Looked over Yelp reviews and called a few plumbers with high rating that were doing business in El Cerrito. The house plumbing was slow draining. Had it snaked a few years ago and found tree roots in the lateral; assumed it was the same issue. Jorge at J.J. Rooter was the first to respond. They snaked the line and also provided a video. 4" cast iron lateral sewer line was corroded. The corrosion plus the tree roots led to the slow draining. Jorge clearly communicated the options going forward, and I suggested we further explore replacing the sewer lateral to avoid continued snaking of that line. I was pleasantly surprised that he promptly called the utility companies and within a few days had an estimate for trenchless lateral replacement along with a cautionary note on viability; several other utility lines appeared to be in close proximity to the sewer lateral, based on markings provided by the utility companies. We agreed to do some exploratory trenching to obtain a closer look, and confirmed that both electrical and gas line were placed in the same trench as the sewer line. This made eliminated the trenchless option..., so trenching was apparently the only option. A new estimate was provided. I didn't cringe at the estimate since I was somewhat aware of the local factors: over 120' of pipe on a steep, upward sloping lot with rocky soil and large, mature trees. Had a neighbor with a similar lateral replacement issue and costs were similar. Work was completed over the following days/week; they took care of all the necessary permits as well. All the workers were pleasant and appeared to work in a safe manner. They also ensured the area was cleaned up and safely secured (pylons, caution tape, and boards over trenches) at the end of each day. Communication was great throughout. Both Jorge and his son were extremely open about status of the work being done as well as the viable options when those inevitable issues popped up. Have used a few other plumbers in the past with varying results. J.J. Rooter performed the best. I called them for a different plumbing issue a week or two later, and they provided the same level of excellent service. Given our house and plumbing are over 45 years old..., I'm sure I'll be in need of a good plumber, and will use J.J. Rooter. read more

Jorge and his crew have never let us down. This time it was a clay pipe sewer lateral that services a circa 1960's duplex located at the very rear of our property. It was a lateral we didn't even realize we even had. Both tenants (on two consecutive days) contacted us because of backed-up water in their downstairs bathrooms. Within 2 hours, Jorge arrived on prem and was able to snake a section of lateral to relieve the backup temporarily. After one week -of obtaining the City of Berkeley permitting and utility company markings, he arrived with a team of five to begin the process -starting with camera diagnostics. He replaced the entire 100 ft. lateral using the trenchless method, and it took them four days to complete the job. The only bummer was they needed to tear up my side of the garage to access the cleanout, but they plastic-covered everything in our double car garage, Jorge cared for everything end to end, including permitting and final sign-off, utility markings, safety cones in the street, hazard signs, excavation, gravel, and concrete replacements. The driveway was neat, swept clean, and plastic-covered mounds of dirt at the end of every work day. We found his price reasonable and very fair -for the required amount of work (over 100 ft. lateral replacement) and the difficulty accessing the clay lateral because of how it aligned directly under the sewer mainline. JJ Rooter remains our #1 plumber for all our plumbing needs. Thank YOU, Jorge! read more

Had sewage backed up into the shower and toilet at my mom's old house in Berkeley. I called about 5 people who never even called me back. I found Jorge on Yelp. He had glowing reviews so I called him and he answered immediately. Said he was just finishing up a job and would be there in about 2 hours. I was sweating it because i have a 92 year old mom who cannot get around very well and it would have been a nightmare to have no plumbing for an entire day and night. Jorge arrived as promised at 4:00. After over 4 hours of snaking, jetting, and camera work, he finally got it flowing. Unfortunately, the problem was a cracked pipe with a tangle of roots growing inside. We were able to use the toilet that night and Jorge came back the next day and replaced the bad section of pipe. I'm very happy with Jorge and the work that was done and super grateful that he was willing to stay so late to make sure we had facilities for the night. I found him to be very nice and easy to talk to and he explained things so I could understand. I have no idea whether the price tag was high or low or average since I know nothing about plumbing and what is reasonable or not. But I liked Jorge and trusted that he was being fair. I DO know that he gave me a break on the camera work and did not charge me extra for working into the evening or for his immediate response. I am definitely hanging onto his card. read more

