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by Chapter of Revised Municipal Code
Go to Index of All Ordinances
The ordinances reproduced on this website are derived from the updated computer files used to produce the official Revised Municipal Code for the City of Stevens Point, but are unofficial. The ordinances on this web site cannot be certified under s. 889.08, Wis. Stats., and cannot be considered prima facie evidence under s. 889.04, Wis. Stats. Certain tables and maps that are a part of the official Revised Municipal Code for the City of Stevens Point are not included in the ordinance files reproduced on this website. Please consult the bound Revised Municipal Code for the City of Stevens Point, available in the City Clerk's Office, for the official text.
Chapter 18 - Plumbing Code
Section
18.01 Title
18.02 Definitions
18.03 Plumbing Inspector
18.04 Reports on Violations
18.05 Inspection of Plumbing Work
18.06 Plumbing Permits
18.07 Plumber's Bond
18.08 Insanitary Plumbing Conditions
18.09 Sewer and House Drains
18.10 Water Service and Distribution
18.11 Water Meter and Cut-off valves
18.12 Well Abandonment
18.13 Penalties
18.01 TITLE. This chapter to be known as the Plumbing Code of the City of Stevens
Point, shall include the provisions, rules and plumbing regulations of chapter 145 of the Wisconsin statutes and
the Wisconsin state administrative plumbing code adopted by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, and the Wisconsin
well construction and pump installation code adopted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, which are
hereby adopted and made a part of this code. It shall extend over and govern the construction, installation, and
repairing of all plumbing installed, altered or repaired in the City of Stevens Point.
Index for this Chapter
18.02 DEFINITIONS.
(1) Plumbing. Plumbing as defined in section 145.01 of the Wisconsin statutes.
(2) Fixtures. Fixtures include water closets, bath tubs, sinks, wash basins, floor drains, drinking fountains,
urinals, water heaters, laundry tubs, catch basins, grease traps, water softeners, shower stalls, storage tanks,
bar connections, and range boilers.
(3) Licensed master plumber. A person who has a valid master plumber's license from the Wisconsin Department of
Commerce under Chapter 145 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
(4) "Municipal water system" means the Stevens Point municipal water system.
(5) "Noncomplying" means a well or pump installation which does not comply with the provisions in effect
at the time the well was constructed, a contamination source was installed, the pump was installed or work was
done on either the well or pump installation.
(6) "Pump installation" means the pump and related equipment used for withdrawing water from a well including
the discharge piping, the underground connections, pitless adapters, pressure tanks, pits, sampling faucets and
well seals or caps.
(7) "Unsafe" means a well or pump installation which produces water which is bacteriologically contaminated
or contaminated with substances exceeding the standards of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, or for which a health
advisory has been issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
(8) "Unused" means a well or pump installation which is not in use or does not have a functional pumping
system.
(9) "Well" means an excavation or opening into the ground made by digging, boring, drilling, driving,
or other methods for the purpose of obtaining groundwater for consumption or other use.
(10) "Well abandonment" means the filling and sealing of a well according to the provisions of ch. NR
812, Wisconsin Administrative Code.
18.03 PLUMBING INSPECTOR.
(1) Duties. The plumbing inspector shall perform the duties identified in the Wisconsin statutes, Wisconsin administrative
code and the municipal code, as an employee or by contracting with the city. In the event of performance by contract
the plumbing inspector's duties, work schedule, compensation, benefits, and term of service shall be governed by
the contract and shall not be governed by civil service rules or any policy other than that specified in the contract.
(2) Plumbing Inspector's Power and Authority. The plumbing inspector shall have the power and authority at all
reasonable times for any proper purpose to enter upon any private or public premises and make inspection thereof
and to require any person or persons doing plumbing work to produce the license and permit therefor. Any person
who shall resist or obstruct any lawful exercise of authority by said plumbing inspector shall be subject to the
penalty provided in this chapter.
Index for this Chapter
18.04 REPORTS ON VIOLATIONS. It shall be the duty of any police officer, the plumbing
inspector or his/her agent, the health officer, or either or any of them, to inquire into causes of violation of
this chapter and report the same to the common council for investigation and prosecution.
Index for this Chapter
18.05 INSPECTION OF PLUMBING WORK.
(1) Notification to Inspector. No soil, waste, vent and water piping shall be used until inspected by the plumbing
inspector. The plumber or property owner receiving the permit shall notify the plumbing inspector whenever any
work is ready for inspection. The inspector shall thereupon make final inspections within 48 hours after being
notified that the fixtures are set and ready for inspection. All plumbing work shall be left exposed until such
time as the inspector has completed his/her inspection. The inspector may require the plumber or property owner
receiving the permit to make a water or air test on the whole or any part of the entire installation.
