Wellnitz Plumbing has served Kaukauna and the surrounding Outagamie County area since 1996. For nearly 30 years, we have handled residential and commercial plumbing work of every size, from a dripping faucet to a full repipe, from a routine water heater swap to an after-hours burst pipe. We work with homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses throughout the region. When you call, you reach a real local person who knows the area and can get the right plumber to your door. We're a small local team, and every customer matters to us. Experienced plumbers. Code-compliant work. Professional service. Call (920) 949-9789 for a quote or to schedule service.
You shouldn't have to chase a plumber for answers, especially when water is going somewhere it shouldn't. A burst pipe, a major leak, no hot water, a sewer backup, or an overflowing toilet all qualify as plumbing emergencies, and all of them need a fast response.
We keep our schedule flexible so we can get to urgent calls the same day. Whether you are a homeowner dealing with a broken pipe at midnight or a property manager fielding a call from a tenant, we will give you a straight answer about timing and get someone out as quickly as possible. The work is performed by licensed plumbers who know how to stop the damage, make the repair, and leave the space clean.
We'll sort the plumbing and clean up after.
From a single shutoff valve to a whole-home repipe, we've seen it all. We handle plumbing for homeowners, rental property owners, landlords, and apartment buildings throughout Kaukauna and the wider Outagamie County area.
Everyday residential work covers a lot of ground. We repair and replace faucets, toilets, fixtures, garbage disposals, shutoff valves, and water supply lines. We diagnose low water pressure, fix running toilets, and track down the slow drip behind a wall before it turns into a bigger problem. If you are remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, or tackling a broader home renovation, we can handle the plumbing side from rough-in through final fixture installation. We are the kind of plumbing work neighbors pass along by word of mouth, and we take that reputation seriously.
A clogged drain is one of the most common calls we get, and also one of the most satisfying to fix. We clear clogged sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets, and we clean main lines when the blockage is deeper in the system.
For stubborn or recurring clogs, hydro jetting pushes high-pressure water through the line to break up grease, scale, and debris that a standard snake cannot reach. When you schedule a drain cleaning visit, we will assess what is causing the backup, clear it completely, and let you know if there is an underlying issue worth addressing. We keep your home dry and your water flowing.
No hot water is never a minor inconvenience. We repair and replace both tank and tankless water heaters, and we work on units of all major makes.
A service visit starts with a diagnosis. Sometimes the fix is straightforward: a faulty element, a bad thermostat, a valve that needs replacing. Other times, especially with an older tank, replacement makes more sense than repair. We will give you an honest assessment and let you decide. If you are interested in switching to a tankless unit, we can walk you through the options and handle the installation from start to finish.
A water leak you cannot see is often the most expensive kind. We use leak detection methods to locate the source before the damage spreads, whether the problem is in a supply line, a drain line, or somewhere inside a wall or ceiling.
Once we find it, we fix it. That might mean patching a section of pipe, replacing a fitting, or repairing a water line. For older homes with corroded or failing pipe throughout the system, we also offer repiping service. A whole-home repipe replaces aging material with code-compliant pipe and gives the entire plumbing system a fresh start.
For residential and commercial plumbing work alike, the standard stays the same: show up on time, do the job right, and minimize disruption to the people using the space.
We work with office buildings, retail spaces, restaurants, multi-unit properties, and commercial facilities throughout the Kaukauna area. Commercial jobs often involve higher demand on fixtures and drain lines, more complex water heater setups, and tighter timelines. We handle fixture and faucet service, drain and sewer line work, commercial water heater repair and replacement, shutoff valve and water pressure diagnostics, and gas line service for appliances and equipment. We also work on new construction projects when a general contractor or developer needs a reliable plumbing contractor on the job. Experienced plumbers who respect your home and your business bring the same care to a commercial property as they do to a residential one.
Call today and we'll get the water back where it belongs.
Kaukauna winters are not gentle. Sustained sub-freezing temperatures, freeze-thaw cycles through late winter, and heavy spring snowmelt put real stress on residential and commercial plumbing systems. Most homes in the area sit on basements, which means exposed pipe runs, sump pits, and outdoor lines that all need attention before and during the cold months. The three services below are ones we handle regularly here because the climate makes them necessary.
When temperatures drop hard and stay there, pipes in exterior walls, unheated crawl spaces, and uninsulated utility areas are at risk. Wisconsin's older housing stock often has pipe runs in vulnerable locations that were never insulated properly.
If a pipe is frozen but has not yet burst, we can often thaw it safely and get water moving again. If it has already burst, we stop the flow, assess the damage, and make the repair. We also check the surrounding area for secondary damage and identify other vulnerable sections while we are on the job. A burst pipe is an emergency, and we treat it like one.
Spring snowmelt in Outagamie County can push a significant amount of water toward foundations in a short window. A working sump pump is the main line of defense against basement flooding, and a failed or undersized pump at the wrong moment can mean serious water damage.
We install new sump pumps, replace units that have reached the end of their service life, and check the operation of existing systems. A sump pump installation visit covers the pump, the discharge line, and the float switch that tells the unit when to run. If your current pump is running constantly, cycling oddly, or not running at all, that is worth a call before the next big thaw.
Getting ahead of winter is always less expensive than reacting to a frozen or burst pipe after the fact. We insulate exposed pipe runs in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and along exterior walls, and we check shutoff valves to make sure they operate correctly if you need to isolate a section quickly.
