Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Plumbing & HVAC Services in Berkeley, CA
As a family-owned and operated business with over a century of experience, LJ Kruse has established itself as a trusted provider of plumbing, HVAC, and boiler services across the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 1916 by Louis J. Kruse, our company has been passed through four generations of leadership, maintaining a steadfast commitment to excellence, reliability, and customer service. Our team of certified professionals delivers tailored solutions for residential and commercial clients, combining traditional values with modern expertise to address complex heating, cooling, and plumbing needs.We pride ourselves on our A+ Better Business Bureau rating, union affiliations, and partnerships with local organizations like the Berkeley Humane Society, reflecting our dedication to community impact and professional integrity.
Services
Drain Cleaning
Leak Detection
Repiping
AC Repair
Heating Installation
Boiler Services
Commercial Plumbing
BIM Modeling
New Construction
Maintenance Agreements
Details
- Year established: 1916
Highlights and features
- We have over 100 years of experience in plumbing, HVAC, and boiler services.
- Our company maintains an A+ ranking with the Better Business Bureau.
- We are family-owned and operated, prioritizing personalized customer service.
- We offer financing options through Greensky for customer convenience.
- Our team partners with Berkeley Humane to support animal welfare efforts.
Associations and certifications
- Better Business Bureau
- Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 342
Services
Drain Cleaning
Our drain cleaning services resolve clogs and blockages using advanced equipment to restore proper water flow. We specialize in both residential and commercial systems, ensuring minimal disruption to your property. Our technicians prioritize long-term solutions to prevent recurring issues.
AC Repair
We diagnose and repair all types of air conditioning systems with prompt, efficient service. Our HVAC experts use industry-standard tools to identify refrigerant leaks, compressor failures, and electrical problems. Regular maintenance prolongs system lifespan and improves energy efficiency.
Boiler Services
This service covers installation, maintenance, and repair of residential and commercial boiler systems. Our licensed technicians ensure optimal performance through pressure checks, component replacements, and efficiency tuning. Safety inspections identify potential hazards in fuel lines and pressure vessels.
New Construction
We provide full plumbing and HVAC solutions for new commercial and residential developments. Our team coordinates with architects and contractors to implement code-compliant systems using Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology for precise installations in modern construction projects.
BIM Modeling
Our BIM services create detailed 3D models of plumbing and HVAC systems for construction planning. This technology enhances project visualization, reduces installation errors, and improves coordination between trades. We utilize specialized software to optimize pipe routing and equipment placement in complex building designs.
People
Nathan Kruse
CEO
Fourth-generation leader overseeing daily operations and company strategy. Committed to maintaining world-class culture through training and development. Holds leadership roles in industry organizations.
Benjamin Kruse
Vice President
Project manager with plumbing journeyman credentials. Focuses on community value and quality standards. Holds a Bachelor of Science degree and prioritizes employee well-being.
Will Kruse
Service Manager
Vice President managing the service department. Completed union apprenticeships and journalism degree. Emphasizes customer relationships and generational service continuity.
Anthony Olivera
Service Team
Experienced technician providing on-site plumbing and HVAC solutions. Part of dedicated team delivering reliable service across the Bay Area.
Jerod Warren
HVAC Technician
Specializes in heating and cooling systems maintenance and repair. Contributes to technical excellence in residential and commercial HVAC services.
Questions
Is LJ Kruse part of a union?
We are members of Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 342, ensuring ongoing training and industry-standard expertise for quality service.
Do you offer annual maintenance memberships?
Yes, memberships provide priority booking, exclusive discounts, and annual system inspections to maintain optimal performance and cost efficiency.
How are service costs determined?
Costs depend on service scope, materials, and complexity. Contact us directly for a personalized estimate based on your specific needs.
What distinguishes LJ Kruse from competitors?
We combine 100+ years of experience, fourth-generation family leadership, union-certified technicians, and community-focused practices for unmatched reliability.
Reviews (4)
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
