Photos & videos
Services Offered
Verified by Business
Drain repair
Gas line repair
Plumbing installation or replacement
Sewer installation
Gas line installation
Plumbing inspection
Plumbing repair
Sewer repair
Review Highlights
“Lee Kratzer always responds and provides our family with great service and support.” in 148 reviews
“They were able to send someone out the same day (Luis) and he worked so fast I couldn't believe it.” in 9 reviews
“He has helped me twice now, once with a leaky kitchen sink and once with a clogged shower drain.” in 3 reviews
About the Business
Business owner information
![Photo of Lee K.](https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/buphoto/SG-TDnVKd0l3aYDgIqRsug/90s.jpg)
Lee K.
Established in 1986. Abco was started in 1986 in Belmont California. In 2005 the business was sold to Lee Kratzer. He merged the existing business with Kratzer Plumbing. Lee Kratzer is a native of Los Altos and has worked in the trades since graduating high school in 1983. In 1987 he joined Triple A Plumbing and slowly advanced his way through the company. In 2005 he resigned as the general manager to open his own shop and has since provdided high quality plumbing service to the bay area peninsula. He is the father of two children and is active in teaching them the same pride of workmanship and strong work ethic that his father taught him. It is not uncommon to find one of his children working on the job with him. Kratzer Plumbing takes time to provide the customer quality work ,by a skilled craftsmen, at a reasonable price.
Location & Hours
Amenities and More
Ask the Community
Q:
I was just wondering how much it would be to replace the wax under a toilet that is leaking water from the side? Thank you so much. Vickie
A:
Hi Vickie, for a regular wax seal install the cost is about $230. I charge $200 per hour with a one hour minimum plus any parts. The wax ring is $8, new brass bolts are $8, new flexible supply line $12, bolt caps $2. In most cases this job only… more
Lee K., Business Owner1 person found this helpfulQ:
Anyone know the actual phone number here? Every time I try to call it goes to EJ plumbing? Thanks!
A:
Hi Kelley, we were closed for the week and had the phone forwarded to EJ. Our phone number is 650-279-1834. We are closed weekends and respond to text. We are a one man shop and are typically booked 3-4 days out
Lee K., Business Owner
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Overall rating
217 reviews
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- Jeff A.Los Altos, CAAug 27, 2024
We had a corroding hot water supply line under a sink that we wanted to replace. Unfortunately we have galvanized pipes, and Lee was worried that working on the top part under the sink could actually cause something to break down under the house. He suggested that we get all the galvanized (very old galvanized from 1956!) replaced with copper, not a job he actually does so this was not an effort to up sell us. We have used Kratzer plumbing before replace a hot water heater, and we were happy with their work so that's why we had them back. Because he did not perform any plumbing work, he chose not to charge us. Talk about honesty! I will call Lee back every single time from now on!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - L Y.Los Altos, CA02Jul 24, 2024Updated review
We are return customers of Kratzer Plumbing. We called because of a leaking on/off valve for a toilet and sluggish flushing of our toilets.. Mr. Kratzer answered his text message in a timely manner and always states his hourly fee. We like him because he is kind, honest, very knowledgeable, works efficiently and leaves the work area clean and tidy. The new valve is up to date and our toilets flush great again!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Aug 26, 2021Previous reviewKratzer Plumbing responded to my call right away via text messaging. He fixed the hot-water-only problem in our shower and got our three toilets to flush like new.
Lee Kratzer is knowledgeable, efficient, kind and honest. (Tidy, too!) We will definitely keep him in our files. - Ray K.Burlingame, CA017Sep 26, 2023Updated review
Lee and Dakota have been helping me out for over 20 years. I recently noticed a foul smell under our house emanating from our kitchen. I called Lee and he and Dakota who arrived the next day. They discovered the old, galvanized pipes under the house and sink had corroded and the kitchen sink water was now under my house creating this foul odor. I also neglected to say that the crawl space is only about 2 feet tall. This was no problem for the father son team. They were able to replace the old pipes and drains without having to break our stucco walls. They even cleaned up the water and eliminated the odor. I cannot thank them enough for their help and being so honest with their pricing. I trust these guys 1000%. Very few of these guys left.
Thanks so much Lee and DakotaHelpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Jan 8, 2021Previous reviewI had to call Lee as we needed him to update our bathroom for a new shower, faucet, and toilet. He and Dakota showed up on time. What impressed me first off was that they were both wearing their masks and wanted to be sure that we were not experiencing any Covid sympotms. They both began their work and as this is an old house there were challenges. As in the past, no job is to difficulult for these guys. It is such a relief to be able to call a plumber and have a job done on time and within budget rather than hear the excuses "it can't be done unless we do this ...... for $$$$$$.
Save yourself a lot of headaches, and calll these guys. They are the best.Mar 10, 2019Previous reviewI have been calling on Lee at Kratzer Plumbing for my plumbing needs for 20 years. I needed him again this week for a broken sewer line under our house. I was afraid he wouldn't be able to do the repair as there was only a 30" inch crawl space. I actually thought I was going to have to tear out our flooring in order to gain access. Lee and Dakota arrived and assured me they could do the repair. They both climbed under a very dirty crawl space and worked for hours repairing the leak. With a 60 years old house, nothing is a simple repair. They stuck with it and did an outstanding job as they always have done in the past. These days, it is so unusual to fine an honest person to do work for you. I can assure you there is not a more honest and dependable plumber on the Peninsula than Kratzer Plumbing. Save yourself a lot of trouble and call them to get the job done.
