Plumbing problems don't wait, and neither do we. Wauwatosa Plumbing Company handles the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work across Wauwatosa and Milwaukee County, from a dripping faucet to a burst pipe in January. Whether you own a home, manage a rental property, or run a business, a call connects you with someone who can scope the job and work out a schedule that fits your situation. Every job starts with code-compliant plumbing on every job, and that standard holds whether we are clearing a slow drain or repiping a house from top to bottom.
Fast turnaround. Costs explained before we start. Dry results.
Call for a quote: (414) 451-9789
A dripping faucet and a full repipe are two different jobs, but both deserve a straight answer on what the work involves and what it will cost. We handle the everyday plumbing needs that come up for homeowners, landlords, and commercial property managers across Wauwatosa. Below is a closer look at the work we do most.
Slow drains and recurring clogs rarely clear themselves. Cable and hydro-jetting work through kitchen lines, bathroom drains, and main lines to break up blockages and clear them out. If the same drain keeps backing up, there is usually a root intrusion or a buildup problem deeper in the line, and we scope it to find out. The visit covers the drain, the line, and a check of what is downstream.
A water leak can hide behind drywall or under a slab for weeks before it shows up on a water bill. We use pressure testing to locate the source before we open anything up. Once we find it, we repair or replace the damaged section of supply line and confirm the fix holds before we leave. We'll find it, fix it, and test it before we leave.
No hot water is one of the calls we handle most. We work on both tank and tankless units. Sediment buildup in a tank unit shortens recovery time and puts extra strain on the element or burner. When that is the issue, a flush often buys more life. When the unit is past the point of repair, we walk through replacement options and confirm what fits the space and the household's demand before anything is ordered.
A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a week. A dripping faucet is rarely just a nuisance. We repair fill valves, flappers, cartridges, and supply lines, and we handle full fixture swaps when repair no longer makes sense. New construction, remodels, or a straightforward replacement, we handle installation on toilets, faucets, showerheads, and everything connected to the supply and drain side.
A sewer backup is not a problem to wait on. We clear clogs, repair damaged sections, and replace main lines that have cracked or collapsed between the house and the city connection. We camera the line when the situation calls for it so we know what we are dealing with before we dig. This is sewer line work, not septic tank service.
Garbage disposal installations and replacements are quick jobs that make a real difference in a kitchen. Low water pressure across the house often traces back to a partially closed shutoff valve or a corroded supply line rather than a pressure problem at the street. We check the valve first, test the pressure, and work from there. Shutoff valves that are stuck or leaking get replaced before they become an emergency.
Older homes in Wauwatosa sometimes still carry galvanized steel or polybutylene pipe. Both degrade over time, galvanized from the inside out and polybutylene from stress and water chemistry. When leaks start appearing in multiple spots, the conversation usually turns to whole-house repiping. We walk through what that scope looks like, what it involves room by room, and what triggers the decision to replace rather than keep patching.
Not every plumber works the same way, and the needs of a homeowner are different from those of a property manager with six units to keep running. For residential customers, we handle everything from a single fixture swap to a full repipe, including pre-purchase plumbing inspections for buyers who want to know what they are getting into before closing.
For landlords, property managers, and businesses, we work around tenant schedules and operational needs. A restaurant with a grease-clogged drain line or a commercial building with a failing water heater needs a plumber who can scope the job on the call and get there without a long wait. We pick up the phone and get it handled. Fixtures and lines are left working before we go.
Wisconsin winters are hard on plumbing in ways that warmer climates never see. Temperatures in Wauwatosa regularly drop well below freezing, and most homes here sit on full basements rather than slabs. That combination of cold air, older housing stock, and spring snowmelt creates a specific set of plumbing demands that we handle every season.
Pipes in exterior walls, unheated garages, and crawl spaces are the first to go when temperatures drop hard. A frozen pipe that has not yet burst can sometimes be thawed and left intact. One that has split needs immediate repair to stop water from spreading into walls and flooring. We locate the freeze point, address the damage, and check adjacent lines to make sure the problem is contained. This is some of the most time-sensitive work we do, and we take these calls seriously.
Milwaukee County's clay-heavy soil does not drain quickly. When spring snowmelt and rain hit at the same time, that water has nowhere to go but against a basement wall. A working sump pump with a properly routed discharge line is a practical necessity in many Wauwatosa homes, not an upgrade. We handle new installations, pit assessments, and float switch checks so the system is ready before the ground thaws.
Older homes across Wauwatosa often have supply lines running through uninsulated spaces, whether that is a basement rim joist, an exterior wall cavity, or a garage. Insulating those lines and confirming that seasonal shutoff valves drain correctly is straightforward work that prevents a much larger problem. We check exposed lines, wrap what needs wrapping, and confirm drain-down on any outdoor or seasonal supply before the cold sets in. Call and we'll handle the leaks, drains, and fixtures.
