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The State of Wisconsin requires homeowners to use licensed plumbers on any new installations.

Spring has historically been one of the biggest seasons for home remodeling projects.  In today’s economy, many folks are looking for ways to save money in materials, doing the project themselves or hiring cheaper labor.  When it comes to complex installations like plumbing, organizations like the PPC urge home and business owners to get the job done the right the first time by hiring licensed plumbers.  It’s not only the smart thing to do, it’s the law.

The state of Wisconsin requires plumbing installations to be handled by licensed master plumbers or journeymen.  There are exceptions in some communities where the home is owned and occupied by the resident; however any plumbing work installed in a new home must be done by a licensed plumber.

Jim Miller, section chief with the Department of Commerce Safety & Building Division says this law has many advantages to the homeowner.  “Licensed plumbers have the proven competency and knowledge to get the job done right.  They are continuously trained and are under the supervision of a master plumber at all times.”

Miller says that master plumbers are required to go through eight years of training that includes an apprenticeship with five years of classroom study and three years of on-the-job training.  Five years of training are required for licensed plumbers.  In addition, the plumber must pass a rigorous state competency exam for licensing.  To maintain their license, plumbers are also required to undergo at least six hours of continuous training every year at training centers provided by organizations like Plumbers 75.  The training centers keep members up-to-date on the latest products, codes and technology available in the plumbing industry.

“When changing a faucet, there can be a problem in the installation that is not easy to fix,” says Mike House, business agent at Plumbers 75.  “Take the case of a retrofit for a valued fixture or faucet in an older home that the owner wants to save.  A licensed plumber would have the knowledge and resources available to possibly save the fixture.”

If you plan to do a home remodel, the National Home Builders Association offers five tips for a successful experience.

1.      Compile a list of home remodeling ideas and a budget for the work.

2.      Look for a professional remodeler to help plan the project.

3.      Check the remodeler’s references.

4.      Agree on a contract.

5.      Take advantage of energy efficiency tax credits.

A good, reputable home remodeler will only employ a licensed master plumber or journeyman to conduct or supervise your plumbing installation.  Don’t be afraid to ask to see a license.  If you are hiring a plumber to do the work, you can ensure the plumber is licensed by using the PPC contractor search tool provided on this website.

Even a slow leak at 5 drips per minute can waste up to a gallon of water a day.

There are days, weeks, and months dedicated to every kind of affliction, so why not one for plumbing problems? Master Plumber Thomas Kolton, with over 15 years under his belt, has some great tips for taking care of leaky plumbing.

The folks at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have named March 15-21 “Fix a Leak” week to get homeowners to look around the house for leaky toilets, sinks and pipes to make sure their plumbing is working properly. The EPA says a few simple checks and fixes could save homeowners thousands of gallons of water each year, lower water bills, and improve the operation of their home plumbing systems.

Just check out these numbers offered by the EPA’s WaterSense Program:

Here is a chart showing the amount of drips per minute and how much it equals in a year:

You just have to NIP THE DRIP! The first step is to listen as many leaks are audible. Next, inspect each and every faucet in the home and outside for signs of dripping – spots of water in the basin or on the ground outside.

For toilets, put a little food coloring in the tank for a short time and if color seeps into the bowl, the toilet is leaking. Toilets that run all the time typically have a broken or worn flapper or an improper float adjustment in the tank.

Some leaks are hidden; for example, water lines can be buried underground or covered by the walls of your home. If you have a municipal water supply this is what you should do next. To detect any hidden leaks, you will need to find the water meter for the house which is commonly located where the main water line enters the house. For future reference, the main water shut-off valve for your home is usually located nearby on the house side of meter.

To begin your inspection, check to be sure all faucets are off, and any water-using appliances in the home are not running. Make a note of the gallon calculating sweep hand on the water meter (it looks very much like the second hand on a watch or a small little red triangle). Wait about 30 minutes, and check the meter again. If the hand has moved on the water meter, you have a leak somewhere.

For those on a private well, follow the steps above but mark the pressure gauge and note any loss in pressure.

If you find you have a leak, you should call a professional plumber to get the problem solved.  You’ll save money in the long run by preventing further water damage and will be doing your part to save water during “Fix a Leak” Week.

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Garbage disposals get used and abused during the holidays. Don’t ruin your holiday event with a jammed disposal. Scott Allan, from Gene Wagner Plumbing in West Allis, takes you through the steps to unjam the garbage disposal.

• If you have frost-proof lawn faucets they should be turned off and drained before freezing begins outside.  Turn off the 1/2″ valve (inside the home) that serves the lawn faucet.  Then, turn the faucet on outside to relieve any extra water that may be sitting in the faucet and/or piping.

• If you have pipes that run along an outside wall and have a faucet with a history of freezing on you during the winter months, leave the cabinet door ajar below the sink.

• Clear all down spouts of any leaves or other debris so water and any snow melt can flow freely.