The Viking Blog

Planning a bath or kitchen remodel in SE Wisconsin? Learn which permits you actually need, what financing costs right now, and realistic timelines before you sign a contract.

A kitchen remodel can completely change how you use—and enjoy—your home. But long before the first cabinet comes out or the new countertop goes in, there's an important phase that can make the difference between a smooth renovation and a stressful one: Planning. The best kitchen remodels aren't simply collections of beautiful cabinets, countertops and fixtures. They're spaces designed around how you actually cook, gather, entertain, clean and live. If you're considering a k

At Viking Plumbing, late August and September is when we start fielding calls about water heaters that "just stopped keeping up," washing mac

Have you ever turned off a faucet, finished a load of laundry, or heard your dishwasher stop running—only to be followed by a loud BANG! somewhere inside your walls? You're not imagining it, and your house isn't haunted. That loud knocking sound is often caused by a plumbing phenomenon known as water hammer, and while it may seem like nothing more than an annoying noise, it can be a warning sign that your plumbing system is experiencing excessive pressure.

Have you ever heard that flushable wipes are safe to flush? Or that pouring hot water down the drain makes grease disappear? You're not alone. Every week, our technicians hear well-intentioned advice that's been passed from neighbor to neighbor, generation to generation. The problem is that many of these "tips" can actually shorten the life of your plumbing system—or lead to expensive repairs. That's why we're launching our new Plumbing Myth Busters series from Viking Plum

When temperatures climb into the 90s across Wisconsin, most homeowners expect their air conditioner to work overtime. What many don't expect is turning on the shower or garden hose and noticing weaker water pressure than usual. If you've experienced low water pressure during a hot summer day, you're not imagining it. Heat waves can affect your home's plumbing system in several ways—some completely normal, and others that may indicate it's time to call a professional plumber.

Imagine celebrating Independence Day in 1776. There were no hot showers after the parade. No kitchen sink to clean up after the barbecue. No toilets. No water heaters. No dishwashers. No washing machines. In fact, most Americans spent hours every week simply carrying water. Over the last 250 years, plumbing has quietly become one of the greatest advancements in public health, comfort, and quality of life. Let's take a look at just how far we've come.

What's Happening Inside Your Water Heater Right Now? Most homeowners don't think much about their water heater—until they step into a cold shower. Yet your water heater is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, heating and storing dozens of gallons of water while quietly supplying your showers, sinks, dishwasher, washing machine, and more. Understanding how your water heater works can help you recognize potential probl

For many Wisconsin homeowners, the goal isn't moving. It's staying. Staying in the neighborhood you've grown to love. Staying close to friends and family. Staying in the home where you've built years—or even decades—of memories. That's why more homeowners are embracing the concept of aging in place: making strategic home improvements that allow them to live safely, comfortably, and independently for as long as possible.

Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for homebuyers in Wisconsin. Between open houses, inspections, financing, and moving plans, it's easy to focus on square footage, curb appeal, and updated kitchens. But before you fall in love with a home, don't overlook one of the most important systems in the house: the plumbing.

At Viking Plumbing, drain camera inspections help us take the guesswork out of diagnosing plumbing problems. Instead of making assumptions, we can see exactly what's happening inside your pipes and recommend the right solution the first time. If you've ever wondered what plumbers are looking for when they perform a camera inspection, here's a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in modern plumbing.

If your shower suddenly feels weak, your kitchen faucet takes forever to fill a pot, or your washing machine seems slower than usual, you are not alone. Low water pressure is one of the most common plumbing complaints among Wisconsin homeowners — especially in older Milwaukee-area homes. The frustrating part? Low water pressure is often a symptom of a bigger plumbing issue hiding behind the walls.

When homeowners think about remodeling a bathroom, they often focus on the finished look: beautiful walk-in showers, sleek wall surrounds, modern fixtures, and a more comfortable daily routine. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that the quality of the products — and the quality of the installation — matter just as much as the design itself. That’s why Viking Plumbing is excited to announce our new partnership with BCI Acrylic Bath Systems!

At Viking Plumbing, we work on older homes across Southeastern Wisconsin every day, and many of them share the same hidden plumbing issues that can quietly lead to water damage, sewer backups, low water pressure, or expensive repairs if left unchecked. Here are some of the most common plumbing problems found in older Milwaukee-area homes — and what homeowners should know before small issues become major ones.

7 small plumbing issues that can turn into costly disasters. Learn the warning signs and when to call Viking Plumbing before it’s too late.

Transform Your Space with Style, Function & The Viking Way Thinking about remodeling your bathroom? You’re not alone. Homeowners across Wisconsin are upgrading their bathrooms to create spa-like retreats, improve functionality, and boost home value. At Viking Plumbing, we’ve been helping homeowners bring their dream bathrooms to life for over 25 years—and we’re seeing some clear design trends shaping today’s remodels. If you’re planning a renovation, here’s what’s trending

If you’ve ever dealt with water in your basement, you know it’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a threat to your home’s structure, your belongings, and even your health. In Wisconsin, where spring rains and snowmelt can overwhelm the ground quickly, a reliable sump pump system isn’t optional—it’s essential. At Viking Plumbing, we believe in taking a whole-home approach to water protection, and your sump pump is the front line of defense.

After a long Wisconsin winter, your home’s plumbing system has been through a lot. Freezing temps. Ground movement. Snowmelt. Saturated soil. And one of the most vulnerable parts of your home right now? Your sewer line. It’s out of sight, which makes it easy to ignore—until something goes wrong. And in spring, problems tend to surface fast. The good news: your sewer line usually gives off warning signs before a full-blown failure. Catching them early can save you thousand

When it comes to transforming your bathroom or kitchen, tile is one of the most powerful design choices you can make. It’s durable, versatile, and—when done right—absolutely stunning. But with so many options out there, choosing the right tile for the right space can feel overwhelming.

Spring in Wisconsin means longer days, warmer weather… and a whole lot of rain. While “April showers” might be great for your lawn, they can spell serious trouble for your home—especially your basement. Every year, homeowners deal with costly water damage that could have been prevented with the right plumbing systems and proactive maintenance. At Viking Plumbing, we see it all too often—and the good news is, most of it is avoidable.