User notes:
About this chapter: Many plumbing fixtures require a supply of potable water. Other fixtures could be supplied with nonpotable water such as reclaimed water. Chapter 29 covers the requirements for water distribution piping systems to and within buildings. The regulations include the types of materials and the connection methods for such systems. This chapter regulates the assemblies, devices and methods that are used for the prevention of backflow of contaminated or polluted water into the potable water system. Also contained in this chapter are the design requirements for the installation of fire sprinkler systems, as such systems are connected to the potable water supply for the building. Storm water and some liquid waste from a building can be a source of nonpotable water that can used to reduce the volume of potable water supplied to the building. This chapter provides the requirements for storage, treatment and distribution of this resource. This chapter also regulates the piping systems for reclaimed water supplied by a wastewater treatment facility.
Code development reminder: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the IRC—Mechanical/Plumbing Code Development Committee during the 2018 (Group A) Code Development Cycle. See explanation on page iv.
Potable water shall be supplied to plumbing fixtures and plumbing appliances except where treated rainwater, treated gray water or municipal reclaimed water is supplied to water closets, urinals and trap primers. The requirements of this section shall not be construed to require signage for water closets and urinals.
Where nonpotable water systems are installed, the piping conveying the nonpotable water shall be identified either by color marking, metal tags or tape in accordance with Sections P2901.2.1 through P2901.2.2.3.
Nonpotable water outlets such as hose connections, open-ended pipes and faucets shall be identified with signage that reads as follows: "Nonpotable water is utilized for [application name]. CAUTION: NONPOTABLE WATER. DO NOT DRINK." The words shall be legibly and indelibly printed on a tag or sign constructed of corrosion-resistant waterproof material or shall be indelibly printed on the fixture. The letters of the words shall be not less than 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) in height and in colors in contrast to the background on which they are applied. In addition to the required wordage, the pictograph shown in Figure P2901.2.1 shall appear on the required signage.
PICTOGRAPH—DO NOT DRINK
Nonpotable distribution piping shall be purple in color and shall be embossed or integrally stamped or marked with the words: "CAUTION: NONPOTABLE WATER. DO NOT DRINK" or the piping shall be installed with a purple identification tape or wrap. Pipe identification shall include the contents of the piping system and an arrow indicating the direction of flow. Hazardous piping systems shall contain information addressing the nature of the hazard. Pipe identification shall be repeated at intervals not exceeding 25 feet (7620 mm) and at each point where the piping passes through a wall, floor or roof. Lettering shall be readily observable within the room or space where the piping is located.
The color of the pipe identification shall be discernable and consistent throughout the building. The color purple shall be used to identify reclaimed, rain and graywater distribution systems.
The size of the background color field and lettering shall comply with Table P2901.2.2.2.
SIZE OF PIPE IDENTIFICATION
| PIPE DIAMETER (inches) | LENGTH OF BACKGROUND COLOR FIELD (inches) | SIZE OF LETTERS (inches) |
| 3/4 to 11/4 | 8 | 0.5 |
| 11/2 to 2 | 8 | 0.75 |
| 21/2 to 6 | 12 | 1.25 |
| 8 to 10 | 2 | 2.5 |
| over 10 | 32 | 3.5 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
Where used, identification tape shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm) wide and have white or black lettering on a purple field stating "CAUTION: NONPOTABLE WATER—DO NOT DRINK." Identification tape shall be installed on top of nonpotable rainwater distribution pipes and fastened not greater than every 10 feet (3048 mm) to each pipe length, and run continuously the entire length of the pipe.
A potable water supply system shall be designed and installed as to prevent contamination from nonpotable liquids, solids or gases being introduced into the potable water supply. Connections shall not be made to a potable water supply in a manner that could contaminate the water supply or provide a cross connection between the supply and a source of contamination except where approved backflow prevention assemblies, backflow prevention devices or other means or methods are installed to protect the potable water supply. Cross connections between an individual water supply and a potable public water supply shall be prohibited.
The supply lines and fittings for every plumbing fixture shall be installed so as to prevent backflow. Plumbing fixture fittings shall provide backflow protection in accordance with ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1.
A means of protection against backflow shall be provided in accordance with Sections P2902.3.1 through P2902.3.7. Backflow prevention applications shall conform to Table P2902.3, except as specifically stated in Sections P2902.4 through P2902.5.5.
