Durham's oldest neighborhoods have plumbing that's seen decades of use. Element Service Group handles everything from emergency leaks to full repiping — with licensed plumbers who know Durham's infrastructure inside and out.
Choose the right plumbing service for your needs.
No hot water? We diagnose and repair tank and tankless water heaters of all brands with upfront pricing and fast turnaround.
Learn moreTank and tankless water heater options properly sized for your household. Professional installation with same-day availability.
Learn moreEndless hot water on demand with energy-efficient tankless systems. Save space, save energy, and never run out of hot water.
Learn moreClear stubborn clogs fast with professional drain cleaning for kitchen, bathroom, and main sewer lines using camera inspection.
Learn moreFind hidden leaks before they cause costly water damage. Advanced detection technology pinpoints problems behind walls and under slabs.
Learn moreFix burst, corroded, or leaking pipes with lasting repairs. We handle copper, PEX, PVC, and cast iron for any plumbing situation.
Learn moreKeep your basement dry with sump pump installation, repair, and battery backup systems that protect against flooding year-round.
Learn moreEliminate hard water buildup that damages pipes, appliances, and fixtures. Whole-home water softener installation and maintenance.
Learn moreQuiet, powerful garbage disposal installation and repair. We service all brands and help you choose the right unit for your kitchen.
Learn moreFix running, leaking, or clogged toilets fast. We repair and replace all toilet types with same-day service available.
Learn moreUpgrade your kitchen and bathroom with expert faucet repair, replacement, and new fixture installation for any style or brand.
Learn moreComplete bathroom and kitchen plumbing for renovation projects — from rough-in to fixture installation, done right the first time.
Learn moreClean, great-tasting water from every tap. Whole-home and under-sink filtration systems that remove contaminants and hard minerals.
Learn moreFast, reliable emergency plumbing services in Apex and surrounding areas. Same-day response for urgent plumbing needs.
Learn moreReal jobs completed by our team in the Durham area
Nick & Chris
July 2026
A homeowner in Durham noticed their chiller system was not performing efficiently, causing discomfort during a particularly hot day.
Nick discovered that the chiller system's piping and associated components were outdated and not functioning optimally.
Nick and Chris installed new piping for the chiller system, including an expansion tank, isolation valve, flowmeter, boiler drains, and check valves. They also added unions and isolation valves on the roof for the top unit, bled the system by filling it with water, and ensured all air was removed. After pressurizing the system, they confirmed there were no leaks and that everything was flowing properly.
The chiller system was restored to full functionality, providing efficient cooling for the homeowner.
If your chiller system isn't cooling efficiently, it might be time to check the piping and associated components. Regular maintenance can prevent costly breakdowns during peak usage times.
Chris
July 2026
A homeowner in Durham experienced a sudden stop in their tankless water heater, accompanied by an error message.
Chris found that a specific part within the tankless water heater system needed replacement to resolve the error.
Chris informed the homeowner about the situation and ordered the necessary part for the repair. He ensured the homeowner was fully aware of the current status and the next steps once the part arrives.
The homeowner was informed and prepared for the next visit to complete the repair.
If your tankless water heater shows an error message, take a photo of the code. This helps technicians diagnose the issue faster and ensures they bring the right parts for the repair.
Nick
July 2026
The homeowner noticed that the sewage ejector pump was running more frequently than usual, causing concern after a recent water heater leak.
Nick determined that the increased pump activity was likely due to more water usage during a children's sleepover, rather than a mechanical issue.
Nick cycled the sewage ejector pump multiple times to ensure it was functioning properly and checked for any leaks in the basement bathroom. He found everything in working order and provided an estimate for installing an emergency alarm and a service membership.
The pump was confirmed to be operating correctly, alleviating the homeowner's concerns.
If your sewage ejector pump runs more often than usual, consider recent water usage patterns. Events like sleepovers can increase water flow temporarily. If it persists, it might be time for a professional check-up.
Nick
July 2026
A homeowner in Durham was experiencing a leak from their upstairs toilet.
Nick found that the existing shut-off valve was not properly sealing, causing water to leak.
Nick installed a new compression shut-off valve to properly seal the connection and prevent further leaks. He also provided advice on setting up the homeowner's new bidet toilet for optimal performance.
The leak was successfully stopped, and the homeowner was equipped with helpful tips for their new bidet toilet.
A compression shut-off valve is crucial for preventing leaks. If you notice water pooling around your toilet, it might be time to replace the valve to avoid water damage.
Working with the Element Service team, in particular the Plumbing department, has been an absolute pleasure this last month. Starting with an inspection of my plumbing, where Chris came out did a very thorough inspection of all the plumbing and was very knowledgeable talking through everything he was looking at and why then giving good quality details on things that didn’t look great made me feel comfortable in decisions going forward on any work that I wanted to get done. Estimates were also very fairly priced and easy to work through getting the work scheduled. I decided on doing a new water heater installation, whole house water line re-pipe, and a shower replacement. Chris, Nick, and Manny were timely with their arrival to the project, walked me through what the plan was for the day and proceeded to complete the re-pipe and water heater installation on day 1. Chris and Nick came back on day 2 and worked through the shower replacement. The shower materials were of excellent quality and all turned out fantastic in the end! Through the whole process Chris made sure to keep me in the loop on how the work was progressing, if he was having issues, and on anything else I may need to know. These guys at Element Service group pride themselves on the work they do and ensure their customers are happy in the end! I really appreciate Chris and the team for the work on this large project and will definitely be using them for future projects and referring them to friends around the area.
