Plumbing
Random Task Handy Services is dedicated to the overall well-being and longevity of your property, ensuring that both small repairs and larger projects are completed with expertise and precision. I am also dedicated to do things “the right way”. With that being said, the State of Wisconsin prohibits anyone, other than a licensed plumber, and a homeowner from doing MOST plumbing with an exception for very minor repairs. And because this work is prohibited by the State, most insurance policies carried by general contractors and people offering handyperson services do not provide coverage for failures with respect to plumbing. That means, if you have plumbing work done by an unlicensed contractor in the State of Wisconsin, there is PROBABLY no coverage for any damage could occur. So, while I am unable to perform most plumbing repairs in the State of Wisconsin, If you have any questions about plumbing or are looking for a second opinion on a plumbing project, please contact me and I will be happy to help you make an informed decision. If you are interested in reading about the plumbing laws in Wisconsin, I have included excerpts below.
SPS 305.90 Plumbing.
(1)
(a) Except as provided under s. 145.06 (4), Stats., and pursuant to s. 145.06, Stats., no person may install plumbing unless the person holds a license or registration issued by the department as a master plumber, master plumber-restricted, journeyman plumber, journeyman plumber-restricted, plumbing apprentice, plumbing learner-restricted, utility contractor, or pipelayer. 145.06 License or registration required; exemptions.
(1)
(a) No person may engage in or work at plumbing in the state unless licensed to do so by the department. A master plumber may work as a journeyman. No person may act as a plumbing apprentice or pipe layer unless registered with the department.
(2) No person shall install plumbing unless at all times a licensed master plumber is in charge, who shall be responsible for proper installation. Licenses shall be issued only to individuals and no license shall be issued to or in the name of any firm or corporation. No such license shall be transferable. It is unlawful for any licensed master plumber to allow the use of his or her license, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of obtaining local permits for others or to allow the use of his or her license by others to install plumbing work.
(4) This section shall not apply to:
(a) Plumbing work done by a property owner in a one-family building owned and occupied by him or her as his or her home or farm building, except where such license is required by local ordinance.
(b) Plumbing from the private water supply pump to and including the initial pressure tank and connection to an existing water distribution system, when installed by persons licensed under ch. 280.
(c) Installation of sewer and water service piping from the main to the property lot line, when installed by authorized municipal utility employees or sewer and water utility installers under a contract with a municipality.
(d) Making minor repairs to faucets, valves, pipes or appliances, repair or replacement of electrical or gas energy or other automatic valves or control devices or removing of stoppages in waste or drainage pipes.
(176) “Plumbing” has the meaning specified under s. 145.01 (10), Stats.
Note: Section 145.01 (10), Stats., reads:
“Plumbing” means:
(a) 1. All piping, fixtures, appliances, equipment, devices, and appurtenances in connection with water supply systems, water distribution systems, wastewater drainage systems, reclaimed water systems, and stormwater use systems, including hot water storage tanks, water treatment devices, and water heaters connected with these systems and also includes the installation thereof.
2. The construction, connection, installation, service, or repair of any drain or wastewater piping system that connects to the mains or other terminal within the bounds of, or beneath an area subject to easement for highway purposes, including private sewage systems and stormwater treatment and dispersal systems, and the alteration of any such systems, drains or wastewater piping.
3. The construction, connection, installation, service, or repair of water service piping that connects to the main or other water utility service terminal within the bounds of, or beneath an area subject to easement for highway purposes and its connections.
4. The water pressure system other than municipal systems as provided in ch. 281.
5. A plumbing and drainage system so designed and vent piping so installed as to keep the air within the system in free circulation and movement; to prevent with a margin of safety unequal air pressures of such force as might blow, siphon or affect trap seals, or retard the discharge from plumbing fixtures, or permit sewer air to escape into the building; to prohibit cross-connection, contamination or pollution of the water supply and distribution systems, and to provide an adequate supply of water to properly serve, cleanse and operate all fixtures, equipment, appurtenances and appliances served by the plumbing system.
(br) “Plumbing” does not include any of the following:
1. A rainwater gutter or downspout down to the point that it discharges into a plumbing system, a subsoil drain, or a foundation drain.
2g. A process water reuse system if the process water reuse system is not connected to any plumbing fixture or appliance.
2m. A stormwater culvert under a roadway or walkway that is placed there only to equalize the water level from one end of the culvert to the other end.
3. The practical installation of process piping within a sewage disposal plant.
(177) “Plumbing appliance” means any one of a special class of plumbing devices which is intended to perform a special function. The operation or control of the appliance may be dependent upon one or more energized components, such as motors, controls, heating elements, or pressure or temperature sensing elements. The devices may be manually adjusted or controlled by the user or operator, or may operate automatically through one or more of the following actions: a time cycle, a temperature range, a pressure range, or a measured volume or weight.
(178) “Plumbing fixture” means a receptacle or device which meets at least one of the following:
(a) Is either permanently or temporarily connected to the water supply system of the premises, and demands a supply of water from the system;
(b) Discharges wastewater or waste materials either directly or indirectly to the drain system of the premises.
(c) Requires both a water supply connection and a discharge to the drain system of the premises.
(179) “Plumbing system” includes the water supply system, the drain system, the vent system, plumbing fixtures, plumbing appliances and plumbing appurtenances that serve a building, structure or premises.