A & R Plumbing has been serving Sun Prairie and the surrounding Dane County area since 2002. That is more than two decades of showing up on time, doing the work right, and standing behind it. We are locally owned, and when you call, you reach someone who knows the streets, the housing stock, and the plumbing quirks that come with Wisconsin winters. We keep you posted from the first call until the water's flowing again. That kind of accountability is what keeps neighbors calling us back.
We built this business on the plumbing done right the first time. No shortcuts, no guesswork, no leaving a job half-finished. Good workmanship. Good pricing. Good plumbers.
We've handled everything from a dripping faucet to a full repipe, and the customers we serve run the full range. Homeowners, landlords, property managers, and small business owners all call us when something needs fixing or a new fixture needs to go in. Whether you manage a rental on the east side of Sun Prairie or own a commercial building closer to Madison, we handle the same job with the same standard.
Work performed by licensed plumbers on every visit. We pull permits when the job requires them, and we do the work to code so it holds up to inspection and keeps your property protected. Let us handle the plumbing and the permits.
Slow drains and full-stop clogs happen in every home and building. We clear sink, tub, shower, and floor drains, and we handle main line clogs that back up into multiple fixtures at once. For stubborn buildup deep in the line, we use hydro jetting to clear the pipe completely rather than just punch through the blockage. If a sewer backup is threatening your property, we treat it as the urgent job it is.
Some leaks are obvious. Others hide behind walls, under slabs, or inside ceilings until the damage is already done. We locate the source before we open anything up, which keeps the repair targeted and the mess minimal. Slab leaks are one type we can assess when the situation calls for it, though most of the leak work we do in this area involves supply lines, joints, and fittings in older homes. We'll find it, fix it, and test it before we leave.
A running toilet, a leaky faucet, or a fixture that just needs replacing are everyday jobs we handle quickly. We repair and replace toilets, install new faucets, swap out sinks, and connect fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms for both remodels and straightforward replacements. Code-compliant plumbing on every installation, whether it is a single faucet or a full bathroom rough-in.
No hot water is one of those problems that stops your day. We repair and replace tank water heaters and install tankless units for homes and businesses that want on-demand hot water. If your current unit is struggling to keep up or showing its age, we will assess whether a repair makes sense or whether a replacement is the smarter move. We work on domestic hot water systems only.
A disposal that hums but won't spin, a kitchen drain that backs up every time it rains, low water pressure that has gotten worse over time, a shutoff valve that won't fully close. These are the kinds of jobs that seem minor until they aren't. We install and repair garbage disposals, diagnose water pressure problems at the source, and replace shutoff valves throughout the home, including the main.
Some homes need a full repipe. Others just need one faucet fixed. When the pipe material itself is the problem, whether it is aging galvanized steel, failing polybutylene, or a system that has just reached the end of its useful life, we handle partial and whole-house repiping. We stand behind every pipe and fixture we touch, and we do not consider the job finished until the system is tested and performing correctly.
The sewer line running from your home or building out to the city main takes a lot of abuse over the years. Root intrusion, grease buildup, ground movement, and aging pipe material all cause blockages and breaks. We clean, repair, and replace sewer lines, and where the situation allows, we use trenchless methods to minimize disruption to your yard and landscaping. We work the line from the building to the point where it exits the property. We make the repair and leave it tidy.
We handle gas line work on the plumbing side: running a new supply line, repairing a leaking connection, replacing a shutoff at an appliance stub-out, or roughing in a line for a new gas appliance like a range or water heater. If you smell gas, leave the building and call your utility before calling us. Once the gas company has cleared the scene, we can assess and repair the line.
Dane County winters are hard on plumbing. Temperatures drop well below freezing for weeks at a stretch, and most homes here sit on basements with pipe runs that pass through exterior walls, crawl spaces, and unheated garages. Spring snowmelt adds its own pressure, flooding basements and overwhelming drainage systems that have sat dormant all winter. The three services below come up more than almost anything else we handle from November through April.
When a pipe freezes, the clock is ticking. If it thaws before the ice ruptures the pipe wall, you may get lucky. If it bursts, you are looking at water damage that compounds fast. We respond to frozen and burst pipe calls throughout Sun Prairie and the surrounding area. While you wait for us, shut off the main water supply if you can access it safely, and do not try to thaw a pipe with an open flame. We will assess the damage, make the repair, and check the surrounding runs for any additional vulnerability.
Spring snowmelt in Dane County moves a lot of water in a short window. A sump pump that was working fine last year can fail under the load of a heavy thaw, and a basement that has never flooded can surprise you when conditions line up the wrong way. We install new sump pumps and replace units that are aging or undersized for the job. Getting this handled before the ground thaws is always better than calling us after the water is already on the floor.
