Quick Comparison
| Firm | Founded / Tenure & Credentials | Services & Specialties | Geographic Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Y. Wright Company | 1918 (founder lineage); 108 years continuous operation; multi-trade mechanical, electrical, plumbing contractor | VA Class A Contractor with Plumbing Class I, multiple heating classifications, electrical, gas fitting, and HVAC credentials through DPOR; BBB Accredited | 830 West 39th Street Norfolk base (23508); Norfolk plus Virginia and North Carolina |
| Lindsey Brothers, Inc. | 1966 09 (James Lindsey Sr and parents Jeff and Jennie Lindsey, siblings, and their spouses); current daily operations under Larry Lindsey; James Lindsey Sr (age 86) serves as "helper"; three-generation Lindsey family operation; Christian-based business | DPOR #2701014263 (expires 2026-02-28); BBB Accredited | 865 Newtown Road Virginia Beach base; Norfolk plus Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News) |
| Norfolk Plumbing, Inc. (Powell's of Norfolk) | 2001 (founder lineage); 25 years of continuous Hampton Roads water and gas line service | DPOR Class A Contractor with Plumbing classification; BBB Accredited | Norfolk base; Norfolk plus Virginia Beach plus Southside Hampton Roads |
| Barry and Sons Plumbing, LLC | 2009 (Roy Barry founder, left previous plumbing employer to start own family business; named after his two sons); 17 years founder-led | DPOR Class A Contractor (CBC, RBC), Master Plumber (MPLB), Gas Fitter (MGFC), plus PLB and GFC; BBB Accredited | Norfolk base; Norfolk plus Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth |
1. John Y. Wright Company
- Address: 830 West 39th Street, Norfolk, VA 23508
- Phone: (757) 622-6371
- Founder: Founder lineage 1918; 108 years continuous operation; multi-trade mechanical, electrical, plumbing contractor
- Operating Since: 1918 (108 years; one of the longest continuously operating plumbing and mechanical contractors in Virginia)
- License: Virginia Class A Contractor with Plumbing Class I, multiple heating classifications, electrical, gas fitting, and HVAC credentials through DPOR; BBB Accredited
- Service area: Norfolk (downtown, Ghent, Larchmont, Colonial Place, Riverview, Ocean View, Park Place, West Ghent, Olde Huntersville, East Ocean View) plus Virginia and North Carolina
- Website: johnywright.com
108 Years of Continuous Norfolk Operation
John Y. Wright Company has operated continuously across 108 years of Norfolk service since 1918. The firm operates as a multi-trade mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractor serving residential and commercial clients across Virginia and North Carolina. The 108-year operating tenure ranks John Y. Wright among the longest-tenured plumbing and mechanical operators in the Mid-Atlantic.
West 39th Street Norfolk Operating Base
The 830 West 39th Street Norfolk headquarters underpins the firm in central Norfolk near the Old Dominion University corridor (23508). The position enables rapid dispatch across Norfolk neighborhoods (downtown, Ghent, Larchmont, Colonial Place, Riverview, Ocean View, Park Place, West Ghent, Olde Huntersville, East Ocean View). Service extends through the broader Hampton Roads market plus cross state North Carolina projects.
VA Class A Contractor With Plumbing Class I Plus Multi Trade Credentialing
John Y. Wright operates under Virginia Class A Contractor licensing with Plumbing Class I classification through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Additional credentials cover multiple heating classifications, electrical, gas fitting, and HVAC categories. Multi-trade credentialing supports unified mechanical electrical plumbing project work across both residential and commercial markets. BBB Accreditation provides third-party reputation verification.
2. Lindsey Brothers, Inc.
- Address: 865 Newtown Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (Norfolk and Hampton Roads service)
- Phone: (757) 461-3656
- Founder: James Lindsey Sr (founded September 1966 with parents Jeff and Jennie Lindsey, siblings, and their spouses; took bus ride from rural Princess Anne County to Norfolk at age 16; earned plumbing certificate at Booker T. Washington at age 18); current daily operations under Larry Lindsey; James Lindsey Sr (age 86) serves as “helper”; three-generation Lindsey family operation; Christian-based business
- Operating Since: 1966 09 (60 years; over 56 years of Hampton Roads service)
- License: Virginia DPOR #2701014263 (expires 2026-02-28); BBB Accredited
- Service area: Norfolk plus Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg
- Website: lindseybrothersinc.com
Three Lindsey Generations Across 60 Years
James Lindsey Sr founded Lindsey Brothers in September 1966 alongside his parents Jeff and Jennie Lindsey, his siblings, and their spouses. James earned his plumbing certificate at Booker T. Washington at age 18, with the firm’s genesis traced to a bus ride that 16-year old James took from rural Princess Anne County to Norfolk. Across 60 years of continuous Lindsey family operation, three generations now work in the company. Larry Lindsey runs the shop day to day. James Lindsey Sr, now age 86, calls himself a “helper” to his son. The firm operates as a Christian-based family-owned and family-operated business.
