Cox Plumbing serves homeowners, landlords, property managers, and commercial clients across Waukesha and the surrounding county. Whether a drain is backing up, a water heater has stopped producing hot water, or a pipe has burst overnight, we take calls every day from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM and get the work scheduled fast. Same-day service is often available, and every job is handled by licensed plumbers who know what they are doing before they walk through the door. One call. One plumber. One fair price.
Call (262) 955-2935 and we will get you on the schedule. One call, and a plumber is on the way.
From century-old homes to new commercial builds, we handle the full range of plumbing repair and installation work that Waukesha residents and businesses run into. Drain cleaning, leak detection, fixture replacement, water pressure problems, garbage disposals, shutoff valves - if it involves water moving through pipes, we take care of it.
We work with homeowners dealing with a single broken faucet as readily as we work with landlords managing a multi-unit building or property managers overseeing a commercial space. For that customer type, getting the job scoped and priced quickly matters as much as the repair itself. We explain the price before anything is scheduled, so there are no conversations after the fact about what the call was supposed to cost. That straightforward approach makes us a straightforward choice for homeowners and property managers who need reliable plumbing service without the runaround.
A slow drain is an inconvenience. A backed-up main line is an emergency. We handle both. For routine clogs in kitchen sinks, bathroom drains, and floor drains, we clear the blockage and check what caused it. For deeper main line clogs and sewer backups, we use methods including hydro jetting to cut through grease, roots, and buildup that a standard snake cannot reach. Commercial kitchens and multi-unit properties with recurring drain problems benefit from the same approach. We'll have your drains running again in no time.
A leak that stays hidden long enough causes real damage. We locate the source, assess the pipe condition, and repair or replace what needs it. That covers under-sink supply lines, water lines running through walls and floors, bathroom and kitchen plumbing connections, and outdoor water line repairs. When we arrive for a leak inspection, we check the obvious access points first and work outward from there. You get a clear explanation of what we found and what the fix involves before we start.
Toilets run, rock, leak at the base, or stop flushing cleanly for a handful of common reasons. Faucets drip, lose pressure, or corrode at the connections. We repair what can be repaired and replace what cannot, including full toilet replacement when the fixture is past its useful life. We also install new faucets, sinks, and fixtures during remodels or straightforward upgrades. Outdoor faucet and hose bib repair is part of the same work, and in Waukesha that includes frost-free hose bib installation for homeowners who want to protect those lines before winter sets in.
Disposals jam, hum without spinning, leak at the sink flange, or simply stop working. Most repairs are quick. When the unit is worn out or damaged beyond a simple fix, we replace it with a new one and make sure the drain connection is properly seated before we leave. Call for a quote and we will tell you on the phone whether a repair or a replacement makes more sense given what you are describing.
Low water pressure affects the whole house or shows up at a single fixture, and the cause is different in each case. We diagnose the problem - whether it is a failing pressure regulator, a partially closed shutoff valve, mineral buildup in the line, or something further upstream - and fix it at the source. Shutoff valve repair and replacement is part of the same work, including main shutoff valves that have seized over time. We also install backflow preventers where the plumbing configuration requires one. Pick up the phone and we will handle the pipes.
Older homes in Waukesha County sometimes carry original galvanized steel or polybutylene pipe that has corroded, scaled, or become too restrictive to deliver adequate water pressure. When spot repairs stop making sense - because the pipe keeps failing or the water quality has declined noticeably - a whole-house repipe is the cleaner answer. We scope the job, explain what replacement involves, and give you a price before any work starts. For main water line repairs and water main breaks between the meter and the house, we handle those as well.
Whether it is a single faucet or a full repipe, a no-hot-water call is one of the most urgent plumbing problems a household or business faces. When you call us about a water heater, we ask a few questions on the phone to understand what the unit is doing - or not doing - and get a plumber dispatched with the right parts for the most likely repair. We work on both tank and tankless water heaters, covering everything from thermostat and element failures on traditional tank units to flow sensor and venting issues on tankless systems.
When a unit is at the end of its life, we walk through replacement options that fit the space, the household demand, and the budget. Tankless water heater installation is a common upgrade for Waukesha homeowners who want on-demand hot water and a smaller footprint. We stand behind every pipe and fixture we touch, and that applies to water heater work as much as anything else on the job. Call for a quote and we will have it scoped before we schedule. Call and we'll get the water running right.