The best frozen pipe repair is the one that never has to happen. Before temperatures drop, we can assess your home for vulnerable pipe runs and add insulation, heat tape, or both where the risk is highest. Older construction in the Sun Prairie area often has pipes in exterior walls that were never properly insulated, and homes with crawl spaces or attached garages are especially prone. Winterization is straightforward work that pays for itself the first time a hard freeze rolls through. We'll make your plumbing sound again.
Plumbing problems don't wait, and neither do we, especially when a burst pipe or a major leak is putting your home or building at risk. We take emergency calls seriously. The same crew that handles our scheduled work handles the urgent calls, so you are not getting a different standard of care when the situation is stressful. We arrive ready to diagnose and repair, not just assess and schedule a follow-up.
Every emergency repair is code-compliant plumbing on every job. We do not cut corners because the call came in after hours. Schedule it. We fix it. You're flowing.
Getting your plumbing problem handled starts with a quick call. Plumbing costs vary widely depending on what the job actually involves. A toilet replacement is a different conversation than a full sewer line repair, and a water heater swap-out sits somewhere in between. We do not quote a flat number before we understand the scope, because a number without context is not useful to you.
What we can tell you is that we price work honestly, explain what we find before we proceed, and do not add to the scope without talking to you first. The fastest path to an accurate estimate is a phone call. Describe what you are seeing, and we will give you a real answer.
We work throughout Sun Prairie and across the wider Dane County area. Neighbors in Madison, DeForest, Windsor, Marshall, Cottage Grove, Waterloo, and Columbus call us regularly, and we are familiar with the housing stock and infrastructure across the region. If you are not sure whether you fall within our service area, give us a call and we will let you know.
Common signs include no hot water, water that takes much longer than usual to heat up, a unit that is leaking around the base, unusual popping or rumbling noises, and water that comes out discolored or with a metallic smell. Age matters too. A tank water heater that is more than ten years old and showing any of these symptoms is a strong candidate for replacement rather than repair.
Tankless units deliver hot water on demand and tend to have a longer service life than traditional tank heaters. They are a good fit for homes where hot water demand is high or where space near the installation point is limited. We install and service both tank and tankless units and can walk you through the tradeoffs based on your home and usage before you decide.
When a job requires a permit, we handle it. Permit requirements in Dane County depend on the scope of the work. A simple fixture swap typically does not require one, but a water heater replacement, a repipe, or a sewer line repair often does. We factor permit costs into the quote upfront so there are no surprises later.
Yes. Every job we complete is code-compliant plumbing, whether it is a single faucet installation or a full repipe. Work performed by licensed plumbers means the job is done to the standard required by Wisconsin code, and it holds up to inspection. We do not cut corners on code compliance regardless of the size of the job.
When we work on an older system and find something that does not meet current code, we point it out and explain what bringing it up to standard would involve. We do not perform work that would leave the system in a condition that fails inspection or creates a safety concern. If a correction is required to complete the job properly, we include it in the scope and walk you through the cost before we proceed.
Water stains on ceilings or walls, a persistent mildew smell with no obvious source, flooring that has warped or buckled, and a water bill that has spiked without a change in your usage are all common indicators. Hidden leaks can cause significant damage before they become visible, so if you notice any of these signs, it is worth calling us to take a look.
Older homes in this area were often built with galvanized steel pipe, which corrodes from the inside over time. As the interior of the pipe narrows with rust and mineral buildup, water pressure drops and the pipe wall weakens, leading to pinhole leaks and eventually larger failures. If your home has recurring pressure problems or leaks that keep coming back in the same area, the pipe material itself may be the underlying cause.
We run a small camera through the sewer line to get a direct view of what is happening inside the pipe. This lets us locate blockages, root intrusion, cracks, collapsed sections, or buildup without digging. The inspection gives us a clear picture of the problem before we recommend a course of action, which means the repair we propose is based on what is actually there rather than guesswork.
A targeted repair makes sense when the pipe material is in good condition overall and the problem is isolated to one area. When the same section keeps failing, when the pipe material has corroded throughout, or when the cost of repeated spot repairs is approaching the cost of replacement, a full fix is the smarter investment. We will give you an honest assessment of which situation you are in.
Yes. Pipes inside walls, under slabs, or in tight crawl spaces take more time to access, and older pipe materials sometimes require additional work to connect to or replace properly. We identify these factors during the assessment and include them in the estimate before work begins so the final cost matches what we quoted.
