Pipe Spy Inc

Pipe Spy Inc takes on plumbing jobs in Oakland with a focus on sewer line repair and sewer lateral replacement across the East Bay including Berkeley and Alameda. Heiko leads the outfit and the crew handles video inspections to check pipe condition before any work begins. They manage both trenched replacements through yards and concrete areas as well as trenchless options when the layout allows. The business keeps its service tied to local permit rules and inspection requirements that come up in Oakland and nearby towns.

Customers call them for settled pipes that need full lateral swaps through backyards walkways and patios. Heiko and Pedro have stepped in on upslope lots with extra scaffolding in place and still finished on schedule. James Hall-Gallagher and his crew have restored yards so the ground looks untouched after trenching while Alex in the office keeps paperwork moving. Several homeowners note that a quick camera inspection revealed pipes in good shape and avoided big replacement costs that another outfit had claimed were necessary.

The team shows up on time and keeps homeowners updated through every stage from the first quote to final inspection. They handle the Oakland permit process and adjust plans on site to cut down on driveway damage or other extra work. Service stays within the East Bay and crews respond promptly for inspections or repairs. Reviewers mention the work stays efficient even on jobs that stretch over a couple of days and the site gets left clean each evening.

Ratings sit at 4.9 on Google from 214 reviews with repeated notes on clear communication solid workmanship and honest advice about what does or does not need fixing. DIRT Score 4.8 from 214 reviews on Finds.

DIRT Score = confidence-weighted rating across verified review platforms. How is this calculated? →

“Heiko and team were just awesome to work with! Due to our settled pipe, we had to perform a trenched lateral replacement through our backyard, concrete walkway and patio. The crew was on time and worked very efficiently throughout the 3 day project. We were extremely happy with the results. Everything was communicated well, job finished when promised and our yard looked like they were not even there. Highly recommend these guys if you need a sewer line replacement or inspection!”

“PipeSpy did a fantastic job on our sewer lateral replacement. Despite a challenging upslope lot and scaffolding that was in place for another project, they pulled it off on time and without a hitch. Communication was excellent throughout. We would happily use them again!”

“We were delighted with the expert assistance PipeSpy gave us. We knew we needed a new lateral sewer line replacement, and they were quick to come out for a video inspection and quotation. Their questions and consultation reflected a deep knowledge of this kind of work. We felt quite comfortable hiring them for the work which was scheduled about 6 weeks out and mainly due to getting the Oakland inspection for the permit. The PipeSpy project leads handled all of the details and even recommended a more direct line be placed in our yard that avoided a lot of problems and costs (tearing up an existing driveway). The line was mostly completed in one day and ready for the inspection on day 2. After the quick signoff the crew immaculately replaced all of the disrupted landscaping. We're very happy”

“Pipespy was recommended by a friend who was a plumber. His recommendation was excellent. This company did not disappoint. From James, the on-site manager, to Alex in the office, their execution was excellent. Everything they promised was delivered. I highly recommend them.”

“Great experience with Pipe Spy to get a look at our sewer line. They were very responsive throughout the process. Arrived very promptly, was friendly and engaged. We got to watch the process on video to see that everything looked good. Then we accidentally both paid them and they immediately refunded and reached out. I definitely recommend Pipe Spy.”

“Pipe Spy replaced our aged sewer lateral using the trench-less method. They were efficient, professional and accommodating. They showed up on time did the work and left our yard cleaner than they found it. Highly recommend Pipe Spy”

“James Hall-Gallagher and his team did an excellent job on our sewer lateral project, and I am extremely pleased with the outcome. While the work required some trenching, the area was restored so perfectly it looked completely untouched. The team was highly professional and honest. For instance, one of the supervisors not only fixed the immediate issue but also pointed out an additional leak. He repaired one pipe and advised me to address the other to prevent further basement damage. The project was completed in the timely manner they promised. I was very impressed with their workmanship and integrity and would highly recommend them.”

“The administrators did an excellent job keeping us informed. They responded to any questions quickly. The fellows doing the digging, inspecting also did an excellent job. They were courteous and responded quickly to any requests when needed, i.e., moving equipment when it was temporarily blocking my way out of my garage.”

“Pipe Spy saved my mother-in-law $29,000! They ran a camera through her sewer lateral and showed us that the pipe was in good condition and needed no repair. Two days earlier, Roto-Rooter had told her that she needed to spend $29,000 to replace the line. Roto-Rooter lied!! The Pipe Spy workers were professional and very knowledgeable. There was no pressure to spend money. They were looking out for the customers’ interest, not just trying to make a buck. You cannot go wrong with Pipe Spy!”

“Pipe Spy did a really nice job on a very complicated situation replacing my sewer lateral pipes. The owner, Heiko, is a great guy and came and explained things when the job got more complicated (and expensive) than originally anticipated and the crew chief, Pedro, is an absolutely wonderful and extremely competent guy. He explained everything as they went and left everything absolutely spotless.”