(2) Access for Inspection. The plumbing inspector, upon written notice stating the reason therefor, and within
a reasonable time from the presentation of such notice to the property owner, shall have free and unobstructed
access to any part of a private home or premises wherein a house sewer or drain, plumbing or appliance in connection
therewith, have been installed, during the working hours of the inspection department, and shall have free access
at any time to any building under construction and to any public building without notification if the conditions
warrant doing so for the purpose of examining plumbing, water supply piping and appliances, and the construction,
condition and usage with relation to sewage or waste disposal.
(3) Interference with Inspection. No person shall interfere in any way with the work of inspection or permit any
plumbing or drainage to be used until it has been inspected and approved by the inspector unless special permission
therefor is given by the common council.
Index for this Chapter
18.06 PLUMBING PERMITS.
(1) Permits Required. No person shall install, repair, alter or allow to be installed, repaired or altered any
plumbing of any kind or character unless a permit therefor shall first be granted by the plumbing inspector.
(2) Application for Permits. Application for a plumbing permit shall be filed with the plumbing inspector on forms
furnished by him/her and shall be accompanied by a plan or sketch showing in detail the work to be done. The inspector
shall issue to the applicant a statement showing the fee to be paid for the permit.
(3) Issuance of Permits. Upon approval by the plumbing inspector of the application and upon presentation by the
applicant of the receipt of the city treasurer showing payment of the required fees, a permit shall be issued by
the inspector, or such other person duly authorized to act on his/her behalf, for the work set forth in the application.
Permits shall be issued to licensed master plumbers only, except that permits may be issued for plumbing in a single
family residence building to the owner of such building when such building is occupied by him as his home. The
plumbing inspector may, as a condition precedent to issuing a permit to the property owner, request the property
owner to file with the inspector a signed statement that the owner is thoroughly familiar with the theory and practice
of plumbing and that all provisions of this chapter will be complied with.
(4) Permit Restriction. Whenever the installation of any plumbing is being carried out contrary to the regulations
of this chapter, the plumbing inspector shall send a written notice to the violator at his/her last known business
address as shown in the register of licensed master plumbers or home owners to remedy such defective work. Failure
to comply with such notice shall be deemed sufficient reason for withholding future permits. If, after the issuance
of a permit, there is an unreasonable delay in the performance of plumbing work, or if there is a failure to promptly
respond to official communications, then such acts shall also be deemed sufficient reason for withholding future
permits.
(5) Expiration of Permits. All permits shall automatically expire when work authorized under the permit is not
started within six (6) months after the issuance of the permit or when the work, after having been commenced, ceases
for a period of sixty (60) days unless an extension of time has been granted by the plumbing supervisor for good
and reasonable cause.
(6) Schedule of Fees. Plumbing permits shall be determined in accordance with ch. MC 30.02(4)(a).
Index for this Chapter
18.07 PLUMBER'S BOND.
(1) Any person, firm or corporation herein authorized and engaged in the business of plumbing and drain laying
in the City of Stevens Point shall file with the city clerk a surety bond in the sum of $1,000.00 for plumbing
before any permits may be issued to such person, firm or corporation for the opening of any public street, alley,
or other public place for the purpose of laying, extending, altering, or repairing any sewer, drain, or water service
pipe. Such bond shall be renewed on January 1st of each year to remain in effect until December 31st of the same
year. In lieu of a bond, any person, firm or corporation may provide a certificate of insurance to be approved
by the board of public works as to the sufficiency of sureties and by the city attorney as to form and execution.
(2) Such bond or certificate of insurance shall indemnify and save harmless the City of Stevens Point and the owner
of the premises affected from all accidents and damages caused by any negligence, unfaithful, imperfect, or inadequate
work done by virtue of his/her or their license and that he/she or they will pay all fines imposed upon him/her
or them for the violation of any rule or regulation of the City of Stevens Point. Every person, firm or corporation
so bonded or insured shall record the actual place of business and the name under which the business is transacted
and shall immediately notify the City of Stevens Point of every change of such place or name thereafter.
Index for this Chapter
18.08 INSANITARY PLUMBING CONDITIONS. Whenever it shall be reported to the health officer that
the plumbing in any building is contrary to the ordinances of the city or is of faulty or inadequate construction
and liable to breed disease or sickness, or is a menace to health, then the health officer shall direct the plumbing
inspector to examine all the plumbing in said building and report his/her findings in writing to the health officer
suggesting such changes as are necessary to put the same in proper sanitary condition. The health officer thereupon
shall direct such changes to be made as he/she deems necessary and shall fix a time for doing same. Any person
neglecting or refusing to comply with such direction shall be deemed guilty of a violation of this section and
each day's continuance thereof shall constitute a separate offense.
