Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Plumbing & HVAC Experts in Berkeley, CA
LJ Kruse has been a family-owned and operated plumbing, heating, and cooling company since 1916, serving the San Francisco Bay Area with a commitment to excellence and reliability. Our team of skilled professionals delivers tailored solutions for residential and commercial clients, combining traditional values with modern expertise. With over a century of experience, we prioritize exceptional customer service and use high-quality materials to ensure lasting results. Our services include comprehensive repairs, routine maintenance, and new construction projects, supported by advanced technologies like Building Information Modeling.As a BBB A+ rated business, we uphold transparency, ethical practices, and community involvement, including partnerships with local organizations like Berkeley Humane. Our union-certified technicians undergo continuous training to maintain industry-leading standards. Headquartered in Berkeley, California, we serve Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, offering financing options through partnerships to meet diverse client needs. Our LEED Gold-certified facility reflects our dedication to sustainability and innovation in every project we undertake.
Services
Drain Cleaning
Leak Detection
Repiping
Garbage Disposal Service
Faucet Replacement
Toilet Repair
Commercial Plumbing
AC Replacement
Heating Repair
Boiler Services
Details
- Year established: 1916
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years of experience in plumbing and HVAC services.
- Our company is BBB A+ accredited.
- We are family-owned and operated with fourth-generation leadership.
- We partner with Greensky for flexible financing options.
- Our team includes union-certified plumbers and HVAC technicians.
Associations and certifications
- Better Business Bureau
- Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 342
What people say
Prompt service
Professional technicians
Family-owned trustworthiness
Community involvement
Reliable services
Services
Drain Cleaning
Our drain cleaning services address clogged or slow drains using advanced equipment to restore optimal flow. We specialize in residential and commercial systems, ensuring minimal disruption to your property. With 24/7 emergency availability, our licensed technicians resolve issues promptly while adhering to strict safety standards.
Heating Repair
We provide comprehensive heating repair for residential and commercial HVAC systems, including furnaces and boilers. Our technicians diagnose issues quickly using digital diagnostics tools. With same-day service available, we restore comfort efficiently while maintaining energy efficiency and system longevity through proper maintenance techniques.
Commercial Plumbing
Our commercial plumbing services cover large-scale installations, maintenance, and emergency repairs for businesses. We handle complex systems in office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial facilities. With BIM technology integration and 24/7 emergency response, we minimize downtime while ensuring code compliance and operational efficiency for business clients.
Boiler Services
We offer complete boiler services including installation, maintenance, and emergency repairs for residential and commercial systems. Our technicians service all major boiler types, ensuring safe and efficient operation. With preventative maintenance plans available, we help extend equipment lifespan while maintaining optimal heating performance for homes and businesses.
New Construction
Our new construction services integrate plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical systems for residential and commercial developments. We collaborate with architects using BIM technology for precise system design. From initial planning to final installation, we ensure energy efficiency, code compliance, and seamless integration with modern building requirements across the Bay Area.
People
Nathan Kruse
CEO
Fourth-generation leader overseeing daily operations and project management. Serves on NORCAL MCA Board of Directors. Focuses on company culture development and maintaining family business legacy through innovative construction approaches.
Benjamin Kruse
Vice President
Project manager handling large-scale projects with journeyman plumber certification. Prioritizes community value creation and quality assurance. Holds BS degree from University of Vermont. Emphasizes employee well-being and family-oriented workplace culture.
Will Kruse
Service Manager
Oversees 10-technician service department with union plumbing apprenticeship completion. Focuses on customer relationship building and maintaining family service standards. Holds journalism degree from Boston University. Promotes community engagement through Oakland A's support.
Questions
Is LJ Kruse part of a union?
Yes, we're members of Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 342, ensuring ongoing training and industry-standard expertise for our technicians.
Do you offer annual maintenance memberships?
Yes, our memberships provide priority booking, maintenance discounts, and annual system inspections to ensure optimal performance and cost savings.
How are service costs determined?
Costs depend on service complexity. We provide personalized estimates after assessing your specific needs and system requirements.
What differentiates LJ Kruse from competitors?
We combine 100+ years of experience, fourth-generation family leadership, union-certified technicians, and community-focused service with modern BIM technology integration.
Reviews (7)
Daisy C.
Jun 27, 2022
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In my professional life ( HOA property manager) We always have plumbing issues somewhere. Kruse has been instrumental at one particular property and so helpful when situations happen. The office staff is great and so are the techs that go on site to resolve issues for my homeowners.
Billie W.
May 03, 2021
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Excellent and professional service, estimate, and quality products. Thank you for taking on such a large project and competing the job on time.
Scott A.
Apr 12, 2021
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Ask for Ramon! He solved my problem without spending any money and then proceeded to diagnose and fix something else I didn't even notice that was about to become a problem. Family owned and been in the east bay for three generations!
Diana Victoria B.
Feb 23, 2021
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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
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Simply the best. Fun to work with. Phenomenal service, so talented Matt went out of his way to make a tricky vintage tub install happen!
Ciel C.
Jul 21, 2020
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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
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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.
