Our mission is to continue the family legacy of building value for our community by providing high quality plumbing and piping services. L.J. Kruse Co. is a family-owned and -operated plumbing, heating, and cooling company located in Berkeley, California. We have been servicing the greater bay area for over 100 years. We're known for our old-fashioned customer service and for our effective work that we cater to the needs of our residential and commercial clients. Whether you need extensive repairs or basic maintenance, our team can help.
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L.J. Kruse Co. is a family-owned business celebrating a century of plumbing, heating and cooling in the Bay Area. We offer an extraordinary range of services, including commercial construction, engineering, BIM (Building Information Modeling) and a dynamic service and repair division. Our firm operates from a modern LEED Gold facility in Berkeley, California.
At L.J. Kruse Co., one of our top priorities is to make sure that your home is nice and cozy for you and your family. We do this by carrying out the professional plumbing, heating, and cooling services and maintenance your home needs. Your family runs on a budget, which means that you need service providers that give you the best value possible.
If you're a property manager or a business owner, you have enough on your plate without having to worry about the plumbing, heating, and cooling components of the building you oversee. Let L.J. Kruse Co. take some of the responsibility off of your shoulders; we're here for all of your large or small plumbing, heating, and cooling needs, from leaky faucets to whole-house re-piping projects. Our team offers maintenance contracts for your company so that you save money and stay on top of the service needs of your building.
At L.J. Kruse Co., plumbing is at the heart of our success. While companies around us change over time, our core principles of honest work and high-quality workmanship have withstood the test of time. Our team has helped to renovate and build new hospitals, labs, apartments, offices and more, ensuring the finest plumbing for all projects.
Reviews (24)
Daisy C.
Jun 27, 2022
Oliver Washington
Jun 04, 2021
Gleann Shell
May 25, 2021
Billie W.
May 03, 2021
Scott A.
Apr 12, 2021
Diana Victoria B.
Feb 23, 2021
The folks from LJ Kruse are 100% the most professional, knowledgeable and incredibly hardworking. Greg Stewart and his colleague David were especially outstanding. I had a 100 year old boiler in my house. They came by, removed it, spent weekends installing the new one, and Greg got it working. They spent days made sure to get the system up to speed. I can't tell you how grateful I am for their work. I'd recommend them to anyone. Vickie from Berkeley
Chloe Wellspring
Jan 03, 2021
Ciel C.
Jul 21, 2020
LJ Kruse is our go-to plumbers for our business. We are a converted warehouse with 38,000 square feet, and they have tackled each plumbing issue we've had with ease, quality work, and professionalism. Specifically, Ramon was so wonderful. He worked extremely efficiently, was very kind and communicative, and we felt great about having him in the space. Highly recommended!
Karen M.
Apr 20, 2019
We have a wonderful 1933 older home with original plumbing that needed a sink replacement with a modern vanity. Thanks to Jeremy with LJ Kruse Company we were able to navigate a very complicated removal and retrofit situation. Jeremy anticipated all angles of the project and we talked about the pros and possible cons of each step. I felt informed and consulted all along the way. The outcome is terrific.
James Son
Jan 20, 2019
I am writing this review on behalf of my father who had a broken water boiler heater in his church mission home. This heater is over 50 years old and I had a really hard time finding a service company that is able to fix the old heater. I am so happy to find LJ Kruse who could actually service it. The service tech Dave came in prepared with every tools and replacement parts in his company truck.
He was able to identify the issues with the heater and replaced some necessary parts. Dave was honest, kind and professional and he was able to get the old heater running. Now the tenants and church members in the mission home are all happy that the rooms are warm during the cold winter! If this company can fix an old school heater like what my father had, they can definitely fix any of your heating problems.
He was able to identify the issues with the heater and replaced some necessary parts. Dave was honest, kind and professional and he was able to get the old heater running. Now the tenants and church members in the mission home are all happy that the rooms are warm during the cold winter! If this company can fix an old school heater like what my father had, they can definitely fix any of your heating problems.
Horacio Tubio
Jan 16, 2019
Ned L.