When you call, you get a price before anything is scheduled. We scope the job on the phone, ask what you are seeing, and give you a rate that covers what the work involves. There is no guessing at the total after the fact. We tell you if a permit is needed. We explain repair or replace. You make the choice.
For larger jobs like repiping or sewer line replacement, we confirm the scope in person before quoting a number. For most repair and installation work, the call is enough to give you a clear number. A local plumber for homeowners means the person answering the call knows the trade and can have a real conversation about what the job takes. Let us handle the plumbing and the permits.
Wauwatosa is our primary service area, and we cover the wider Milwaukee County region for both residential and commercial calls. If you are nearby, we can likely get to you.
Communities we serve regularly include:
Turn off the water at the nearest shutoff valve to the problem, or at the main if you cannot isolate it. Do not use any drains or fixtures connected to the affected line. Keep the area clear of rugs, furniture, and anything else that can absorb water, and leave the path to the shutoff and the affected pipe open so the repair can start without delay.
Discolored water, a metallic taste, reduced pressure at multiple fixtures, and pinhole leaks appearing in different spots are all signs that the pipe material itself is degrading. Galvanized steel pipe corrodes from the inside out, which narrows the line before it ever leaks visibly. If you are seeing any of these in an older home, it is worth a call to assess whether the pipe material is the underlying issue.
We start by identifying which section of the line is frozen based on where the water stops flowing and where the pipe runs through unheated space. Once the freeze point is located, the line is thawed carefully to avoid cracking the pipe further. If the pipe has already split, we repair or replace the damaged section and check adjacent runs to confirm nothing else was affected.
A sump pump that runs continuously without cycling off, makes grinding or rattling noises, or runs but does not move water out of the pit is showing signs of wear. A pump that trips the circuit or does not activate when the pit fills is further along in the failure. Catching those signs before a heavy rain or a spring snowmelt event is the difference between a repair and a flooded basement.
A persistent drain smell is usually a dry P-trap, which is the curved section of pipe under a sink or floor drain that holds water to block sewer gas. Running water down an infrequently used drain often clears it. If the smell is coming from multiple drains or from areas where there is no obvious trap, it can indicate a venting problem or a crack in the drain line, and that warrants a closer look.
Rust-colored water, a rumbling or popping sound during heating, water pooling around the base of the tank, and inconsistent hot water temperature are all signs a tank unit is near the end of its useful life. A tank that is leaking from the body itself is not repairable and needs to be replaced. Catching these signs early gives you time to plan the replacement rather than dealing with a failure all at once.
Sediment that builds up in a tank unit can break loose and travel into supply lines and fixtures, causing reduced flow at faucets and showerheads. A failing pressure relief valve on an old water heater can also affect line pressure. Replacing a water heater that has run past its useful life often resolves pressure and flow complaints that seemed unrelated to the heater itself.
A tank unit stores a set volume of hot water and keeps it at temperature, which means sediment buildup and element or burner wear are the most common failure points. A tankless unit heats water on demand and has different failure modes, including scale buildup on the heat exchanger and ignition or flow sensor issues. Both are serviceable, but diagnosing a tankless unit requires knowing how the system is set up before assuming the cause.
Water stains on ceilings or walls, a mildew smell with no visible source, soft or warped flooring, and a water bill that has spiked without a change in usage are all indicators of a leak that is not immediately visible. Pressure testing the supply line helps locate the source without opening up walls unnecessarily. The sooner a hidden leak is found, the less damage it causes to the surrounding structure.
We start with pressure testing to confirm there is a leak in the supply line and narrow down where it is. Electronic detection methods help locate the source more precisely before any wall or floor material is removed. The goal is to open only what needs to be opened, make the repair, and test the line before leaving.
A snake breaks up and pulls out the obstruction for most blockages. When grease, scale, or root intrusion has built up along a longer section of the line, hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clear the pipe wall rather than just the center of the line. If the same drain keeps clogging after cleaning, we scope the line to find out whether there is a structural issue causing the buildup to return.
A straightforward repair like a faucet replacement or a toilet swap usually takes an hour or two. Drain cleaning and leak detection visits vary depending on what we find once the work starts. Larger jobs like repiping or sewer line replacement are scoped in full before work begins so you have a realistic picture of the timeline before anyone arrives.
For scheduled repairs, fixture installations, water heater replacements, or anything on your plumbing list, call us and we will get it on the calendar. We are available every day from 9 AM to 10 PM, and the call goes to someone who can scope the job and give you a rate on the spot.
