Looking for a plumber in Wisconsin? Long, cold winters freeze pipes, and well water in many cities is very hard. Call Same Day Plumber any time to reach a Wisconsin-licensed plumber.
Call a Plumber in Wisconsin (833) 763-0420Plumbing in Wisconsin: What Differs by City
Wisconsin has one state plumbing code. Permits come from each city.
Cities on Lake Michigan have moderately hard water. Green Bay and Kenosha are about 7.5 to 8 grains per gallon.
Well water is much harder. Madison runs about 18 to 20 grains. Waukesha moved off its hard wells to Lake Michigan water in 2023.
Lead service lines are being replaced in older cities. Racine offers a rebate, and Appleton requires owners to replace old lines after notice.
Most homes have basements. Test the sump pump before the spring thaw.
Oshkosh has thousands of lead service lines, and Eau Claire is building a PFAS treatment plant.
Pick your Wisconsin city below for local water, permit and repair details.
Wisconsin Cities With Local Plumbing Guides
- Milwaukee, WIFrozen pipes · Old galvanized and cast iron pipe · Basement water
- Madison, WIVery hard water · Frozen pipes · Basement water
- Green Bay, WIFrozen pipes · Basement water · Water heater replacement
- Kenosha, WIOld pipe · Sump pump failures · Frozen pipes
- Racine, WILead service lines · Old pipe · Frozen pipes
- Pleasant Prairie, WIWater heater replacement · Sump pump failure · Frozen pipes
- Appleton, WIGalvanized and lead service lines · Frozen pipes · Water heater replacement
- Waukesha, WISofteners set for the old water · Water heater replacement · Frozen pipes
- Eau Claire, WIFrozen pipes · Water heater replacement · Old pipe
- Oshkosh, WILead service lines · Frozen pipes · Old pipe
Plumbing Codes, Permit Offices and Water Hardness by Wisconsin City
| City | Plumbing code | Permits issued by | Water hardness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code | Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services, Permit and Development Center | Not published |
| Madison | Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code | City of Madison Building Inspection | Very hard |
| Green Bay | Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code | City of Green Bay Inspections | Moderately hard |
| Kenosha | Not listed | Not listed | Moderately hard |
| Racine | Not listed | Not listed | Moderately hard |
| Pleasant Prairie | Not listed | Not listed | Moderately hard |
| Appleton | Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code | Not listed | Softened with lime at the city plant |
| Waukesha | Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code | Not listed | About 8 grains per gallon since the 2023 switch to Lake Michigan water |
| Eau Claire | Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code | Not listed | Not published |
| Oshkosh | Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code | Not listed | Not published |
How to Check a Plumber's License in Wisconsin
Plumbers in Wisconsin are licensed by the state. Before work begins, ask for the license number and look it up with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Plumbing Services Available Across Wisconsin
- Emergency PlumbingBurst pipes, flooding, sewage backups and loss of water, any hour.
- Drain CleaningClogged sinks, tubs, toilets and main sewer lines.
- Water Heater Repair & ReplacementNo hot water, leaking tanks, tank and tankless repair or replacement.
- Leak Detection & RepairHidden, slab and pipe leaks found and fixed before they cause damage.
- Sewer Line RepairCamera inspection, sewer repair and trenchless replacement.
- Pipe Repair & RepipingBurst, frozen and corroded pipes repaired or replaced.
- Toilet RepairRunning, clogged, leaking and broken toilets repaired or replaced.
- Faucet & Fixture RepairFaucets, garbage disposals and shower valves.
- Sump Pump RepairSump pump repair, replacement and battery backups.
- Gas Line RepairGas leak repair and appliance hookups by licensed plumbers.
- Water Softeners & FiltrationWater softeners, whole-house filtration and well pumps.
- Commercial Plumbing & BackflowCommercial plumbing service and backflow testing.