| DEVICE | DEGREE OF HAZARDa | APPLICATIONb | APPLICABLE STANDARDS |
| Backflow Prevention Assemblies | |||
| Double-check backflow prevention assembly and double-check fire protection backflow prevention assembly | Low hazard | Backpressure or backsiphonage Sizes 3/8" — 16" | ASSE 1015, AWWA C510, CSA B64.5, CSA B64.5.1 |
| Double-check detector fire protection backflow prevention assemblies | Low hazard | Backpressure or backsiphonage Sizes 2" — 16" | ASSE 1048 |
| Pressure vacuum breaker assembly | High or low hazard | Backsiphonage only Sizes 1/2" — 2" | ASSE 1020, CSA B64.1.2 |
| Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly and reduced pressure principle fire protection backflow prevention assembly | High or low hazard | Backpressure or backsiphonage Sizes 3/8" — 16" | ASSE 1013, AWWA C511, CSA B64.4, CSA B64.4.1 |
| Reduced pressure detector fire protection backflow prevention assemblies | High or low hazard | Backsiphonage or backpressure (Fire sprinkler systems) | ASSE 1047 |
| Spill-resistant vacuum breaker | High or low hazard | Backsiphonage only Sizes 1/4" — 2" | ASSE 1056, CSA B64.1.3 |
| Backflow Preventer Plumbing Devices | |||
| Antisiphon-type fill valves for gravity water closet flush tanks | High hazard | Backsiphonage only | ASSE 1002/ASME A112.1002/CSA B125.12, CSA B125.3 |
| Backflow preventer with intermediate atmospheric vents | Low hazard | Backpressure or backsiphonage Sizes 1/4" — 3/8" | ASSE 1012, CSA B64.3 |
| Dual-check-valve-type backflow preventers | Low hazard | Backpressure or backsiphonage Sizes 1/4" — 1" | ASSE 1024, CSA B64.6 |
| Hose-connection backflow preventer | High or low hazard | Low head backpressure, rated working pressure backpressure or backsiphonage Sizes 1/2" — 1" | ASSE 1052, CSA B64.2.1.1 |
| Hose-connection vacuum breaker | High or low hazard | Low head backpressure or backsiphonage Sizes 1/2", 3/4", 1" | ASSE 1011, CSA B64.2, CSA B64.2.1 |
| Laboratory faucet backflow preventer | High or low hazard | Low head backpressure and backsiphonage | ASSE 1035, CSA B64.7 |
| Pipe-applied atmospheric-type vacuum breaker | High or low hazard | Backsiphonage only Sizes 1/4" — 4" | ASSE 1001, CSA B64.1.1 |
| Vacuum breaker wall hydrants, frost-resistant, automatic-draining type | High or low hazard | Low head backpressure or backsiphonage Sizes 3/4" — 1" | ASSE 1019, CSA B64.2.2 |
| Other Means Or Methods | |||
| Air gap | High or low hazard | Backsiphonage only | ASME A112.1.2 |
| Air gap fittings for use with plumbing fixtures, appliances and appurtenances | High or low hazard | Backsiphonage or backpressure | ASME A112.1.3 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
- Low hazard—See Pollution (Section R202). High hazard—See Contamination (Section R202).
- See Backpressure (Section R202). See Backpressure, Low Head (Section R202). See Backsiphonage (Section R202).
Air gaps shall comply with ASME A112.1.2 and air gap fittings shall comply with ASME A112.1.3. An air gap shall be measured vertically from the lowest end of a water outlet to the flood level rim of the fixture or receptor into which the water outlets discharges to the floor. The required air gap shall be not less than twice the diameter of the effective opening of the outlet and not less than the values specified in Table P2902.3.1.
MINIMUM AIR GAPS
| FIXTURE | MINIMUM AIR GAP | |
| Away from a walla (inches) |
Close to a wall (inches) |
|
| Effective openings greater than 1 inch | Two times the diameter of the effective opening | Three times the diameter of the effective opening |
| Lavatories and other fixtures with effective opening not greater than 1/2 inch in diameter | 1 | 1.5 |
| Over-rim bath fillers and other fixtures with effective openings not greater than 1 inch in diameter | 2 | 3 |
| Sink, laundry trays, gooseneck back faucets and other fixtures with effective openings not greater than 3/4 inch in diameter | 1.5 | 2.5 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
- Applicable where walls or obstructions are spaced from the nearest inside edge of the spout opening a distance greater than three times the diameter of the effective opening for a single wall, or a distance greater than four times the diameter of the effective opening for two intersecting walls.
Atmospheric-type vacuum breakers shall conform to ASSE 1001 or CSA B64.1.1. Hose-connection vacuum breakers shall conform to ASSE 1011, ASSE 1019, ASSE 1035, ASSE 1052, CSA B64.2, CSA B64.2.1, CSA B64.2.1.1, CSA B64.2.2 or CSA B64.7. Both types of vacuum breakers shall be installed with the outlet continuously open to the atmosphere. The critical level of the atmospheric vacuum breaker shall be set at not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above the highest elevation of downstream piping and the flood level rim of the fixture or device.
Backflow preventers with intermediate atmospheric vents shall conform to ASSE 1012 or CSA B64.3. These devices shall be permitted to be installed where subject to continuous pressure conditions. These devices shall be prohibited as a means of protection where any hazardous chemical additives are introduced downstream of the device. The relief opening shall discharge by air gap and shall be prevented from being submerged.
Pressure vacuum breaker assemblies shall conform to ASSE 1020 or CSA B64.1.2. Spill-resistant vacuum breaker assemblies shall comply with ASSE 1056. These assemblies are designed for installation under continuous pressure conditions where the critical level is installed at the required height. The critical level of a pressure vacuum breaker and a spill-resistant vacuum breaker assembly shall be set at not less than 12 inches (304 mm) above the highest elevation of downstream piping and the flood level rim of the fixture or device. Pressure vacuum breaker assemblies shall not be installed in locations where spillage could cause damage to the structure.
Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies and reduced pressure principle fire protection backflow prevention assemblies shall conform to ASSE 1013, AWWA C511, CSA B64.4 or CSA B64.4.1. Reduced pressure detector fire protection backflow prevention assemblies shall conform to ASSE 1047. These devices shall be permitted to be installed where subject to continuous pressure conditions. The relief opening shall discharge by air gap and shall be prevented from being submerged.
Double-check backflow prevention assemblies shall conform to ASSE 1015, CSA B64.5, CSA B64.5.1 or AWWA C510. Double-check detector fire protection backflow prevention assemblies shall conform to ASSE 1048. These assemblies shall be capable of operating under continuous pressure conditions.
Dual check backflow preventers shall conform with ASSE 1024 or CSA B64.6.
Potable water openings and outlets shall be protected by an air gap, a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly, an atmospheric vent, an atmospheric-type vacuum breaker, a pressure-type vacuum breaker assembly or a hose connection backflow preventer.
Flush tanks shall be equipped with an antisiphon fill valve conforming to ASSE 1002/ASME A112.1002/CSA B125.12 or CSA B125.3. The critical level of the fill valve shall be located not less than 1 inch (25 mm) above the top of the flush tank overflow pipe.
