Wellnitz Plumbing has served Kaukauna and the surrounding Outagamie County area since 1996. That's nearly 30 years of water heaters replaced, drains cleared, pipes repaired, and customers taken care of right here in the Fox Valley. We're a small local team, and every customer matters to us. When you call, you reach someone who knows this area, knows these homes, and shows up ready to work. Experienced plumbers. Code-compliant work. Professional service. Call (920) 949-9789 for a quote today.
For residential and commercial plumbing work alike, we handle the full range of repair and installation jobs that property owners and managers deal with every day. Homeowners trust us to keep their homes running. Landlords and property managers count on us to get units back in service quickly. Businesses rely on us when a plumbing problem threatens their operations.
As a family-run plumbing business, we take every job seriously whether it's a single dripping faucet or a complete system overhaul. Work is performed by licensed plumbers who know Wisconsin code and show up prepared. We keep your home dry and your water flowing.
We've handled everything from a dripping faucet to a full repipe, and the list below covers the work we do most. If you don't see your situation here, call and we'll tell you exactly how we can help.
A slow or blocked drain doesn't fix itself. We clear kitchen drains, bathroom drains, floor drains, and main drain lines using drain snakes and hydro jetting depending on what the blockage calls for. Hydro jetting is especially effective on grease buildup and stubborn root intrusion in older lines. We diagnose the cause so the same clog doesn't come back in a month.
A leak you can see is frustrating. One you can't see is expensive. We locate water leaks in supply lines, under slabs, inside walls, and underground, then repair or replace the damaged section. General pipe failures and burst pipes from aging materials or pressure events fall here too. We get the water stopped and the line restored.
No hot water is one of the most disruptive plumbing problems a household or business can face. We service and replace tank water heaters and tankless units. If your water heater is running cold, recovering slowly, leaking around the base, or simply past its useful life, call us. We'll assess whether a repair makes sense or whether a replacement is the smarter investment.
Running toilets waste water and money. Dripping faucets are annoying and add up on your water bill. We repair and replace toilets, faucets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs in kitchens and bathrooms throughout the home. We also install garbage disposals and handle fixture upgrades when you're remodeling or replacing worn-out hardware.
A sewer backup or main line problem can shut down a home or commercial property fast. We repair, replace, and clean sewer lines and main water lines. If you're dealing with slow drains throughout the house, sewage odors, or a full backup, the problem is often in the main line. We work on the line from the house out to the city connection, clearing blockages and repairing damage so the system flows the way it should.
Low water pressure, discolored water, and frequent leaks in older homes often point to aging galvanized or deteriorating pipe. We diagnose water pressure problems, repair and replace shutoff valves, and perform whole-house repipes using copper or PEX. Experienced plumbers who respect your home handle every repipe job with care, protecting finished surfaces and cleaning up before they leave. Call today and we'll get the water back where it belongs.
Outagamie County winters are hard on plumbing. Deep sub-freezing temperatures, older housing stock, and spring snowmelt create a predictable set of problems every year. The calls below are the ones we handle most when the cold sets in and when it finally breaks. If you're dealing with one of these situations right now, or you want to get ahead of it before the season hits, we're the team to call.
When temperatures drop hard and fast, pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, and unheated areas freeze. A frozen pipe that thaws without intervention often becomes a burst pipe, and a burst pipe can flood a home in minutes. We locate the affected section, thaw the line safely, and repair or replace what's damaged. If you're dealing with a burst pipe right now, call immediately. Fast response matters when water is moving through your walls.
Spring thaw in the Fox Valley brings snowmelt and heavy rain at the same time, and basements here take the pressure. A properly installed and working sump pump is the first line of defense against basement flooding. We install new sump pumps, replace failed units, and service existing systems before the season demands them. Most homes in this area sit on basements rather than slabs, so this is work that comes up every year.
The best frozen pipe repair is the one you never need. Before temperatures drop, we insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, unheated utility areas, and exterior walls. We also winterize outdoor lines, frost-free hose bibs, and plumbing in vacation properties or seasonal buildings that will sit unoccupied through the cold months. A few hours of preventive work in the fall can save thousands in water damage come January.
From century-old homes to new commercial builds, we've seen what Wisconsin winters do to plumbing that isn't ready for them. Affordable rates. Flexible timing. Sound pipes. We'll sort the plumbing and clean up after.
You shouldn't have to chase a plumber for answers, especially when water is going somewhere it shouldn't. Burst pipes, sewer backups, no hot water, and major leaks don't wait for business hours, and neither do we. We take same-day and urgent calls for exactly these situations.
We give you a clear picture of cost and timing before work begins. No vague estimates, no surprises on the invoice. This is the kind of plumbing work neighbors pass along by word of mouth, and we've built the business on it since 1996. Know the price. Know the arrival window. Know your plumber. Call (920) 949-9789 to schedule or get a quote.
From a single shutoff valve to a whole-home repipe, we've seen it all across Kaukauna and the communities around it. We serve homeowners and businesses throughout Outagamie County, including Appleton, Little Chute, Combined Locks, Wrightstown, Sherwood, and Menasha. If you're nearby and need a plumber, there's a good chance we've already worked in your neighborhood.
