Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Durham Plumbing Experts
Acme Plumbing has been serving the Triangle area through four generations of the Tilley family since 1947. Founded by W. Laurence Tilley Sr., the company evolved from S & T Plumbing to Tilleys Acme Plumbing & Heating Company before becoming the trusted name in Durham's plumbing industry. With over 75 years of combined experience, our team specializes in residential and commercial plumbing services, including emergency repairs, drain cleaning, water heater maintenance, and sewer line solutions. Our fourth-generation plumbers bring deep local knowledge and technical expertise to every project, serving Durham and surrounding communities from historic homes to modern commercial facilities. We maintain a 2-year warranty on all parts and labor, backed by our A+ BBB rating and Angie's List Super Service Award.Our commitment to quality workmanship and community service has earned us lasting trust from customers whose families have relied on us for generations. We operate with transparency, providing clear explanations of issues and solutions while using state-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnostics. Our trucks are stocked with essential tools and parts for same-day repairs, and we offer service agreements with priority scheduling and discounts. As a locally owned business deeply rooted in the community, we prioritize prompt response times and honest pricing while maintaining compliance with all local codes and safety standards.
Services
Drain Cleaning
Emergency Plumbing
Water Heater Maintenance
Sewer Line Repair
Plumbing Inspections
Fixture Plumbing
Gas Plumbing
Hydro Jetting
Backflow Testing
Plumbing Remodeling
Details
- Year established: 1947
Highlights and features
- Fourth-generation family plumbers serving Durham since 1947
- 2-year warranty on all parts and labor
- Winner of Angie's List Super Service Award
- A+ rated by Better Business Bureau
- Same-day service with stocked service trucks
Associations and certifications
- Angie's List Super Service Award
- Better Business Bureau (A+ Rated)
What people say
Prompt, polite, and professional
Knowledgeable and explained everything
Family has relied on them for decades
Fixed issue quickly and efficiently
Technicians were professional and personable
Services
Drain Cleaning
Our professional drain cleaning services address clogs and blockages in residential and commercial plumbing systems. Using motorized drain snakes and high-pressure water jetting, we clear obstructions from kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, and commercial kitchen lines. Regular maintenance prevents backups and maintains proper drainage for homes and businesses in Durham and surrounding areas.
Emergency Plumbing
We provide urgent plumbing repairs for burst pipes, leaking fixtures, and sewer backups. Available 24/7 for service agreement customers, our technicians respond promptly to minimize water damage. Emergency services include pipe repairs, drain clearing, and water heater troubleshooting for residential and commercial properties in Durham and the Triangle area.
Sewer Line Repair
Our sewer line repair services address damaged or blocked sewer pipes using traditional and trenchless methods. We perform sewer video inspections to identify cracks, root intrusion, or blockages. Repair options include pipe lining and complete replacement, ensuring long-term solutions for residential and commercial properties throughout Durham County.
Water Heater Maintenance
We offer comprehensive water heater services including installation, repair, and annual maintenance. Our technicians service tank and tankless water heaters, addressing issues like insufficient hot water, unusual noises, and leaks. Regular maintenance extends equipment lifespan and improves energy efficiency for homeowners and businesses in the Triangle region.
Plumbing Inspections
Our plumbing inspection services identify potential issues through visual examination and video camera diagnostics. We inspect pipes, fixtures, and water systems for leaks, corrosion, and code compliance. Inspections help prevent emergencies and ensure optimal system performance for residential properties and commercial facilities in Durham and surrounding communities.
People
Larry Tilley
President and Owner
Third-generation plumber with 37 years of experience, specializing in commercial plumbing design. Joined the business in 1984, bringing professional engineering expertise to strengthen commercial projects. Leads strategic direction while maintaining hands-on involvement in complex jobs.
Laurence T. Tilley
Commercial Department
Fourth-generation plumber who joined in 2013 after graduating from NC State University. Transitioned from residential service to commercial operations in 2020. Manages large-scale projects with technical expertise while maintaining family commitment to quality service.
Anthony Rogers
Service Department Manager
Experienced plumbing professional overseeing eight lead technicians and support staff. Manages day-to-day residential service operations with focus on prompt response times and customer satisfaction. Ensures service team maintains high technical standards.
Questions
Do you offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services?
We provide 24/7 emergency service exclusively for existing maintenance agreement customers. Regular business hours are Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM.
What areas do you service?
We serve Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Raleigh, and surrounding areas including Apex, Morrisville, Hillsborough, and Carrboro. View our complete service map online.
What plumbing services do you offer?
We handle all residential and commercial plumbing needs including drain cleaning, sewer repair, water heater maintenance, fixture installation, and emergency repairs.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured with over 75 years of experience. Our technicians maintain current certifications for all plumbing work.
Do you offer service agreements?
Yes, we offer maintenance agreements with annual inspections, discounts, and priority scheduling. Emergency service is available 24/7 for agreement holders.
What warranties do you provide?
We offer a 2-year warranty on all parts and labor. This demonstrates our confidence in the quality of our workmanship and materials used.
Reviews (5)
Susan Breed
May 15, 2022
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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.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
