535 Plumbing Offers High-Quality Repairs, with No Surprises

2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award winner: Founder Shane Mizusawa says service costs are “very transparent and upfront.” Some are even free.

Plumbing bills can shock you, but Shane Mizusawa wants to spare customers of 535 Plumbing that pain.

“We are very transparent and upfront,” he says. “Most plumbing companies will just try to book you, get a plumber out there, and charge an assessment fee, but we try our best to educate clients over the phone and give them an idea of what to expect before we even get there.”

535 Plumbing won’t charge an assessment fee unless a client can’t provide photos or a description of the issue, but Mizusawa says 99% of the time people can and do.

That way, clients can get an idea of the cost and “make sure they’re OK with it beforehand.”

Considering DIY or an unlicensed handyman? Mizusawa warns that either path could make the problem worse or create legal headaches.

“We’re licensed and insured. Anytime you hire a contractor, you want to make sure that they are licensed with the (state) and have insurance because if they damage anything or someone gets hurt on your property, they could sue you.”

Another PSA: Do not use caustic liquid drain cleaners like Drano because the chemicals are extremely corrosive. Repeated use can damage your plumbing, especially older pipes. Instead, Mizusawa advises, use products with “enzymes that you can put down your drain that will break up the organic matter.”

In addition to repairs, 535 Plumbing likes making installations that are both good for the environment and save clients money.

“We try to always install water-saving fixtures like toilets, faucets, showerheads and energy-saving water heaters. We’re partners with Hawai‘i Energy, so we’re big on thermal, solar and hybrid water heaters.”

Mizusawa learned the trade from his uncle and founded 535 Plumbing in 2015. “The most rewarding part of my job as a leader is always talking about our values, our mission and our model: be fair to the client and be fair to the company.”

Customers like that approach: 535’s Yelp page contains 452 reviews with an average of 4.7 stars out of 5.

Mizusawa credits his staff for the company’s continuous improvement. “Everyone, from an apprentice up to management, always has an open line of communication so that we can make recommendations of how to improve, be more efficient or simplify a process.”