Jordan Matthews
Verified Google ReviewRaleigh
Tech was very friendly and on time. Job was done neatly and very professional. Very satisfied. Price was reasonable in today's economy. Plan to use Element for future needs.
Jan Howard
Verified Google ReviewKnightdale
Extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Took time to explain everything and answer my questions.
Neil Smyth
Verified Google ReviewCary
Element was called after getting estimates from Comfort First, the plumbing company referred by American Home Shield for our broken water heater. The plumber from that AHS partner company was dishonest, trying to make it seem like modifications (which are not covered by the warranty) were all required when they were not. He also told me that if I chose the lowest-cost option, it could take three weeks for AHS to supply the new water heater. "Modifications" is the keyword for $$$ when dealing with home warranties. Element was able to get to my home within a day and installed the water heater the next morning. Chris was down-to-earth and completely honest about which code updates I actually must complete and why they were required. He also provided a quote for going tankless, but after a week of cold showers, I just wanted a quick replacement similar to the unit that had lasted us 14 years. The ultimate confirmation that Element was the right choice came when AHS called me directly and let me know the previous company lied—it only takes 3–5 days to ship a new water heater, not three weeks. I gladly took the AHS cash-in-lieu of repair option and put that money toward the Element bill. The new unit is a great step up—they replaced my old State Select with a State ProLine. The installation was highly professional, and it works great. Hopefully, I can get 14 years out of this one, too!
Tim Brown
Verified Google ReviewCary
Nick and Chris were knowledgeable, professional, and timely during the entire process of replacing our gas tankless hot water heater.
Jason Dalton
Verified Google ReviewApex
Chris was amazing! From the estimate to the completion of the install of a new water heater he never missed a step. He was clear and professional in his communication, detailed in his work, and left the site better than he found it. His whole crew, including Tay (and I forgot to ask the other gentleman's name) were also all great!
Paige Darlington
Verified Google Review
Jun 22, 2026 · 7 min read
Toilet installation in the Raleigh-Durham area typically runs between $400 and $1,200. Here's exactly what drives that range and how to get a licensed plumber out to your home for $49 or less.
Read article
Oct 29, 2025 · 8 min read
Regular plumbing maintenance helps you avoid major issues and keeps your system running smoothly. Follow this comprehensive 10-point checklist to protect your home from costly repairs and extend the life of your plumbing system.
Read article
Oct 15, 2025 · 6 min read
A drain backup is one of the most frustrating plumbing issues you can face. Learn professional strategies to prevent clogs, maintain your system, and avoid costly emergency repairs.
Read articleDurham's diverse housing stock ranges from historic homes to modern builds, each requiring different HVAC approaches and solutions.
The Bull City's hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F demand reliable AC systems with proper maintenance schedules.
Many older Durham homes have ductwork that wasn't designed for central AC, requiring creative solutions and expert retrofitting.
Durham's tree-lined neighborhoods provide shade but also shed debris that can clog outdoor AC units, requiring regular cleaning and maintenance.
Durham homes contain every generation of residential plumbing material—from galvanized steel and cast iron in pre-1970 homes to CPVC and PEX in newer construction—each with distinct failure modes and repair approaches.
Durham's historic and mid-century neighborhoods have aging clay tile or Orangeburg (tar paper) sewer lines that collapse, crack, and allow heavy root intrusion.
Some older Durham homes may have lead solder connections or lead service lines connecting to city water mains. Water testing and proactive replacement eliminate this health concern.
Parts of Durham have high water tables that create hydrostatic pressure on foundation plumbing, sometimes causing sump pump failures and basement or crawlspace moisture issues.
More ways we can help in Durham.
Answered by our licensed technicians serving Durham.
A professional plumbing inspection is the most reliable way. Generally, Durham homes built pre-1960 may have galvanized steel and cast iron; 1960s-1990s homes typically have copper supply and cast iron or ABS drains; post-2000 homes use CPVC, PEX, or copper supply with PVC drains. We identify all materials and note any concerns during our inspection.
Homes built before 1986 in Durham may have lead solder on copper joints or lead service lines. Durham provides water quality reports, but testing your specific home's water is the most definitive answer. We can test your water and replace any lead components found—this is especially important for homes with young children.
The top causes in older Durham neighborhoods are tree root intrusion into aging clay tile sewer lines, pipe collapse from deterioration, and grease buildup in cast iron drains. Camera inspection reveals the exact cause and location, and we can often repair with trenchless methods that avoid digging up your yard.
Yes. Durham's rental market requires reliable plumbing that minimizes emergency calls. We recommend proactive water heater replacement before failure, annual drain maintenance, and supply line inspections for older properties. Our property management plans provide priority service and consolidated billing for landlords with multiple Durham units.
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