What do we inspect?
Outside we inspect all storm sewers, sanitary sewers, water services, well and private sewerage systems. Inside the building or structure we inspect; storm and sanitary building drains, waste and vent piping, water distribution piping, plumbing fixtures, equipment and appliances.
Why we inspect!
Sewers, drains and waste piping are checked for proper grading to maintain downward flow. The plumbing system is tested for leaks. We check that the material used in the plumbing system is approved by a recognized testing lab. We prohibit cross connections between safe water and water from a questionable source and prohibit the discharge of hazardous waste to the sewer system. We also check the vent pipes to balance the pressure in the plumbing system.
Who else do we work with?
The plumbing inspection staff works closely with the plumbing permit clerk, the plumbing plan examiners, the Metropolitan Sewerage District, Sewer Engineering, Water Department, Dept. of Public Works, and the Health Department. The following is a list of the office and inspection staff of the Plumbing, Cross Connection, and Sprinkler Sections. It also includes the Plumbing Permit Clerk and the Plumbing Plan Examiners.
Plumbing Section Staff List
| Richard Paur |
286-2512 |
Plumbing Supervisor |
| Hal Jenkins |
286-8221 |
Plumbing Asst. Supervisor |
| Richard Husar |
286-8219 |
Plumbing Asst. Supervisor |
| Michael Marass |
286-3365 |
Clerical |
| Bertha Redd |
286-3362 |
Clerical |
| Almira Trotter |
286-3365 |
Clerical |
|
| Mary Stevenson |
286-3332 |
Clerical |
| |
|
|
| Thomas Cottreau |
286-3116 |
Plumbing Plan Examiner (DCD) |
| Kent Wilde |
286-2596 |
Plumbing Plan Examiner (DCD) |
| |
|
|
| Michele Burke |
286-3357 |
Plumbing Inspector |
| William J. Jaworski |
286-8217 |
Plumbing Inspector |
| Abraham Jones |
286-3356 |
Plumbing Inspector |
| William Kirby |
286-3355 |
Plumbing Inspector |
| Burgess McMillian |
286-3376 |
Plumbing Inspector |
| David Polk |
286-2559 |
Plumbing Inspector |
| Bruce Sorensen |
286-3325 |
Plumbing Inspector |
| Brian C. Vincent |
286-8219 |
Plumbing Inspector |
| |
|
|
| Foster G. Finco |
286-8220 |
Cross Connection Inspector |
| James Winterhalter |
286-8224 |
Cross Connection Inspector |
| Jeff Wroblewski |
286-8237 |
Cross Connection Inspector |
| Andrew Witczak |
286-3364 |
Cross Connection Inspector |
| |
|
|
| Mark Nowak |
286-2597 |
Sprinkler Inspector |
| DuWayne Hayes |
286-2598 |
Sprinkler Inspector |
Each inspector has a district. He or she performs all inspections in their district. See district map below for inspectors.
PLUMBING INSPECTOR DISTRICT MAP V2.2.pdf
All plumbing work in the City of Milwaukee must be done with a permit obtained from the Department of City Development's Development Center (414-286-8211). The person applying for the permit has to hold one or more of the following credentials: Master Plumber, Master Plumber Restricted - Service, Master Plumber Restricted - Appliance, or Utility Contractor who has a plumber's performance bond and certificate of liability insurance filed with the City Attorney except for state statues allow an owner of a one-family building owned and occupied by him or her can also apply for a plumbing permit for the remodeling or alteration work done inside of the building.
Once a plumbing permit is issued, work can begin and will be inspected as the job progresses. The contractor or the homeowner calls the Plumbing Inspection Section for an inspection. Because of open ditches or tests, inspections by the inspector are performed the same day if the inspection is called in before 9:00 AM for morning inspections or 12:50 PM for afternoon inspections.
PLUMBING INSPECTION CHECKLIST.pdf
The following documents can help you with a number of common plumbing problems. The following is a chart of the plumbing system of a single family home from the city mains throughout the building. The water piping and water heater are not included. In certain parts of Milwaukee, the storm sewer and sanitary sewer is combined. This shows a separated system.
HOME PLUMBING SYSTEM.pdf
This is a diagram of common sources of basement leakage. This includes problems with the storm sewer system, the drain-tile system, and backfill in and around the house, which all create problems with damp basement floors or walls.
CAUSES OF BASEMENT LEAKS.pdf
Have you checked out our Stopping Basement Leaks video at the library?
This is a diagram of a sink and how it should be properly mounted.