tankless water heaters require annual flushing with a descaling solution. This helps clear any blockages caused by sediment or mineral buildup so the heat exchanger can maintain an uninhibited flow. Tankless water heaters also have air and water filters that need to be routinely cleaned to ensure an uninhibited flow of combustion air and efficient flow of water throughout the unit.

Traditional water heater maintenance

For traditional water heaters, maintenance is much more basic. Once a year, the unit should be completely drained to flush out sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank. Fortunately, this is something most homeowners can do themselves. Here’s how it’s done:
1. Shut off gas to the unit. Find the gas control valve and turn the knob to “pilot.”
1. Turn off water to the tank. Give the heater’s shut-off valve a quarter-turn to stop water from entering the tank.
1. Drain the tank. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and open the valve. You can also open the T&P (temperature and pressure) valve, which will create air in the system and help push the water out of the tank.
1. Refill the tank. Once the water heater is completely drained, close the drain valve and the T&P valve. Open the water shut-off valve to refill the tank and turn the gas control valve back to “on.” The unit should immediately start reheating the water in the tank.
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Expert video tip

Video: Maintaining Your Water Heater

With Kyle Barnhart of
Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc.

Complete Video Transcription:

SAN RAFAEL — Sarah Rutan: Whether you have a traditional or tankless water heater, annual maintenance is crucial to ensure efficient operation. Today we’re in San Rafael with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Kyle Barnhart of Mike Testa Plumbing to learn more.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Kyle Barnhart: All right, so when I go to a customer’s house to deal with water heater issues, whether it’s replacement or troubleshooting, even if it’s not working properly, one of the questions that I ask them is, when was the last time that they performed routine maintenance on their water heater, and almost always the answer is, they have never done so. And doing routine maintenance on your water heater is an important part of keeping your water heater working efficiently and lasting as long as it possibly can.

As far as water heaters are concerned, there are two different types: there are tank types and tankless water heaters, and both have routine maintenance needs. The tankless water heaters require a yearly flushing with a descaling solution to make sure that the heat exchanger stays full flowing, not being blocked by any sort of sediment or mineral build-up. It also has a number of air and water filters that need to be cleaned out so that it can get all of its combustion air, and water can move through the unit appropriately.

As far as the tank water heater is concerned, the maintenance on that is much more basic. It essentially just needs to be turned off and drained out 100 percent to flush out any sediment or debris that builds up on the bottom of the tank. If you don’t do this service, that sediment builds up and then your water heater is trying to heat your water through all of this sediment. It causes your water heater to work harder, and it makes it less efficient.

And this is actually a service that most homeowners can do themselves. You’ll notice at the bottom of most water heaters, or perhaps behind a little access panel, is a hose bib connection. And so what you would do is you just attach a garden hose to that, roll your hose outside. At the top of the water heater should be a gate valve or a ball valve to turn the water off to the water heater, and then on the gas control valve there’s a little knob. You just turn that to “pilot,” and then you open up the drain valve, let your unit drain all of the water out. Once it’s finished draining, you close the drain valve, you open up the water valve on top and let the tank fill to capacity. And then once it’s completely full, you just turn your gas control valve back to “on.” It should automatically turn on to start heating your water.

Host, Sarah Rutan: To learn more from local, top rated companies, visit our Diamond Certified Expert Reports at experts.diamondcertified.org.
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Mike Testa Plumbing, Inc. WEBSITE AND EXTERNAL FEED

COMPANY WEBSITE

http://www.miketestaplumbing.com

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