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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mako Plumbing and Sewer, organized by topic.

Evaluating the company

Who owns and operates Mako Plumbing and Sewer?

Mako Plumbing and Sewer is a family-owned business run by brothers Chris and Jimmy. As a family operation, they bring a personal, hands-on approach to every job — customers consistently describe them as trustworthy, warm, and genuinely invested in getting the work done right.

What is Mako Plumbing and Sewer's reputation?

Mako Plumbing and Sewer holds a 4.9 out of 5 star rating across 173 reviews on Yelp. Customers repeatedly praise the team's punctuality, honest communication, and competitive pricing, with many noting they would not call anyone else for future plumbing needs.

How does Mako compare to larger plumbing companies?

Unlike larger corporate plumbing companies, Mako operates as a local, family-owned business that prioritizes transparency and fair pricing over upselling. Reviewers have noted that Mako's quotes came in significantly lower than competitors — in one case, a customer paid just 30% of what another plumber had quoted for the same hydro-jetting job.

Does Mako Plumbing explain work to customers, or just show up and do it?

Customer education is a core part of how Mako operates. Technicians routinely walk customers through what they found, what needs to be fixed, and why — and some have even shown customers how to handle minor issues on their own. The goal is to leave every homeowner feeling informed, not overwhelmed.

What areas does Mako Plumbing and Sewer serve?

Mako Plumbing and Sewer operates in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. For specific service area inquiries, it's best to contact them directly to confirm availability in your location.

Understanding services offered

What plumbing services does Mako Plumbing and Sewer provide?

Mako offers a wide range of residential plumbing services, including sewer line replacement, trenchless repiping, water heater installation (both tank and tankless), main water line repair and relocation, hydro-jetting, sewer camera inspections, drain and clog clearing, garbage disposal installation, and whole-house filtration system installation. They handle both everyday repairs and complex underground projects.

Does Mako Plumbing perform sewer camera inspections?

Yes, Mako Plumbing uses sewer camera technology to diagnose sewer line issues accurately. Customers have reported watching the camera inspection live alongside the technician, which helps them understand exactly what's happening with their pipes before any work begins.

Can Mako handle a pre-purchase sewer inspection for a home I'm buying?

Yes, Mako Plumbing performs pre-purchase sewer inspections, which can be a valuable step before closing on a home. This service helps buyers understand the condition of the sewer system before committing to a purchase.

Does Mako do trenchless sewer replacement?

Yes, trenchless sewer line replacement is one of Mako's specialties. This modern method minimizes disruption to your yard and landscaping compared to traditional open-trench digging, while still delivering a long-lasting repair.

Can Mako install or replace a water heater?

Absolutely — Mako installs both traditional tank water heaters and tankless water heater systems. Customers have praised the team for arriving on time, completing the installation cleanly, and not pushing unnecessary upgrades.

Does Mako Plumbing offer hydro-jetting services?

Yes, Mako provides hydro-jetting to fully clean sewer lines and remove stubborn buildup or blockages. One reviewer noted that Mako's price for a full sewer line hydro-jet was roughly 30% of what a competing plumber had quoted for the same job.

Getting a quote or starting a project

Does Mako Plumbing offer free estimates?

Yes, Mako Plumbing provides free quotes and estimates. Customers have received verbal quotes the same day as their initial visit, making it easy to understand your options and costs before committing to any work.

How quickly can I expect a response from Mako?

Mako is known for same-day responsiveness. Multiple customers have reported that Chris or another team member contacted them quickly after reaching out, and in some cases a technician arrived within the hour to assess the job.

Is same-day or emergency service available?

Yes, Mako Plumbing offers same-day and emergency service. Several customers have confirmed that the team showed up promptly for urgent situations, including cases where a technician was dispatched after already working a full day on another job.

What should I expect during the estimate process?

When you contact Mako, you can expect a prompt response and a straightforward, no-pressure quote. The team will assess your situation honestly and provide a clear estimate — they are known for not pushing customers toward services they don't actually need.

Understanding pricing and value

How does Mako Plumbing approach pricing?

Mako Plumbing is consistently described by customers as competitively and fairly priced. They are transparent about costs upfront and do not pressure customers into unnecessary services or upgrades. One reviewer noted that Mako's estimate came in at just $200 compared to significantly higher quotes from competitors for the same work.

Will Mako try to upsell me on services I don't need?

No — avoiding unnecessary upselling is a core part of Mako's values. Customers specifically highlight that Mako technicians assess the situation honestly and only recommend what's truly needed. As one reviewer put it, they were 'the only ones not pushing me towards what I didn't want.'

Does Mako charge for estimates or quotes?

Mako offers free estimates, so there is no charge just to have them evaluate your plumbing issue and provide a quote. You can receive a verbal quote the same day as the visit, helping you make an informed decision without any financial pressure.

Are Mako's prices reasonable compared to other plumbers in the area?

Based on customer feedback, Mako is widely regarded as a great value. Reviewers have described their pricing as 'very reasonable' and noted that Mako came in far below competitors for the same scope of work — without cutting corners on quality or professionalism.

Troubleshooting and resolving plumbing issues

What should I do if I have a clogged drain or sewer backup?

Contact Mako Plumbing right away for a prompt assessment. They can perform sewer camera inspections to identify the source of the blockage and use hydro-jetting to clear it completely. Early diagnosis can prevent a minor clog from becoming a much larger and more expensive problem.

My water heater stopped working — can Mako help quickly?

Yes, Mako handles water heater replacements and installations and is known for fast scheduling. Customers have reported receiving a quote the same day they called and having a new unit installed as soon as the next day.

How do I know if my sewer line needs to be replaced versus just cleaned?

A sewer camera inspection is the most reliable way to find out. Mako's technicians will run a camera through your line, show you exactly what's happening, and give you an honest recommendation — whether that's a simple cleaning, root intrusion removal, or full trenchless replacement.

What if I have old or damaged pipes, like cast iron or asbestos pipe?

Mako has experience working with older pipe materials, including cast iron and asbestos-wrapped pipes. They can assess the condition of aging plumbing and recommend the most practical and cost-effective repair or replacement solution for your specific situation.

Can Mako fix a leaking toilet that has caused damage to surrounding areas?

Yes, Mako handles toilet repairs including wax ring replacement and related leak issues. Customers have noted that technicians not only fix the problem but also explain every step clearly, clean up thoroughly, and can even refer trusted contractors for any secondary damage like drywall repair.