Dave Burns Plumbing Frequently Asked Questions for Homeowners in Southeast Wisconsin
Frequently Asked Questions – Dave Burns Plumbing & Drain Cleaning, Inc.
Serving Southeast Wisconsin with Over 40 Years of Plumbing Experience
If you’ve got plumbing questions, we’ve got answers. Below are the most frequently asked questions from homeowners across the region, from Milwaukee to Mequon, Waukesha to Elm Grove , about everything in residential plumbing, emergency services, sump pumps, water treatment, water heaters, and more. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to contact us at (262) 679-1001.
General Plumbing & Service Questions
Q: What kind of plumbing services do you provide?
A: We provide comprehensive plumbing services including residential plumbing repairs, emergency plumbing, drain and sewer cleaning, water heater installation and repair, sump pump services, water treatment solutions (water softeners and filtration), fixture installation, pipe repair and replacement, water line services, and more.
Q: Do you offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services?
A: Yes. Our emergency plumbers are available 24/7 for burst pipes, major leaks, sewer backups, sump pump failures, failed water heaters, overflowing toilets, and other urgent plumbing problems, anytime you need help.
Q: What areas do you serve?
A: We serve southeast Wisconsin, including communities such as Bayside, Burlington, Big Bend, Brookfield, Brown Deer, Elm Grove, East Troy, Elmbrook, Fox Point, Franklin, Glendale, Greendale, Hales Corners, Lake Geneva, Menomonee Falls, Mequon, Milwaukee, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, River Hills, Shorewood WI, Waukesha, Waterford, Wauwatosa, West Allis, and Whitefish Bay.
Q: Are your plumbers licensed and insured?
A: Yes. All of our technicians are fully licensed, insured, and trained according to Wisconsin plumbing codes and safety standards.
Emergency Plumbing Questions
Q: When should I call an emergency plumber?
A: Call an emergency plumber if you are experiencing a burst pipe, widespread leaks, sewer backups, water heater failure, sump pump not activating during heavy rain, or any problem causing flooding or risk of water damage. These issues can quickly escalate and should be handled immediately.
Q: What qualifies as a plumbing emergency?
A: Plumbing emergencies generally involve risk to property or safety: burst pipes, overflowing drains, severe leaks, no water in the house, sewer backups, and malfunctioning sump pumps during storms. If your issue affects daily use or risks damage, it’s best treated as urgent.
Residential Plumbing Questions
Q: What services are included in residential plumbing?
A: Residential plumbing services include pipe repair/replacement, water line repair, drain cleaning, faucet/toilet/sink installation, garbage disposal service, water pressure issues, whole-house repiping, and frost-proof outdoor faucet installation.
Q: How often should I schedule plumbing maintenance?
A: Regular plumbing maintenance, such as annual inspections or checking sump pumps before rainy season, can help prevent emergencies, extend equipment life, and save money on repairs. Annual maintenance is recommended for most homes.
Water Heater FAQs
Q: What types of water heaters do you service?
A: We service conventional tank water heaters (gas and electric), tankless models, hybrid units, and systems with power or direct venting. We also offer emergency water heater replacement and preventive maintenance.
Q: Why is my water heater not producing hot water?
A: Common causes include faulty heating element, thermostat issues, sediment buildup, or age-related wear. Professional diagnosis ensures the exact cause is found and addressed correctly.
Q: How often should a water heater be serviced?
A: Water heaters benefit from regular flushing to remove sediment at least once a year, and more often if you have hard water, to improve efficiency and extend life.
Sump Pump & Basement Protection FAQs
Q: Do you install and repair sump pumps?
A: Yes. We install new sump pump systems, replace aging units, repair existing pumps, and offer battery backup installations to protect your basement during power outages.
Q: How do I know if my sump pump needs service?
A: Signs of sump pump issues include loud or irregular operation, frequent cycling without rain, unusual noises, or failure to activate during heavy rain. Battery backups are especially helpful during storms.
Water Treatment & Quality Questions
Q: What water treatment services do you offer?
A: We provide whole-house water filtration, drinking water systems, water testing, and water softeners to improve water quality, reduce mineral buildup, and enhance taste and softness.
Q: Why should I consider water treatment?
A: Proper water treatment helps protect plumbing fixtures and appliances, reduces soap buildup, improves water taste, and promotes healthier hair and skin.
Drain Cleaning & Sewer Line FAQs
Q: What causes common drain clogs?
A: Common clogs are caused by hair, grease, food buildup, soap residue, and foreign objects. Professional drain cleaning using snaking and jetting restores flow and prevents recurring problems.
Q: Do you offer camera inspections?
A: Yes. We use camera technology to inspect sewer lines and identify blockages, tree root intrusion, and pipe damage before determining the best solution.
Fixture & Repair Questions
Q: Do you install kitchen and bathroom fixtures?
A: Yes. We install faucets, sinks, toilets, showers, tubs, garbage disposals, and dishwashers ensuring proper fit, function, and leak-free performance.
Q: Should I hire a professional for garbage disposal repair?
A: Yes. Professional repair ensures safety, proper alignment, and prevents more extensive damage to drains or electrical systems.
Still Have Questions?
If you don’t see your question answered above, we’re always happy to help!
Call Dave Burns Plumbing & Drain Cleaning, Inc. at
(262) 679-1001
for expert advice and reliable service throughout southeast Wisconsin.