Wellnitz Plumbing has been locally owned and operated since 1996. When you call, you're reaching someone accountable to this community, not an office somewhere else. We show up, we do the work, and we stand behind it. We keep your home dry and your water flowing.
Call (920) 949-9789 and describe what you are dealing with. We will ask a few questions about the situation, give you a clear sense of what is involved, and schedule a visit. We give you a straight estimate before any work begins so there are no surprises on the invoice.
Yes, in most cases. We keep our schedule flexible to handle same-day calls for urgent repairs and emergency situations throughout Kaukauna and the surrounding area. If you call early in the day, there is a good chance we can get someone out before the end of the afternoon.
Shut off the water supply to the fixture first. For a toilet, the shutoff valve is usually located at the base of the wall behind the bowl. If you cannot find the fixture shutoff or the water is coming from somewhere else, turn off the main supply to the house and call us right away.
Costs vary depending on the type of job, the parts involved, and how accessible the pipe or fixture is. A faucet replacement and a main line repair are very different projects. We give you a clear estimate before work starts so you know exactly what to expect.
We aim to hold the estimate we give you before the job starts. If we open a wall or run a camera and find something unexpected that changes the scope, we will explain what we found and what it means for the cost before we proceed. We do not add charges without telling you first.
For routine repairs and installations, we can often schedule within a day or two. For larger projects like a repipe or a water heater replacement, a few days of lead time helps us plan the job properly. Emergency calls get same-day priority whenever possible.
It depends on the work. A drain cleaning or faucet replacement might take an hour or less. A water heater replacement usually runs two to three hours. Larger jobs like repiping or sewer line work take longer, and we will give you a realistic time estimate before we start.
The more detail you can share, the better. Tell us what the problem is, where it is in the house, how long it has been happening, and whether you have noticed any related issues like low pressure or water stains. If you can describe the fixture or appliance involved, that helps us come prepared with the right parts.
Wellnitz Plumbing is ready to help with residential and commercial plumbing throughout Kaukauna and the Fox Valley. Same-day availability, up-front pricing, and work performed by licensed plumbers who know this area and take the job seriously. Whether you need a quick repair or a full system replacement, the process starts with one call. Call (920) 949-9789 to schedule service or request a quote.
We handle the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work across Kaukauna and Outagamie County. Whether you need a fast drain clearing, a water heater replaced before winter, or a whole-house repipe, our licensed plumbers show up prepared and give you a straight estimate before any work begins. The table below breaks down what each service covers and who it fits best. Call us with any questions and we will tell you exactly what to expect.
| Service | What's Included | Typical Situations | Things to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toilet Repair and Installation | running and leaking toiletsflush mechanism repairfull toilet replacementnew installation | Toilets that run constantly, leak at the base, or need replacement | A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons per day; most repairs are straightforward and fast |
| Water Pressure and Shutoff Valve Repair | pressure diagnosis and adjustmentshutoff valve repair and replacementpressure regulator service | Low pressure throughout the home or valves that will not fully close | A failed shutoff valve can make emergency water control impossible; worth addressing before it matters |
| Garbage Disposal Service | disposal repairfull unit replacementinstallation in new kitchens | Disposals that hum but do not spin, leak, or have stopped working entirely | Most disposals are replaced in under an hour; newer units run quieter and handle more load |
| Faucet and Fixture Installation | faucet repair and replacementsink and shower fixturesbathtub hardwareremodel and upgrade installs | Dripping faucets, fixture upgrades, or kitchen and bathroom remodels | We bring the right fittings for common fixture types; supply your own fixture or we can source one |
| Drain Cleaning and Clog Removal | kitchen and bathroom drainsfloor and utility drainsmain drain lineshydro jetting and snaking | Slow or blocked drains in any room | Hydro jetting clears grease and root intrusion that a snake leaves behind, reducing repeat calls |
| Water Heater Repair and ReplacementMost Popular | tank and tankless unitsrepair of failing heatersfull replacement and installationcold water and slow-recovery diagnosis | Homes or businesses with no hot water, slow recovery, or a unit past its useful life | Most tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years; replacement usually runs two to three hours |
| Frozen and Burst Pipe Repair | frozen pipe thawingburst pipe repair or replacementexterior and crawl space linesemergency response | Homes in Outagamie County dealing with hard freeze events or sudden loss of water flow | A frozen pipe that thaws without repair often bursts; fast response limits water damage |
| Sump Pump Installation | new sump pump installationfailed unit replacementpre-season servicing | Basements at risk during Fox Valley spring snowmelt and heavy rain | Most area homes sit on basements rather than slabs; a working sump pump is the first line of defense against flooding |
| Emergency Plumbing | burst pipe responsemajor active leakssewer backupsno-hot-water emergencies | Any plumbing failure that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment | We take same-day and urgent calls; call immediately when water is moving where it should not be |
| Leak Detection and Repair | supply line leaksunder-slab and in-wall leaksunderground line leakspipe section repair or replacement | Unexplained water bills or water stains with no visible source | Hidden leaks often cause structural damage before they surface; earlier detection keeps repair costs lower |
| Sewer and Main Line Service | sewer line clearing and repairmain water line repairroot intrusion removalline replacement | Whole-house slow drains, sewage odors, or a confirmed main line backup | We work the line from the house out to the city connection; early clearing prevents full backups |
| Pipe Insulation and Winterization | crawl space and utility area insulationfrost-free hose bib installationseasonal property winterization | Homeowners preparing for Wisconsin winters or closing a seasonal property | A few hours of preventive work in fall can prevent thousands in water damage over winter |
How do I know if my water heater needs repair or full replacement?
