Abandonment of Sewer and Water Connections.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 225-9
in effect225-9. Abandonment of Sewer and Water Connections.
1. Any person, firm or corporation demolishing or moving a building or structure that is served by a sewer or water or both shall engage a licensed master plumber under a permit to properly abandon the building sewer or water service or both immediately inside the front lot line on private property. The plumbing permit shall be obtained from the department of city development before the commissioner of city development may issue a permit to demolish or move a building or structure.
2. The building sewer shall be disconnected at the front lot line and a pie or bulkhead installed. On a vitrified clay or concrete sewer, a pie shall be cemented into the bell or hub. If the pipe, bell or hub is broken, then a swab and 6 inches of concrete shall be inserted in the sewer as a permanent bulkhead. On a cast iron sewer, a cast iron plug with a lead caulked joint shall be installed.
3. Any septic tank or distribution box on the premises shall be pumped dry of its contents and filled with earth.
4. The water supply to the premises shall be turned off at the street main or at the curb or lot line by an authorized employee of the water works.
5. The water shall be disconnected at the front lot line and a plug or cap installed. On copper pipe, a plugged flared adapter shall be installed. On cast iron pipe, a cast iron plug or cap with a lead caulked joint shall be installed. On lead pipe, a solder joint shall be made.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-2/CH225.pdf#page=7Fetched: 10/26/2026