Approved deck-mounted or equipment-mounted vacuum breakers and faucets with integral atmospheric vacuum breakers or spill—resistant vacuum breaker assemblies shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the requirements for labeling. The critical level of the breakers and assemblies shall be located at not less than 1 inch (25 mm) above the flood level rim.
Sillcocks, hose bibbs, wall hydrants and other openings with a hose connection shall be protected by an atmospheric-type or pressure-type vacuum breaker, a pressure vacuum-breaker assembly or a permanently attached hose connection vacuum breaker.
Exceptions:
- This section shall not apply to water heater and boiler drain valves that are provided with hose connection threads and that are intended only for tank or vessel draining.
- This section shall not apply to water supply valves intended for connection of clothes washing machines where backflow prevention is otherwise provided or is integral with the machine.
Where chemicals will not be introduced into a boiler, the potable water supply to the boiler shall be protected from the boiler by a backflow preventer with an intermediate atmospheric vent complying with ASSE 1012 or CSA B64.3. Where chemicals will be introduced into a boiler, the potable water supply to the boiler shall be protected from the boiler by an air gap or a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly complying with ASSE 1013, CSA B64.4 or AWWA C511.
Heat exchangers using an essentially toxic transfer fluid shall be separated from the potable water by double-wall construction. An air gap open to the atmosphere shall be provided between the two walls. Single-wall construction heat exchangers shall be used only where an essentially nontoxic transfer fluid is utilized.
The potable water supply to lawn irrigation systems shall be protected against backflow by an atmospheric vacuum breaker, a pressure vacuum-breaker assembly or a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly. Valves shall not be installed downstream from an atmospheric vacuum breaker. Where chemicals are introduced into the system, the potable water supply shall be protected against backflow by a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.
The potable water supply to automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be protected against backflow by a double-check backflow prevention assembly, a double-check fire protection backflow prevention assembly, a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly or a reduced pressure principle fire protection backflow prevention assembly.
Exception: Where sprinkler systems are installed in accordance with Section P2904.1, backflow protection for the water supply system shall not be required.
Where systems contain chemical additives or antifreeze, or where systems are connected to a nonpotable secondary water supply, the potable water supply shall be protected against backflow by a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly or a reduced pressure principle fire protection backflow prevention assembly. Where chemical additives or antifreeze is added to only a portion of an automatic fire sprinkler or standpipe system, the reduced pressure principle fire protection backflow preventer shall be permitted to be located so as to isolate that portion of the system.
Where a solar thermal system heats potable water to supply a potable hot water distribution or any other type of heating system, the solar thermal system shall be in accordance with Section P2902.5.5.1, P2902.5.5.2 or P2902.5.5.3 as applicable.
Water supplies of any type shall not be connected to the solar heating loop of an indirect solar thermal hot water heating system. This requirement shall not prohibit the presence of inlets or outlets on the solar heating loop for the purposes of servicing the fluid in the solar heating loop.
Where a solar thermal system directly heats potable water for a potable water distribution system, the pipe, fittings, valves and other components that are in contact with the potable water in the system shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 29.
Where a solar thermal system directly heats water for a system other than a potable water distribution system, a potable water supply connected to such system shall be protected by a backflow preventer with an intermediate atmospheric vent complying with ASSE 1012. Where a solar thermal system directly heats chemically treated water for a system other than a potable water distribution system, a potable water supply connected to such system shall be protected by a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly complying with ASSE 1013.
Access shall be provided to backflow preventers as specified by the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Outdoor enclosures for backflow prevention devices shall comply with ASSE 1060.
Backflow preventers shall not be located in areas subject to freezing except where they can be removed by means of unions, or are protected by heat, insulation or both.
The termination of the piping from the relief port or air gap fitting of the backflow preventer shall discharge to an approved indirect waste receptor or to the outdoors where it will not cause damage or create a nuisance.
Upcodes Diagrams
The water service and water distribution systems shall be designed and pipe sizes shall be selected such that under conditions of peak demand, the capacities at the point of outlet discharge shall be not less than shown in Table P2903.1.
REQUIRED CAPACITIES AT POINT OF OUTLET DISCHARGE
| FIXTURE SUPPLY OUTLET SERVING | FLOW RATE (gpm) | FLOW PRESSURE (psi) |
| Bathtub, balanced-pressure, thermostatic or combination balanced- pressure/thermostatic mixing valve | 4 | 20 |
| Bidet, thermostatic mixing valve | 2 | 20 |
| Dishwasher | 2.75 | 8 |
| Laundry tray | 4 | 8 |
| Lavatory | 0.8 | 8 |
| Shower, balanced-pressure, thermostatic or combination balanced- pressure/thermostatic mixing valve | 2.5a | 20 |
| Sillcock, hose bibb | 5 | 8 |
| Sink | 1.75 | 8 |
| Water closet, flushometer tank | 1.6 | 20 |
| Water closet, tank, close coupled | 3 | 20 |
| Water closet, tank, one-piece | 6 | 20 |
For SI: 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.
- Where the shower mixing valve manufacturer indicates a lower flow rating for the mixing valve, the lower value shall be applied.
The maximum water consumption flow rates and quantities for plumbing fixtures and fixture fittings shall be in accordance with Table P2903.2.
MAXIMUM FLOW RATES AND CONSUMPTION FOR PLUMBING FIXTURES AND FIXTURE FITTINGSb
| PLUMBING FIXTURE OR FIXTURE FITTING |
MAXIMUM FLOW RATE OR QUANTITY |
| Lavatory faucet | 2.2 gpm at 60 psi |
| Shower heada | 2.5 gpm at 80 psi |
| Sink faucet | 2.2 gpm at 60 psi |
| Water closet | 1.6 gallons per flushing cycle |
For SI: 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa.