Newtown Road Virginia Beach Base With Norfolk Reach
The 865 Newtown Road Virginia Beach headquarters extends dispatch reach across the Hampton Roads metro footprint. Service extends through Norfolk plus Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg. The 60-year regional service depth covers residential plus commercial plumbing and heating across the seven cities of Hampton Roads.
DPOR #2701014263 Plus 60 Year Compliance Record
Lindsey Brothers operates under Virginia Class A Contractor license #2701014263 through DPOR with current expiration 2026-02-28. The 60-year continuous Lindsey family operating tenure plus three generation transition supports a verifiable compliance record. BBB Accreditation provides third-party reputation verification.
3. Norfolk Plumbing, Inc. (Powell’s of Norfolk)
- Address: Norfolk, VA (Hampton Roads service)
- Phone: (757) 855-0466
- Founder: Founder lineage 2001; 25 years continuous Hampton Roads water and gas line installation service
- Operating Since: 2001 (25 years)
- License: Virginia Class A Contractor with Plumbing classification through DPOR; BBB Accredited
- Service area: Norfolk plus Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk plus Southside Hampton Roads
- Website: norfolkplumbinginc.com
25 Years of Continuous Hampton Roads Water and Gas Line Operation
Norfolk Plumbing has installed high quality water and gas lines in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and the Southside Hampton Roads area since 2001. Across 25 years of continuous operation, the firm has built a Hampton Roads reputation centered on water and gas line specialty work. The firm now operates as Powell’s of Norfolk, continuing the original Norfolk Plumbing service line.
Norfolk Operating Base With Southside Hampton Roads Reach
Norfolk Plumbing operates from a Norfolk base. The position brings dispatch within across the Southside Hampton Roads footprint including Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. Service depth covers residential and commercial water and gas line installation alongside general plumbing service.
VA Class A Contractor With Plumbing Classification
Norfolk Plumbing operates under Virginia Class A Contractor licensing with Plumbing classification through DPOR. The City of Norfolk requires DPOR certification for all contractors operating within Norfolk city limits. BBB Accreditation provides third-party reputation verification. Continuous 2001-2026 operation supports a verifiable 25-year operating tenure.
4. Barry and Sons Plumbing, LLC
- Address: Norfolk, VA 23518
- Phone: (757) 277-9707
- Founder: Roy Barry (founded 2009; named after his two sons with the intent of family business succession); 17 years founder-led
- Operating Since: 2009 (17 years)
- License: Virginia Class A Contractor (CBC Commercial Building, RBC Residential Building), Master Plumber (MPLB), Master Gas Fitter (MGFC), plus Plumbing (PLB) and Gas Fitting (GFC) classifications through DPOR; BBB Accredited
- Service area: Norfolk plus Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk
- Website: barryandsonsplumbing.com
17 Years of Roy Barry Family Founded Operation
Roy Barry founded Barry and Sons Plumbing in 2009 after leaving his previous plumbing employer. Roy chose the name “Barry and Sons” because he has two sons and intended the firm as a family business that the next generation could take over. Across 17 years of continuous founder-led operation, the firm has built a Hampton Roads working radius as a small, local, family-owned plumbing operator.
Norfolk Base With Hampton Roads Reach
Barry and Sons Plumbing operates from a Norfolk 23518 base. The position opens rapid dispatch coverage across the Hampton Roads metro including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. Roy Barry serves as the licensed Master Plumber and Class A Contractor leading residential and commercial service across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Multi License DPOR Credentialing Plus Master Plumber Status
Barry and Sons Plumbing operates under multiple Virginia DPOR credentials: Class A Contractor (CBC and RBC), Master Plumber (MPLB), Master Gas Fitter (MGFC), Plumbing (PLB), and Gas Fitting (GFC). Multi license credentialing supports residential, commercial, plumbing, and gas fitting service. BBB Accreditation provides third-party reputation verification.
Reference Notes
Virginia plumbing licensing runs through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Board for Contractors. DPOR issues Class A, Class B, and Class C contractor licenses with classifications including PLB (Plumbing), MPLB (Master Plumber), GFC (Gas Fitting), MGFC (Master Gas Fitter), CBC (Commercial Building), and RBC (Residential Building). Verification runs through the DPOR license search at dpor.virginia.gov/licenselookup. The City of Norfolk requires DPOR certification before issuing or renewing business licenses to contractors. The Norfolk Department of Utilities handles water service connections plus annual backflow prevention testing.