I have called JJ Rooter & Plubing three times over the past year or so and each time has done great work! I found them during the holidays, I could not get anyone to come over for a backed up line until I got ahold of Jorge and he was here in an hour! He is always on time, quotes are VERY reasonable, work is done well and we have never had to call him back for the same job. He is a genuinely nice person, honest, respectful, clean and displays great workmanship. He explains things clearly, gives options and there has never been a surprise find that I wasn't prepared for after his initial inspection. I live in and own a six unit coverted Victorian apartment building, which means a lot of fixes and I have dealt with many plumbers and contractors over the years. I am a woman and often plumbers and contractors treat me like I know nothing and try and get over with expensive quotes and extra work. This has never happened with Jorge, he is honest and very knowledgeable. We have had lines cleared and plumbing work done by him and like I said, he will always be my first call. read more

Every few years, I need to clear the roots from my sewer lateral. Usually I rent the big auger myself and do it, but JJ's price wasn't all that much over the rental cost, and I'm getting older... I called and Jorge could be here later that same day but I scheduled for the next day. He was on time, had everything he needed and the job went smoothly and quickly. And he's really a nice guy. While having us run water and flush to check this now-clear sewer line, he said he heard dripping from under the house. He crawled underneath, and I followed - suspicious he was dreaming up some costly fake add-on. No, not at all! There was clearly a lot of water coming from under the toilet. He was able to fix that for a fair price. I would have never known about this leak until it was way worse and surely more costly if he hadn't had his expert plumber's ear catching the sound. He's knowledgeable and he cares. I have a very old house and Jorge is the plumber I'll call for the inevitable next time. His phone: 510-253-9673. read more

Put it this way - Dominic from MSK Plumbing, who is one of the top rated plumbers on Yelp in the Bay Area, referred me to Jorge when he (Dominic) couldn't get into the tight space under my house. Jorge did great work: he got down into the tight tight crawl space and climbed next to the opening in the sunken tub that my shower is built upon, he correctly identified the problem (which even Dominic had missed, though to be fair Dominic wasn't small enough to get close to the action), fixed it in a way that cost me the least money, then installed a new toilet. Oh, and he switched my other toilet into the master bath so the shorter one would be in the bathroom where the kids go. Hours of work, and all for the same amount I paid the criminals at Rescue Rooter for snaking one sink. Very reasonable, very honest, and he's clean inside your house. Highly recommended! read more

Woke up to make my coffee and My water pressure was very low. Uh-oh. I looked out my front window to see a geyser and small lake had formed between my water meter and the sidewalk. I knew immediately the water main was broken. I called Jorge, and he was on site in short time. He gave an estimate, full explanation of the work needed and the price was very good. His crew showed up and got to work right away and finished hours faster than I expected. When they left not only did I have a brand new water main, but there is no trace that they were there. Jorge and his entire team were friendly, professional, and I would strongly recommend them if you need plumbing. He was referred to me by a friend who had his sewer lateral replaced along with a few other plumbing needs. Thank you, Jorge! read more

J J Rooter & Plumbing is a very good company I would recommend to anyone. About one week ago they came to unclog my drain but it turned out there were more problems than a clogged line. Jorge explained everything that has to be done and the options he was very clear about everything and very professional. They had to run the camera to see where the problems were and it was quicker than expected. Couple days passed and the day for the trench-less was here! They came and they started working they finished and they came the next day for inspection. Jorge knew what to do for the inspection and they passed quick. They were picking up everything and left cleaner than they found it! I really like J J Rooter & Plumbing's honest, clean, professional, and quick work at a reasonable price. read more

Jorge was well recommended by a friend. I didn't know what to expect as I had never met him. I was in a panic mode as the tub, toilet were clogged, my wife was doing laundry and the water during rinse was coming on the tub.... I had a big problem on my hands. Called Jorge, came over the same day, saw the problem, but the house did not have a cleanup hole on sight. He helped me find it and dig outside under a foot of dirt. The amount he charged me was really fair. It was much less than other big companies that charge an arm and a leg. Jorge is educated, very respectful and has great ideas. He is fast and efficient at what he does. I would definitely recommend Jorge to my friends and family. Five stars well deserved. read more

I found dirty water all over a downstairs floor, coming from a backed-up drainpipe. It was a holiday weekend (of course), but I didn't want to call one of the chain companies because my experience with them has not always been great. Instead, I looked on Yelp for a local company. JJ Rooter was closed on Sundays, but I called anyway, just so I could leave a message and get in line for service. To my surprise, Jorge answered and said he would come the next day, Monday, even though it was a holiday. He came when he said he would, fixed the problem promptly, and charged a reasonable fee. He was very pleasant to work with, and I was extremely grateful for the holiday house call! I would definitely call him again. read more

