Plumbing company: More workers, funding needed to replace lead pipes

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A local plumbing company says they need more skilled workers and funding to replace lead service lines. 

Mid City Plumbing says crews replaced 700 lead service lines in cities like Milwaukee and West Allis last year. They say that's a big jump from year's past and the company can't hire more workers until there's more funding to replace the lines. 

"A crew like this that does this had people from three different trades unions and operating engineer, a laborer, and a plumber, so we need to train more people to get used to this," said Tom Zoulek with Mid City Plumbing. 

Department of Workforce Development Secretary designee Caleb Frostman and Senator Lena Taylor met with plumbers Wednesday to discuss lead safety issues. 

They say lead pipes are an issue not only in Milwaukee but across Wisconsin. 

Governor Tony Evers has $40 million in his budget to replace lead service lines across the state.