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Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Durham Plumbing Experts Since 1947
Acme Plumbing has been serving Durham and surrounding communities since 1947 as a fourth-generation family-owned business. Our deep roots in the community allow us to provide personalized plumbing solutions for both residential and commercial clients. With over 75 years of combined experience, we specialize in emergency repairs, drain cleaning, water heater maintenance, and sewer line services using state-of-the-art technology. Our team of licensed professionals maintains a 2-year warranty on all parts and labor while holding an A+ BBB rating and Angie's List Super Service Award. We prioritize transparent communication, offering 24/7 emergency service for existing customers and same-day appointments for urgent plumbing needs.

Our commitment to quality workmanship is demonstrated through our service agreements that include annual maintenance and priority scheduling. As active community members, we understand local plumbing challenges from historic homes to modern commercial buildings. Our technicians receive ongoing training to maintain expertise in both traditional methods and innovative solutions like hydro jetting and trenchless sewer repair. Customer satisfaction remains our top priority, evidenced by our 100% satisfaction guarantee and long-standing relationships with multi-generational clients.
Services
Drain Cleaning Hydro Jetting Gas Plumbing Fixture Plumbing Water Heaters Pump Plumbing Sewer Video Emergency Service Backflow Testing Remodeling
Details
  • Year established: 1947
Highlights and features
  • We offer 24/7 emergency service for existing customers
  • Our team has four generations of plumbing expertise
  • We provide a 2-year warranty on all parts and labor
  • A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau since 1947
  • We offer service agreements with priority scheduling
Associations and certifications
  • Better Business Bureau
  • Angie's List
What people say
Prompt, polite, professional Knowledgeable and professional Excellent customer service Highly professional technicians Quick response, quick repair
Services
Drain Cleaning
Our drain cleaning specialists use motorized snakes and high-pressure water jetting to clear even the toughest clogs in residential and commercial properties. We perform both reactive repairs and preventative maintenance to keep your drainage system flowing smoothly. Our technicians identify underlying issues like tree root intrusion or pipe corrosion during every service call.
Emergency Plumbing
We provide 24/7 emergency response for burst pipes, severe leaks, and other urgent plumbing failures. Our on-call technicians carry essential replacement parts and equipment to resolve most emergencies during the initial visit. Existing service agreement customers receive priority dispatching for after-hours emergencies.
Water Heater Maintenance
Our comprehensive water heater service includes tank flushing, anode rod inspection, pressure relief valve testing, and efficiency optimization. We service all major brands of traditional tank and tankless water heaters. Regular maintenance extends equipment lifespan and prevents unexpected failures.
Sewer Video Camera
Using advanced camera technology, we perform non-invasive sewer line inspections to diagnose clogs, cracks, and root intrusion. The real-time video feed helps us pinpoint exact problem locations and recommend appropriate repairs. This service prevents unnecessary excavation and reduces repair costs.
Plumbing Remodeling
We handle complete plumbing system upgrades for kitchen and bathroom remodels. Our services include new fixture installation, pipe reconfiguration, and code compliance verification. Our team coordinates with other contractors to ensure seamless integration with your renovation timeline.
People
Larry Tilley
President
Third-generation plumber with 40+ years of experience overseeing commercial projects and company operations. Holds professional engineering credentials that enhance our design/build capabilities.
Laurence Tilley
Commercial Division
Fourth-generation plumber who joined the business in 2013, bringing expertise in modern plumbing systems and technology. Now leads commercial operations after residential service experience.
Alejandro G.
Lead Technician
Certified plumbing technician known for clear communication and thorough problem diagnosis. Provides detailed explanations of issues and repair options to residential customers.
Eddie
Service Technician
Experienced plumber specializing in residential repairs with consistent customer praise for promptness and professional demeanor during service calls.
Anthony Rogers
Service Manager
Manages residential service operations with focus on efficient scheduling and quality control. Oversees team of eight lead technicians and apprentices.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We serve Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Raleigh, and surrounding areas in North Carolina.
Do you offer emergency services?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency plumbing service for existing customers with priority scheduling.
What plumbing services do you offer?
We provide full-service plumbing including drain cleaning, water heater repair, sewer line work, and emergency services for residential and commercial clients.
Are your plumbers licensed?
All our technicians are fully licensed, bonded, and insured professionals with ongoing training.
Do you have service agreements?
Yes, we offer maintenance agreements with annual inspections, discounts, and priority emergency service access.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards for all plumbing services and repairs.
Reviews (6)
Susan Breed
May 15, 2022 Report
We called on a Sunday because our drain was clogged and flooded downstairs. Alex came out within hour of initial call and worked diligently from 9am to almost 6 pm. I was impressed with his courteousness and diligent work ethic. The blockage required multiple attempts to access drain and additional team members assistance. They worked throughout the day and needed additional parts to complete the the task.

At one time, we had 3 Acme trucks in front of our house. The clog went down 1700 feet down in the back of our house. They did not stop working until clog was found and opened. It was a long day for all. Acme workers maintained a positive attitude and worked hard until job was completed. We are very grateful to Alex and his team.
Katie Geckle
May 12, 2022 Report
Will was super friendly and found my problem fast! He replaced my water pressure regulator, which had failed, and it has immediately addressed my crummy water pressure. A great experience all around!
Peter Harrell
Apr 02, 2022 Report
Acme did a good job. Texted name and picture of the plumber. They were polite and friendly. Did the job quickly and efficiently. Service: Repair water fixtures
Fred Ibberson
Mar 12, 2022 Report
Excellent all-around. Timely, professional, on time, courteous. Very happy with their evaluation and solution of the problem. Acme is for sure my go-tp plumbing company. Efrem and Zac were the best. Service: Sewer repair
Alice Sharpe
Feb 07, 2022 Report
The technician came on time, followed COVID protocols, assessed the situation and ordered the needed part after explaining what was happening. When the part was received, Acme contacted me and in less than 20 minutes, the tech was here to install the part.easy as can be. Ease of scheduling, professional technicians and reliable service are the reasons I count on Acme.
Eileen Pruette
Feb 04, 2022 Report
My technician, Norval, fixed a problem I have suffered with for ten years and through three prior plumbers. He is my plumbing hero! Ten years ago, I had a recirculating hot water pump installed by a "professional" plumber, but it never seemed to deliver hot water as quickly to my kitchen sink as my similar pump had done in a previous home. So I called a different plumbing service to look at it, and he said that my timer was not set correctly.

I convinced myself it was better, but it really wasn't. Third plumber looked at it and said the motor was out. That didn't make sense, so I didn't get it replaced as he recommended, and so I put up with it for another several years before a friend recommended Acme. Called Acme. They sent Norval. He explained that the original installation was not correct - that it needed a valve. He ordered the valve, came back to install it a few days later and I now smile every single time I turn on the hot water and it comes out hot!