Wisconsin winters can freeze outdoor supply lines, hose bibs, and pipes running through unheated spaces when temperatures drop hard enough. Underground lines are generally protected by soil depth, but shallow runs and exterior wall pipes are vulnerable. We handle winterization before the cold sets in and repair frozen or burst pipes when a freeze catches a home off guard.
A detached garage, a workshop, or a separate structure on the property may involve additional pipe runs and access considerations that affect the price. We assess the full scope of the job before quoting, and if an outbuilding is part of the work, we include it in the estimate. Call us with the details and we will give you a straight answer on what the work will involve.
Clear access to the fixture, drain, water heater, or pipe run we will be working on makes the job go faster and keeps costs down. If you know where your main water shutoff is, that is helpful to have ready. Keep kids and pets away from the work area for their safety and ours. If you have any notes on when the problem started or what you have already tried, share them when we arrive.
A & R Plumbing is locally owned and has been accountable to this community since 2002. When you call (608) 941-9789, you reach us directly, and we will get your plumbing handled the right way.
Good workmanship. Good pricing. Good plumbers.
From a clogged drain to a burst pipe in January, we handle the full range of plumbing work that Sun Prairie homes and businesses need. The table below lays out what each service covers, who it fits best, and a practical note to help you decide what to do next. Call us at (608) 941-9789 and we will give you a straight quote before any work begins.
| Type of Job | What's Included | Typical Situations | Things to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sump Pump Installation |
| Dane County homes with basements that take on water during spring thaw or heavy rain | A pump that runs constantly or cycles oddly is worth inspecting before the next thaw season, not after |
| Sewer & Main Line Service |
| homes with slow drains throughout the house or a history of backups | Tree root intrusion is one of the most common causes of sewer line failure in established neighborhoods |
| Water Pressure & Shutoff Valve Repair |
| homes with noticeably weak flow or valves that no longer close fully | A failing shutoff valve is a liability; if yours will not close in an emergency, it is worth replacing before you need it |
| Garbage Disposal Service |
| homeowners with a disposal that has stopped working, jammed, or started leaking | Disposals tend to fail at the worst moments; we usually carry common replacement units on the truck |
| Leak Detection & Repair |
| homeowners who suspect a leak but cannot locate it | Water damage behind a wall builds fast; finding the leak early almost always costs less than waiting |
| Toilet Repair & Installation |
| homeowners and landlords dealing with a toilet that wastes water or will not clear | A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a month; the fix is usually straightforward |
| Drain Cleaning & Clog Removal |
| slow or fully blocked drains in homes, rentals, and commercial buildings | Hydro jetting scours the pipe wall clean and is the right call when snaking keeps the clog coming back |
| Water Heater Repair & Replacement |
| anyone with no hot water, a leaking unit, or a heater that is not keeping up with demand | We tell you honestly whether a repair makes sense or whether replacement is the smarter investment for your situation |
| Frozen & Burst Pipe Repair |
| any Sun Prairie home that loses water or springs a leak during or after a hard freeze | The faster a burst pipe is addressed, the less secondary water damage follows; call us as soon as you shut off the supply |
| Faucet & Fixture Installation |
| anyone upgrading fixtures or dealing with a drip that will not stop | We handle supply line connections and shutoff valves as part of the install so the job is complete when we leave |
| Pipe Insulation & Winterization |
| homeowners who want to avoid a burst pipe emergency before winter sets in | Older Sun Prairie homes often have uninsulated pipe runs that were never addressed when the house was built |
| Emergency Plumbing |
| any plumbing situation that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment | We take emergency calls every day from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM and respond as quickly as we can get there |
How do I know if my water heater needs to be repaired or replaced?
Age is the first factor. A tank water heater that is more than ten to twelve years old and showing problems is usually a better candidate for replacement than repair. Signs that lean toward replacement include rusty or discolored water, a unit that leaks from the tank body, or one that simply cannot keep up with your household demand no matter how it is adjusted. A repair makes more sense when the unit is younger and the problem is a component like a heating element, a thermostat, or a pressure relief valve. We will give you an honest read on which direction makes financial sense before any work begins.
What causes drains to keep clogging even after they have been cleared?
A drain that clogs repeatedly usually has an underlying cause that a standard snaking does not fix. Inside the pipe, grease and soap scum build up on the walls over time, narrowing the opening until almost anything causes a blockage. In sewer and main lines, partial root intrusion or a pipe that has shifted or partially collapsed will keep causing backups until the structural problem is addressed. Hydro jetting clears the pipe wall rather than just punching a hole through the clog, which is why it tends to produce longer-lasting results than snaking alone on problem drains.
What is the difference between tank and tankless water heaters?
