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.
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.
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.