This service is especially useful for landlords and property managers with vacant units, and for homeowners in older properties where the original insulation has degraded. We identify the sections most at risk, insulate them properly, and walk you through what to watch for during a cold snap. Call today and we'll get the water back where it belongs.
Plumbing repair costs vary depending on the type of job, the parts involved, and the scope of the work. A faucet replacement and a main line repair are very different projects, and pricing reflects that.
We do not publish flat rates because every situation is a little different. What we do is give you a clear estimate before the work begins so you know what to expect. Factors that affect cost include the complexity of the repair, accessibility of the pipe or fixture, whether parts need to be ordered, and how long the job will take. We aim to keep our pricing fair and our explanations straightforward.
Know the price. Know the arrival window. Know your plumber.
We've handled everything from a dripping faucet to a full repipe, and every job in between. Since 1996, we have been a family-run plumbing business serving the Kaukauna area and the communities around it.
When you call, a local person picks up. When we show up, it is a plumber who knows the area, understands the housing stock, and takes care of the property they are working in. We serve homeowners, renters, landlords, property managers, and commercial clients. Whether it is a kitchen remodel, a sewer line issue, or an emergency at an inconvenient hour, we handle it the same way: carefully, cleanly, and with work performed by licensed plumbers who stand behind what they do.
We are based in Kaukauna and serve customers throughout Outagamie County and the nearby communities. If you are close to us, we are close to you.
Our service area includes:
If you are in the area and need a plumber, give us a call. Affordable rates. Flexible timing. Sound pipes.
We start by assessing the problem before any work begins. We explain what we find, give you a clear estimate, and get your go-ahead before we start. Once the work is done, we test the repair or installation and clean up the area before we leave.
We take same-day and urgent calls throughout Kaukauna and Outagamie County. When you call for an emergency, we give you an arrival window and can walk you through immediate steps, like shutting off the main supply, while you wait. Our goal is to get there before the damage spreads.
A burst pipe, a major leak, a complete sewer backup, no hot water in a household, an overflowing toilet that cannot be shut off, and any situation where water is actively damaging the structure all qualify. If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, call us and we will help you assess it.
We use diagnostic methods to trace the source without tearing into walls unnecessarily. That might involve checking water pressure, listening for moisture behind surfaces, or using detection equipment to narrow down the location. Once we find the source, we explain what we found and what the repair involves before we proceed.
In Wisconsin, burst pipes most often result from freezing. When water inside a pipe freezes and expands, the pipe wall can crack or split. We stop the water flow, assess the damaged section, and repair or replace the affected pipe. We also check nearby runs for vulnerability while we are on the job.
If your sump pump is running constantly, cycling erratically, failing to activate, or more than seven to ten years old, replacement is usually the more reliable option. We assess the unit during the service visit and give you an honest recommendation. Spring snowmelt in Outagamie County puts real demand on sump systems, so getting ahead of a failing pump before the thaw matters.
We insulate exposed pipe runs in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and along exterior walls where freeze risk is highest. We also check shutoff valves and winterize outdoor lines and frost-free hose bibs. For vacant properties or seasonal buildings, we can shut down and drain the system so it sits safely through the cold months.
Frequent leaks in different parts of the system, discolored water, consistently low pressure, and a history of repairs on the same aging galvanized or deteriorating pipe are all signs that the system may be past the point where individual repairs make sense. We assess the existing pipe honestly and give you a clear picture of what a repipe would involve before recommending it.
Frozen ground can delay trenching for underground line work, and extreme cold affects how certain materials are handled and set. We plan outdoor and underground jobs around conditions when possible and will let you know if a weather delay affects your schedule. Most interior plumbing work can proceed regardless of the season.
If we open a wall, run a camera, or start a repair and find damage or conditions that were not visible during the initial assessment, that can affect the scope and cost. We always stop and explain what we found before proceeding with anything beyond the original estimate. We do not add charges without your knowledge.
Emergency and after-hours calls may carry a different rate than standard scheduled visits. We will be upfront about that when you call so you know what to expect before we come out. We do not spring fees on you after the work is done.
An older tank that is running inefficiently can mean inconsistent hot water, higher energy use, and sediment buildup that stresses other fixtures and supply lines. A tank that is leaking at the base can cause floor and wall damage if it is not caught early. Replacing an aging unit before it fails outright is usually less disruptive and less expensive than dealing with a failure and its aftermath.
Simple tasks like replacing a showerhead or a toilet flapper are generally low-risk DIY work. Anything involving supply line connections, drain line modifications, water heater work, or any repair inside a wall or under a slab is better handled by licensed plumbers. Mistakes in those areas can cause water damage, code violations, or problems that are more expensive to fix than the original issue.
Call us at (920) 949-9789 and describe the situation. For a water heater replacement, we can often schedule quickly and handle it in a single visit. For a repipe, we will schedule a time to assess the existing system, scope the project, and give you a clear estimate before any work begins. We plan the job to keep the home livable throughout the process.
Wellnitz Plumbing is here for residential and commercial customers throughout Kaukauna and Outagamie County, whether the job is routine, urgent, or seasonal. We handle the everyday plumbing work and the middle-of-winter emergencies with the same care and the same crew.
When you call (920) 949-9789, you reach a local business that has been doing this work since 1996. We will give you a straight quote, schedule the visit, and send a plumber who knows the job. Experienced plumbers. Code-compliant work. Professional service.
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