- A handheld shower spray shall be considered to be a shower head.
- Consumption tolerances shall be determined from referenced standards.
Where the water pressure supplied by the public water main or an individual water supply system is insufficient to provide for the minimum pressures and quantities for the plumbing fixtures in the building, the pressure shall be increased by means of an elevated water tank, a hydropnuematic pressure booster system or a water pressure booster pump.
For water service system sizes up to and including 2 inches (51 mm), a device for controlling pressure shall be installed where, because of thermal expansion, the pressure on the downstream side of a pressure-reducing valve exceeds the pressure-reducing valve setting.
Where a backflow prevention device, check valve or other device is installed on a water supply system using storage water heating equipment such that thermal expansion causes an increase in pressure, a device for controlling pressure shall be installed.
The flow velocity of the water distribution system shall be controlled to reduce the possibility of water hammer. A water-hammer arrestor shall be installed where quick-closing valves are utilized. Water-hammer arrestors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Water-hammer arrestors shall conform to ASSE 1010.
Supply loads in the building water distribution system shall be determined by total load on the pipe being sized, in terms of water supply fixture units (w.s.f.u.), as shown in Table P2903.6, and gallon per minute (gpm) flow rates [see Table P2903.6(1)]. For fixtures not listed, choose a w.s.f.u. value of a fixture with similar flow characteristics.
WATER-SUPPLY FIXTURE-UNIT VALUES FOR VARIOUS PLUMBING FIXTURES AND FIXTURE GROUPS
| TYPE OF FIXTURES OR GROUP OF FIXTURES | WATER-SUPPLY FIXTURE-UNIT VALUE (w.s.f.u.) | ||
| Hot | Cold | Combined | |
| Bathtub (with/without overhead shower head) | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.4 |
| Clothes washer | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.4 |
| Dishwasher | 1.4 | — | 1.4 |
| Full-bath group with bathtub (with/without shower head) or shower stall | 1.5 | 2.7 | 3.6 |
| Half-bath group (water closet and lavatory) | 0.5 | 2.5 | 2.6 |
| Hose bibb (sillcock)a | — | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Kitchen group (dishwasher and sink with or without food-waste disposer) | 1.9 | 1.0 | 2.5 |
| Kitchen sink | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.4 |
| Laundry group (clothes washer standpipe and laundry tub) | 1.8 | 1.8 | 2.5 |
| Laundry tub | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.4 |
| Lavatory | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.7 |
| Shower stall | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.4 |
| Water closet (tank type) | — | 2.2 | 2.2 |
For SI: 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.
- The fixture unit value 2.5 assumes a flow demand of 2.5 gpm, such as for an individual lawn sprinkler device. If a hose bibb or sill cock will be required to furnish a greater flow, the equivalent fixture-unit value may be obtained from this table or Table P2903.6(1).
CONVERSIONS FROM WATER SUPPLY FIXTURE UNIT TO GALLON PER MINUTE FLOW RATES
| SUPPLY SYSTEMS PREDOMINANTLY FOR FLUSH TANKS | SUPPLY SYSTEMS PREDOMINANTLY FOR FLUSHOMETER VALVES | ||||
| Load | Demand | Load | Demand | ||
| (Water supply fixture units) | (Gallons per minute) | (Cubic feet per minute) | (Water supply fixture units) | (Gallons per minute) | (Cubic feet per minute) |
| 1 | 3.0 | 0.04104 | — | — | — |
| 2 | 5.0 | 0.0684 | — | — | — |
| 3 | 6.5 | 0.86892 | — | — | — |
| 4 | 8.0 | 1.06944 | — | — | — |
| 5 | 9.4 | 1.256592 | 5 | 15.0 | 2.0052 |
| 6 | 10.7 | 1.430376 | 6 | 17.4 | 2.326032 |
| 7 | 11.8 | 1.577424 | 7 | 19.8 | 2.646364 |
| 8 | 12.8 | 1.711104 | 8 | 22.2 | 2.967696 |
| 9 | 13.7 | 1.831416 | 9 | 24.6 | 3.288528 |
| 10 | 14.6 | 1.951728 | 10 | 27.0 | 3.60936 |
| 11 | 15.4 | 2.058672 | 11 | 27.8 | 3.716304 |
| 12 | 16.0 | 2.13888 | 12 | 28.6 | 3.823248 |
| 13 | 16.5 | 2.20572 | 13 | 29.4 | 3.930192 |
| 14 | 17.0 | 2.27256 | 14 | 30.2 | 4.037136 |
| 15 | 17.5 | 2.3394 | 15 | 31.0 | 4.14408 |
| 16 | 18.0 | 2.90624 | 16 | 31.8 | 4.241024 |
| 17 | 18.4 | 2.459712 | 17 | 32.6 | 4.357968 |
| 18 | 18.8 | 2.513184 | 18 | 33.4 | 4.464912 |
| 19 | 19.2 | 2.566656 | 19 | 34.2 | 4.571856 |
| 20 | 19.6 | 2.620128 | 20 | 35.0 | 4.6788 |
| 25 | 21.5 | 2.87412 | 25 | 38.0 | 5.07984 |
| 30 | 23.3 | 3.114744 | 30 | 42.0 | 5.61356 |
| 35 | 24.9 | 3.328632 | 35 | 44.0 | 5.88192 |
| 40 | 26.3 | 3.515784 | 40 | 46.0 | 6.14928 |
| 45 | 27.7 | 3.702936 | 45 | 48.0 | 6.41664 |
| 50 | 29.1 | 3.890088 | 50 | 50.0 | 6.684 |
For SI: 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m, 1 cubic foot per minute = 0.4719 L/s.