We have used JJ Rooter & Plumbing multiple times for our small business in Oakland. Jorge and his team are quick to respond to service call requests. He and his team are polite, clean, and hardworking. We are grateful that he takes pride in his work. He has extensive knowledge of plumbing and shares it easily when something needs more explanation or why something can or cannot be done. Most recently we asked for an estimate for a french drain to be cleaned and scoped. He had all the proper equipment and tools to do the job efficiently and effectively. His price seemed to be consistent with other quotes I received. We are now getting a quote from him for a broken pipe to be replaced. We highly recommend him. read more

Yelp hides my honest review. It's a dishonest practice. Prob because refusal to advertise with them. This business has 73 hidden review. Just scroll down to "not recommended reviews" Jorge was awesome. He is honest and professional. I have gone back to use his plumbing service for the past 3 years. Different problems such as water heater & toilet etc. His plumbing equipment is complete, I have used other plumber who kept going to the store to get supplies and then charged me an arm and a leg. Jorge so far charged reasonably inexpensive. He is also very patient, nice, responsive and easy to communicate with. He will try his best to come on the same day and he works fast. He is our number one plumber! read more

George works hard, and concentrates on his work being performed. I watched him change a garbage disposal under the sink without any problems. He also fixed two floods one in the bathtub, and the other in the bathroom sink. I also observed him changing a piece of a sewer pipe. First he had to dig about four feet deep and about four feet wide. After digging he found the problem, and cleaned around where the problem was at. Then he connected all the pipes with glue and two four band couplings. His last objective was to fill up the hole with dirt, and he cleaned the area where he worked. George has a great personality, and i will always call him to fix any of my plumbing problems. Good job man. read more

Needed two sewer laterals replaced and two new clean-outs installed. Their bid was very competitive with two others I received. Jorge clearly understood what we needed and set a schedule accordingly. We have a tenant that could deal with a long interruption in service and Jorge adjusted for that. Unfortunately, our job had complications that couldn't have been seen until trenches were dug. The crew worked overtime to complete the job with no extra cost to us. This was a complicated job and they handled it real well!! I would use them again in a minute. I looked at some of the other reviews and agree with the other customers that Jorge and JJ are very good to work with, read more

Jorge and his entire crew are absolutely wonderful to work with! They are so responsive and always ready and willing to help no matter what the issue. They have come to our rescue many a time and this will not be the last time we use their amazing services. Jorge is extremely knowledgeable and we plan to use his expertise for some home improvements as well. Jorge's young adult work associates are absolutely delightful to speak with and they are also very knowledgeable and helpful. My husband and I highly recommend Jorge and his team! Thank you as always, Jorge, for your fabulous expertise and your beautiful smile and calm demeanor during times of stress. read more

If you need an honest plumber (don't we all!) at a fair price, look no further! I called mid-afternoon about a kitchen leak, and even though they were very busy, they said they would have a look the same day. Jorge and crew showed up at 7:30pm (we agreed on this late time given their schedule) in the pouring rain to assess the situation and handled the job the very next morning. They answered all my questions and really showed that they cared about doing the job correctly. I was very impressed with their professionalism and service. They even swept the entire sidewalk near the crawl space at the end of the job - impressive! read more

Called and spoke with Jorge at 10:00 am to schedule a repair. He said he will be done with his current client at 12:30. I called him back at 1:30 and he said they will be at my place at 2:30. They arrived a little before 2:30. (Lesson: Don't hesitate to call contractors to ask them how they are doing on time.) He picked up my calls in both instances, which is a good sign. It's annoying to leave a message and not know when someone will return your call. He fixed my garbage disposal and faucet in less time than I expected. His rates are industry standard or a little less. I would definitely recommend JJ Rooter. read more

My pipes were stuffed from the upstairs bathroom practically to the street. I was referred to Jorge who came out, that day, and determined that the break in the line was close to the house and another clay pipe was broken near the street. I could verify it looking at the camera. For two days and into the night on one of them, he and his friend replaced the piping outside (lots of digging), enabling the line blockage to flow to the sewer. I feel very strongly that they did a reputable job and I am extremely happy that the matter could be resolved expeditiously. Great service, reputable pricing and work. read more