Jan 04, 2019
This company charged me $236.70 for the same part that is listed on Amazon for $40.99. I cannot tell if this included $35.00 shipping cost for an item that weighed a few ounces but I do know that Amazon Prime members have free shipping. I do not mind a 200% markup but this needs further investigation. I also paid $400.00 for labor and I was able to replace a similar part on another furnace in 10 minutes. Never call this company for service if others are available.
Grace Pitschi
Nov 17, 2018
LJ Kruse really goes above and beyond! We have used them on several occasions, for a variety of issues. They always impress! From Heather in the office whose customer service, informational help and communication I can always count on, to Ramon the awesome plumber who comes out and saves the day with his skill and expertise, to Greg whose work within the home goes back almost 20 years, to Mike who's repaired the boiler and heating system and seriously knows his stuff.
We are so grateful we know we can rely on LJ Kruse to be top-notch! We have used them for years and will continue to call on them as needed. Always professional, punctual, communicative and thorough- THANK YOU LJ KRUSE!
We are so grateful we know we can rely on LJ Kruse to be top-notch! We have used them for years and will continue to call on them as needed. Always professional, punctual, communicative and thorough- THANK YOU LJ KRUSE!
Josh B.
Oct 30, 2018
Christian helped me book a last minute plumber for an odd scenario for my tenants, while I'm out of state. The logistics are mind boggling. Seriously though, these guys are consummate professionals. They were fast, on-time, and nailed the issue. They were also very easy to get a hold of, talk with, ask questions, and schedule everything. I will definitely be using them in the future for all my plumbing needs.
Leslie K.
Aug 27, 2018
Last year they worked on our central AC system. It cost over $1,000 for the labor but I was happy to have it working again. I have a health condition which makes me sensitive to heat so AC is a necessity for me. Early last week we had problems again and they were scheduled to come on Friday. Friday morning they called to cancel; apparently their only employee that could repair our AC had an emergency.
He was able to come today (Monday). After 2 hours ($408) he said there was nothing he could do; they discontinued servicing Carrier AC systems. WTF? Last year we had the same system! Why come to our house and not tell us this news beforehand? I regret we paid.so my only recourse now is to share my experience with others. August 28th edit: I appreciate that Kruse management checks Yelp reviews and wants to repair customer relationships.
The situation has been handled appropriately now but it's unfortunate that the technician was not able to communicate the variety of options available to us. We were successful in finding another company and they are currently doing the work. Kruse was able to refund me so I am satisfied. As I originally said, they did good work last year.
He was able to come today (Monday). After 2 hours ($408) he said there was nothing he could do; they discontinued servicing Carrier AC systems. WTF? Last year we had the same system! Why come to our house and not tell us this news beforehand? I regret we paid.so my only recourse now is to share my experience with others. August 28th edit: I appreciate that Kruse management checks Yelp reviews and wants to repair customer relationships.
The situation has been handled appropriately now but it's unfortunate that the technician was not able to communicate the variety of options available to us. We were successful in finding another company and they are currently doing the work. Kruse was able to refund me so I am satisfied. As I originally said, they did good work last year.
Wai T.
Jul 21, 2018
I needed my shower valve replaced and relocated to a higher spot, due to a tub to shower renovation, plus the old valve leaked. Jeremy was sent out to do the work. The work was completed in half day. The shower valve was properly measured out and mounted. Pipework was very clean. Jeremy was very informative, cautious, detailed oriented and wanted to be sure the install was done right.
It appear he had fun also, despite the tight conditions. Overall, a little pricey, but it's good to know this done right and it won't be a worry for many many years.
It appear he had fun also, despite the tight conditions. Overall, a little pricey, but it's good to know this done right and it won't be a worry for many many years.
Thomas M.
Apr 10, 2018
S. Y.
Jan 09, 2018
My boiler stopped working last night, and when I saw that the digital display was blacked out, I knew we had to call in the professionals. I also had a 3 year old with croup (which sounds like Darth Vader dying) who had wet his bed and was shivering in the freezing house, so I called Kruse first thing in the morning begging for an appointment today. Kim at the office did then some sort of superhuman scheduling since rain + cold is their peak season, and she wrangled a same day appointment for us. Mike, who clearly knew his stuff, came and was like a laser, honing in on the problem and driving like the wind to Richmond and back with some obscure display part.
