Mastering Wisconsin Plumbing

Ryan
  • 5.0 (5)
  • EDUCATION

This podcast is dedicated to making the Wisconsin Plumbing Code (SPS 381–387) more accessible for plumbers, apprentices, inspectors, and designers. 

  1. 12/16/2025 · BONUS

    Foreman Training is Needed

    Send us a text 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

    5 min

  2. 12/09/2025

    The Bay That Poisoned a City

    Send us a text 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 Wisconsin Water Law: https://www3.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/UWEXLakes/Documents/resources/bookstore/Wisconsin%20Water%20Law-Edition2-G3622.pdf?utm CDC – Typhoid & Waterborne Disease History: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-water-data/waterborne-disease-in-us/index.html Support the show

    9 min

  3. 11/30/2025

    Know Your Materials: Navigating Wisconsin Plumbing Code SPS 384

    Send us a text 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 collaborationThe importance of continual learning as a licensed professionalWisconsin Plumbing Code SPS 384 – Plumbing Products and MaterialsMaterial listings, third-party certification, and labeling requirementsCommon compliance issues: PVC vs. CPVC, solvent cements, transition fittingsThe installer’s responsibility for code-compliant material selectionTeaser: Interview with Aaron Kilburg (NIBCO) – coming next episodeReferences & Resources: 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 ASME, ASTM, ANSI, and NSF Standards referenced in SPS 384.10(2).ASTM D2564 – Standard Specification for Solvent Cements for PVC Plastic Pipe and FittingsASTM F493 – Standard Specification for Solvent Cements for CPVC Plastic Pipe and FittingsNSF/ANSI 61 – Drinking Water System Components – Health EffectsNSF/ANSI 372 – Lead Content Reduction StandardWisconsin DSPS Plumbing Products Search Portal – to verify product approval and listing status. https://esla.wi.gov/apex/DSPS_ProductSearch 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 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

    8 min

  4. 11/23/2025 · BONUS

    The New Plastic Venting Rule in Wisconsin -UL 1738

    Send us a text 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 ventingDirect correspondence with DSPS and inspectorsReview of the Wisconsin Administrative Code and DSPS guidanceIndustry technical documentation📘 Wisconsin Code & DSPS References SPS 365.0501(4) – UL 1738 Requirement https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/administrativecode/SPS%20365.0501 DSPS UL 1738 Slide Deck (Commercial Buildings) https://dsps.wi.gov/Documents/Programs/CommercialBuildings/2021UL1738.pdf DSPS HVAC / Code Adoption Info https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/HVAC/Default.aspx 🔥 Fuel Gas / Venting Standards UL 1738 Standard Overview https://www.ul.com/news/ul-1738-and-ulc-s636-venting-systems-and-fuel-gas-codes Venting Reinvented – ICC Article on UL 1738 https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/Venting.-Reinvented-UL-1738-Fuel-Gas-Venting-Systems.pdf System 1738 Technical Whitepaper (IPEX) https://ipexna.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/whitepaper-usen-ipex-system-1738.pdf ⚠️ Safety / Failure Case Studies PVC Flue Pipe Failure – Case Study (PHCPPros) https://www.phcppros.com/articles/1912-pvc-flue-pipe-failure Polypropylene Venting Failures Whitepaper https://duravent.com/literature/L277_WhitePaper_PolyPro.pdf CPSC CO Incident Investigation Summary https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Updated_IDI_review_CO_and_modern_furnaces_and_boilers.pdf (Anecdotal) Aspen CO Fatality Claim https://www.chimneysavers.com/dangers-of-pvc-vent.html UL 1738 applicability decision-tree diagram  📫 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

    17 min

  5. 11/16/2025

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

    Send us a text 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. ReferencesWisconsin Administrative Code SPS 381–385SPS 382.38 Table 1 – Approved Discharge LocationsSPS 384 – Plumbing Product & Materials RequirementsWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Plumbing Program988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text)Support the show

    5 min

  6. 10/26/2025 · BONUS

    Sanitary Drain Sizing

    Send us a text In this bonus episode of Mastering Wisconsin Plumbing, Ryan explains how to properly size sanitary piping using the Wisconsin Plumbing Code (SPS 382.30). We break down fixture unit assignments, pipe definitions, and the correct application of Tables 2 and 3 for stacks, branch intervals, building drains, and sewers. You’ll learn: How to assign Drainage Fixture Units (DFUs) for each fixtureKey definitions: building drain, sub drain, sewer, stacks, and branch pipingWhen to use Table 3 (building drains & sewers) vs. Table 2 (stacks & other piping)How to size stacks based on the number of branch intervalsTips to avoid exceeding allowable DFU loads on branch intervalsThis video is perfect for apprentice plumbers, journeymen, and master plumbers preparing for exams or sharpening their skills in sanitary drainage system design. 📘 Code Reference: Wisconsin Plumbing Code SPS 382.30 Support the show

    3 min

  7. 10/26/2025 · BONUS

    WSFU to GPM

    Send us a text In this episode of Mastering Wisconsin Plumbing, we walk step-by-step through how to interpolate Water Supply Fixture Units (WSFUs) into Gallons Per Minute (GPM) using Table 3 of SPS 382.40 from the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. You’ll learn how to read the columns for flushometer vs. flush tank fixtures, how to handle fractional WSFU values, and how to apply the interpolation formula to get accurate GPM results. This guide is perfect for plumbing apprentices, journeymen, master plumbers, inspectors, and anyone studying the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. Whether you’re preparing for your plumbing exam, teaching apprentices, or looking to refresh your skills, this lesson makes interpolation simple and practical. 📘 Topics covered: What WSFU and GPM mean in plumbingHow to use SPS 382.40 Table 3Step-by-step interpolation exampleReal-world application for flushometer and flush tank fixtures🔧 Strengthen your code knowledge and bring confidence to every job! Support the show

    3 min

  8. 09/28/2025

    Tony's Insights

    Send us a text In this episode of Mastering Wisconsin Plumbing, I sit down with Tony to talk about his experiences and insights in the plumbing trade. Tony shares his perspective on training, critical thinking, and the importance of always asking why when it comes to code and installation practices. We discuss how understanding the reasoning behind tasks not only sharpens technical skills but also helps apprentices and journeymen adapt to the complexities of real-world plumbing. Tony also reflects on the challenges and opportunities within today’s plumbing industry, from staying up to date with evolving codes to encouraging the next generation of plumbers to think beyond simply following instructions. His focus on problem-solving and knowledge-driven work is a reminder that plumbing is more than fittings and pipe—it’s about applying judgment, foresight, and precision in every decision we make. Building on last week’s look at ADA requirements, this episode sets us up for next week’s deep dive into piping materials and the critical know-how it takes to use them correctly. Support the show

    1h 3m
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This podcast is dedicated to making the Wisconsin Plumbing Code (SPS 381–387) more accessible for plumbers, apprentices, inspectors, and designers. 

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