Lutz Plumbing

★★★★☆ 3.9 / 5 (54)
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: 3123 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
: (415) 621-4292
: http://lutzplumbingsf.com

Company Overview

In 1990, Lutz Plumbing Inc. introduced a pioneering approach to plumbing by incorporating a bath & kitchen showroom. Initially created to cater to our service department's needs for standard plumbing items, Lutz Bath & Kitchen has evolved into a refined design gallery with the finest decorative plumbing selections.

Our guiding values of transparency, attention to detail, and originality have made us unique in the plumbing industry. Moreover, being the sole bath & kitchen showroom affiliated with a plumbing company in the Bay Area grants our customers unmatched expertise in technical products.

As a private showroom, we have the privilege to carefully select the brands we carry, ensuring quality, value, and distinctive design. Susie Hotarek, the Founder and Principal Designer, has more than 30 years of experience in the field and expresses her genuine love for design through her recognized projects and flawless execution. Her sincere kindness inspires trust within her loyal customer base, which continues to grow, much like the evolution of the showroom. At LBK, we prioritize delivering exceptional service alongside unique design to make every project, regardless of size, a seamless and enjoyable journey.

Established in 1929 by Herman Lutz, Lutz Plumbing began as a contracting firm catering to residential and commercial properties in San Francisco. Originally located in North Beach, Lutz relocated to a new building on 17th Street in 1983. Currently, Jerry Hotarek owns the company, having acquired it from Mr. Bill Lutz in 1982. The company has undergone tremendous expansion, catering to the entire local region. In 1991, Susie Hotarek opened our Decorative Plumbing Showroom, which became an instant success by providing faucets, fixtures, and accessories from top brands. What sets Lutz Plumbing apart from other plumbing companies in the Bay Area is the convenience of having a service provider and showroom in one location. Lutz is a comprehensive Plumbing Mechanical Service Company and a supplier of fine decorative faucets, fixtures, and accessories. Being family-owned allows us to provide personalized and detailed service.

With over 40 years in the plumbing industry, Jerry Hotarek is a licensed plumbing contractor. He has held positions on the Board of Directors and served as President for both PHCC of San Francisco and PHCC of California.

Business Services

  • Bathtub installation
  • Faucet repair
  • Plumbing inspection
  • Plumbing installation or replacement
  • Plumbing repair
  • Shower installation
  • Water pipe repair

Business Location & Hours



Mon:8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tue:8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wed:8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thu:8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Fri:8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

Recommended Customer Reviews

Mari B.
★☆☆☆☆

DO NOT USE THEM!!!! $10k in labor to reinstall newer version of Thermasol steam shower, move drain pipe (demolition was done by our contractor), install new shower valve and fixtures, and adjust heights of a couple of water pipes in a gutted-to-the-stud old shower room with super easy access. They will quickly hyper inflate labor cost by sending in 2 plumbers and charge you wth commute (also for $215 PER HEAD) . Many common negative experiences as other reviewers like Mike K. and Marsha. DO read the negative reviews. Common complaint: OVERPRICED!!!

Both Phil and Jerry (Phil's father) comes across as very professional and good communicator but do not be fooled. make sure to have solid estimate of job cost that you can fall back on once you receive their invoice and you are surprised.

IF YOU DO GO WITH THEM, make sure you are there checking in-time and out-time, and ask how long they took to commute and keep a tab. Our steam shower was in pool house and they came and left without our checking on them (got fooled by their professional demeanor).

Too many issues that kept coming up to list all here but here are few example of incapability of the plumbers and poor customer service:
- Soon after they left last day with completed work, we had hot water coming out of steam head non stop even when system was shut off.
- the sound system attached to shower head was making interference sound so loud you could not listen to music (you would think they would have tested the system before they leave.)
-forgot to install ground wire when the room was down to stud. And only realized the mistake after all the sheetrock and tile was up. If we had not argued about it, they would have charged us again for fixing their own mistake.
-Charged our last bill on our credit card for over $3,200 without our authorization even though we had asked them to wait as we had some questions on the invoice.
-Total disrespect and patronizing attitude to customers. We were asked by Phil ""How many steam units have you installed?"" REALLY?!?
-They made us spent unnecessary amount of money on contractor's labor by asking us to excavate unnecessary amount on drain area.

In the end we had another plumber come and fix the problems. His rate was much lower than Lutz and he was able to do the job by himself (not 2 plumbers).

