James is the best of the best. Experienced, knowledgeable and a really nice, honest guy! I would recommend him to anyone!

Been using James at my business for years. Called him awhile back on a Sunday early morning, he came right over and saved my house from flooding!!! I have referred him to many over the years. read more

Redoing the kitchen and I had some basic jobs to do. Awesome job! No job too small. Loves to ride moto!!!

James was awesome. I had a clogged kitchen sink that I couldn't unclog myself (I tried). He picked up my phone call after hours and for me into his schedule the following day. He was quick, professional, very nice, and his pricing was very fair. I will continue to call James whenever we have plumbing issues. Thank you, James! read more

I can't say enough good things about James and Encinitas Plumbing and Drain. In our previous house (built in 1944) he helped guide us through the ins & outs of an old homes' plumbing. Recommended practical repairs when warranted and steered us away from high cost items that were not required. He provided a thorough and professional pre-purchase plumbing inspection of our new home purchase 2 years ago and everything checked out. He pointed out a few areas that might need attention in the future so that it was on our radar. No problems to speak of so far but I'm glad to know there may be some hot spots in the years to come. Today we had James out to plumb a new shop sink in the garage and an outdoor shower for the kiddo after trips to the beach. James was prompt, and professional in his work and my wife and I are grateful to have a trustworthy tradesman that we can rely on ourselves and have confidence in recommending to others. He is busy so accept the fact that good, honest workers aren't sitting by the phone looking for their next job. I have had my share of shady plumbers in my lifetime so I'm happy to have found Encinitas Plumbing and Drain. read more

Wow did I luck out. My sink backed up as I was cooking for a dinner party. They happened to be on my street already and were here in 35 minutes! Very reasonable pricing. My hero's! read more

Encinitas Plumbing & Drain, represented usually by James, has been to our house a number of times with great results. He, in particular, is highly competent and trustworthy. James always gives us the best price possible and he honors his warranties. In addition, he is personable and explains our plumbing issues so we can easily understand. Give Encinitas Plumbing & Drain a call and ask for James. read more

These guys have some of the worst customer service skills ever! If you want extremely rude plumbers who have no work ethic and customer service skills...these are your guys! If I could give a negative -5 star...these guys did more than enough to earn it! 8/22/18 - So after less than a week...the job these ass clowns did failed. These guys don't know what they are doing when it comes to toilets or plumbing in general and ripped us off for $200. If you really want to use these guys, I'd ask the 5 year old down the street instead...probably knows more than these idiots with bad attitudes. read more

NICEST MOST HONEST PLUMBERS!! They came on time, actually charged me less than quoted after seeing the job (most people wouldn't do that!) They were quick, and very clean! I will be using this company for all of my plumbing needs from here on out! read more

Great experience would definitely use again. My drain was clogged and he came out very promptly. Was fair, honest and quick, everything I look for in a plumber. Appreciate you James! read more

James answered the phone in the middle of the night when I had a plumbing emergency, he graciously talked me through how to turn the water off. Then came first thing in the morning and fixed it!!! read more

James stands behind his work! I had a potential issue come up 1 year 10 months later. I realize that's a long time, but James came back and reset the toilet for free without batting an eye. He is thorough, honest, professional, reasonably priced, service-oriented, and friendly. read more

We had the great pleasure of calling Encinitas Pluming & Drain after our son flushed a toy down the toilet. James was quick to respond and able to provide same day service. I highly recommend using them!! We were so beyond satisfied!! Highly recommend. read more

HIGHLY recommend!! Encinitas Plumbing, James Booth, was referred to me by my tenant after I had two other plumbers come out to my rental property and tell me that they were going to have to re-pipe my entire 75 foot sewer pipe, since it was completely rotted out. The first two plumbers told me I needed to have my tenants move out for 2-6 months!! James came in and took a look at the camera view, and told me he could do that in a week, without having my tenants moving off the property. And he did :) James started the job (digging the holes) on a Monday, and by Thursday, him and his crew brought their badass 'pipe bursting' machine and re-piped our entire 75 foot line! It was pretty incredible to see! James and his crew of three have been great. I will be using Encinitas Plumbing from here on out! These are my kind of guys - thorough, professional and hard workers who walked me through the entire process, costs, possible additional costs, recommendations on future problems, gave me updates while I was not onsite, and very kind! Five stars all the way for sure. read more