A sewer backup is one of those problems that does not wait. Slow drains throughout the house, gurgling sounds at the toilet, or sewage odors near floor drains are all signs the main line needs attention. We inspect the line, clear the blockage, and assess the pipe condition to determine whether cleaning is enough or whether a section of line needs repair or replacement. For lines that have cracked, shifted, or collapsed, trenchless repair methods are available in many situations, which reduces the amount of digging required to get to the problem.
We service the sewer line from the house out to the city connection. We do not service the tank or the drain field on the other end. If the line is the problem, we handle it. Call for a quote and we will get someone out to take a look.
Getting your water flowing again is easier than you think, but the cold months in Waukesha County put real stress on plumbing that is not prepared for them. Wisconsin winters bring extended hard freezes, heavy snow loads, and freeze-thaw cycles that repeat for months. Pipes in unheated spaces, sump systems managing snowmelt, and outdoor lines left unprotected are all vulnerable. Working here keeps us accountable to the neighbors we serve, and that means knowing which jobs come up every winter and being ready for them. The job is scoped and priced before a wrench comes out, so you know what you are getting into before we start.
When temperatures drop hard and stay there, pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages, and unheated utility rooms freeze. A frozen pipe that is caught early can often be thawed without damage. A pipe that has already burst needs immediate repair to stop water from spreading through the structure. We respond to burst pipe calls as emergency service and arrive prepared to isolate the affected line, thaw what can be thawed, and replace what has split. If you suspect a pipe is frozen but has not burst yet, call before it does. Same-day service. Upfront pricing. Licensed plumbers.
Most homes in Waukesha sit on basements, and spring snowmelt combined with heavy rain puts those basements at risk of flooding when the sump system fails or is not in place. We install sump pumps in new pits and replace units that have worn out or lost capacity. A properly sized sump pump with a reliable discharge line is the difference between a dry basement and a water damage claim. We assess the pit, the discharge route, and the pump capacity before recommending a unit, and we install it correctly so it activates when it needs to.
Exposed pipes in unheated spaces are the first to freeze. Outdoor faucets and hose bibs left connected through a hard freeze will crack. Before the season turns, we insulate vulnerable pipe runs in basements, crawl spaces, and utility areas, and we winterize outdoor faucets and hose bibs so they are protected through the coldest months. If you have a seasonal property or a building that sits unoccupied through winter, a full winterization service covers the supply lines, drain-downs, and shutoff points that need attention before the freeze sets in. Schedule before the first hard freeze, not after. Simple scheduling. Competitive rates. Water back fast.
Scheduling a plumber shouldn't be complicated. We are available every day from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM. Call during those hours and you reach someone who can take the details of the job, give you a quote, and get a licensed plumber scheduled. Same-day appointments are often available for urgent situations, and we handle weekend and Sunday calls on the same schedule as any other day.
For remodeling projects, new construction plumbing, and plumbing inspections, we work with contractors and property owners to coordinate around the project timeline. Commercial clients and property managers can call with multiple units or locations and we will work through the scope with you on the phone. The price is confirmed before we schedule, so you know what to expect before anyone shows up. We'll have your drains running again in no time.
We provide plumbing service throughout Waukesha and the communities around it in Waukesha County. Nearby towns we serve regularly include:
If you are just outside Waukesha and are not sure whether we cover your area, call and ask. We will let you know right away.
The most common signs are inconsistent water temperature, a longer wait for hot water than usual, discolored or rusty water at the hot tap, and a rumbling or popping sound from the tank during heating. Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank causes the noise and reduces efficiency over time. If you are noticing any of these in Waukesha, it is worth a call before the unit fails completely and leaves the household without hot water.
A water heater that is scaling internally or losing efficiency puts more demand on the unit to maintain temperature, which shortens its remaining life and raises energy costs. Sediment that breaks loose can travel into supply lines and settle at faucet aerators and fixture valves, reducing flow at multiple points in the house. Catching a failing water heater early gives you time to plan a replacement rather than dealing with an emergency call in the middle of a Wisconsin winter.
Homes built with galvanized steel pipe develop scale buildup on the interior of the pipe over time, which narrows the passage water flows through and reduces pressure throughout the house. Corroded fittings and joints also fail more often as the pipe ages, leading to small leaks that recur at different points in the system. When spot repairs keep coming up, a whole-house repipe is often the cleaner and more cost-effective answer.
