The Otter Plumber

10/15/2025

In Otter News...
Please join me and other area businesses at the Hartland Chamber of Commerce Business Trick or Treat, Thursday October 23rd from 6-8 PM.

Bring your little monsters out for this fun family event!

05/11/2025

In Otter News…
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there. Thank you all for your love, and support. Making time for your families after a hard day’s work. You are loved and appreciated!

05/09/2025

In Otter News...
Today's insight: Never stop learning! I've been plumbing for more than 20 years, and in the last 6 months, I learned this hack.

When installing a nonmetallic bathtub, set the tub and check the fit. Then pick it up and screw it to the studs, 1 on each side, leaving room for you to add shims, and mortar below. Then remove the screws, and set the tub.

This really sped up the install. In the past you would set the tub, check for level, then haul the tub out of the bathroom to make your adjustments, and repeat the process until the final placement.

It also saves your back. You only bring the tub in once!

To my fellow plumbers, and DIY warriors: Have you tried this? What do you think?

04/28/2025

In Otter News:
This one is interesting. It's going to be a bit of a read, but I think this has value. Hopefully it will answer some questions regarding sump pumps. If you have any questions please leave them in the comments. I will do my best to answer them!

This is a supplemental outdoor sump serving this home. The pit is in the lower middle of the pic. The pump on the right was existing. The pump on the left was installed today. While this is a unique example, sizing, and installation of the pump follow the same guidelines as any typical sump pump in ones basement.

This is a great example for pump sizing. The old pump (right) was a 1 HP pump. That pump had to lift the water it was pumping 10 feet vertically. That is called head pressure. It can be referred to as feet of dynamic head or feet of head on pump curves. Pump curves are graphs provided by the manufacturer to illustrate how much water in gallons per minute (GPM) these pumps can move. The big ol' pump would move 160 gallons per minute at 10 feet of head.

In the Wisconsin plumbing code, sump pumps and the sumps they reside in have to be sized properly. By code, the pump should run for 1/3 of a minute (20 seconds.) That big pump was way too big for this application. That pump would run for a second or 2, maybe 5 at most and shut off. The action of starting and stopping is what places wear and tear on an electric motor. It's how sump pumps wear out.

The new pump is 1/2 HP and can pump 70 gallons per minute at 10 feet of head. The sump is 30 inches across. When you do the math, that means each inch of water is about 2 gallons. I set the float switch at 15 inches from the bottom of the sump. When the pump runs it will run for 20-30 seconds and move about 30 gallons of water.

The pumps I use are manual, meaning they have a power cord on them and when they're plugged in they run. They need a float switch to govern when they run. The float switch I use with these pumps has to be separately attached to the discharge pipe. This allows me to adjust the volume of water the pump moves, and also dictates the pump run time. I believe this combo gives me the most flexibility/versatility and maximizes the life of the pump.

There is a lot more code language and information that could further explain this. Please ask if interested!

04/28/2025

In Otter News: Before and after pics of a water pipe repair. Relocated the well tank and water softener to maximize space, and keep things accessible for service. Installed new shut-off valves, and pressure gage on the well pump.

04/28/2025

In Otter News:
It's been a while Facebook! Here are some before and after pics of a recent bathroom renovation. What do you think?

08/01/2024

In Otter news…
Today marks my 1 year “Otterversary!” 1 year ago today The Otter Plumber opened for business. I would like to thank my wife Jen, my parents, friends, and family for their support and words of encouragement. I would also like to thank all of my clients who decided to try the Otter Plumber. Without your business, and kind reviews, I wouldn’t be here! Thank you, and please Be Kind, and Help Otters!

05/30/2024

With extra care, a group of around 50 volunteers spent Wednesday creating a wall, beam-by-beam, in Hartland’s Nixon Park.

05/30/2024

The Wall That Heals is up and open thanks to the awesome volunteers in Hartland, WI.

The Wall That Heals is open around the clock until Sunday at 2pm. Vvmf.org/the-wall-that-heals.

05/29/2024

In Otter News… Today I had the honor and privilege of volunteering to assemble The Wall That Heals. A traveling 3/4 scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial. The wall is on display at Nixon Park in Hartland from May 30- June 2. If you’re in the area this weekend, check it out. It’s a great piece of history.

05/12/2024

In Otter news…
Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, my wife, and all the otter moms out there!

04/11/2024

You Otter know...
Here's another awesome review from one of our awesome customers! Thank you for your kind words😁

★★★★★ "Really happy with my overall experience. Scheduling was super easy. Adam showed up on time and had the work done quickly. Definitely will be calling them next time!"