Plumbing & Contractors

When a Permit Is Required

All plumbing work must have a permit from Building & Inspections, except for minor repairs such as:

• Fixing faucets, valves, pipes, or appliances.
• Clearing stoppages in drains or waste pipes.

Plumbing installed without a permit may be removed and replaced by the City Plumbing Inspector.

Projects That Require a Permit

A plumbing permit is required for:

• Connecting to an existing water or sewer service.
• Installing a new water or sewer service.
• Repairing or replacing a water or sewer service.
• Repairing, replacing, or installing internal plumbing.

How to Apply

1. Submit an application and detailed plans showing the work to Building & Inspections.
   • Plans are required for all buildings, including multi-family dwellings.
   • Plans must show all drainage, vent piping, and water distribution systems.
   • Applications for Construction Related Permits can be found online or picked up from the Building & Inspections department at 400 La Crosse Street, 3rd Floor.
2. Upon approval and payment of fees, a permit will be issued.

Application Requirements

1. A licensed plumber’s signature is required.
2. For new or replacement services, the property owner or authorized agent must also sign.

Permits are only granted to

• Wisconsin licensed master plumbers.
• Master plumber-restricted license holders.
• Utility contractors.

Important Notes

• Submit all applications and fees before starting work.
• Starting work without a permit may double your permit fees.
• Additional penalties may apply under the La Crosse Municipal Code.

For more information about permits please visit Permits & Licenses.

Locating & Operating the Water Service Curb Box

Before Working on a Property:

• Plumbers or property owners should contact the La Crosse Utilities Office before operating a curb box or doing plumbing work.
• Please call (608) 789-7536 at least 3 days before your scheduled work to allow time to locate the curb box.

Please note:

• Utility personnel may not be available same-day unless it is an emergency.
• It is the responsibility of the plumber or property owner to plan ahead.

What Happens When You Request a Locate

• Utility personnel will locate, mark, and exercise the curb stop or service valve at no charge if requested following Utility Policy.
• Locate and checks are available Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
• For after-hours emergencies, call (608) 789-7388.

Failure to follow policy may make you liable for damages or repairs.

Shutting Off the Curb Box

• Licensed plumbers in La Crosse are authorized to operate curb boxes and must have the required curb key.
• Property owners requesting a shut-off will be advised to contact a licensed plumber.
• If a curb box is turned on by utility personnel, the customer will be charged the current PSC-approved turn-on rate.

Diggers Hotline – Safe Excavation

Why Contact Diggers Hotline

Wisconsin law (§182.0175) requires notification before digging anywhere.

This applies to:

• Building a new home
• Installing or repairing utility lines
• Installing a deck, playset, or fence

You may be held liable for damages if you dig without contacting Diggers Hotline.

How to Contact Diggers Hotline

Phone: (800) 242-8511 (24/7, 365 days/year)
Online: Diggers Hotline Service

Free service for all homeowners and contractors.

Information You’ll Need

• Your name, phone number, and address
• City, township, or village of the work site
• Street address of the work site
• Nearest intersecting road and distance/direction from it
• Type of work (e.g., planting a tree, installing a fence)
• Planned start date
• Area to be marked for underground utilities

After submitting, you will receive a ticket number as legal proof of contact. Wait 3 working days before digging.

Safety Tips

• Stay at least 18 inches away from marked lines.
• Use hand tools near buried lines.
• Review markings before digging. Call 811 for a relocate if needed.
• Maintain surface markings and call Diggers Hotline if destroyed.
• If you expose or damage electric or gas lines, keep equipment clear and call La Crosse Utilities at (608) 789-7536.

Meter Requests

New Meter Installations

New water meters will be installed after:

• The Plumbing Inspector approves the installation.
• The incoming valve is installed and working properly.

If your property needs a new meter:

• Complete the Meter Application Form and submit it to the Water Utility as soon as possible.

The Water Utility keeps a supply of common meter sizes in stock. However, some sizes may need to be ordered, which could delay installation.

Fire Hydrant Flow Testing

The La Crosse Water Utility provides fire hydrant flow test data for properties within the service area. To request this information, submit a completed Fire Hydrant Flow Test Request Form .

Flow Test Options

1. Flow Test Estimates (Free)

• Estimates are based on existing data and are provided at no cost.
• Submit a completed request form to receive an estimate.
• Most estimates are completed within 3 business days.
• If you need more up-to-date data, indicate on the form that you are requesting a new flow test.

2. New Flow Tests

• New tests must be completed by a third-party contractor under the supervision of a La Crosse Water Utility employee.
• The Water Utility Superintendent will contact your contractor to schedule the test after your request is received.
• Tests are typically scheduled within 1 week of receiving the request.

After the test:

• The contractor must complete the official Hydrant Flow Test Results Form.
• A copy must be submitted to the La Crosse Water Utility.

Important Notes

• Flow tests are not conducted during cold weather months.
• Test results reflect conditions at the time of testing and may change due to system updates or water demand.
• The La Crosse Water Utility is not responsible for any designs, calculations, or decisions based on the data provided.

How to Request a Flow Test

1. Complete the Fire Hydrant Flow Test Request Form .
2. Email it to: utilities@cityoflacrosse.org

Fire Hydrant Use:

You cannot use water from a fire hydrant unless you have approval from the City of La Crosse Water Utility.

To use a hydrant, you must: 

• Follow the Hydrant Use Policy(PDF, 343KB)
• Complete and Submit a Hydrant Use Application & Agreement Form

For more information, please visit our Hydrants page.