Wellnitz Plumbing has been the go-to name for residential and commercial plumbing in Kaukauna since 1996. That is 30 years of showing up on time, doing the work right, and standing behind it. We are a family-run plumbing business that got its start right here in the Fox Valley, and we have grown by doing the kind of work that earns a callback and a referral. Whether you own a home, manage a rental property, or run a commercial building, we handle the full range of plumbing work that keeps your water running and your pipes sound. We're a small local team, and every customer matters to us. Experienced plumbers. Code-compliant work. Professional service.
For residential and commercial plumbing work alike, the basics are the same: the work needs to be done correctly, on schedule, and without surprises. Homeowners call us for everything from a running toilet to a full pipe replacement. Landlords and property managers rely on us to keep rental units functional between tenants. Commercial contractors bring us in for rough-in work and fixture installation on new builds and renovations across Outagamie County.
We handle plumbing repair, installation, and inspection across all property types. Our team works with experienced plumbers who respect your home and your business. We treat every job site the way we would want our own property treated. We keep your home dry and your water flowing.
When Dave Wellnitz started the company in 1996, Kaukauna was already a town that rewarded people who showed up and did honest work. He had spent years apprenticing under a local master plumber and decided the Fox Valley deserved a plumbing company that was genuinely invested in the community, not just passing through it. His son joined the business in the mid-2000s, and the company has been a family operation ever since.
Thirty years in the same area means we know the housing stock. We know which neighborhoods have older galvanized pipes that are starting to fail. We know the freeze patterns that hit Outagamie County in January and February and what that does to exposed supply lines. We know local code requirements and we build that knowledge into every job. That is the kind of plumbing work neighbors pass along by word of mouth, and it is how we have grown without ever needing to advertise aggressively. Call today and we'll get the water back where it belongs.
We've handled everything from a dripping faucet to a full repipe, and the everyday work in between is what keeps most households and commercial properties running. Drain cleaning and clog removal, leak detection and repair, water heater service, toilet and faucet repair, fixture installation, garbage disposal work, shutoff valve replacement, and water pressure diagnostics are all part of a normal week for our crew.
Work is performed by licensed plumbers who follow Wisconsin code on every job, residential or commercial. We do not cut corners on materials or skip steps to get out faster. When we finish a job, the work is clean, the area is tidied up, and the system is tested before we leave. We'll sort the plumbing and clean up after.
A slow drain is easy to ignore until it backs up completely. We clear kitchen drains, bathroom drains, main drains, and floor drains using drain snakes and hydro jetting equipment matched to the size and condition of the line. When you call us for a clog, we diagnose what caused it, clear it thoroughly, and let you know if there is anything downstream that needs attention. You can expect a straightforward visit: we assess, we clear, we confirm the line is flowing, and we explain what we found.
Wisconsin winters put real demand on water heaters. When a tank fails or a tankless unit stops producing hot water, it is not a minor inconvenience. We repair and replace both tank and tankless water heaters, diagnose no-hot-water calls, and address water heater leaks before they cause floor or wall damage. If a repair makes sense, we will tell you. If the unit is past its useful life, we will give you honest guidance on replacement options and what to expect from the new installation.
Hidden leaks are often the most damaging because they go unnoticed until the water bill spikes or a wall shows moisture. We use diagnostic methods to locate leaks in supply lines, behind walls, and under floors without unnecessary demolition. Once we find the source, we repair or replace the affected pipe section and confirm the system is holding pressure. Burst pipe calls are treated as emergencies and get a same-day response whenever possible.
From a single shutoff valve to a whole-home repipe, we've seen it all, and sewer and main line work is some of the most important plumbing on any property. A blocked or damaged main line affects every drain in the building. We handle sewer line cleaning, sewer line repair, and full sewer line replacement. We also run camera inspections to show you exactly what is happening inside the line before we recommend a repair approach. Where trenchless methods are appropriate, we use them to minimize disruption to your yard and landscaping. We stay strictly on the line side of the work. The pipe from your house to its connection point is our territory, and we handle it thoroughly. We keep your home dry and your water flowing.
Older homes in the Kaukauna area were often built with galvanized steel or early copper pipe that has a finite lifespan. When a home reaches the point where repairs are happening repeatedly on the same aging system, repiping is often the more cost-effective long-term solution. We repipe with copper or PEX depending on the application and the customer's preference, and we work through the project in a way that keeps the home livable during the process.
