J.F. Whitlow Jr & Sons Inc. Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Fast Response
Reviewers confirm quick response
24/7 Verified
Confirmed by reviews
Unknown
Based on review analysis
1 concern
Allegation of upselling and damage cover up. Single 1 star review from July 2025 claims technicians recommended unnecessary $4k water heater replacement, broke parts on site, turned off water line, and disputed responsibility—customer reports taking legal action.
Trust Score: 0/100 · Based on 103 reviews
Our Verdict
#14 of 18 in Portsmouth, VA
- Drain and sewer work
- Emergency and burst pipe repair
- Bathroom and kitchen remodel plumbing
- You're highly price-sensitive
Hire if: You need fast same-day or after-hours response
Hire if: You need high-quality work that holds up over time
Caution if: You need predictable, consistent service across every visit
Caution if: You need rock-bottom prices with zero flexibility on the quote
Caution if: You need detailed walkthroughs and written estimates before work starts
How they score across what matters
Based on 5 reviews analyzed. Click a row for the quote that best illustrates the score.
What they do well (and don’t)
Green means reviews confirm they’re good at it. Red means reviewers flag issues. Gray means no reviews talk about it yet.
What 103 Reviews Tell Us
Emergency Response
Exceptional responsiveness and problem-solving under difficult conditions. 3 of 5 reviewers highlight quick arrival and ability to diagnose/fix complex issues other contractors couldn't handle.
Strong communication and diagnostic approach. 2 reviewers specifically praise taking time to listen, explain solutions, and identify root causes rather than quick fixes.
Emergency and burst pipe repair
What To Watch Out For
Significant pricing fairness concerns. One detailed 1-star review alleges unnecessary water heater replacement recommendation, parts damage during service, and refusal to take accountability for broken components.
Allegation of upselling and damage cover up. Single 1 star review from July 2025 claims technicians recommended unnecessary $4k water heater replacement, broke parts on site, turned off water line, and disputed responsibility—customer reports taking legal action.
Quality & Professionalism
Consistent workmanship quality across plumbing and HVAC. Multiple reviewers report satisfaction with repairs and long-term reliability.
Significant pricing fairness concerns. One detailed 1-star review alleges unnecessary water heater replacement recommendation, parts damage during service, and refusal to take accountability for broken components.
Communication
Exceptional responsiveness and problem-solving under difficult conditions. 3 of 5 reviewers highlight quick arrival and ability to diagnose/fix complex issues other contractors couldn't handle.
Strong communication and diagnostic approach. 2 reviewers specifically praise taking time to listen, explain solutions, and identify root causes rather than quick fixes.
Respect for Your Home
Significant pricing fairness concerns. One detailed 1-star review alleges unnecessary water heater replacement recommendation, parts damage during service, and refusal to take accountability for broken components.
Pricing
Significant pricing fairness concerns. One detailed 1-star review alleges unnecessary water heater replacement recommendation, parts damage during service, and refusal to take accountability for broken components.
Customer reviews
Reviews from Google, Yelp & more
I have used J.F. Whitlow’s service since 2020 and they always have the most friendly and professional techs. They take the time to listen and understand the issue, to diagnose and explain the solution. They’ve worked on plumbing and HVAC systems for me. I’ve never been disappointed with their service and repairs and highly recommend them!
Had a leaky sewage line under the house that had been chewed by rats! It was real hard to work down there as I have done some repairs in the crawl space myself but this one was out of my league. A fellow named Rudd came by and did a great job. I have used this company several times and have always felt that they did a good job and it never seemed overpriced.
I am so grateful for JF Whitlow! They were instrumental in identifying issues with our HVAC that 3 other contractors missed. We have a home warranty that wanted to bandaid a significant issue and Dylan worked tirelessly to get the system properly replaced. It was an antiquated 25 year old HVAC that needed replacement but warranty would only repair, costing us more time and money. After 3 seasons of dealing with a/c issues, Lee, Gabe, and Dylan at JF Whitlow finally brought the relief we needed. HVAC was replaced and we finally have cool air again! Thank you JF Whitlow. Shout out to Erin working at the front desk and keeping us informed and scheduling in a timely and professional manner. Highly recommend!!!
I really don't think they deserve one star more like no STAR.. they took advantage, and they said I needed a new water heater .. they broke a part and turned off the water line to my showers, which was on before they came . Two other plumbers said my water heater didn't need replacement. The issue was something else.. when I tried to talk to Karen, she over talked me. The first plummer who came immediately took pictures stating that my WH needed replacement too old. Will i know it wasn't too old, and so did the other plumbers. However, the warranty company didn't go for it and told them to put the part on that was recommended by the first company.. They put the part on and broke another part, turned off the water, and insisted that I needed a New 4k water heater according to the estimate they sent. Luckily, i called another company, and they found the deception and dishonesty. J.F. Witlow is not to be trusted they own me for breaking the part. I HAD TO REPLACE WITH MY OWN MONEY!! TAKING LEGAL ACTIONS.
We came home from a short vacation and found a leak in our kitchen ceiling, saw that the water was actually coming from the door frame. J.F. Whitlow sent two young men named Lee and Gabe. Excellent service, they took the time to figure out how they were going to reach and fix the problem. I had 2 other companies come one would not even attempt to and the other said he needed to get his boss to assist. I tell you Lee and Gabe attacked the problem and fixed the leak. Big Praise to both of you. Job well done. I would recommend them if ever in need.....
Business details
Service area
Based in Portsmouth. Serves 7 nearby cities within 20 miles:
J.F. Whitlow Jr & Sons Inc. Plumbing, Heating & Cooling