Our water heater pilot wouldn't light and called James to come check it out. He called me right back and came the next day at the time he promised. Fixed the problem and was in his way! Great service, friendly and on time ... great job read more

Outstanding service. Fair prices. Very reliable and personable. James and Saul were amazing and very knowledgeable. They did what needed to get done with a friendly, kind manner. They got to my house within a day and explained everything that was happening and needed to be done. Highly recommend. read more

Ok, so I should of done this along time ago, but better late than never. In my home, I started getting this really weird vibration noise/feeling in the walls randomly and couldn't figure it out to save my life. I finally noticed that it happens when the water is on or flush the toilets etc. It sounded horrible, quite literally like my house was going to tumble down. I was dead broke at the time and didn't know what to do. A co worker of mine referred me to James. Reluctantly I called, embarrassed to ask how much for him to come diagnosis my situation because I didn't think I could afford it and didn't want to waste his time. But NO! James was so SWEET and KIND and talked to me for the longest time. Asking me questions and trouble shooting it over the phone with me. Turns out I had recently replaced the valve in one of my toilets, he said it's probably a toilet valve. Well, I am handy enough to do that and they are only about 10 bucks each. James suggested I replace all 3 because it was the most cost effective trouble shooting, process of elimination I could do. So, I took his advise and replaced all 3 and I'll be damned, but that fixed the problem. Here is this man, this is how he makes a living and supports his family and he spent his time and knowledge to help me out when he really didn't have too. Now, I have a different house and I am doing some remodeling and I am so happy to have called him once again and this time I am grateful I have the means to pay him !! :) Best plumber/ human being I could ask for. The only thing I can say in response to the negative stars on here is sometimes people like James, big hearted and honest, over book because they honestly want to TRY to help everyone and human mistakes are made. People forget and people are late. I wish we all remembered to give people the benefit of the doubt. You do not know what the other person is facing that day and KARMA. Thank you James, looking forward to working with you again. read more

Absolutely recommended! I've been meaning to write this for a long time and now that I've seen the bad reviews here I'm glad I logged on to add my review. NONE of those match my experience AT ALL. Overview (specifics following): James is an honest businessman who cares about helping his customers. Works fast but explains what and why (if you're like me and hang around asking questions). Very reasonable rates. He's the owner/operator, so I understand he may not be available the second I call. If you need a 24/7 response, go for a big company. If you want a proud owner who's fully invested in his business and values his repeat customers, call James. He listens and makes recommendations with lots of information, then lets you decided. Not scare tactic stuff - just reasonable points with pluses and minuses. Full story: 2.5 yrs ago we had 2 mainline clogs. I was able to clear the first one, but when it happened again I called a plumber. I had also started noticing noises in the walls. There would be odd sounds long after a flush when no water was being used. House was 10 yrs old, so while toilets were never great (lots of plunger use), we'd not had to call a plumber. I needed immediate help so I called one of the big outfits (normal hours). After clearing the main, they did a lot of evaluating (talk - not work) and replaced a fill valve in 1 toilet. They charged just over $700 to clear the clog, "check the backflow device", "scour jet" the line, install 1 valve and do a "leak search". I didn't have a clue at the time what a fair price for the work was and two guys were there all afternoon. I was home alone with kids and pets with a laundry room and bathtub full of sewage and no usable toilets. I needed it done that day, so I gone with a big company figuring they'd charge market prices. You always hear how crazy expensive plumbing is, so I paid that bill. Then they started with a song and dance about how since they couldn't find any other problems, that the line was probably broken and full of roots and that they needed to replace the whole line to the street. They gave me a $10K+ quote (yes, that's thousands). The lead technician (aka salesman) called and emailed me for weeks to see if I was ready to start. No thanks. The sound continued to get worse, the toilets didn't flush any better and I dreaded the next mainline backup. I found Encinitas Plumbing & Drain for a 2nd opinion. James was fantastic! He listened to the same symptoms, then asked to look at all the toilets. He showed me how the current hardware (builder's + the 1 replacement) were not adequately filling/flushing/stoppering and that was leading to the pipe sounds and clogs. I didn't know toilet repair beyond jiggling a handle, but he explained it clearly without "mansplaining". I requested a whole system eval. We'd just gotten a new washer with the plastic drain line. He recommended that line and the plastic lines to all the sinks and toilets be replaced since those are weak points that cause lots of damage if they break. He was honest and said the washer should be a high priority, but that the sinks and toilets were completely up to me - that they may not break while we live here, if ever. I did some research on plumbers' forums and his points were backed up. Given that our house has had other workmanship issues, I decided to change everything for my piece of mind. Our hot water recirculating system (another builder's special) has never worked well, so he installed loop tees under 2 sinks. Also had him fix 2 showers with the hot/cold cartridge installed backwards. All of this - the eval and work, 5 toilet hardware kits, 18 copper supply lines, 2 loop tees and the shower fixes - cost just a bit more than the other guys charged to clear the line and "fix" one toilet (not really). After Encinitas Plumping the sounds stopped! The toilets flushed perfectly the first time, every time! No clogs! 2.5 yrs without a single plumbing problem. At dinnertime last night we had another mainline clog (the dreaded sewer backup in the laundry room, which had run into the garage and nearby tub). Texted James but didn't get an answer in 45 min. I figured he was not available (out to dinner, at a movie, on vacation - wherever), so I called a 24/7 outfit and got on their list. Tried James again and he answered. He wasn't available, but told me a reasonable range to expect for emergency service if I went ahead with it (got their estimate - he was accurate). He offered to come this morning for less than 1/2 of that. By that time enough sewer had seeped through the clog that I was able to clean up, so I decided we could live with it overnight. He said not to run water down sinks, flush or shower. He came on time this morning and found the back flow flapper (original to the house) frozen. Explained everything as he and his assistant were clearing the clog and they had it fixed quickly at a very fair price. Thanks so much! read more