The size of the water service pipe shall be not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm) diameter. The size of water service mains, branch mains and risers shall be determined from the water supply demand [gpm (L/m)], available water pressure [psi (kPa)] and friction loss caused by the water meter and developed length of pipe [feet (m)], including equivalent length of fittings. The size of each water distribution system shall be determined according to design methods conforming to acceptable engineering practice, such as those methods in Appendix P and shall be approved by the building official.
Hot water and cold water manifolds installed with parallel-connected individual distribution lines and cold water manifolds installed with gridded distribution lines to each fixture or fixture fitting shall be designed in accordance with Sections P2903.8.1 through P2903.8.5. Gridded systems for hot water distribution systems shall be prohibited.
Manifolds shall be sized in accordance with Table P2903.8.1. Total gallons per minute is the demand for all outlets.
MANIFOLD SIZINGa
| PLASTIC | METALLIC | ||
| Nominal Size ID (inches) | Maximumb gpm | Nominal Size ID (inches) | Maximumb gpm |
| 3/4 | 17 | 3/4 | 11 |
| 1 | 29 | 1 | 20 |
| 11/4 | 46 | 11/4 | 31 |
| 11/2 | 66 | 11/2 | 44 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m, 1 foot per second = 0.3048 m/s.
- See Table P2903.6 for w.s.f.u and Table 2903.6(1) for gallon-per-minute (gpm) flow rates.
- Based on velocity limitation: plastic-12 fps; metal-8 fps.
Where the developed length of the distribution line is 60 feet (18 288 mm) or less, and the available pressure at the meter is not less than 40 pounds per square inch (276 kPa), the size of individual distribution lines shall be not less than 3/8 inch (10 mm) diameter. Certain fixtures such as one-piece water closets and whirlpool bathtubs shall require a larger size where specified by the manufacturer. Where a water heater is fed from the end of a cold water manifold, the manifold shall be one size larger than the water heater feed.
Plastic piping bundles shall be secured in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and supported in accordance with Section P2605. Bundles that have a change in direction equal to or greater than 45 degrees (0.79 rad) shall be protected from chafing at the point of contact with framing members by sleeving or wrapping.
Fixture valves, when installed, shall be located either at the fixture or at the manifold. Valves installed at the manifold shall be labeled indicating the fixture served.
A readily accessible air bleed shall be installed in hose bibb supplies at the manifold or at the hose bibb exit point.
Each dwelling unit shall be provided with an accessible main shutoff valve near the entrance of the water service. The valve shall be of a full-open type having nominal restriction to flow, with provision for drainage such as a bleed orifice or installation of a separate drain valve. Additionally, the water service shall be valved at the curb or lot line in accordance with local requirements.
A readily accessible full-open valve shall be installed in the cold-water supply pipe to each water heater at or near the water heater.
Shutoff valves shall be required on each fixture supply pipe to each plumbing appliance and to each plumbing fixture other than bathtubs and showers. Valves serving individual plumbing fixtures, plumbing appliances, risers and branches shall be accessible.
Valves shall be compatible with the type of piping material installed in the system. Valves shall conform to one of the standards indicated in Table P2903.9.4 or shall be approved. Valves intended to supply drinking water shall meet the requirements of NSF 61.
| MATERIAL | STANDARD |
| Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic | ASME A112.4.14, ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1, ASTM F1970, CSA B125.3, MSS SP-122 |
| Copper or copper alloy | ASME A112.4.14, ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1, ASME B16.34, CSA B125.3, MSS SP-67, MSS SP-80, MSS SP-110, MSS SP-139 |
| Gray and ductile iron | ASTM A126, AWWA C500, AWWA C504, AWWA C507, MSS SP-42, MSS SP-67, MSS SP-70, MSS SP-71, MSS SP-72, MSS SP-78 |
| Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plastic | ASME A112.4.14, ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1, CSA B125.3, NSF 359 |
| Polypropylene (PP) plastic | ASME A112.4.14, ASTM F2389 |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic | ASME A112.4.14, ASTM F1970, MSS SP-122 |
Potable water outlets and combination stop-and-waste valves shall not be installed underground or below grade. Freezeproof yard hydrants that drain the riser into the ground are considered to be stop-and-waste valves.
Exception: Installation of freezeproof yard hydrants that drain the riser into the ground shall be permitted if the potable water supply to such hydrants is protected upstream of the hydrants in accordance with Section P2902 and the hydrants are permanently identified as nonpotable outlets by approved signage that reads as follows: "CAUTION, NONPOTABLE WATER. DO NOT DRINK."
Hose bibbs subject to freezing, including the "frostproof" type, shall be equipped with an accessible stop-and-waste-type valve inside the building so that they can be controlled and drained during cold periods.
Exception: Frostproof hose bibbs installed such that the stem extends through the building insulation into an open heated or semiconditioned space need not be separately valved (see Figure P2903.10).
TYPICAL FROSTPROOF HOSE BIBB INSTALLATION NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE VALVE
Drain water heat recovery units shall be in accordance with Section N1103.5.4.
Upcodes Diagrams
The design and installation of residential fire sprinkler systems shall be in accordance with NFPA 13D or Section P2904, which shall be considered to be equivalent to NFPA 13D. Partial residential sprinkler systems shall be permitted to be installed only in buildings not required to be equipped with a residential sprinkler system. Section P2904 shall apply to stand-alone and multipurpose wet-pipe sprinkler systems that do not include the use of antifreeze. A multipurpose fire sprinkler system shall provide domestic water to both fire sprinklers and plumbing fixtures. A stand-alone sprinkler system shall be separate and independent from the water distribution system. A backflow preventer shall not be required to separate a sprinkler system from the water distribution system, provided that the sprinkler system complies with all of the following:
- The system complies with NFPA 13D or Section P2904.