A tank water heater stores a set volume of hot water and keeps it ready around the clock. It is a proven, lower-cost option upfront and works well for most households. A tankless unit heats water on demand as it flows through the unit, which means you are not paying to keep a tank warm when no one is using hot water. Tankless units cost more to install but can lower energy use over time and eliminate the risk of a tank failure flooding your utility space. We install and service both types and can walk you through which fits your household size, usage pattern, and budget.
Same-Day and Emergency Availability
We take same-day appointments for most plumbing work and emergency calls every day from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM. When something goes wrong at an inconvenient time, we are reachable and we respond.
What are the signs of a sewer or main line problem?
The clearest sign is multiple drains backing up at the same time. When a clog is in a single fixture, only that fixture is affected. When the main line is blocked or damaged, slow drainage and backups show up throughout the house at once. Other signs include gurgling sounds from drains when water is running elsewhere in the home, sewage odors inside or around the foundation, and wet or unusually green patches in the yard over the sewer line path. Tree root intrusion is a common cause in established neighborhoods, and we handle root removal and line repair as part of our sewer service.
What should I do if a pipe bursts in my home?
The first step is to shut off the water supply to the house at the main shutoff valve. That stops the flow and limits how much water enters the building. Then call us. We respond to burst pipe emergencies as quickly as we can get there, assess the damage, and make the repair. The faster the pipe is fixed and the space is dried out, the less secondary damage you are dealing with afterward. If you are not sure where your main shutoff is, it is worth locating it now before you need it in a hurry.
How are hidden leaks found without tearing up the whole house?
We start with the symptoms: unexplained increases in your water bill, damp spots on walls or ceilings, the sound of running water when nothing is on, or low pressure with no obvious cause. From there we use a combination of pressure testing, visual inspection, and, where needed, listening equipment to narrow down the location before any opening up happens. The goal is to access the pipe at the point of failure rather than opening large sections of wall or floor. Once we find it, we repair it and test the system before we leave.
Upfront Quotes With No Surprise Fees
We give you a clear price before any work begins and do not add to the scope without talking to you first. What we quote is what you pay, and if something unexpected comes up we explain it before we proceed.
Is the plumbing work permitted and inspected to code?
Yes. We pull the permits required by the city or municipality for the work being done, and the job meets code on every project we take on. Permitted work protects you as the property owner because it creates a record of the repair and ensures the work was inspected to the standard required by local building codes. If you are selling the home or refinancing, unpermitted plumbing work can become a problem. We handle the permitting side so you do not have to.
What causes low water pressure throughout the house?
Low pressure that affects the whole house rather than a single fixture usually points to one of a few causes: a partially closed or failing shutoff valve, a pressure reducing valve that needs adjustment or replacement, mineral buildup inside older pipes that has narrowed the flow, or a leak somewhere in the supply line that is bleeding off pressure before it reaches the fixtures. We diagnose where the pressure is being lost and repair the component responsible. If aging pipes are the underlying cause, we will tell you what a repipe would involve and what it would cost.
Work Performed by Licensed Plumbers
Every job we take on, from a single fixture swap to a whole-house repipe, is handled by licensed plumbers who know the code and stand behind the work they do.
Do I need to be home when the plumber arrives?
For most jobs, yes. We need access to the area where the work is happening, and in many cases we will have questions or need decisions made as the job progresses. If you are a landlord or property manager who cannot be on site, having a tenant or building contact present who can let us in and reach you by phone is usually enough. We will keep you informed at each step so decisions do not stall the work.
How do estimates and pricing work?
Call us, describe what you are seeing, and we give you a quote before any work begins. We do not add to the scope without talking to you first. If we open a wall or access a line and find something unexpected, we explain what we found and what it will cost before we proceed. There are no charges added at the end of the job that were not discussed beforehand. For larger projects like repiping or sewer line replacement, we walk you through the full scope and cost before a single pipe is touched.
When should I call a plumber instead of trying to fix it myself?
A plunger is a reasonable first try on a clogged toilet or a slow sink drain. Beyond that, most plumbing repairs are worth a call. Work that involves cutting into supply lines, replacing shutoff valves, repairing or replacing a water heater, clearing a main line, or anything inside a wall or under a slab carries real risk of making a manageable problem worse if the repair is not done correctly. Permitted work also requires a licensed plumber in most jurisdictions. If you are unsure, call us and describe what you are dealing with. We will tell you honestly whether it is something you can handle or whether you need us on site.
Every plumbing situation is a little different, so call us at (608) 941-9789 and we will give you a straight answer and a real quote for your specific job.
(608) 941-9789