When Floodwaters Rise: How Viking Plumbing Stands Ready for Greater Milwaukee’s Recovery

A Historic Deluge in Milwaukee

Over the weekend of August 9–10, 2025, southeast Wisconsin endured a catastrophic flash flood. Rainfall soared to 14.5 inches in 24 hours at Milwaukee’s Timmerman Airport—potentially setting a new state record. In some areas, residents reported 2 feet of water coursing through basements.

Rivers returned to record-breaking levels—most notably, the Milwaukee River crested at 11.19 feet, surpassing its prior high. The City declared a state of emergency, and the toll was immediate: widespread basement flooding, power outages, abandoned vehicles, and 600+ calls for emergency help including water rescues and gas leaks. The Wisconsin State Fair and national triathlon events were prematurely canceled, and communities across Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, and Waukesha counties were deeply affected.

The Role of Sump Pumps During Flood Events

Sump pumps are the unsung heroes of your basement. When torrential rain pounds the ground, groundwater rises—and without a working sump pump, water can accumulate quickly, causing:

• Foundation damage

• Mold and mildew

• Costly repairs

Viking Plumbing specializes in sump pump repairs and installations—ensuring your basement stays dry when it matters most:

• Diagnosing and repairing faults quickly

• Upgrading to high-capacity or battery-backup systems

• Regular maintenance to keep pumps ready for storm season

Replacing Water-Damaged Water Heaters

When flooding surges through your home, your water heater may be submerged—or damaged by contamination. A compromised unit can become a hazard or leave you without hot water. Viking Plumbing offers:

• Prompt assessment of water heater damage

• Safe removal and disposal of flood-ruined units

• Efficient installation of new, properly-sized water heaters—getting your hot water flowing reliably again

Clearing Blocked Sewer & Drain Lines

Floodwaters often overload sewer systems, causing backups that clog drains—sometimes even shooting sewage into basements. Viking’s team tackles these emergencies with:

• Advanced video camera inspections to pinpoint blockages

• Hydro-jetting and mechanical cleaning to clear debris, roots, and sediment

• Preventive service plans to reduce risk during future storms

Notably, over 1,100 basement backup reports were received by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District during this storm.

Why Viking Plumbing is the Go-To During Flood Emergencies

Feature	Viking Plumbing Advantage
Local Emergency Ready	Rapid response across Greater Milwaukee
Trusted Expertise	Experienced with sump pumps, water heaters, and sewer emergencies
Comprehensive Support	From repairs to full replacements, Viking handles it all
Customer Care Focus	Transparent, compassionate service during stressful events

When flooding disrupts your home—be it a malfunctioning pump, a damaged heater, or a blocked sewer—you want a plumber who understands the urgency and knows the area. Viking Plumbing’s deep roots in Milwaukee, paired with its dedication to resolve storm-related plumbing issues fast, make it a reliable partner for flood-affected residents.

Final Thoughts: Rising Together with Viking Plumbing

The August 2025 flooding was a rare and devastating event—possibly a 500- to 1,000-year flood. Yet in the face of unprecedented deluges, Viking Plumbing remains ready to help Milwaukee heal—one basement, one sump pump, one drain at a time...