Age is the first indicator. Most tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years, and units past that range are often better replaced than repaired. If your unit is running cold, recovering slowly, making popping or rumbling sounds, or leaking around the base, call us. We will assess the unit and give you a straight recommendation on whether a repair makes financial sense or whether replacement is the smarter move for your situation.
What causes drains to clog and back up?
In kitchens, grease and food debris are the most common culprits. In bathrooms, hair and soap buildup are typical. In older homes and main lines, tree root intrusion is a frequent cause of recurring blockages. A single slow drain usually points to a localized clog. If multiple drains in the house are backing up at the same time, the problem is more likely in the main line and needs more than a basic snaking.
What is the difference between hydro jetting and drain snaking?
A drain snake breaks through a clog and punches an opening in the blockage. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the inside of the pipe wall, removing grease buildup, sediment, and root intrusion that a snake leaves behind. Jetting is more thorough and reduces how quickly the same clog returns. We choose the right method based on what the drain is doing and what the line is made of.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
Burst pipes, sewer backups, and no-hot-water calls do not wait for business hours. We take same-day and urgent calls for exactly these situations and give you a clear arrival window when you call.
How are hidden leaks found without tearing up walls or floors?
We use a combination of pressure testing, acoustic detection, and visual inspection to narrow down where a leak is before we open anything up. In many cases we can isolate the affected section to a specific wall cavity or pipe run. The goal is to expose as little as necessary to make the repair, and we explain what we find before any work begins.
What are the signs of a sewer or main line problem?
The most common signs are multiple slow drains throughout the house, gurgling sounds from toilets or floor drains when other fixtures are used, sewage odors inside or near the foundation, and wet or sunken patches in the yard above the sewer line. A single slow drain is usually a localized clog. When the symptoms show up in multiple places at once, the main line is the likely source.
What should I do if a pipe bursts in my home?
Shut off the main water supply to the house immediately to stop the flow. If the burst is near an electrical panel or outlet, do not wade into standing water. Then call us. Burst pipes are an emergency, and fast response is what limits damage. We handle burst pipe calls on a same-day basis and will walk you through what to do while we are on the way.
Upfront Quotes With No Surprise Fees
We give you a straight estimate before work begins. If something unexpected changes the scope after we open a wall or run a camera, we explain it and get your approval before we proceed.
How do I know if my home needs repiping?
Frequent leaks at multiple locations, discolored or rust-colored water, low pressure throughout the house, and visible corrosion on exposed pipe are all signs that aging pipe may be failing system-wide. Older homes in this area were often built with galvanized steel pipe, which corrodes from the inside over time. We can assess the condition of your existing pipe and give you an honest read on whether targeted repairs or a full repipe is the right answer.
How can I prevent pipes from freezing during a Kaukauna winter?
The most vulnerable spots are pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, and unheated utility areas. Insulating those runs before temperatures drop is the most effective preventive step. Frost-free hose bibs on outdoor spigots also help. For properties that will sit unoccupied through the cold months, full winterization of the plumbing system is the safest option. We handle all of this in the fall before the hard freezes arrive.
Experienced With Older and Newer Homes
From century-old homes with aging galvanized pipe to newer builds and commercial properties, our plumbers have worked on the full range of construction you find across the Fox Valley.
Do I need to be home when the plumber comes?
For most jobs, yes. We need access to the affected area and may need to ask questions about the problem or the history of the plumbing. For some exterior work or situations where another adult can grant access, it is worth discussing when you call. We give you a clear arrival window so you are not waiting around all day.
How does pricing and estimating work?
When you call, we ask about the situation and give you a realistic sense of what is involved. Before any work begins on-site, we give you a clear estimate so you know what to expect on the invoice. If we open something up and find a condition that changes the scope, we explain what we found and what it means for cost before we proceed. We do not add charges without telling you first.
When should I call a plumber instead of trying to fix it myself?
Simple tasks like replacing a showerhead or a toilet flapper are reasonable DIY projects. Once the work involves cutting into supply lines, working on main drain or sewer lines, replacing a water heater, or diagnosing a hidden leak, a licensed plumber is the right call. Mistakes on those jobs can cause water damage, code violations, or safety issues that cost far more to fix than the original repair would have. When in doubt, a quick call to describe the situation costs nothing and gives you a clear answer.
Every job is different, and the best way to get accurate information for your situation is to call us directly. We will ask a few questions, give you a clear sense of what is involved, and get you scheduled.