- The piping material complies with Section P2906.
- The system does not contain antifreeze.
- The system does not have a fire department connection.
Sprinklers shall be installed to protect all areas of a dwelling unit.
Exceptions:
- Attics, crawl spaces and normally unoccupied concealed spaces that do not contain fuel-fired appliances do not require sprinklers. In attics, crawl spaces and normally unoccupied concealed spaces that contain fuel-fired equipment, a sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment; however, sprinklers shall not be required in the remainder of the space.
- Clothes closets, linen closets and pantries not exceeding 24 square feet (2.2 m2) in area, with the smallest dimension not greater than 3 feet (915 mm) and having wall and ceiling surfaces of gypsum board.
- Bathrooms not more than 55 square feet (5.1 m2) in area.
- Garages; carports; exterior porches; unheated entry areas, such as mud rooms, that are adjacent to an exterior door; and similar areas.
Sprinklers shall be new listed residential sprinklers and shall be installed in accordance with the sprinkler manufacturer's instructions.
Except as provided for in Section P2904.2.2, sprinklers shall have a temperature rating of not less than 135°F (57°C) and not more than 170°F (77°C). Sprinklers shall be separated from heat sources as required by the sprinkler manufacturer's installation instructions.
Sprinklers shall have an intermediate temperature rating not less than 175°F (79°C) and not more than 225°F (107°C) where installed in the following locations:
- Directly under skylights, where the sprinkler is exposed to direct sunlight.
- In attics.
- In concealed spaces located directly beneath a roof.
- Within the distance to a heat source as specified in Table P2904.2.2.
LOCATIONS WHERE INTERMEDIATE TEMPERATURE SPRINKLERS ARE REQUIRED
| HEAT SOURCE | RANGE OF DISTANCE FROM HEAT SOURCE WITHIN WHICH INTERMEDIATE TEMPERATURE SPRINKLERS ARE REQUIREDa, b (inches) |
| Fireplace, side of open or recessed fireplace | 12 to 36 |
| Fireplace, front of recessed fireplace | 36 to 60 |
| Coal and wood burning stove | 12 to 42 |
| Kitchen range top | 9 to 18 |
| Oven | 9 to 18 |
| Vent connector or chimney connector | 9 to 18 |
| Heating duct, not insulated | 9 to 18 |
| Hot water pipe, not insulated | 6 to 12 |
| Side of ceiling or wall warm air register | 12 to 24 |
| Front of wall mounted warm air register | 18 to 36 |
| Water heater, furnace or boiler | 3 to 6 |
| Luminaire up to 250 watts | 3 to 6 |
| Luminaire 250 watts up to 499 watts | 6 to 12 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
- Sprinklers shall not be located at distances less than the minimum table distance unless the sprinkler listing allows a lesser distance.
- Distances shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest edge of the heat source to the nearest edge of the sprinkler.
Piping shall be protected from freezing as required by Section P2603.5. Where sprinklers are required in areas that are subject to freezing, dry-side-wall or dry-pendent sprinklers extending from a nonfreezing area into a freezing area shall be installed.
Sprinkler coverage requirements and sprinkler obstruction requirements shall be in accordance with Sections P2904.2.4.1 and P2904.2.4.2.
The area of coverage of a single sprinkler shall not exceed 400 square feet (37 m2) and shall be based on the sprinkler listing and the sprinkler manufacturer's installation instructions.
Sprinkler discharge shall not be blocked by obstructions unless additional sprinklers are installed to protect the obstructed area. Additional sprinklers shall not be required where the sprinkler separation from obstructions complies with either the minimum distance indicated in Figure P2904.2.4.2 or the minimum distances specified in the sprinkler manufacturer's instructions where the manufacturer's instructions permit a lesser distance.
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
MINIMUM ALLOWABLE DISTANCE BETWEEN SPRINKLER AND OBSTRUCTION
Pendent sprinklers within 3 feet (915 mm) of the center of a ceiling fan, surface-mounted ceiling luminaire or similar object shall be considered to be obstructed, and additional sprinklers shall be installed.
Sidewall sprinklers within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the center of a ceiling fan, surface-mounted ceiling luminaire or similar object shall be considered to be obstructed, and additional sprinklers shall be installed.
The solvent cementing of threaded adapter fittings shall be completed and threaded adapters for sprinklers shall be verified as being clear of excess cement prior to the installation of sprinklers on systems assembled with solvent cement.
Painting, caulking or modifying of sprinklers shall be prohibited. Sprinklers that have been painted, caulked, modified or damaged shall be replaced with new sprinklers.
Sprinkler piping shall be supported in accordance with requirements for cold water distribution piping. Sprinkler piping shall comply with the requirements for cold water distribution piping. For multipurpose piping systems, the sprinkler piping shall connect to and be a part of the cold water distribution piping system.
Exception: For plastic piping, it shall be permissible to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Nonmetallic pipe and tubing, such as CPVC, PEX, and PE-RT shall be listed for use in residential fire sprinkler systems.
Nonmetallic pipe and tubing systems shall be protected from exposure to the living space by a layer of not less than 3/8-inch-thick (9.5 mm) gypsum wallboard, 1/2-inch-thick (13 mm) plywood, or other material having a 15-minute fire rating.
Exceptions:
- Pipe protection shall not be required in areas that do not require protection with sprinklers as specified in Section P2904.1.1.
- Pipe protection shall not be required where exposed piping is permitted by the pipe listing.
With the exception of shutoff valves for the entire water distribution system, valves shall not be installed in any location where the valve would isolate piping serving one or more sprinklers.
Piping beyond the service valve located at the beginning of the water distribution system shall not serve more than one dwelling.
