About Us
A Family Business Built on Craftsmanship, Integrity, and Trust
National Economy Plumbers has been a part of Memphis since 1938. What began as a family-run plumbing business has grown into one of the city’s most trusted names in plumbing and heating, while never losing sight of the values it was built on.
A Rich Family History
National Economy Plumbers was founded in 1938 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where Dennis Bailey began employment with the company. The family, including his brother Ben Bailey, moved to Memphis in 1942 and took charge of the new store on Linden Avenue, which had recently moved from South Cleveland Street.
Dennis Lee Bailey and Benjie Sneed grew up in the current store located in the historic Cooper-Young neighborhood, spending weekends and summers learning the business and every part of the trade.
Over the decades, National Economy Plumbers has been led by the same family members, all committed to protecting the company’s reputation and honoring the original vision.
Truly, one of the only locally family-owned and operated plumbing and heating companies in the Memphis area.
Generations of Customers and Craftsmen
We’re proud to say that many of our customers are families we’ve served for generations. It’s not uncommon for us to work for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of our earliest customers.
That same long-term mindset applies to our team. Many of our technicians and supervisors have been with us for 25 to 40 years. We train our plumbers on the job, pairing apprentices with experienced technicians to ensure knowledge is passed down the right way.
Pride in Our Work – Every Job
Attention to detail matters here. From major renovations to small repairs, our team is trained to notice the things others might overlook. That pride shows in the finished work and in the relationships we build with customers.
As Dennis often says, when a job is finished, it should look right from every angle, because that’s what the customer sees every day.
Licensed, Experienced, AND Accountable
National Economy Plumbers has long supported strict licensing standards in Shelby County. We believe the people working in your home or business should be properly trained, licensed, bonded, and insured. That commitment protects our customers and upholds the integrity of the trade.
Locally Owned and Operated for Nearly 90 Years
1942
The family is relocated to Memphis, laying down roots that still hold strong today. The early fleet, Memphis
1962
National Economy Plumbers officially incorporates, remaining family-owned and operated. The company grows into the premier service and remodeling firm, still known today. The fixture showroom
Decades of Trust
The company became known for serving generations of Memphis families, often working for the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of longtime customers. Morning at the shop counter
1938
National Economy Plumbers is founded as a family-run plumbing service business, with the slogan “The Shop at Your Door” “The shop at your door” · Phone 3-3333
1955
The company opens its new store in the historic Cooper Young neighborhood, where it still resides today. The Cooper-Young store
1970s–80s
Dennis Bailey & Benjie Sneed grow up in the business, learning the trade firsthand from Dennis’ father and Benjie’s grandfather, starting as teenagers and working through every level of the company. The crew, out frontToday
Locally owned and operated. Still rooted in Memphis and the Mid-South. Still committed to doing the job right, training the next generation of plumbers, and protecting the reputation built over nearly 90 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has National Economy Plumbers been in business?
We’ve been serving Memphis since 1938. This business has been part of our family for generations, and we take that history seriously every day we show up to work.
Is National Economy Plumbers still family-owned?
Yes. The company is owned and operated by family members who grew up in the business. That personal connection is a big reason we care so deeply about our reputation and our customers.
How are your technicians trained?
Most of our training happens on the job. Every technician works alongside experienced plumbers who pass down real-world knowledge. We look for good people first, then teach them the trade the right way.
Why do you charge time and materials instead of flat-rate pricing?
Some companies use flat-rate pricing, which means the price is predetermined before the work begins. That can sound simple, but it often means the price is padded to cover every possible scenario. In other words, you might end up paying for work that never actually happens.
At National Economy Plumbers, we prefer the time-and-materials approach. That means you pay for the actual time our plumbers spend fixing the problem and the parts that are truly needed. No guessing. No mystery line items.
Most of the homes we work in across Memphis are older, unique, and full of surprises behind the walls. Time-and-materials pricing allows us to diagnose the problem properly and fix it the right way instead of rushing through a one-size-fits-all repair.
Our plumbers will always explain what they’re seeing, what needs to happen next, and keep you informed along the way. The goal is simple: fix the problem correctly without charging you for work you didn’t need in the first place.
Why isn’t National Economy the cheapest plumbing company in town?
National Economy Plumbers is one of the few truly local plumbing companies left in Memphis with nearly 90 years of specialized experience. We don’t operate like a national franchise or a discount service chain.
Our customers choose us because they want experienced plumbing professionals who understand Memphis homes, older plumbing systems, heating systems, gas lines, and long-term repair solutions.
When you hire National Economy, you’re investing in skilled workmanship, honest recommendations, and repairs done right the first time.