For urgent calls, including burst pipes, sewer backups, and no hot water situations, reach out the same way. We take short-notice work and handle emergency plumbing calls across Wauwatosa and the surrounding area. We protect your home. We fix your pipes. We earn the call.
Call for a quote: (414) 451-9789
We handle the full range of plumbing work for homes and commercial properties across Wauwatosa and the surrounding area. Whether you are dealing with a slow drain, a failing water heater, or a pipe that froze overnight, the table below covers what each service includes and what to expect when you call. Pricing is explained before anything is scheduled, and every job is held to code from start to finish.
| Service | What's Included | When to Call | Helpful to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faucet & Fixture Installation | Faucet and showerhead replacementCartridge and valve repairSupply and drain connectionRemodel and new-install rough-in | Dripping faucets, fixture upgrades, or bathroom and kitchen remodels | Fixtures and supply lines are left fully tested before we go, so there is no drip or slow seep to find later. |
| Sewer & Main Line Service | Clog clearing and line flushingCamera inspection of the lineCracked or collapsed section repairFull main line replacement | Sewer backups, slow drains throughout the house, or odor from multiple fixtures | We camera the line when the situation calls for it so we know what we are dealing with before any digging starts. This is sewer line work, not septic tank service. |
| Toilet Repair & Installation | Fill valve, flapper, and cartridge repairSupply line replacementFull toilet swap and installationNew construction and remodel rough-in | Running toilets, persistent leaks at the base, or a full fixture upgrade | A running toilet can waste several hundred gallons per week. Most fill valve and flapper repairs are completed in a single visit. |
| Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair | Freeze point locationCareful thaw of intact pipeBurst section repair or replacementCheck of adjacent lines | Pipes in exterior walls, unheated garages, or crawl spaces during or after a cold snap | A pipe that has frozen but not yet split can sometimes be thawed and left intact. One that has burst needs immediate repair to stop water from reaching walls and flooring. |
| Garbage Disposal Service | New disposal installationReplacement of failed unitsElectrical and drain connectionJam clearing and reset | Disposals that hum but do not spin, leak at the sink flange, or have failed entirely | Most disposal replacements are completed in under an hour and include a check of the drain connection below the sink. |
| Water Heater Repair & Replacement | Tank and tankless unitsSediment flush and element repairFull unit replacement with sizingGas and water line connections | No hot water, inconsistent temperature, or a tank past its useful life | Replacement units are sized to the household's actual demand before anything is ordered, so you are not paying for capacity you do not need. |
| Pipe Insulation & Winterization | Exposed supply line insulationRim joist and exterior wall runsSeasonal shutoff and drain-down checkOutdoor supply winterization | Older homes with supply lines running through unheated spaces before winter sets in | Confirming that seasonal shutoff valves drain correctly is straightforward work that prevents a much larger repair when temperatures drop hard. |
| Leak Detection & Repair | Pressure testing to locate sourceSupply line repair or replacementWall and floor access kept minimalConfirmed fix before we leave | Unexplained water bills, stains, or mildew smell with no visible source | Pressure testing narrows the location before anything is opened up, so only the affected section needs to be accessed. |
| Water Pressure & Shutoff Valve Repair | Whole-house pressure testingShutoff valve replacementCorroded supply line diagnosisPressure regulator check | Low pressure at multiple fixtures or a shutoff valve that is stuck or leaking | Low pressure across the house often traces to a partially closed or corroded valve rather than a supply problem at the street. |
| Sump Pump Installation | New pit and pump installationDischarge line routingFloat switch setup and testAssessment of existing pit | Basements in Milwaukee County homes where clay soil slows drainage during snowmelt or heavy rain | Clay-heavy soil in this area does not drain quickly, so a properly routed sump system is a practical necessity in many Wauwatosa homes. |
| Drain Cleaning & Clog Removal | Cable and hydro-jet clearingKitchen, bath, and main line drainsRoot intrusion and buildup removalCamera scoping when needed | Recurring slow drains or full backups in any fixture | Hydro jetting clears the pipe wall, not just the center of the line, which helps prevent the same clog from returning. |
| Emergency Plumbing | Burst pipe responseSewer backup callsNo hot water situationsMajor active leaks | Any plumbing failure that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment | We take short-notice work and handle emergency calls across Wauwatosa and the surrounding area. Calls are answered every day from 9 AM to 10 PM. |
How do I know if a clog is in one fixture or in the main line?
If only one drain is slow or blocked, the clog is almost always in the branch line serving that fixture. When multiple drains back up at the same time, or when using one fixture causes another to gurgle or overflow, the blockage is likely in the main line. We scope the line when the situation points to a deeper problem so we know exactly where the obstruction is before we clear it.
What does hydro jetting clear that a standard drain snake cannot?