A means to drain the sprinkler system shall be provided on the system side of the water distribution shutoff valve.
The flow for sizing the sprinkler piping system shall be based on the flow rating of each sprinkler in accordance with Section P2904.4.1 and the calculation in accordance with Section P2904.4.2.
The minimum required flow for each sprinkler shall be determined using the sprinkler manufacturer's published data for the specific sprinkler model based on all of the following:
- The area of coverage.
- The ceiling configuration.
- The temperature rating.
- Any additional conditions specified by the sprinkler manufacturer.
The design flow rate for the system shall be based on the following:
- The design flow rate for a room having only one sprinkler shall be the flow rate required for that sprinkler, as determined by Section P2904.4.1.
- The design flow rate for a room having two or more sprinklers shall be determined by identifying the sprinkler in that room with the highest required flow rate, based on Section P2904.4.1, and multiplying that flow rate by 2.
- Where the sprinkler manufacturer specifies different criteria for ceiling configurations that are not smooth, flat and horizontal, the required flow rate for that room shall comply with the sprinkler manufacturer's instructions.
- The design flow rate for the sprinkler system shall be the flow required by the room with the largest flow rate, based on Items 1, 2 and 3.
- For the purpose of this section, it shall be permissible to reduce the design flow rate for a room by subdividing the space into two or more rooms, where each room is evaluated separately with respect to the required design flow rate. Each room shall be bounded by walls and a ceiling. Openings in walls shall have a lintel not less than 8 inches (203 mm) in depth and each lintel shall form a solid barrier between the ceiling and the top of the opening.
The water supply shall provide not less than the required design flow rate for sprinklers in accordance with Section P2904.4.2 at a pressure not less than that used to comply with Section P2904.6.
Where a dwelling unit water supply is from a tank system, a private well system or a combination of these, the available water supply shall be based on the minimum pressure control setting for the pump.
The water supply shall have the capacity to provide the required design flow rate for sprinklers for a period of time as follows:
- Seven minutes for dwelling units one story in height and less than 2,000 square feet (186 m2) in area.
- Ten minutes for dwelling units two or more stories in height or equal to or greater than 2,000 square feet (186 m2) in area.
Where a well system, a water supply tank system or a combination thereof is used, any combination of well capacity and tank storage shall be permitted to meet the capacity requirement.
The piping to sprinklers shall be sized for the flow required by Section P2904.4.2. The flow required to supply the plumbing fixtures shall not be required to be added to the sprinkler design flow.
Piping supplying sprinklers shall be sized using the prescriptive method in Section P2904.6.2 or by hydraulic calculation in accordance with NFPA 13D. The minimum pipe size from the water supply source to any sprinkler shall be 3/4 inch (19 mm) nominal. Threaded adapter fittings at the point where sprinklers are attached to the piping shall be not less than 1/2 inch (13 mm) nominal.
Pipe shall be sized by determining the available pressure to offset friction loss in piping and identifying a piping material, diameter and length using the equation in Section P2904.6.2.1 and the procedure in Section P2904.6.2.2.
WATER SERVICE PRESSURE LOSS (PLsvc)a, b
| FLOW RATEc (gpm) | 3/4-INCH WATER SERVICE PRESSURE LOSS (psi) | 1-INCH WATER SERVICE PRESSURE LOSS (psi) | 11/4 -INCH WATER SERVICE PRESSURE LOSS (psi) | |||||||||
| Length of water service pipe (feet) | Length of water service pipe (feet) | Length of water service pipe (feet) | ||||||||||
| 40 or less | 41 to 75 | 76 to 100 | 101 to 150 | 40 or less | 41 to 75 | 76 to 100 | 101 to 150 | 40 or less | 41 to 75 | 76 to 100 | 101 to 150 | |
| 8 | 5.1 | 8.7 | 11.8 | 17.4 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.4 | 5.1 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 1.9 |
| 10 | 7.7 | 13.1 | 17.8 | 26.3 | 2.3 | 3.8 | 5.2 | 7.7 | 0.8 | 1.4 | 2.0 | 2.9 |
| 12 | 10.8 | 18.4 | 24.9 | NP | 3.2 | 5.4 | 7.3 | 10.7 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 2.7 | 4.0 |
| 14 | 14.4 | 24.5 | NP | NP | 4.2 | 7.1 | 9.6 | 14.3 | 1.6 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 5.4 |
| 16 | 18.4 | NP | NP | NP | 5.4 | 9.1 | 12.4 | 18.3 | 2.0 | 3.4 | 4.7 | 6.9 |
| 18 | 22.9 | NP | NP | NP | 6.7 | 11.4 | 15.4 | 22.7 | 2.5 | 4.3 | 5.8 | 8.6 |
| 20 | 27.8 | NP | NP | NP | 8.1 | 13.8 | 18.7 | 27.6 | 3.1 | 5.2 | 7.0 | 10.4 |
| 22 | NP | NP | NP | NP | 9.7 | 16.5 | 22.3 | NP | 3.7 | 6.2 | 8.4 | 12.4 |
| 24 | NP | NP | NP | NP | 11.4 | 19.3 | 26.2 | NP | 4.3 | 7.3 | 9.9 | 14.6 |
| 26 | NP | NP | NP | NP | 13.2 | 22.4 | NP | NP | 5.0 | 8.5 | 11.4 | 16.9 |
| 28 | NP | NP | NP | NP | 15.1 | 25.7 | NP | NP | 5.7 | 9.7 | 13.1 | 19.4 |
| 30 | NP | NP | NP | NP | 17.2 | NP | NP | NP | 6.5 | 11.0 | 14.9 | 22.0 |
| 32 | NP | NP | NP | NP | 19.4 | NP | NP | NP | 7.3 | 12.4 | 16.8 | 24.8 |
| 34 | NP | NP | NP | NP | 21.7 | NP | NP | NP | 8.2 | 13.9 | 18.8 | NP |
| 36 | NP | NP | NP | NP | 24.1 | NP | NP | NP | 9.1 | 15.4 | 20.9 | NP |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 0.063 L/s, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa.