Norfolk area residential housing reflects more than 350 years of construction since the city’s 1682 founding. Pre-1850 housing remains in downtown Norfolk and the historic Freemason district. The 1850-1920 streetcar suburb expansion built out Ghent, Park Place, Larchmont, Riverview, Colonial Place, West Ghent, and the Olde Huntersville district. Pre war Tudor-revival, Colonial-revival, and Federal revival housing filled out 1900-1940 across Ghent, Larchmont, Riverview, and the Larchmont Edgewater corridor. Postwar tract construction built out Ocean View, East Ocean View, Norview, Wards Corner, and the broader suburban ring through 1945-1980. The 1980s-2000s drove the East Ocean View resort area redevelopment plus the downtown Norfolk waterfront infill. Cast iron drain stacks, galvanized supply piping, lead service lines in pre-1940 housing, plus salt air corrosion considerations for the coastal corridor shape recurring service categories. Hurricane event flooding additionally drives sewer and drain service surges.
The four firms profiled cover four positions on the Norfolk market arc. John Y. Wright Company leads tenure with 108 years of continuous service since 1918, supported by Virginia Class A Contractor licensing with Plumbing Class I plus multiple electrical, mechanical, gas fitting, and HVAC classifications through DPOR. Lindsey Brothers follows with three Lindsey family generations since James Lindsey Sr’s September 1966 founding alongside parents Jeff and Jennie Lindsey. James Sr (age 86) now serves as “helper” while son Larry Lindsey runs daily operations. The Christian-based family-owned business holds DPOR #2701014263. Norfolk Plumbing (Powell’s of Norfolk) brings 25 years of Hampton Roads water and gas line installation service since 2001. Barry and Sons Plumbing runs 17 years of Roy Barry family founded operation since 2009. The firm holds Class A Contractor (CBC, RBC), Master Plumber (MPLB), Master Gas Fitter (MGFC), plus PLB and GFC credentials.
Verification paths run through dpor.virginia.gov/licenselookup, BBB Hampton Roads listings, the PHCC of Virginia directory, and the City of Norfolk Permits and Inspections contractor records. Pre-1900 downtown Norfolk and Freemason district housing tilts toward John Y. Wright’s 108-year operating depth. Three-generation Hampton Roads service since 1966 fits Lindsey Brothers. Hampton Roads water and gas line specialty since 2001 fits Norfolk Plumbing. Roy Barry family founded multi license Hampton Roads service since 2009 fits Barry and Sons Plumbing. National rollup brands operating in Hampton Roads (Authority Brands’ Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Neighborly’s Mr. Rooter, Service Experts, Roto-Rooter, Wrench Group, Redwood Services, Master Trades Group, ARS, Apex Service Partners, Turnpoint Services) sit outside the four firm independent profile.
Selection Methodology
Selection follows four criteria. First, continuous family ownership or founder-operator continuity outside the national rollup pattern. Second, verifiable Virginia DPOR Class A or Class B Contractor license with Plumbing classification cross-checked through the DPOR public lookup. Third, BBB Accreditation or equivalent third-party rating. Fourth, minimum 10-year continuous operating tenure with documented Norfolk service coverage. Firms acquired by national franchise networks (Authority Brands’ Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Neighborly’s Mr. Rooter, Service Experts, Roto-Rooter, Wrench Group, Redwood Services, Master Trades Group, ARS, Turnpoint Services) are excluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a Norfolk plumber’s license?
Use the Virginia DPOR license search at dpor.virginia.gov/licenselookup. Search by license number or business name. Confirm active Class A or Class B Contractor status with Plumbing (PLB or MPLB) classification, expiration date, and bonding before authorizing work. The City of Norfolk requires DPOR certification for all contractors operating within city limits.
What credentials should a Norfolk plumber hold?
At minimum: Virginia DPOR Class A or Class B Contractor with Plumbing (PLB or MPLB) classification plus general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Specialty work (gas line, backflow prevention, fire sprinkler, sewer lateral, boiler service) may require additional MGFC, GFC, or other classification layers.
How can I tell if a Norfolk plumber is locally owned versus a national rollup?
Check ownership disclosures and acquisition history. National franchise brands typically operate under parent company branding. Search the firm name plus “acquired” or “parent company” to surface ownership structure. The four firms in this directory all run as independent locally owned operators.
When should I call an emergency plumber in Norfolk?
Burst pipes, sewer backups, gas leaks, no water events, hurricane flooding related drain backups, and water heater failures justify after-hours dispatch. Salt air corrosion plus hurricane season storm surge events drive seasonal service demand across the coastal Hampton Roads corridor. Each firm in this directory offers either 24/7 emergency service or structured after-hours response.
Editorial Note
Compiled by the editorial team. Firm details cross-verified through state license databases, BBB business profiles, and firm-published websites where available. License numbers should be re-verified through the Virginia DPOR public lookup before authorizing work. Information current as of the date below; firm details may change without notice. Last updated: 2026-05-10.