Index for this Chapter
18.09 SEWER AND HOUSE DRAINS. All house sewers shall extend to the center of the side
of the lot served when there is no building on the lot.
(1) The plumbing inspector shall keep a record of all sewer connections and positions of all house drains, connections,
junctions and other data necessary for the efficient operation of his/her department.
(2) Drain Ends and Connections Guarded. The ends of all sewer and drain pipes not immediately connected shall be
securely closed so as to prevent the introduction of sand or earth; and where the end of the sewer or drain pipes
is connected with a temporary catch basin for draining foundations during the erection of any buildings or for
other purposes, the plumber shall guard the same against the introduction therein of sand and earth.
(3) Defective or Inferior Pipe. No plumber or other authorized person shall lay or connect with any public sewer
a pipe that is cracked, damaged or not in conformance with the plumbing code, under penalty as is herein provided.
Should any property owner or agent thereof furnish non-code complying pipe for laying the same to connect with
a public sewer the plumber shall refuse to lay and connect with the same and immediately notify the plumbing inspector
of all the circumstances connected therewith in writing.
(4) Change of Direction or Alignment. All sewer and drain pipes are to be laid carefully in a trench with perfect
alignment where the bottom is trimmed to a perfect grade and any deviation or change of direction from a straight
run must be made by the use of proper fittings. No cover or drain pipes shall be clipped where proper fittings
can be used for change of direction.
(5) Backfilling. Backfilling must be done in a workmanlike manner according to approved standards and methods so
as to prevent the settling of the drain or sewer.
(6) Old Pipe Drain. Whenever necessary to disturb a drain or sewer in actual use, the same shall not be obstructed
or disconnected without special permission of the plumbing inspector and it shall be unlawful to make any new connections
with or extensions to any old drain without permission of the inspector.
(7) Obstruction of Drain Course. In all cases where the course of any sewer or drain is obstructed by water, gas,
steam or other pipes or conduits, the question of passing over or under such obstruction or of the raising or lowering
thereof so as to permit the construction and installation of the sewer or drain shall be determined by the plumbing
inspector.
(8) Protection of Pipes and Drains.
(a) Against Frost, Injury, or Settling. All water, sewer, drain, gas, conduits, or other piping must be protected from injury, frost, or setting to the satisfaction of the common council or the plumbing inspector.
(b) Sand and Other Solids. No person shall permit any earth, sand, or other solid material to enter into any main sewer during the progress of any work in laying drains or sewers, making alterations, extensions or repairs to the same, or in connecting such drains or sewers with the main sewers of the city.
(c) Against Breakage and Corrosive Material. All pipes passing under or through walls shall be protected against breakage.
(9) Use of Sewers Regulated. No person shall deposit or permit to be deposited in any public sewer or drain or
in any sewer or drain connecting with such public sewer or drain any garbage, gas, tar, grease, rags or any other
substance likely to cause any obstruction nuisance or explosion therein or to do any act which may cause injury
thereto. Any person who shall violate any provision of this section shall, in addition to the penalty hereinafter
provided, be liable at the suit of the city for the cost of removing such obstruction and of repairing any injury
resulting therefrom. Nothing contained in this section, however, shall prohibit the installation and operation
of garbage disposal or any similar device used for grinding and pulverizing kitchen garbage and refuse and the
disposal of the remnants thereof in the city sanitary sewage system, provided such installation is approved by
the city plumbing inspector.
The Plumbing Inspector shall have the authority
to require installation of interceptors or other means of preventing prohibited substances including grease from
entering the sewer system. The Inspector shall have the authority to require regular maintenance of grease interceptors
and may require the regular reporting of such maintenance to the City. Failure to install, maintain or to submit
the required reports shall subject the owner to penalties as provided herein.
(10) Privies, Waterless Toilets, Drywells Prohibited. No privy or privy vault or private sewage system or like
appliance shall be constructed when a public sewer is available. All abandoned drywells, septic or other sewage
tanks and privy vaults shall be cleaned and refilled with earth.
(11) Injury to Sewers, etc. Any person who shall intentionally, willfully, or maliciously injure or obstruct any
sewer, house drain, catch basin or any plumbing fixture or apparatus pipes or other parts of any plumbing in a
public building, or any sewer, water, or gas pipes or any parts or apparatus connected therewith, laid or constructed
in the alleys, streets, or other public places, or under any sidewalks of the City of Stevens Point shall be subject
to the penalty prescribed for violations of this chapter.