Aug 28, 2018Previous reviewI have been doing business with Lee since he began his business in 2006. He has never disappointed me or failed to respond for a service call. Called him last week as a neighbors main line had broken due to tree roots. Lee and Dakota came out the next day and had the line repaired in no time. If you need a plumber, save yourself a lot of time and headaches and call Lee. You will never be disappointed. So nice to deal with a true gentleman and son who are not interested in ripping you off.
Jul 20, 2011Previous reviewI have been calling Kratzer Plumbing for the last 5 years and feel I need to write a review. Being in Law Enforcement, I am always hesitant to allow contractors in my house. I took a chance with Kratzer and and I can not be more satisfied. Lee is an outstanding individual. I think his main attribute is honesty. I have had bad experience from others trying to "up sell" me. Not Lee as he tries to save you money. He is prompt to respond and has never failed to solve my problems. I recommend Lee 100%. Do not make the mistake responding to circulars that advertise discount work. They all are a led in to more costly prices.
- Tom R.South Los Altos, Los Altos, CA031Mar 29, 2023
We have used Kratzer Plumbing for repairs and new installations over the past decade or more, and they have alway delivered 5-star work.
Just yesterday the Katzer team repaired a leak in our 20+ year old radiant heating plumbing -- not a common repair. The leak sprung from a copper pipe welded to a flange that screwed onto a small pump. Thanks to their handy repair (see photo below), we now have heat in our family room and kitchen.
Happily, Lee Kratzer is joined by his son, Dakota, on most calls -- and Dakota is a chip off the old block. He has emerged as an outstanding plumber, and like his Dad, his repair work is done both skillfully and beautifully. Whether Lee or Dakota take the lead in making repairs, you can count on proficient work that looks like a hood ornament!
Best to text to their phone number at 650.279.1834 to ask for an appointment as they are often at work or the road to a customer. They are busy, but worth waiting for.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 1 - A E.Menlo Park, CA031Mar 13, 2024
For quality, knowledgeable work with full communication about pricing as well as the timing of appointments, I am so happy to have had Kratzer Plumbing for the second time. They happily told me in detail about their work when I asked and showed me how some of the parts work inside, and even told me that they did not recommend doing a couple of additional projects when I inquired.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Gustavo M.Mountain View, CA09Feb 12, 2024
The best plumber you can get. So patient, experienced, easy to work with. Can't recommend enough!
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - M K.Sunnyvale, CA010Nov 21, 2023
Dakota and Lee came out when our hot water heater stopped working. The burner was off and I couldn't get the pilot to stay lit. Initially, the call was to replace the heater since it is 11 years old and likely not worth repairing
After looking at the problem and some troubleshooting, they advised that there was a good chance that replacing thermocouple assembly would fix the problem. They were honest that there was an "80%" chance of the repair working but left it up to me which way to go. It's good to have choices. No pushy sales job (unlike other shops) for the fast buck.
I knew full well that the repair might not work, but I had their informed opinion that the rest of the heater looked ok from the outside; i.e., no leaks or wetness. I was willing to try it to save $$ - and get my hot water back quickly. It turned out to be a good bet.
The cost for the repair job was also reasonable and met my expectations for the effort. No price gouging unlike others.
I would definitely call Kratzer Plumbing in the future when we needed plumbing work - like when this water heater finally bites the dust.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Brian C.Los Altos Hills, CA01Dec 28, 2023
These guys are the best contractors of any kind we've ever found. When you find a good, reliable plumber you hang onto them. They've done a bunch of big and small plumbing jobs for our house, and they always do a great job. They get back to us quickly when we text them, and are able to come out without delay. A few times they've found and fixed problems from previous plumbers. A couple times they even saved us money by telling us what part to order ourselves from Amazon instead of making us buy it from them. They are also just the nicest guys. I strongly recommend them for any plumbing work.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Natasha S.Los Altos, CA021Sep 14, 2023
Lee & Dakota replaced a water heater for us four years ago. They were both very knowledgeable, easy to understand and a fair price. four years later, the heater developed a fault. They were able to squeeze me in that very same day and provided the same high quality of service and workmanship as before. As an added plus, they were able to replace all parts under a warranty I didn't even know I had. There was a secondary problem a few hours later causing my garage to flood and Lee was able to talk me through how to shut off the water and also came back to make the second fix despite it being after hours. I highly rate this father and son team, they are both extremely skilled, it is a pleasure to watch the two of them at work together. They are very easy to talk to and take time to explain the work they're undertaking. My #1 plumber
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Leong T.Cupertino, CA03Feb 23, 2023
I recently had the pleasure of working with Lee from Kratzer Plumbing, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From start to finish, Lee was professional, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to ensure that my plumbing needs were met.
Lee arrived promptly and assessed the situation quickly, explaining what needed to be done in a clear and concise manner. He worked efficiently and skillfully, ensuring that everything was done to a high standard.
What I appreciated most about Lee was his attention to detail and his willingness to answer any questions I had. He took the time to explain the process, and even gave me tips on how to maintain my plumbing to prevent future problems.
Overall, I couldn't be happier with the service I received from Lee and Kratzer Plumbing. If you're in need of plumbing services, look no further than Lee - he truly is the best in the business!Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0