Meet the Team Behind the Blue Trucks
What started in 1968 as two trucks and a handshake has grown into one of Hampton Roads’ most trusted plumbing companies — without losing the values our founder built it on. We’re still family-owned, still local, and still showing up for the same neighborhoods.
4.92,400+ Google reviews
Licensed · Bonded · Insured
Family-owned since 1968
Free Estimates On Large Jobs
Upfront quotes before any work begins. Compare with confidence.
Satisfaction Guaranteed Since 1968
Your first call for Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk plumbing needs.
Financing Available
our first call for Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Norfolk plumbing needs.
Our Story
Nearly Six Decades, One Family
Atomic Plumbing has been a Tidewater name since 1968. The trucks have multiplied and the tools have changed, but the reason we started — taking care of our neighbors — hasn’t.
James F. Lane Founds Atomic Plumbing
With just two trucks, James F. Lane starts a plumbing company built around one idea: take care of the neighbors. It quickly becomes a trusted name across Tidewater.
A Young Jim Steinle Joins the Crew
Ten years in, Jim Steinle comes on board — learning the trade, and the business, from the founder himself.
Jim Steinle Takes the Reins
After James Lane’s untimely passing, Jim steps in as President and Owner — committed to running the company “with the same business ethics established by its founder,” a promise he keeps to this day.
15 Trucks. Same Values.
Still family-owned and family-operated, Atomic now runs 15 trucks across Hampton Roads and has served more than 25,000 satisfied customers — and counting.
Leadership
The People Who Keep Atomic Running
Behind every truck is a licensed, trained professional — many with a decade or more at Atomic. Here’s who’s leading the crew.
Jim Steinie
President & Owner
Paul Keane
Operations & Service Manager
Sean Butterfield
Warehouse Manager
Michelle Hudson
Office Manager
And the rest of the crew: our journeymen plumbing technicians carry a minimum of four years of licensed experience — many have stayed with Atomic for a decade or longer. Our plumber’s apprentices train alongside them on the path to full licensure, and our customer service representatives are the friendly voice you’ll hear when you call.
Why choose Atomic Plumbing & Drain Cleaning
Best Plumbing Company in Virginia Beach.
Atomic Plumbing now runs fourteen trucks, providing plumbing work for the entire Hampton Roads area. We offer a complete line of plumbing services and hire the best-trained, certified technicians. Each of our technicians are journeymen with over 155 years of combined experience.
We have always believed in giving our customers top rate service at a fair price, and we stand behind our work. That's why each customer is part of Atomic Plumbing's extended family. Our dedication has earned us the award for Best of Virginia Beach for the past 6 consecutive years.
Teacher & military discounts available · Financing for jobs over $1,000
Convenient appointment scheduling
Booking that fits your calendar, not ours.
Photo of your pro before arrival
Know who's coming before they knock.
Licensed, bonded & insured
Peace of mind on every job.
Best of Virginia Beach
Winner for 6 consecutive years.
Your neighbors trust us
Always A Friendly Face At Your Door.
Family owned and family operated, we're proud to be recognized as the best plumbing company in Virginia Beach by the neighbors we've served for decades.
"Atomic came out within two hours of my call. The plumber was respectful of our home, wore shoe covers, and fixed the gas line perfectly. So relieved."
"Being family-run really shows - they actually care about the quality. They've been our go-to for over 15 years in Chesapeake."
"Mike C. and Hudson replaced my water heater and went above and beyond. Prompt, friendly, professional and knew exactly what they were doing."
"I called Atomic after months of consistent water pressure issues. Mike and Paul showed up and were extremely polite, knowledgeable, clean and friendly. They took time to listen, explained everything, and my water pressure is better than ever."
"Sean was professional, courteous, and knowledgeable throughout my appointment. He explained what was needed, gave pricing and warranty options, and replaced the water heater the same day."
"We had an unfortunate sewage backup on a Saturday. The technicians came out in a timely manner and worked hard to get us back up and running, communicating with me really well while they assessed the issue."
Recognized across Hampton Roads
Proud member of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of Virginia (PHCCVA)
Your neighbors trust us
When you see the blue truck,
help has arrived.
Every Atomic truck is a fully stocked workshop on wheels - radio-dispatched, GPS-tracked, and driven by a licensed master plumber. Most repairs finish in a single visit.
55+
Years in Tidewater
24/7
Emergency Dispatch
Let's get it fixed.
Send a quick request and someone from our office will call you back.
- ✓Clear communicationWe text 30 minutes out - with a photo of your technician.
- ✓Transparent pricingUpfront quotes before any work begins. Never a hidden fee.
- ✓Clean & respectfulShoe covers on, tools tidy, wrapped up before we leave.