Compare the highest-rated plumbing professionals in Washington Island, Wisconsin. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A family-owned and operated business with a long-standing reputation in Door County for reliability and expert workmanship. They are known for responding promptly to emergencies and handling complex installations for both historic homes and new constructions.
Bay Plumbing is a well-established, full-service contractor known for professional and clean service. They have extensive experience with the unique plumbing challenges of older Door County properties and are a go-to for commercial service work.
A modern plumbing service that emphasizes advanced techniques and customer education. They are particularly noted for their work in leak detection and using trenchless technology for sewer repair, minimizing property disruption.
** The plumbing market serving Washington Island is characterized by a high degree of specialization and logistical consideration. Due to the island's remote nature and the necessity of a ferry crossing, service providers are almost exclusively based in Sturgeon Bay, the commercial hub of Door County. The level of competition is moderate among a handful of established, high-quality contractors. These companies are accustomed to scheduling around ferry timetables and often charge a premium for service calls to the island to account for significant travel time and costs. Consumers should expect higher-than-average pricing for service calls and labor, reflective of the specialized, destination service required. However, this also ensures that the available providers are highly reputable, well-established, and capable of handling a wide range of plumbing issues to avoid costly return trips. The average quality of service is very high, as only the most reliable and versatile businesses successfully operate in this unique geographic context.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Washington Island regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about plumbing services in Washington Island, Wisconsin.
Washington Island's severe winters with extended freezing temperatures pose a high risk for frozen and burst pipes, especially in crawl spaces and unheated cabins. Essential preventative steps include thoroughly draining and winterizing all seasonal properties, insulating exposed pipes, and maintaining a low heat in buildings you leave unattended. It's critical to know the location of your main water shut-off valve in case of an emergency freeze-up.
Yes, you can generally expect service rates to be higher due to the insular location. Factors include the ferry transit time/cost for mainland-based plumbers or the limited number of local providers, higher operational costs for island businesses, and potential emergency trip fees. Always request an estimate that clearly outlines labor rates, travel fees, and parts before work begins.
Prioritize plumbers who are familiar with the island's specific infrastructure, such as older well systems, septic systems common in the area, and the challenges of servicing seasonal homes. Verify they are licensed by the State of Wisconsin and carry proper insurance. A reliable local plumber will understand the logistical and weather-related delays that can occur with ferry dependency.
Regular septic pumping every 3-5 years is crucial, as sandy soils in parts of the island can affect drainage. Have your well water tested annually for bacteria and nitrates, especially if the system is older. Before winterizing, ensure your septic tank is pumped if needed, as a full tank is more susceptible to freeze damage and backups during the long off-season.
Schedule seasonal services (spring start-ups or winterizations) at least 4-6 weeks in advance. The windows in late spring and early fall are extremely busy for all island trades. For non-emergency repairs or installations, booking several weeks ahead is advisable due to high seasonal demand and limited local availability, which can be exacerbated by ferry schedules.