Emergency Plumber in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's plumbing systems face some of the harshest winter conditions in the continental United States. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services licenses plumbers, and cities such as Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay have local inspectors. Many homes in the state were built before 1980 and have original galvanized steel or copper plumbing that is vulnerable to freezing. Winter is the leading cause of plumbing emergencies. Extended periods of subzero temperatures freeze pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls. The spring thaw can then cause burst pipes as pressure returns. Water hardness is high in much of the state, which shortens water heater life and leaves scale in fixtures. Summer storms can also overwhelm sewer systems and sump pumps. Water providers include Milwaukee Water Works, Madison Water Utility, and Green Bay Water Utility. Common emergencies include frozen and burst pipes, water heater failures, sewer backups, and clogged drains. Homeowners should insulate all exposed pipes, drain hose bibs, flush water heaters, and test sump pumps before spring.