Repiping is not just for old houses. Commercial properties with deteriorating supply lines, rental buildings with chronic pressure problems, and new additions that need a fresh water supply connection are all candidates. We assess the existing system honestly and give you a clear picture of what the project involves before work begins. Call today and we'll get the water back where it belongs.
You shouldn't have to chase a plumber for answers, especially when a pipe has burst, a water heater has failed overnight, or a basement is taking on water. We offer 24-hour emergency plumbing service and same-day scheduling for urgent calls throughout the Kaukauna area and the surrounding Fox Valley communities.
When you call for an emergency, you reach someone who can give you an arrival window and walk you through what to do in the meantime, whether that is shutting off the main supply or containing a leak. Our team shows up with the tools and parts to handle the most common emergency situations on the first visit. Experienced plumbers who respect your home show up ready to work, not to assess and reschedule. We'll sort the plumbing and clean up after.
From century-old homes to new commercial builds, remodeling projects need a plumber who can read plans, work with other trades, and hit a schedule. We handle bathroom plumbing rough-in, kitchen plumbing rough-in, fixture installation, sink installation, and kitchen and bathroom faucet installation. Homeowners planning a bathroom remodel or a kitchen update can bring us in early to make sure the plumbing side of the project is planned correctly. General contractors and remodeling subs can count on us to show up on schedule and coordinate cleanly with the rest of the crew.
We also handle the finish work: connecting new fixtures, setting toilets, installing faucets, and making sure everything is sealed and tested before the project closes out.
Every job we take on gets done to code, full stop. That is not a marketing line. It is how we have operated since 1996, and it is what protects our customers when they sell a home, pass an inspection, or file an insurance claim. Licensed plumbers perform all the work, and we do not hand jobs off to unqualified help to save time or money.
We also stand behind what we do. If something is not right after we leave, we want to know about it and we will make it right. We are not satisfied until the job is working the way it should and the customer is confident in the result.
Plumbing costs are one of the most common sources of frustration for homeowners and property managers. A job starts at one number and ends at another, and nobody explained why. We work differently. Before we start, we tell you what the work involves, what it will cost, and what might change the price if we find something unexpected once we open a wall or run a camera. There are no mystery charges at the end of the visit.
Know the price. Know the arrival window. Know your plumber.
Being a family-run plumbing business means our reputation is tied directly to how every customer feels at the end of a job. We do not have a corporate layer between us and the people we work for. If you have a question about pricing, ask. We will answer it plainly.
We are based in Kaukauna and serve customers across Outagamie County and the broader Fox Valley region. Our regular service area includes:
If you are outside this list and not sure whether we cover your area, call and ask. We serve a wide stretch of the Fox Valley and can often accommodate jobs in neighboring communities. We're a small local team, and every customer matters to us.
We have been in business since 1996, which puts us at 30 years of residential and commercial plumbing work in the Fox Valley. We started right here in Kaukauna and have grown steadily through referrals and repeat customers across Outagamie County.
Yes. We are a family-run plumbing business, and the family has been hands-on since Dave Wellnitz founded the company in 1996. His son joined in the mid-2000s, and the business has operated as a family operation ever since. That means the people running the company are connected to every job we take on.
We stand behind every job we complete. If something we repaired or installed is not working correctly after we leave, call us and we will come back and address it. We have built 30 years of business on doing work that holds up, and we take that seriously.
Very familiar. We have worked in homes across Kaukauna and Outagamie County for three decades, which means we know the housing stock well. We know which neighborhoods tend to have aging galvanized pipe, where freeze-vulnerable supply runs are common, and what Wisconsin code requires when updating older systems.
All work is performed by licensed plumbers who follow Wisconsin plumbing code on every job. We do not cut corners on materials or skip steps to move faster. When permits are required for a project, we handle that as part of the job.
We are a small local team that has been doing this work in the same community for 30 years. We know the local housing stock, the local code requirements, and the seasonal plumbing problems that come with Wisconsin winters. Every customer matters to us, and our reputation is tied directly to how every job turns out.
Wellnitz Plumbing has served homeowners, landlords, property managers, and commercial clients in Kaukauna and Outagamie County for 30 years. We handle the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work, from a clogged kitchen drain to a whole-home repipe, and we respond to plumbing emergencies around the clock.
When you are ready to schedule service or want to talk through what a job involves, give us a call. We will give you a straight answer on timing, scope, and cost before any work begins.
Affordable rates. Flexible timing. Sound pipes.
Call (920) 949-9789 to schedule service or request a quote today.
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.
(920) 949-9789