When we determine that a full replacement is the right call, we walk you through the scope before anything is scheduled. For a repipe, that means explaining which sections of pipe are being replaced, what the work involves inside the walls or floors, and what the finished installation will look like. For a water heater, we go over the replacement options that fit the space and the household demand. The price is confirmed before any work begins.
A sewer camera is a small waterproof camera fed through the cleanout or a toilet flange and into the drain line. It shows us the interior condition of the pipe in real time, including root intrusion, cracks, offset joints, and buildup that would not be visible any other way. The inspection tells us what we are dealing with before we recommend a cleaning, a repair, or a replacement, so the fix is targeted rather than exploratory.
For clogs that a standard snake cannot clear, we use hydro jetting, which sends a high-pressure water stream through the line to cut through grease, mineral scale, and root intrusion. Recurring clogs in the same drain usually mean the blockage was never fully cleared or there is a structural issue in the line holding debris. After clearing the drain, we can inspect the line to determine whether the problem is likely to come back.
Additional charges come up when the plumber finds a related problem that was not visible from the initial description, such as corroded pipe behind a wall, a second point of failure in the same line, or a fitting that needs replacing before the repair will hold. We do not proceed with additional work without explaining what we found and confirming the price with you first. The base quote covers what was described on the call.
A plumbing inspection makes sense before buying an older home, after a hard Wisconsin winter, or when a home has not had any plumbing work done in several years. Inspections often turn up slow leaks, corroded fittings, or a water heater that is close to the end of its life before those problems become emergencies. Catching them early is almost always less expensive than dealing with the failure.
After completing a repair or installation, the plumber runs water through the affected lines, checks for leaks at every connection point, and confirms that fixtures and drains are operating correctly. For water heater replacements, the unit is brought up to temperature and tested before the job is considered complete. We do not close out a job until the work has been verified to be functioning as it should.
A toilet that runs between flushes is usually a worn flapper or a float that is not shutting off the fill valve correctly. A toilet that leaks at the base after flushing typically has a failed wax ring. Both problems waste a significant amount of water over time, which shows up on the water bill before it shows up anywhere else. The repair is usually straightforward, and catching it early is much less expensive than the cumulative water cost.
When a pipe has frozen, the first step is to shut off the water at the main to limit damage if the pipe has already split. We locate the frozen section, assess whether the pipe is intact or has burst, and either thaw it safely or replace the damaged section. Speed matters with a burst pipe because water spreads quickly through walls, floors, and insulation. Call as soon as you suspect a freeze, not after the thaw reveals the damage.
A sump pump service call covers the pump itself, the float switch that triggers it, the discharge line that carries water away from the foundation, and the check valve that prevents backflow into the pit. We confirm that the pump activates at the correct water level and that the discharge is flowing freely to the exterior. If the pump is undersized for the pit or has lost capacity, we explain the options for replacement before the next heavy rain or snowmelt season.
A DIY fix is reasonable for a clogged drain that clears with a plunger or a faucet aerator that needs cleaning. When the problem involves a pipe inside a wall, a main line clog, a water heater repair, a sewer backup, or any connection to the main supply or drain system, licensed plumbers should handle it. Work done incorrectly on those systems can cause water damage, code violations, or failures that are more expensive to fix than the original problem.
When we find plumbing that does not meet current code during a repair or inspection, we explain what the issue is, what bringing it up to code involves, and what it costs. We do not make corrections without your knowledge and agreement. For older homes in Waukesha County, this comes up most often with galvanized pipe, outdated venting configurations, and shutoff valves that have not been replaced since the original installation.
Cox Plumbing handles residential, commercial, emergency, and seasonal plumbing across Waukesha and the surrounding area. From a leaking pipe to a full repipe, from a water heater replacement to a burst pipe in the middle of a Wisconsin winter, we take the call and get the work done. Open every day, 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
Call (262) 955-2935 for a quote. One call. One plumber. One fair price.
