The Bay That Poisoned a City

Foreman Training is Needed

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2517209/open_sms] Promoting the best tradesperson doesn’t automatically create a strong foreman. In this episode, I break down a practical, field-tested approach to foreman development, focused on leadership, planning, safety, and accountability. I also explain how foreman training can be evaluated in ways that actually matter on the jobsite, not just on paper. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517209/support]

The Bay That Poisoned a City

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2517209/open_sms] In the late 1800s, Ashland, Wisconsin drew its drinking water from Lake Superior, the same bay that received the city’s untreated sewage. With no filtration, no wastewater treatment, and no plumbing standards, typhoid fever repeatedly swept through the community. After the death of Lars Green in 1897, his widow sued the water company and won — only to have the verdict overturned in 1898 by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in Green v. Ashland Water Co., ruling the danger of the water was a “known risk.” Trapped with unsafe water and no legal remedy, Ashland’s disaster helped ignite the public health movement that would soon change plumbing forever. Released near the anniversary of the Ashland ruling, this episode tells the story of Wisconsin before the code, and what it cost to build the protections plumbers defend today. References Green v. Ashland Water Co. (1898): https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/green-v-ashland-water-892207608?utm [https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/green-v-ashland-water-892207608?utm] Wisconsin Water Law: https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Documents/resources/bookstore/Wisconsin%20Water%20Law-Edition2-G3622.pdf?utm [https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Documents/resources/bookstore/Wisconsin%20Water%20Law-Edition2-G3622.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com] CDC – Typhoid & Waterborne Disease History: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-water-data/waterborne-disease-in-us/index.html [https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-water-data/waterborne-disease-in-us/index.html] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517209/support]

Know Your Materials: Navigating Wisconsin Plumbing Code SPS 384

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2517209/open_sms] In this episode of Mastering Wisconsin Plumbing, host Ryan Boggs, Master Plumber and prefab foreman, shares how his team’s innovation in kitting DWV systems has drastically improved efficiency on the company’s largest plumbing project to date. By collaborating across trades, they’ve shortened shower rough-in times and improved workflow — all while emphasizing the importance of continual learning and adaptation in the plumbing trade. Ryan then breaks down Wisconsin Plumbing Code SPS 384, the section governing plumbing materials and products, explaining why understanding product listings, labeling, and material limitations is critical for compliance, performance, and professional integrity. From PVC vs. CPVC to lead-free brass and approved transition fittings, Ryan unpacks some of the oddities and gray areas that trip up even experienced installers — and reminds listeners that knowing what’s approved and installed per its listing is the hallmark of a true craftsman. To close, Ryan teases next week’s episode featuring Aaron Kilburg from NIBCO, who will share insights from the manufacturer’s perspective on product design, testing, and maintaining compliance with evolving plumbing codes. Whether you’re an apprentice, journeyman, or master plumber, this episode will sharpen your understanding of the materials that keep Wisconsin’s plumbing systems running safely and efficiently. Key Topics: * Prefabrication efficiency through DWV kitting and trade collaboration * The importance of continual learning as a licensed professional * Wisconsin Plumbing Code SPS 384 – Plumbing Products and Materials * Material listings, third-party certification, and labeling requirements * Common compliance issues: PVC vs. CPVC, solvent cements, transition fittings * The installer’s responsibility for code-compliant material selection * Teaser: Interview with Aaron Kilburg (NIBCO) – coming next episode References & Resources: 1. Wisconsin Administrative Code, Chapter SPS 384 – Plumbing Products and Materials. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/sps/safety_and_buildings_and_environment/plumbing/384 2. ASME, ASTM, ANSI, and NSF Standards referenced in SPS 384.10(2). * ASTM D2564 – Standard Specification for Solvent Cements for PVC Plastic Pipe and Fittings * ASTM F493 – Standard Specification for Solvent Cements for CPVC Plastic Pipe and Fittings * NSF/ANSI 61 – Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects * NSF/ANSI 372 – Lead Content Reduction Standard 3. Wisconsin DSPS Plumbing Products Search Portal – to verify product approval and listing status. https://esla.wi.gov/apex/DSPS_ProductSearch 4. Federal Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act (2014 Amendment to SDWA). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). https://www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregulations/lead-free-pipes-fittings-fixtures-solder-and-flux 5. ASSE 1061 – Performance Requirements for Push-Fit Fittings. American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE). https://www.asse-plumbing.org/standards/product/1061 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517209/support]

