Plumbing Tips for EAA AirVenture Visitors & Hosts in Oshkosh

Every summer, Oshkosh transforms into a bustling hub of aviation enthusiasts during EAA AirVenture. 

With more than 600,000 attendees and thousands of aircraft descending on Oshkosh and the surrounding areas, it’s a thrilling and busy time in the Fox Cities. But all that activity puts extra strain on local homes, rental properties, and businesses, especially when it comes to plumbing.

Whether you’re flying in for the week, renting your home or property out to guests, or running a business that’s about to get a lot busier, our Oshkosh plumbers are here to help you stay prepared and stress-free.

For Homeowners & Rental Hosts: Prep Now, Avoid Headaches Later

Renting out your house during AirVenture is a great opportunity. However, don’t forget to prepare your plumbing system for extra guests and more usage than normal. 

1. Check for Hidden Leaks

Before any guests arrive, take time to carefully inspect for leaks under sinks and around toilets. Even if the issues seem minor, fix everything before your guests arrive. Leaks and plumbing issues will only get worse under heavy use.

In addition to water spots or damage, other signs of leaks to watch for include mold and mildew, dripping sounds, and even a musty smell. 

Not sure exactly what to look for? Call Watters Plumbing now to have one of our experienced Oshkosh plumbers check out your system before the busy week of AirVenture is upon us.

2. Clear Out Drains

Take a few minutes to clean out hair and debris from sinks and tubs. Slow drains can quickly become clogged when demand increases and multiple people are using the shower every day. 

3. Label Key Shutoff Valves

Clearly label your main water shutoff and individual fixture shutoffs in case your EAA guests need to use them during a plumbing emergency. Easy access to these valves can make a huge difference when it comes to reducing water damage. 

As AirVenture brings in aviators from all over the world, keep your guests in mind. You may want to use a translator tool to label in their native language in addition to English to minimize confusion as much as possible. 

Since many of these valves are in the basement or storage areas in Oshkosh homes, be sure there’s a clear path and access as well. 

3. Test Your Sump Pump

It’s not AirVenture without a storm. It’s just a fact that summer storms can roll in fast during this time of year in Wisconsin. 

Make sure your sump pump is working properly, especially if your basement is part of the rental or house’s important systems. Pour a bucket of water into the pit to ensure it kicks on. If you have a battery backup sump pump system, test that too (or call us to install one)! 

4. Provide a Simple Home Guide

A little clarity goes a long way when an emergency arises. We recommend a guide with clear instructions for guests on what not to flush, how to use garbage disposals, and who to contact if there’s a problem. 

Since guests are often coming from out of town, they may not know the best Oshkosh plumbers to call. Watters Plumbing serves Oshkosh and the surrounding communities, so feel free to list us for plumbing services

5. Stock Up on Supplies

If you’ve spent enough time in Oshkosh, you know how busy stores can get during AirVenture week, with key items going out of stock. 

Shop early and make sure you have enough toilet paper, paper towels, and a plunger handy for your guests. 

For Local Businesses: Be Ready for the Rush

Restaurants, bars, shops, hotels, and campgrounds, your plumbing systems will be under pressure during AirVenture week. Here’s how you can stay ahead of the curve. 

1. Schedule a Pre-Event Inspection

We always recommend that Fox Cities businesses regularly inspect their plumbing — and there’s no time like the present. Call Watters Plumbing so our commercial plumbers can inspect your Oshkosh business for any plumbing issues that could become catastrophic with increased foot traffic.

2. Clean Out Grease Traps and Floor Drains

This is especially important for restaurants and hotels serving food. Clogged drains during EAA week can cause service delays and shutdowns that could cost  your business a lot of money during an otherwise busy and profitable week. 

3. Have an Oshkosh Commercial Plumber on Call

At Watters, we’re all about relationships. We always tell fellow business owners in the Fox Cities that it’s best to have a trusted relationship with a commercial plumber in Oshkosh now, not when you’re facing a full dining room and a clogged drain.

Call us today to get to know our team, discuss your business needs, and make sure our info is readily accessible during AirVenture week. 

For AirVenture Visitors: Don’t Let Plumbing Problems Crash Your Stay

If you’re staying in someone’s home for the week or you’ve booked a short-term rental property, here are a few basic plumbing tips to keep in mind. 

1. Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain

Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. That means no wipes, napkins, tissues, or paper towels. While you’re tired, busy, and focused on making it to the next air show, it can be easy to forget this important tip.

Many Oshkosh homes and short-term rental properties through AirBnB and VRBO have older plumbing systems, which are more susceptible to accidental damage and clogs. If a clog or burst pipe happens, you could cause serious damage and be liable financially. 

2. Watch Your Water Usage

We know that many EAA attendees travel together, meet up, and share rentals. If you’re sharing the home with a group, be sure to stagger showers, dishwashing, and other water usage whenever possible. 

Overloading a plumbing system can lead to slow drains, backups, cold showers, and other plumbing issues that can definitely dampen your trip and cause issues for both you and the property owner.

Before you get too enamored with airplanes and cool aviation gadgets,  plan bathroom schedules and divide other tasks as a group. Not only will this help you avoid straining the plumbing system, but it’ll also help make a busy and exciting week go a little bit smoother as you’re not all trying to get ready at the same time. 

3. Report Issues Promptly

Do a quick walk-through of the property when you arrive and keep an eye on things throughout the week. Notice a leak, a slow drain, or a running toilet? Let your host or property manager know as soon as possible. 

Small issues can turn into major problems fast, especially with more people using the plumbing system than usual.

If possible, use written communication (email, text, online forms) and photos to document the issue and create a clear paper trail to help minimize any liability. 

Need an Oshkosh Plumber Before or During EAA Week?

Let’s keep the AirVenture experience comfortable, clean, and clog-free for everyone. Whether you’re flying, hosting, or serving up cheese curds and cold drinks, a little plumbing prep now goes a long way.

At Watters Plumbing, we’re proud to support Oshkosh and the surrounding communities during one of the busiest and most exciting weeks of the year. 

Whether you need a pre-event inspection, emergency repair, or just have a plumbing question — we’re here to help. Contact us today!

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