Tom Martin Plumbing

Nathan W.

We first met Tom and his crew when purchased a home in Alameda in January 2017. Tom's crew installed our earthquake valve quickly and efficiently in January. We had to do the Private Sewer Lateral, and for that we were using a different service (specializing only in PSL). That firm wasn't able to complete our job due to special soil conditions - Tom Martin stepped up and stepped in to complete the job for a fair price, and quickly. While doing this job, we asked him to bid on our plumbing work for a remodel, he gave us a bid and a suggestion we replace our water lines. When we wanted to start work, he was upfront that his crew couldn't take on our larger job for a few months...so we found a different plumber for that, and appreciated his candor. When we were renting during the remodel, we needed help with seriously clogged sewer line. Tom came out immediately and helped us out. A few days ago, we detected a gas leak in our home, and decided to replace the gas line - Tom was our first call...his crew was able to start work the next day, and they persevered through unexpected complications (extra concrete footings to jackhammer through). At the end, Tom came it and explained what had been done and what should be done to prevent future problems. I appreciate and recommend Tom Martin plumbing - Tom is a straight shooter.

Mary M.

Amazing service for sewer lateral and pipe repairs!!
My husband and I moved in to the neighborhood last October and were told we needed to get our sewer lateral done by April. Finding a good company at a good price was becoming dreadful (at least it had been for us). We had seven different estimates, and were given outrageous quotes, even 2 realtors who we had been working with in the East Bay were shocked at the quotes being given.
Then I was referred to Tom Martins of Tom Martins plumbing. He is very old-school in his professional demeanor, and very genuine. He is prompt in returning calls and emails and came over immediately after speaking to check out the pipes, property. Then he sat down and educated me on what kind of project a sewer lateral really entails, (which no one else did.) He even gave me the estimate right away if the project required a complete repair. He was $5000 less than the prior lowest bid.
He ran the test a few days later and it turned out we needed total repair.
He and his employees worked around my schedule, were efficient, courteous and professional. The job really was a big one too and they finished in less than a week. We live on busy Shattuck Ave and our pipes required 40-50 FEET of overhaul and Re-cementing.
My husband and I are beyond impressed with his work and professionalism and we are truly grateful.
His info is
Tom Martin Plumbing
5111 Telegraph Ave Oakland
(510) 882-0600
[email protected]

Dennis W.

Tom did a complete replacement of my sewer line, commonly know as your PSL (personal sewer lateral) from my house to the street. He personally came out, researched the situation and directed his staff to complete the new sewer line. His knowledge of how to do the work allowed him to win the bid and complete it using modern techniques, such as pulling pipes thru the ground, avoiding excess digging.

Prior to this, by contrast, I had the need for the Alameda County test of the PSL (to sell a property). I went with a major named local company. Their staff misdiagnosed the situation and wasted time. That company then sent out another crew along with a doubling of the contract price. They wasted more time. Eventually, they passed the PSL without having to do any actual repairs. That ended up costing almost half as much as what Tom charged for the complete replacement of my sewer line at my house.

If you want a job done right, go with a hands on, experienced professional such as Tom Martin.

Stefan B.

We're super lucky to have a great operation so close by. Travis did a great job. Upfront, easy going and honest. Thanks a bunch, guys.

Lauri T.

Horrible experiences with Tom Martin and his crew.
Do NOT hire him unless you want only headaches.

(NOTE: This appears to be a 2nd YELP account for plumber Tom Martin. I'm posting this review of my awful experience with him on both accounts.
This one of course has the word spelled ""PLUMBLING"" in the title, instead of ""plumbing"" which is ironically another example of his lack of attention to detail!) :(

I don't have time to detail all the awful experiences I had with them over the last several days, but the straw that broke the camel's back was Tom telling me yesterday that he would be back at 8am this morning to finish work on my driveway and storm drain, then when I call him at 8:15am he yells at me that I did something wrong!
He says the workers didn't show up (same thing happened as well yesterday, showed up late), and they wouldn't be here til 9:30am (after I had changed my schedule around to accommodate the 8am start).
I asked when he was going to let me know that they were not coming at 8am, and he hid from taking responsibility by saying that I told him not to call before 8:30am. However, that was in general last week, and obviously NOT relevant to today because we had scheduled today's work for 8am, so of course I could take a call today before 8:30am!

He finally apologized, saying he was upset about his workers and took it out on me.
SO UNPROFESSIONAL!

What is so disturbing is that the first time he was supposed to be here days ago, he made an appointment by phone.

When the day and time came, and 90 minutes had passed with no call, I finally called him and he said that he had forgotten about the appointment! SERIOUSLY??
Blamed it on some story about that he had left his planner in his son's truck, but when he finally showed up, he pulled out a notepad to write something down, and I saw that my name, address and the appointment time was all noted there!

Then Tom had the audacity as he was leaving that first day to tell me to write a good review on Yelp for him! I said I would do so when all the work was completed days later, but of course that's NOT going to happen now! :(

These are just 2 instances of Tom's irresponsibility and the extraordinary frustrations that I went through with him. His worker Travis seemed very nice and helpful, but did not communicate with Tom the owner thoroughly about the work Travis had done alone here, so there was extensive miscommunications with everyone from Day One.

I could go on and on - I've only shared a small part of this mess, but I've already wasted so much time dealing with these people that I have to move on. Fortunately a neighbor has given me a great referral, and the new company coming tomorrow to clean up the situation.

I tried to ignore all the problems, lack of timely communications, being late, etc. because I so much wanted this to work out. But I should have realized when the owner not only was 2 hours late to first appointment, but had forgotten the appointment to begin with, that it was a harbinger of worse things to come. :(

Jess T.

Phew, what a crazy day, and I am so thankful for Tom Martin Plumbing. I had a gas smell coming out of my oven, so I immediately called PG&E. Turns out there was a leak on my appliance valve and I had to have all the gas to my house shut off, get it fixed, and then have PG&E come back out to turn it back on. I called around and no one could come out immediately. Finally I called Tom Martin Plumbing and they were here within 30 minutes. Travis was friendly and professional and fixed the valve within the hour. PG&E came back and turned on the gas and everything is fixed. Thank you Tom Martin Plumbing!

Tony M.

Had a backup in my main sewer line. Called in the morning and they were out in the afternoon. They snaked out sewer line in less than an hour. Very professional, very nice and the bill was very reasonable. Second time I've used them and will continue when I have plumbing needs.

Dave J.

I got the impression they don't write down phone messages. I had to explain who I was and where I lived three times. I called during the window I was given just to confirm I should wait, that someone was coming. Without any investigating I was told ""don't worry they're on the way"". They weren't on the way. We took off time and no one ever came. Maybe they do fine work, I'll never know. 2 stars because at least they're cordial on the phone but c'mon...

Pollo T.

I can't believe how knowledgeable Tom is, Pge disconnected my gas due to leaks, we called Tom and he quickly got right on it. A truly humble man is what really made me write this review. I recommend him 100%!! May his business always flourish as we pass through this life!

Amber T.

Want something done right? Call this business NOW!!! Mr. Tom is a very knowledgeable guy. Knows exactly how to fix your plumbing problems and is effective. I would recommend him to anyone in my family.