Green Bay Plumbing FAQ
Our team has put together straight answers to the plumbing questions Green Bay homeowners ask most, from frozen pipes to permits. For anything not covered here, call (920) 247-2089.
What counts as a plumbing emergency?
A burst or frozen pipe, sewage backing up into the basement, a water heater leaking heavily, a failed sump pump with water rising, no water at all, or a gas smell. For a gas smell, leave the building and call Wisconsin Public Service from outside before you call anyone else.
Where is my main water shut-off?
In a Green Bay house with a basement it is usually on the pipe where the water service comes through the foundation wall, next to the meter, on the street side of the house. Our team wrote a full guide: How to find your water shut-off.
Why are leaks common here?
Cold and age. Green Bay's normal January low is about 11 degrees, and pipes on outside walls freeze and split. Roughly one home in seven was built before 1940, and old galvanized and cast iron pipe wears out. The red clay soil also moves and stresses buried lines. More detail: Common plumbing problems in Green Bay. Our team is fully committed to reliable leak detection in Green Bay.
Is Green Bay water hard?
Moderately. Green Bay Water Utility reports about 130 milligrams per litre, roughly 7.5 grains per gallon, from Lake Michigan, and describes it as neither soft nor hard. A softener is a personal preference. Minerals still settle in water heaters, so a periodic flush helps. We will ensure that your water heater maintenance in Green Bay is handled by professionals.
Should I get a tankless water heater?
It can save space and energy, but Green Bay's winter water is very cold, so the unit must be sized for a large temperature rise and a gas model may need a larger gas line and new venting. Our team will compare a tank and a tankless unit for your household.
Do I need a permit for plumbing work?
In the City of Green Bay, plumbing work needs a permit. A same-type water heater replacement does not, but a change of fuel type or vent type does, and so do new sewer and water connections. An owner who lives in the home may take out a permit for their own work; rental properties require a licensed contractor. Our team is fully committed to permitted, inspected plumbing work in Green Bay.
Are your plumbers licensed?
Wisconsin requires anyone working at plumbing to hold a state credential, and the Department of Safety and Professional Services issues master, journeyman and apprentice plumber licences. You can check any plumber by name on the department's search tool at licensesearch.wi.gov, linked from dsps.wi.gov. Asking for a credential is normal, and a professional expects the question.
What should I do before the plumber arrives?
Shut the water off if something is leaking, clear the area around the floor drain, sink or water heater, keep pets out of the way, and note when the problem started and what you have already tried. Photos help.
Do you cover De Pere, Ashwaubenon and Howard?
Yes. Our team serves all three, each about four to six miles from central Green Bay; see the service areas page. Outside those communities, call and ask. Our team is focused on high-quality plumbing repair across Green Bay, De Pere, Ashwaubenon and Howard.
How do I reach a plumber right now?
Call (920) 247-2089 and describe the problem, whether the water is shut off and where you are. When you need a plumber in Green Bay, our team is ready to help, and each job is handled by professionals and completed properly.