We handle the full range of residential and commercial plumbing work across Waukesha and the surrounding county, from a single clogged drain to a whole-house repipe. Every job is handled by licensed plumbers who scope and price the work before anything gets started. The table below covers what each service includes, who it fits, and what is useful to know before you call.
| Plumbing Service | Scope of Work | Best For | Helpful to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leak Detection & Repair | supply line and wall pipe leaks, under-sink and connection repairs, outdoor water line repair | Anyone noticing water damage, high bills, or a dripping sound with no visible source | Finding a hidden leak early almost always costs less than repairing the water damage it causes if left alone. |
| Pipe Insulation & Winterization | exposed pipe insulation in unheated spaces, outdoor faucet winterization, full property drain-down for seasonal buildings | Homeowners preparing for a Wisconsin winter, especially those with seasonal or unoccupied properties | Scheduling winterization before the first hard freeze costs far less than repairing pipes that split during an overnight temperature drop. |
| Garbage Disposal Service | jam clearing and reset, leak repair at the sink flange, full disposal replacement | Kitchens where the disposal hums, leaks, or has stopped working | Most disposal repairs are quick. When replacement makes more sense, we confirm the new unit fits the drain connection before we leave. |
| Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair | frozen pipe thawing, burst pipe isolation and replacement, emergency response for active water loss | Waukesha homeowners dealing with a freeze in exterior walls, crawl spaces, or unheated utility areas | Calling before a frozen pipe bursts gives us the best chance to thaw it without a full pipe replacement. |
| Faucet & Fixture Installation | faucet repair and replacement, sink and fixture upgrades, frost-free hose bib installation | Remodels, fixture upgrades, and outdoor faucet replacement before winter | Frost-free hose bib installation is a practical upgrade for Waukesha homes before the first hard freeze of the season. |
| Emergency Plumbing | burst pipe response, major leak containment, no-hot-water calls | Any urgent situation where water is actively damaging the home or the household has lost hot water | We take calls every day from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and same-day service is often available for urgent situations. |
| Water Heater Repair & Replacement | tank and tankless repair, full unit replacement, thermostat and element service | Households or businesses with no hot water, inconsistent temperature, or an aging unit | Tankless upgrades are a common choice for Waukesha homeowners who want on-demand hot water and a smaller footprint. |
| Sump Pump Installation | new pump installation, worn unit replacement, discharge line and check valve service | Waukesha homes with basements vulnerable to spring snowmelt and heavy rain | A properly sized pump with a clear discharge route is what separates a dry basement from a water damage situation during snowmelt season. |
| Water Pressure & Shutoff Valve Repair | pressure regulator diagnosis and replacement, shutoff valve repair and replacement, backflow preventer installation | Homes with low pressure throughout or at a single fixture, and seized or failing shutoff valves | A failing pressure regulator affects the whole house at once, while a mineral-clogged line usually shows up at specific fixtures. |
| Toilet Repair & Installation | flapper and fill valve repair, wax ring replacement, full toilet replacement | Homeowners with a running, rocking, or leaking toilet or a fixture that needs upgrading | A running toilet can waste a significant amount of water before it shows up as visible damage, but the repair is usually straightforward. |
| Sewer & Main Line Service | main line clearing and inspection, camera line inspection, trenchless repair where applicable | Homes with slow drains throughout, gurgling toilets, or sewage odors near floor drains | We service the sewer line from the house out to the city connection. Tank and drain field work falls outside what we do. |
| Drain Cleaning & Clog Removal | kitchen and bathroom drain clearing, main line clog removal, hydro jetting for grease and root buildup | Homeowners and commercial kitchens with slow or backed-up drains | Recurring clogs in the same drain often point to a line condition issue, not just a surface blockage. |
What is the difference between a tank and a tankless water heater, and which one is right for my home?
A traditional tank water heater stores and maintains a set volume of hot water, which means it is always ready but also always using energy to stay warm. A tankless unit heats water on demand as it flows through the system, which eliminates standby heat loss and can reduce energy use for households with moderate to high demand. Tankless installation does require adequate gas line capacity or electrical service to support the unit, and the upfront cost is higher. We walk through the options based on your household size, the available space, and how the home is currently set up before recommending one over the other.
How do I know whether a slow drain is a fixture clog or a main line problem?
A clog that affects only one fixture, like a single bathroom sink or a shower, is almost always localized to that drain or its trap. When multiple fixtures drain slowly at the same time, or when flushing a toilet causes water to back up in a nearby tub or floor drain, the problem is further downstream in the main line. Main line clogs require a different approach than a standard fixture snake, and they often point to grease buildup, root intrusion, or a structural issue in the pipe. We assess both possibilities on the call and arrive prepared for either.
What causes tree roots to get into a sewer line, and what does repair involve?
Tree roots follow moisture, and older clay or cast iron sewer lines develop small cracks and joint gaps over time that release just enough water vapor to attract root growth. Once a root finds an opening, it expands inside the pipe and can eventually fill a significant portion of the line. We clear the roots with hydro jetting or mechanical cutting, then inspect the line with a camera to assess the pipe condition. If the line has cracked or collapsed in sections, we explain the repair options, including trenchless methods that reduce the amount of digging required.