The New Plastic Venting Rule in Wisconsin -UL 1738

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2517209/open_sms] This episode breaks down Wisconsin’s new requirement for UL 1738-listed plastic venting systems on gas-fired appliances in commercial buildings. We cover how we got here, what UL 1738 actually is, how DSPS is interpreting “repairs” vs “new systems,” and what this change means in the field. This episode is based on: * My continuing-education class on fuel-gas venting * Direct correspondence with DSPS and inspectors * Review of the Wisconsin Administrative Code and DSPS guidance * Industry technical documentation 📘 Wisconsin Code & DSPS References SPS 365.0501(4) – UL 1738 Requirement https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20365.0501 [https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20365.0501?utm_source=chatgpt.com] DSPS UL 1738 Slide Deck (Commercial Buildings) https://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/Programs/CommercialBuildings/2021UL1738.pdf [https://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/Programs/CommercialBuildings/2021UL1738.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com] DSPS HVAC / Code Adoption Info https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/HVAC/Default.aspx [https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/HVAC/Default.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 🔥 Fuel Gas / Venting Standards UL 1738 Standard Overview https://www.ul.com/news/ul-1738-and-ulc-s636-venting-systems-and-fuel-gas-codes [https://www.ul.com/news/ul-1738-and-ulc-s636-venting-systems-and-fuel-gas-codes?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Venting Reinvented – ICC Article on UL 1738 https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/Venting.-Reinvented-UL-1738-Fuel-Gas-Venting-Systems.pdf [https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/Venting.-Reinvented-UL-1738-Fuel-Gas-Venting-Systems.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com] System 1738 Technical Whitepaper (IPEX) https://ipexna.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/whitepaper-usen-ipex-system-1738.pdf [https://ipexna.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/whitepaper-usen-ipex-system-1738.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com] ⚠️ Safety / Failure Case Studies PVC Flue Pipe Failure – Case Study (PHCPPros) https://www.phcppros.com/articles/1912-pvc-flue-pipe-failure [https://www.phcppros.com/articles/1912-pvc-flue-pipe-failure?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Polypropylene Venting Failures Whitepaper https://duravent.com/literature/L277_WhitePaper_PolyPro.pdf [https://duravent.com/literature/L277_WhitePaper_PolyPro.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com] CPSC CO Incident Investigation Summary https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Updated_IDI_review_CO_and_modern_furnaces_and_boilers.pdf [https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Updated_IDI_review_CO_and_modern_furnaces_and_boilers.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com] (Anecdotal) Aspen CO Fatality Claim https://www.chimneysavers.com/dangers-of-pvc-vent.html [https://www.chimneysavers.com/dangers-of-pvc-vent.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com] UL 1738 applicability decision-tree diagram  [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1amMgesz4Hi0B9y9JNQReTJHLV07hU-g9/view?usp=sharing] 📫 Contact Questions? Jobsite examples? Submittal pushback? Comment on YouTube, message through the podcast platform, or email:  📧 plumbout@gmail.com Thanks for listening to Mastering Wisconsin Plumbing. Stay safe, read the book, and I’ll see you in the next episode. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517209/support]

You Don’t Need to Memorize the Code, You Need to Know Where It Lives

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2517209/open_sms] This episode of Mastering Wisconsin Plumbing opens with an important reminder about mental health, especially during the seasonal shift when the time change, darker days, and winter workload can amplify stress. Ryan emphasizes that plumbing is ultimately about people, encouraging listeners to reach out if they are struggling and offering himself as a non-judgmental contact. Listeners can connect with him on his YouTube channel, through the podcast platform, or by emailing plumbout@gmail.com.  The episode also includes a reminder that the national 988 Crisis Hotline is available for anyone needing immediate support. The main discussion focuses on one of the most misunderstood concepts in the trade: the belief that plumbers must memorize the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. Ryan explains that true mastery comes not from memorizing SPS 381–384, but from knowing how to navigate it, where to find tables, how to cite sections, and how to verify answers with evidence. He illustrates this with a real field scenario involving the proper discharge location for a pool drain. Instead of guessing, he referenced SPS 382.38 Table 1, which clearly outlines approved discharge points. By providing code-backed answers, he reinforced accuracy, eliminated interpretation, and built confidence with both the project team and apprentices observing the process. Ryan discusses why referencing the code is a form of leadership: it teaches apprentices where answers truly originate, sets a standard of humility and professionalism, and ensures consistency across job sites. Mastery in plumbing, he notes, comes from understanding how the code is organized and being able to locate information quickly, not from carrying it all in memory. The episode concludes with a preview of the next installment, which will explore approved plumbing materials under SPS 384, including common misunderstandings, misapplications, and the exceptions hidden within the tables. REFERENCES * Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 381–385 * SPS 382.38 Table 1 – Approved Discharge Locations * SPS 384 – Plumbing Product & Materials Requirements * Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Plumbing Program * 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text) Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2517209/support]