A drain snake breaks up and pulls out a blockage, but it passes through the center of the pipe without touching the walls. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the full interior of the pipe, clearing grease buildup, scale, and root material that has attached to the pipe wall. For drains that keep clogging after snaking, hydro jetting often addresses the underlying buildup that keeps causing the problem to return.
When does a plumbing repair require a permit, and who handles that?
Permit requirements depend on the scope of the work and whether it involves new pipe runs, fixture additions, or changes to the supply or drain configuration. Straightforward repairs like faucet replacements or drain cleaning typically do not require a permit. Larger jobs like repiping, sewer line replacement, or water heater installation may. We tell you if a permit is needed before the work starts and handle what is required so the job is code-compliant from start to finish.
Code-Compliant Work on Every Job
Every repair and installation is completed to the code inspectors in this area enforce. We handle permit requirements when they apply and confirm the work is correct before we leave.
How do I know if my older home needs repiping rather than another repair?
Galvanized steel pipe corrodes from the inside out, narrowing the line before it ever leaks visibly. Polybutylene pipe degrades from stress and water chemistry over time. When leaks start appearing in different spots across the house, when water pressure has dropped at multiple fixtures, or when the water has a metallic taste or rust tint, the pipe material itself is usually the issue. We walk through what repiping involves and what drives the decision to replace rather than keep patching.
What are the signs of a sewer or main line problem?
Multiple slow drains, sewage odor coming from floor drains or lower-level fixtures, gurgling sounds when water drains elsewhere in the house, and wet or sunken patches in the yard above the sewer line are all signs of a main line issue. Tree roots are a common cause in older neighborhoods, and cracked or collapsed sections are more common in homes with clay or cast iron sewer lines. We camera the line to confirm the cause before any repair work begins.
What causes low water pressure throughout the house?
Whole-house pressure loss usually points to a partially closed or corroded main shutoff valve, a failing pressure regulator, or significant buildup inside older galvanized supply lines. If pressure has dropped at just one or two fixtures, a clogged aerator or a worn cartridge is often the cause. We test the pressure at the source, check the shutoff valve first, and work from there rather than assuming the problem is at the street.
Cause Found Before Anything Is Replaced
We pressure test, scope, and diagnose before recommending a repair or replacement. You get a clear explanation of what we found and what the fix involves before any work begins.
How do tree roots damage a sewer line, and what does the repair involve?
Tree roots seek out moisture and can work their way into small cracks or loose joints in a sewer line over time. Once inside, they grow and eventually block the line or crack the pipe further. We camera the line to locate the intrusion, clear the roots with cutting equipment or hydro jetting, and assess whether the pipe wall is still intact or whether a section needs to be repaired or replaced. Root intrusion that is caught early is usually a clearing job. A line that has been compromised structurally requires repair.
What is the difference between repairing and replacing a water heater?
Repair makes sense when the unit is relatively recent and the failure is isolated, such as a worn element, a faulty thermostat, or a failing pressure relief valve. Replacement makes more sense when the tank is leaking from the body, when sediment buildup has significantly reduced recovery time, or when the unit has been repaired more than once in a short period. We walk through both options and explain what each covers before you decide.
Older and Newer Plumbing Both Handled
Wauwatosa homes range from century-old houses with galvanized supply lines to newer construction with modern fixtures. We work on both and adjust the approach to what is actually in the wall.
Can a running or leaking toilet cause real water damage over time?
A toilet that runs continuously can waste several hundred gallons per week, which shows up on the water bill before it causes visible damage. A toilet leaking at the base is a different problem. That water sits under the toilet and works into the subfloor over time, causing rot that is not obvious until the floor feels soft or the toilet rocks. We repair the wax ring, check the flange, and confirm the base is dry before the visit is done.
When is it worth calling a plumber instead of attempting a repair yourself?
Simple tasks like replacing an aerator, tightening a supply line connection, or resetting a disposal are reasonable DIY jobs for most homeowners. The line shifts when the work involves opening a wall, cutting into a drain or supply line, working near the main shutoff, or diagnosing a problem that is not visible. A repair that goes wrong on a supply line under pressure can cause more damage in minutes than the original problem. If you are not sure what you are looking at, a call to scope it first is the lower-risk move.
How does a sump pump failure lead to a flooded basement, and what prevents it?
A sump pump that fails during a heavy rain or spring snowmelt event cannot move water out of the pit fast enough, and it backs up into the basement. Failure usually comes from a worn float switch that does not trigger the pump, a motor that has burned out, or a discharge line that has frozen or clogged. Catching early signs like continuous running, grinding noise, or a pump that runs but does not move water gives you time to address the issue before the next major weather event.
Call (414) 451-9789 to get a price on any of the services above, every day from 9 AM to 10 PM.
(414) 451-9789