Work Performed by Licensed Plumbers
Every job we schedule is handled by licensed plumbers who know the work before they walk through the door. We do not send someone out to figure it out on the fly.
What should I do while waiting for a plumber to arrive for a burst pipe?
Shut off the water at the main shutoff valve as soon as you suspect a pipe has burst. That stops additional water from entering the damaged section and limits how far it spreads through walls, flooring, and insulation. If you are not sure where the main shutoff is, look near the water meter or where the supply line enters the house. Once the water is off, move belongings away from the wet area if it is safe to do so. When you call us, let us know whether the water is still running or has been shut off so we can arrive prepared for the right repair.
How does hydro jetting work, and when is it the right choice over a standard drain snake?
A drain snake physically breaks through or pulls out a clog, but it does not clean the interior walls of the pipe. Hydro jetting sends a high-pressure water stream through the line that scours grease, mineral scale, and root debris off the pipe walls rather than just punching through the blockage. It is the better choice for recurring clogs, commercial kitchen drains with heavy grease buildup, and main lines where a snake has already been used without lasting results. We confirm the pipe is in good enough condition to handle the pressure before we run the jetting equipment.
What causes low water pressure, and how is the source found?
Low pressure that affects every fixture in the house at once usually points to a failing pressure regulator, a partially closed main shutoff valve, or a supply line issue upstream of the home. Low pressure at a single fixture is more often caused by a clogged aerator, a worn valve cartridge, or mineral buildup inside a supply line serving that fixture. We work through the most likely causes based on where the low pressure is showing up and test the regulator and shutoff valve before opening walls or digging. In older Waukesha homes with galvanized pipe, scaling inside the pipe is a common cause that a repipe addresses permanently.
Scope Agreed Before Any Pipe Is Cut
We explain what the job involves and confirm the price before anything is opened up or replaced. You know what you are getting into before the work starts.
Do I need to be home while the plumbing work is done?
For most jobs, yes. We need access to the affected area, and someone needs to be available to confirm the scope and price before we start. For property managers coordinating work at a rental unit, we can work with a tenant or building contact on site as long as someone with authority to approve the job is reachable by phone. We confirm the details with you before any work begins regardless of who is physically present.
How long does a water heater replacement typically take?
A straightforward tank water heater replacement usually takes two to three hours from shutoff to final testing, assuming the new unit is the same fuel type and the connections are in good condition. Tankless installations take longer because they often involve updating the gas line, adding venting, or adjusting the electrical supply. We give you a realistic time estimate on the phone based on what the job involves, and we do not close out the job until the unit has been brought up to temperature and tested.
Experienced With Older and Newer Homes
From century-old homes with aging galvanized pipe to newer construction with modern fixtures, we handle the full range of plumbing conditions common across Waukesha County.
What is involved in repiping an older home, and how do I know if it is time?
Repiping replaces the existing supply lines throughout the home with new pipe, typically copper or a modern cross-linked polyethylene material. It is the right answer when galvanized steel pipe has scaled to the point where pressure is noticeably reduced throughout the house, when the pipe is corroding and producing discolored water, or when spot repairs keep coming up at different locations in the same aging system. We scope the job before quoting it, which means walking through the home to assess which lines are being replaced and what access points are needed. The price is confirmed before any work starts.
What causes a faucet to drip even when fully closed?
A dripping faucet is almost always a worn internal component. On a compression faucet, the rubber washer at the end of the stem wears down and no longer seals completely against the seat. On cartridge and ball faucets, the cartridge or the O-rings and springs inside the ball assembly wear out over time. In hard water areas, mineral deposits can also damage the seating surface so that even a new washer does not seal cleanly. We assess the faucet type and condition and let you know whether a repair makes sense or whether a replacement fixture is the better value.
How does a sump pump know when to turn on, and what happens when the float switch fails?
Most sump pumps use a float switch that rises with the water level in the pit and triggers the pump when the water reaches a set point. When the float switch fails, the pump either runs continuously without shutting off or does not activate when the water level rises. A pump running constantly will burn out faster than normal. A pump that does not activate leaves the pit to overflow. We check the float switch, the pump motor, and the discharge line during a service call and confirm the pump cycles correctly before we leave.
Call (262) 955-2935 to get a quote and talk through the details with someone who can answer your specific questions.
(262) 955-2935