Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Durham Plumbers Since 1947
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 residential and commercial plumbing provider it is today. With deep roots in Durham, we've grown from a family garage operation to a full-service plumbing company with 10 commercial crews and 8 lead service technicians. Our fourth-generation team combines decades of hands-on experience with modern technology to deliver reliable solutions for both emergency repairs and large-scale construction projects.We maintain a strong commitment to community service, holding an A+ BBB rating and Angie's List Super Service Award recognition. Our licensed professionals provide comprehensive plumbing services including drain cleaning, sewer inspections, water heater maintenance, and commercial system installations while upholding a 2-year warranty on all parts and labor. Through facility expansions and strategic transitions, including our 2021 move from downtown Durham, we've maintained continuous service to the region for over 75 years.
Services
Drain Cleaning
Hydro Jetting
Gas Plumbing
Fixture Plumbing
Water Heaters
Sewer Inspection
Emergency Plumbing
Backflow Testing
Plumbing Remodeling
Commercial Plumbing
Details
- Year established: 1947
Highlights and features
- Fourth-generation family-owned plumbing expertise since 1947
- 24/7 emergency service with priority scheduling for agreement holders
- 2-year warranty on all parts and labor
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Licensed, bonded, and insured professionals with modern equipment
Associations and certifications
- Better Business Bureau
- Angie's List
What people say
Prompt, polite, professional
Knowledgeable and informative
Excellent customer service
Quick response time
Professional and personable
Services
Drain Cleaning
Our professional drain cleaning services use advanced tools like motorized snakes and high-pressure water jetting to clear even the toughest clogs. We handle residential and commercial drain systems, including kitchen sinks, bathroom fixtures, and floor drains. Regular maintenance prevents backups and keeps your plumbing flowing smoothly while extending system lifespan.
Emergency Plumbing
Available 24/7 for urgent plumbing issues including burst pipes, severe leaks, and complete system failures. Our rapid response team arrives equipped with essential tools and replacement parts to minimize water damage and restore functionality quickly. Priority scheduling ensures faster service for maintenance agreement holders.
Sewer Inspection
We use sewer video camera technology to diagnose underground pipe problems without destructive digging. This non-invasive method identifies cracks, blockages, and root intrusion in sewer lines. Our technicians provide clear explanations of findings and recommend appropriate repair or replacement solutions based on inspection results.
Water Heater Service
Comprehensive water heater maintenance, repair, and installation services for residential and commercial properties. Our experts handle traditional tank systems and modern tankless models, addressing issues like temperature fluctuations, leaks, and efficiency loss. Regular maintenance extends equipment life and improves energy efficiency.
Plumbing Remodeling
Full-scale plumbing remodeling for kitchen and bathroom renovations. We design and install updated systems that meet current code requirements while improving functionality. Services include fixture replacement, pipe reconfiguration, and water-saving solutions that enhance both residential and commercial spaces.
People
Larry Tilley
President
Third-generation plumber with over 40 years of experience, leading commercial operations since 1984. Holds professional engineering credentials that strengthened our commercial design/build capacity. Oversees major construction projects valued up to $2 million.
Laurence T. Tilley
Commercial Division
Fourth-generation plumber who joined the business in 2013. Transitioned to commercial operations in 2020 after revitalizing the residential service department. Manages project teams with expertise in both residential and commercial plumbing systems.
Anthony Rogers
Service Manager
Experienced leader managing the residential service department with eight lead technicians and support staff. Oversees day-to-day operations of emergency and scheduled maintenance services while maintaining customer satisfaction standards established by four generations of family ownership.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We serve Durham and surrounding communities including Chapel Hill, Cary, Raleigh, Hillsborough, and Apex.
Do you offer emergency services?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services for urgent issues like burst pipes and severe leaks.
What plumbing services do you offer?
We handle drain cleaning, sewer inspections, water heater repairs, fixture installations, and both residential and commercial plumbing projects.
Are your plumbers licensed?
Yes, all our technicians are fully licensed, bonded, and insured professionals with extensive training.
Do you have service agreements?
Yes, we offer annual maintenance plans with discounts, priority scheduling, and after-hours emergency service access.
What makes you different from other plumbers?
We're a fourth-generation family business with 75+ years of local experience and a 2-year warranty on all work.
Reviews (6)
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.
Eileen Pruette
Feb 04, 2022
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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!
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!