He was in and out in under 2 hours with his initial assessment, the rush hour part purchase and the actual repair. I can't recommend Kruse enough for any and all boiler issues.
He was in and out in under 2 hours with his initial assessment, the rush hour part purchase and the actual repair. I can't recommend Kruse enough for any and all boiler issues.
Barbara Brodrick
Nov 19, 2017
Shannon Shannon
Feb 19, 2017
DO NOT USE L J Kruse. RUN! We have an inspection done at our residence close to Noon on Nov 4th. Same day, three hours later, Margie at the billing department tracking me down at work demands the credit card number while I have my clients sitting in front of me. Which firm does not let a wife speaks with a husband before a credit card charge go through?
Before you starts to threaten your potential client, can you please relax? We have no intention not paying for what we owe. It has been 3 hours only. Let me go home and have a chance to speak with my husband. I placed a call and speak to one of owner Nathan Kruse. He sounds warm and empathizing the situation. Unfortunately, the damage is done. I phoned back in one hour and ready to pay for this little inspection and chose not go through with the major hot water boiler replacement project as the Tech quoted. I wish I picked other company. Run! Don't make the same mistake I made by using L.J. Kruse. Run!
Before you starts to threaten your potential client, can you please relax? We have no intention not paying for what we owe. It has been 3 hours only. Let me go home and have a chance to speak with my husband. I placed a call and speak to one of owner Nathan Kruse. He sounds warm and empathizing the situation. Unfortunately, the damage is done. I phoned back in one hour and ready to pay for this little inspection and chose not go through with the major hot water boiler replacement project as the Tech quoted. I wish I picked other company. Run! Don't make the same mistake I made by using L.J. Kruse. Run!
Shannon C.
Nov 04, 2016
DO NOT USE this firm. We have an inspection at 11:30AM on Nov 4th. Manager Margie phoned me at my work at 3PM same day (Nov 4th) demanding a credit card numbers when I have my clients sitting in front of me. I asked her if it is okay to wait till I get home and communicate with my husband. This Margie starts to speak offensively. We have no intention not paying what we owe( I believe is less than $160).
Can you at least let me chat with my husband before a charge go through on our credit card? It seems our hot water boiler needs to be replaced. We will not use L J Kruse after this intense confrontation over a small bill. We will certainly mail out the check before Monday and run as far as we can. Mission accomplish Margie! You successful scare away a $2150 work assignment.
Can you at least let me chat with my husband before a charge go through on our credit card? It seems our hot water boiler needs to be replaced. We will not use L J Kruse after this intense confrontation over a small bill. We will certainly mail out the check before Monday and run as far as we can. Mission accomplish Margie! You successful scare away a $2150 work assignment.
Anastasia E.
Sep 02, 2016
I would give them a ZERO if I could. They rescheduled THREE times then tried to reschedule a FOURTH! My landlady set this up. They told me EACH time they didn't have my contact number. I gave it to them EACH time! Not only that, but the woman I talked to the last time was not apologetic about this insanity. Very cold. And then they billed my landlady $184 which she paid, not realizing what was going on. Shame on them. The worst business attitude ever. Worst business practice ever.
Cheryl Simeone
Apr 27, 2016
Hanna V.
Dec 21, 2015
Our furnace stopped working and we called Kruse (on the recommendation of another vendor!). The technician advised that the furnace was too old to be repaired and the faulty part was no longer manufactured. He advised replacing the furnace. I was charged $184 for this visit/advice. There are two problems with this situation: 1. I called another vendor to get a second opinion and that vendor not only was able to source the part, but was able to fix the furnace and it is now functioning perfectly.
The cost to me was $200 total. 2. The quote which Kruse provided to replace the furnace was almost $5000 for the one furnace. When I looked up the materials online, it was less than $1000. This means that Kruse was quoting $4000 for labor. I will not recommend this company due to the poor service, incorrect information, inflated bid, waste of my $184, and general incompetence.
The cost to me was $200 total. 2. The quote which Kruse provided to replace the furnace was almost $5000 for the one furnace. When I looked up the materials online, it was less than $1000. This means that Kruse was quoting $4000 for labor. I will not recommend this company due to the poor service, incorrect information, inflated bid, waste of my $184, and general incompetence.