(12) Duty to Report Violations. It shall be the duty of the police officers, the plumbing inspector, and the health
officer to inquire into the causes of violation of this chapter and report the same to the proper officer for investigation
and prosecution.
Index for this Chapter
18.10 WATER SERVICE AND DISTRIBUTION.
(1) Quality of Pipes. All water pipes or lines laid under ground shall be of approved materials.
(2) Service Lines to Buildings. Service lines to a building shall be arranged to enable meter to be set at least
one (1) foot above the floor. All underground water service lines must be tested under full water pressure in the
presence of the plumbing inspector and approved by him before being covered.
(3) Disconnection and Resumption of Service.
(a) No plumber shall turn on or leave open any water service curb stop after the completion and trial of his/her work which has been turned off by the water department. No unauthorized person shall turn on or off water after it has been turned on or off from a given service, nor shall any one turn water off or on at the main without a permit.
(b) No water service will be turned on or shall a meter be set by the water department until the work has been approved and an order signed by the plumbing inspector that the plumbing installation is satisfactory, except that permission may be given by the plumbing inspector in cases of new construction for a temporary turn on during the period of construction. It shall be unlawful for any person other than an authorized person of the water department to set a water meter.
Index for this Chapter
18.11 WATER METER AND CUT-OFF
VALVES.
(1) Service lines to a building shall be arranged to enable the installation of outside readers for water meters.
(2) The service lines to a building shall be constructed and so arranged to provide a cutoff valve on both sides
of the water meter.
Index for this Chapter
18.12 WELL ABANDONMENT
(1) Well Abandonment Required. All wells located on premises served by the municipal water system shall be abandoned
in accordance with the terms of this ordinance and ch. NR 812, Wisconsin Administrative Code, no later than 1 year
from the date of connection to the municipal water system unless a well operation permit has been obtained by the
well owner from the plumbing inspector. All costs of required work and materials shall be paid by the owner of
the property upon which the well is located.
(2) New Wells. No person shall dig, drill, bore, etc. any water well within the city without first obtaining a
permit from the plumbing inspector.
(3) Well Operation Permit. The plumbing inspector may grant a permit to a private well owner to operate a well
for a period of 5 years providing the conditions of this section are met. An owner may request renewal of a well
operation permit by submitting information verifying that the conditions of this section are met. The fee for a
well operation permit shall be $5.
The plumbing inspector, or his/her agent, may conduct inspections or have water quality tests conducted at the
applicant's expense to obtain or verify information necessary for consideration of a permit application or renewal.
Permit applications and renewals shall be made on forms provided by the plumbing inspector. The following conditions
must be met for issuance or renewal of a well operation permit:
(a) The well and pump installation meet the requirements in force at the time of construction or are upgraded to meet the requirements of ch. NR 812 and ILHR 82.41 Wisconsin Administrative Code.
(b) The well construction and pump installation have a history of producing bacteriologically safe water as evidenced by at least two samplings taken a minimum of two weeks apart. No exception to this condition may be made for unsafe wells, unless the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approves, in writing, the continued use of the well.
(c) There are no cross-connections between the well and pump installation and the municipal water system.
(d) The proposed use of the well and pump installation can be justified as being necessary in addition to water provided by the municipal water system.
(4) Abandonment Procedures.
(a) All wells abandoned under the jurisdiction of this ordinance or rule shall be abandoned according to the procedures and methods of ch. NR 812, Wisconsin Administrative Code. A11 debris, pump, piping, unsealed liners and any other obstructions which may interfere with sealing operations shall be removed prior to abandonment.
(b) The owner of the well, or the owners agent, shall notify the plumbing inspector at least 24 hours prior to commencement of any well abandonment activities. The abandonment of the well shall be observed by the plumbing inspector. (c) An abandonment report form, supplied by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, shall be submitted by the well owner to the plumbing inspector and the Department of Natural Resources within 10 days of the completion of the well abandonment.
Index for this Chapter
18.13 PENALTIES. A violation of any of the provisions of this chapter shall
subject the violator to a fine not to exceed $500, together with costs of prosecution, and in lieu of payment assessed
imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days.
The ordinances reproduced on this website are derived from the updated computer files used to produce the official Revised Municipal Code for the City of Stevens Point, but are unofficial. The ordinances on this web site cannot be certified under s. 889.08, Wis. Stats., and cannot be considered prima facie evidence under s. 889.04, Wis. Stats. Certain tables and maps that are a part of the official Revised Municipal Code for the City of Stevens Point are not included in the ordinance files reproduced on this website. Please consult the bound Revised Municipal Code for the City of Stevens Point, available in the City Clerk's Office, for the official text.