Needed to replace old cast iron sewer line in Cardiff. Got several quotes from larger companies in excess of $10K. Called Encinitas Plumbing and Drain, based on neighbour's recommendation. James came out & gave us a bid that was reasonable and much less than the other bids -- all of whom wanted to tack on add'l work. Completed the job in a couple of days. Cleaned up and came when they said they would. Didn't have to move out. I would recommend James and his crew for any plumbing job w/o hesitation. Best of all -- he's local and is a fixture in the community. read more

I never thought I would feel strongly enough to write about a plumber, but when you find a good one - the world should know. James is great. He is very responsive and does honest work. Its actually crazy how uncommon that is. Highly recommend. read more

James is the man. Always on point and is a real HONEST plumber. He helped my friend in a legal battle after getting ripped off by a different plumber who recommended RE piping his entire house. James has done a lot of work for real estate transactions that were close and always has a good alternative plan when others are trying to take your money! read more

No complaints at all. Showed up on time and performed quality work at a reasonable price. Highly recommend!

Honest, reliable and just good guys! I recently had a bad sewage backup at my place...called Encinitas plumbing on a Sunday morning and got the owner James on the phone right away. He had someone out there same day. What started out as a simple drain clog, turned out to be a much bigger sewer issue. Dylan was the 1st guy there and was totally knowledgeable and experienced. As soon as the bigger issue was diagnosed, James showed up and explains what the fix was and when they would be back the next morning with the rest of the parts to finish the job. The next day, the crew showed up as promised (a few minutes early even!) and worked all day to get us back up and running. The used a camera in the sewer line to clearly show me what issues were (tree roots growing into the line) and how they solved it. Even with a crew of 2 guys there all day, plus James coming by a few times the total cost was half of what most other companies would have charged. I will definitely call them again. read more

In an industry full of dishonest guys with filthy butt cracks who overcharge for their time, it's so refreshing to find a great plumber like James from Encinitas Plumbing & Drain. I've used him for our entire new house and his pricing is very reasonable and he really cares about every single detail of the job. He's even come over here last minute for a few plumbing "emergencies" at the most inconvenient times with a big smile on his face. Thank you James!! read more

Oceanside Plumbing - Encinitas Plumbing & Drain - Plumbing Near Me - Oceanside, California

James was friendly, helpful, and actually turned down chances I gave him to do work he didn't think was necessary. I really thought one drain would needed to be snaked, but he was so sure it didn't need to be done, that if I have problems in the next 3 months with it, he'll do it for practically nothing. You got to appreciate someone who saves his customers' money even if it means he doesn't make as much. There is a world of difference between a handyman and someone who is a plumber. I have a great handyman, but he and a few others have tried to fix one of my sinks and James quickly located and replaced the real problem. It was simple, but he knew the problem immediately. My wife, kids, and dog all liked James. We will definitely call him again when we have any plumbing issues. read more

