Santa Rosa Plumbing was formed in the 1980’s when solar contractor Dan Ybarra found himself popular with the community for his fair and honest approach at plumbing service and repair. In a industry where menu book pricing was inflating the costs of a service professional, Dan revolutionized the return of the honest plumber to Sonoma County.

Santa Rosa Plumbing has always been a small mom and pop operation. After a few years of running two or three trucks, we found one good plumber and a journeyman were all that was needed for success. Eventually Cotati Plumbing, Petaluma Plumbing, Windsor Plumbing and River Plumbing were all founded to provide most the county with fair and friendly service.

In 1994 Steve Brown joined the company bringing a spark of youthful energy and a vague sense of office organization. Steve comes from an insurance background serving the major claims and fraud departments of a popular local provider. Steve is also an avid Deadhead.

Steve started a partnership with Octavio Leal in 2001. Octavio’s background as a crew leader at a major aerospace manufacturer has helped Santa Rosa Plumbing become a smooth moving machine. Octavio spends his spare time, when there is some, playing guitar and singing with a local band. Octavio is also an avid Deadhead.

By late 2001 Dan had taken a interest in the expanding real estate market and began investing in rental and remodeling properties. He also spends time perfecting his golfing skills. Dan still helps Steve with the continuing struggle of running a small business by providing his counsel and expertise as needed.

By January 2004 Steve took over full management of Santa Rosa Plumbing. Octavio and Steve enjoy serving Sonoma county residents and believe there is no better place in California to live.

Menu Book Pricing

Most plumbers use book pricing when bidding a job with their customers, often charging an ‘estimate’ price just to get in the door. From there a fancy three ring binder with glossy pictures and prices typed in ink fool the average customer into believing a simple plumbing repair costs half a month’s salary. Accompanied by stress due to the moment, and an unrelenting fear that another plumber would be too hard to find, most people bite the bullet and pay out the nose for less than professional service. We know this because you call us next to fix their mistake.

Well thanks to home improvement television many Menubook plumbers are being exposed for the frauds they are. Yes, freshly pressed white uniforms, work trucks fully stocked and cleaned each night and a double page phone book ad cost money. When you hire a menu book plumber you pay for the ad, truck and uniform. If you are lucky there might be a dollar or two left to pay for the skill. Generally there is not much money left over for talent, so you get what you get as well as ripped off.