Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally-owned and operated full-service plumbing and gas fitting company known for prompt, reliable service. They emphasize emergency response and have a strong reputation for handling everything from routine maintenance to complex installations for both homes and businesses in the Northwoods.
A well-established plumbing contractor based in Minocqua, serving a wide radius across the Northwoods. They are known for professional, clean, and efficient service, with a strong focus on residential plumbing, new construction, and remodeling projects for kitchens and bathrooms.
A family-owned and operated business from the Rhinelander area with decades of experience serving Northern Wisconsin. They have built a solid reputation for honesty, expertise in drain and sewer services, and handling complex plumbing issues for both residential and commercial customers.
** The plumbing market in and around Manitowish Waters is characterized by a small number of dedicated local providers supplemented by established contractors from larger nearby towns like Minocqua and Rhinelander. This is typical for a rural, seasonal community in Northern Wisconsin. The overall quality of service is high, with companies often being multi-generational and deeply embedded in the community. Competition is moderate; while there aren't dozens of options, the existing companies are highly competent and must maintain excellent reputations to thrive. Pricing is generally at a premium compared to urban areas, reflecting travel time, the specialized nature of Northwoods plumbing (e.g., dealing with seasonal properties, unique well and septic systems, and harsh winter conditions), and the high demand for emergency services, especially during the summer and winter tourist seasons. Homeowners should expect trip charges for service calls due to the distances involved.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Manitowish Waters regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin.
The extreme cold, with temperatures often dropping well below zero, poses a severe risk of frozen and burst pipes, especially in cabins and seasonal homes. The most critical steps are to completely drain your water system and use antifreeze in drains if you're closing the property for winter, and for year-round homes, to ensure pipe insulation, heat tape on vulnerable lines, and keeping cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate. It's highly recommended to have a local plumber perform a professional winterization service in the fall to prevent catastrophic and expensive damage.
Service call fees typically range from $100-$200, with hourly labor rates between $90-$150. Emergency or after-hours calls will be significantly higher. Pricing can be slightly above urban averages due to travel distances for technicians across the Northwoods and the specialized knowledge required for local lake home systems and well water. Always request a detailed, written estimate that breaks down parts, labor, and trip charges before work begins.
Yes, absolutely. Vilas County has strict regulations governing septic system design, installation, and repair due to the sensitive aquatic environment and high water table. Any work on your septic system requires a county permit, and your plumber must be familiar with county soil and setback requirements. For well water, they should understand common local issues like iron, sulfur, and low pH, which require specific treatment solutions to protect your plumbing.
Prioritize plumbers who are licensed, insured, and have extensive local experience with Northwoods cabins, year-round homes, and lake properties. Look for providers familiar with well pumps, pressure tanks, and septic systems common in our area. Checking for membership in local business associations and reading reviews from other Vilas County residents can also indicate reliability and knowledge of the unique challenges posed by our climate and remote locations.
First, locate the main water shut-off valve. If you suspect a burst pipe, do not attempt to thaw it and shut the water off immediately. For a suspected freeze without visible breaks, you can cautiously use a hairdryer or heat lamp, starting from the faucet end and working backward. However, due to the risk of hidden cracks and water damage, it is strongly advised to call a local professional plumber who can safely assess, thaw, and pressure-test the lines. They can also identify and repair any splits that occurred during the freeze.