James is the best. Had some repair work done on our gas line and we couldn't get the pilot light on our water heater to relight. James was over to our house within the hour and used his magic to fix it. And he didn't even charge us. Exceptional customer service! read more

Did a good job but quoted me $200.00 and charged almost $300.00. Also charged me $200.00 labor and wasn't here more than 30 min total. Granted he had to go pick up the parts. Didn't seem fair to me! read more

Very happy with James @ Encinitas plumbing. I couldn't get out to do a repair on my own for one of my tenants and James was able to get there quickly and repair the drain for the tenant when I couldn't make it. Always great to have a dependable plumber available! Thanks James read more

Our new "go to" plumber!! My husband and I came home to a dead water heater that leaked water all over our garage floor. Though it was 6pm, James came right over to turn the water heater off and drain it for us. He came back the very next morning to install our new water heater and while he was at it, he repaired all of our leaking toilets!!! He was pleasant, professional, timely and well priced... an honest man who earns an honest living! ... a breath of fresh air!! He called a few days later to make sure that the water heater and toilets were working properly and to find out if I had any other concerns. Our water heater and toilets are working wonderfully and it feels great to take a hot shower again. Thank you James! read more

James was on time, efficient and thoughtful. Good plumber. 5 Star recommendation! We talked the entire time as he worked, and I was very satisfied with his performance. read more

Ten minutes before company was coming both bathrooms downstairs backed up. Called on drain company who couldn't come until the next day. Called Encinitas Plumbing and Drain. They were there two hours later right on time. Checked the main drain, then snaked the cleanout. My drains were running and everything working. So thankful for their quick service. I thought the $125 was well worth it. read more

Contacted James for a repair and he was at our house the next day. Quality work, very reasonable price, and super personable. Highly recommend. read more

James did a great job on our gas line modification for our oven. Very responsive to text and phone. On time as promised. We will use him again for future needs read more

Replacing bath/shower diverted valve. Got to a point where I wasn't comfortable and wanted to bring in a pro. Shot James a couple of text images and he passed along some free advice (labor day weekend). Finished the job myself. Encinitas Plumbing has won my recommendation and all my future business. Thanks again... read more

James is awesome! Had a shower problem and he came right out. Fixed the issue within an hour. Reasonable prices too. This is the second time we've used Encinitas Plumbing and we will continue to use for any future issues. Highly recommend! read more

Great service experience. Emailed late on Monday night, had a reasonable quote in my inbox by Tuesday at 8:30am and Dylan was there by lunch time and had it fixed in less than 45 minutes. My shower drain was really clogged. Standing water and all, tried to fix it myself but to no avail. Super grateful to not have water pooling up at my ankles each morning now. My drain works better than it did when I first moved in, so this was obviously long overdue. read more

When James didn't confirm the morning of our appt (as he told me he would), and didn't show up or call as it neared the end of the 12-2 scheduled time, I called him to see what was up. Was told he was running late and would "call in an hour to hour and 1/2". That was Friday. Still no call. I hope he's not hospitalized or worse as that would be the only excuse to completely disregard a potential customer. He may be the best plumber ever (according to the 5 star reviews), but his customer service skills & communication are lacking. read more

I called him Tuesday, scheduled him to come this morning and install a faucet and clean a drain, plus maybe some other stuff. I didn't bother to call anyone else, and I didn't shop around. I'm honest and I don't nickel and dime. Anyway, He is officially a complete no show, no call, no answer. Message at the listed number says the phone number has been disconnected. In any case he just failed to show up. Period. I would have happily and easily forgiven a call to reschedule or even a call to cancel, forbid that it was necessary. But the only excuse for dropping the ball so badly is a major life trauma or some sort of major unpredictable communications failure. (The former of which I would ever wish upon anyone.) So, I would usually assume something bad happened, and give the benefit of the doubt, except it's clear form the other reviews below that this is a habitual failure. read more

James seemed like a nice guy when I spoke to him about getting an estimate for a clean out valve installation. I trenched the pipe in my front yard hoping to get things resolved as quickly as possible. He missed not one but two scheduled appointments. Neither time did he communicate that he wouldn't be stopping by and after the first miss appointment I had to call him back to reschedule. Could be a great plumber and was very nice over the phone but horrible customer service. read more

When they got to my place and realized I didn't have an issue really, they didn't even charge a service call! They were friendly and smart. I would never even consider to use anyone else now. Great company. read more