Daniel O.
★★★★★

My Kholer smart toilet was in warranty and Lutz Plumbing was selected to fix it. They communicated diligently about having to wait for the parts, which took just a couple of days, and then schedule the visit. Olyon did a good job fixing it, and was very polite and careful with everything in the house. Really appreciate their help

Geordie E.
★★★★★

The Lutz Team is fantastic. Great customer service. Will make things right. Go with Phil. He's knowledgeable, transparent and fair.

Marsha M.
★★☆☆☆

This was the worst plumbing experience I have ever had. This company gouges, and has no connection to the satisfaction of the customer. It was over a month before all issues were fixed from the original two visits. One plumber was sent out to fix a gas leak identified by PG&E behind a kitchen cabinet. I was informed of the $210 an hour rate plus $100 transportation, even though the home and business are both located in SF. There was also a smaller second job of replacing a bathroom faucet. The plumber began both jobs but said he needed a second man to help him move out the built-in oven and would have to return. A few days later we were informed that the second plumber would also be billed at $210 an hour plus transportation but we had no choice because the jobs were already started. Those two plumbers completed both jobs in 3 1/2 hours, but we were billed for both plumbers at full rate although the second one wasn't busy the entire time. Then it was found that the oven wasn't put back correctly or hooked up to working and three more visits were needed. We were billed full rate for the additional visits although they were for the purpose of correcting errors. The bill was close to $3,000. Four different times I went over the bill details, stating we should only be charged for the first two visits. I never talked with the owner, only the woman who answers the phone. Finally, the woman conveyed that the owner doesn't like all this 'back and forth' and was willing to settle for $2100. I was worn down by this time so agreed. I do not think the company cares about their customers. I might mention that when a different plumber came to hook up the oven the way it should have been done, he was able to get the oven out himself and didn't require a second person to help him.

Clarke H.
★★★★★

Our faucet was leaking and Lutz responded to my call with a repair person (Dan) at our house in less than two hours. I was sure I would need a $200 new faucet, but Dan fixed ours in 15 minutes. Great service, fast response. Thanks Lutz.

Mario K.
★★★★★

I had good experience working with them; they seem honest and sincere. Will definitely use their service in the future.

Mike Z.
★☆☆☆☆

My Noritz tank less water heater was not producing hot water. Unfortunately my regular plumber had a bad back so I called a company that Noritz recommends, Lutz Plumbing. Nice people but they charged $637 and all they had to do was change the igniter assembly. About $20 on Amazon. Of course they had to send two workers out twice, spend a and hour trouble shooting and then come back a few days later to install the part. Of course they charge for drive time from their store $210/hour. Don't waste your money and call someone else. My regular plumber would have charged under $200.

Lily H.
★★☆☆☆

Even though we were told that for installation of a toilet, we would be charged time and materials, it was a shocker for us when we received the invoice one-and-a-half months later. Make sure you get a written estimate of installation costs: how many plumbers are involved, estimate of hours/plumber, and miscellaneous charges.

Jenean L.
★★★★★

SenSpa had a number of complex plumbing issues this year that needed to be researched and resolved. We spoke and unsuccessfully attempted to work with several plumbers and boiler companies before we came across Lutz plumbing who came recommended by another spa owner we know.

Without going into all the details, Lutz plumbing had to do quite a bit of research and bring in other companies to help us resolve our issues. Additionally we are located in the Presidio on government land and that adds an extra layer of sometimes frustrating bureaucratic red tape.

We are finally finished with the big projects and we are so happy with our collaboration with Lutz plumbing. Their communication and responsiveness were stellar and we feel that we have found a company that we can partner with in the future.

Teri M.
★★★★★

We had a plumbing issue with our THG thermostatic valve that lasted 4+ years until Phil from Lutz Plumbing came out and solved our issue. Three different plumbers came out and had no idea how to resolve the issue. We had no cold water in our masterbath shower for 4+ years since no one knew how to work on THG. I can't say enough about Phil from Lutz Plumbing. Phil is extremely competent, talented, very punctual and one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. He was very patient and methodical in diagnosing our problem with our THG thermostatic valve. I can't thank Phil enough for resolving our THG issue! We can now take a hot or cold shower without going into the garage to adjust our hot water heater. Our water pressure is incredible. Our shower no longer dribbles water it actually sprays. If you have a plumbing issue or want to avoid a plumbing issue, hire Phil first and he will save you extreme headaches from the beginning. Phil will be our go to plumber from now on. Thank you Phil and thank you Lutz Plumbing.

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