NP = Not Permitted. Pressure loss exceeds reasonable limits.
- Values are applicable for underground piping materials listed in Table P2905.4 and are based on an SDR of 11 and a Hazen Williams C Factor of 150.
- Values include the following length allowances for fittings: 25% length increase for actual lengths up to 100 feet and 15% length increase for actual lengths over 100 feet.
- Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2. Add 5 gpm to the flow rate required by Section P2904.4.2 where the water service pipe supplies more than one dwelling.
MINIMUM WATER METER PRESSURE LOSS (PLm)a
| FLOW RATE (gallons per minute, gpm)b | 5/8-INCH METER PRESSURE LOSS (pounds per square inch, psi) | 3/4-INCH METER PRESSURE LESS (pounds per square inch, psi) | 1-INCH METER PRESSURE LOSS (pounds per square inch, psi) |
| 8 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 10 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 12 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| 14 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| 16 | 7 | 3 | 1 |
| 18 | 9 | 4 | 1 |
| 20 | 11 | 4 | 2 |
| 22 | NP | 5 | 2 |
| 24 | NP | 5 | 2 |
| 26 | NP | 6 | 2 |
| 28 | NP | 6 | 2 |
| 30 | NP | 7 | 2 |
| 32 | NP | 7 | 3 |
| 34 | NP | 8 | 3 |
| 36 | NP | 8 | 3 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon per minute = 0.063 L/s.
NP = Not permitted unless the actual water meter pressure loss is known.
- Table P2904.6.2(2) establishes conservative values for water meter pressure loss or installations where the water meter loss is unknown. Where the actual water meter pressure loss is known, Pm shall be the actual loss.
- Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2. Add 5 gpm to the flow rate required by Section P2904.4.2 where the water service pipe supplies more than one dwelling.
ELEVATION LOSS (PLe)
| ELEVATION (feet) | PRESSURE LOSS (psi) |
| 5 | 2.2 |
| 10 | 4.4 |
| 15 | 6.5 |
| 20 | 8.7 |
| 25 | 10.9 |
| 30 | 13 |
| 35 | 15.2 |
| 40 | 17.4 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa.
ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 3/4-INCH TYPE M COPPER WATER TUBING
| SPRINKLER FLOW RATEa (gpm) | WATER DISTRIBUTION SIZE (inch) | AVAILABLE PRESSURE—Pt (psi) | |||||||||
| 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | ||
| Allowable length of pipe from service valve to farthest sprinkler (feet) | |||||||||||
| 8 | 3/4 | 217 | 289 | 361 | 434 | 506 | 578 | 650 | 723 | 795 | 867 |
| 9 | 3/4 | 174 | 232 | 291 | 349 | 407 | 465 | 523 | 581 | 639 | 697 |
| 10 | 3/4 | 143 | 191 | 239 | 287 | 335 | 383 | 430 | 478 | 526 | 574 |
| 11 | 3/4 | 120 | 160 | 200 | 241 | 281 | 321 | 361 | 401 | 441 | 481 |
| 12 | 3/4 | 102 | 137 | 171 | 205 | 239 | 273 | 307 | 341 | 375 | 410 |
| 13 | 3/4 | 88 | 118 | 147 | 177 | 206 | 235 | 265 | 294 | 324 | 353 |
| 14 | 3/4 | 77 | 103 | 128 | 154 | 180 | 205 | 231 | 257 | 282 | 308 |
| 15 | 3/4 | 68 | 90 | 113 | 136 | 158 | 181 | 203 | 226 | 248 | 271 |
| 16 | 3/4 | 60 | 80 | 100 | 120 | 140 | 160 | 180 | 200 | 220 | 241 |
| 17 | 3/4 | 54 | 72 | 90 | 108 | 125 | 143 | 161 | 179 | 197 | 215 |
| 18 | 3/4 | 48 | 64 | 81 | 97 | 113 | 129 | 145 | 161 | 177 | 193 |
| 19 | 3/4 | 44 | 58 | 73 | 88 | 102 | 117 | 131 | 146 | 160 | 175 |
| 20 | 3/4 | 40 | 53 | 66 | 80 | 93 | 106 | 119 | 133 | 146 | 159 |
| 21 | 3/4 | 36 | 48 | 61 | 73 | 85 | 97 | 109 | 121 | 133 | 145 |
| 22 | 3/4 | 33 | 44 | 56 | 67 | 78 | 89 | 100 | 111 | 122 | 133 |
| 23 | 3/4 | 31 | 41 | 51 | 61 | 72 | 82 | 92 | 102 | 113 | 123 |
| 24 | 3/4 | 28 | 38 | 47 | 57 | 66 | 76 | 85 | 95 | 104 | 114 |
| 25 | 3/4 | 26 | 35 | 44 | 53 | 61 | 70 | 79 | 88 | 97 | 105 |
| 26 | 3/4 | 24 | 33 | 41 | 49 | 57 | 65 | 73 | 82 | 90 | 98 |
| 27 | 3/4 | 23 | 30 | 38 | 46 | 53 | 61 | 69 | 76 | 84 | 91 |
| 28 | 3/4 | 21 | 28 | 36 | 43 | 50 | 57 | 64 | 71 | 78 | 85 |
| 29 | 3/4 | 20 | 27 | 33 | 40 | 47 | 53 | 60 | 67 | 73 | 80 |
| 30 | 3/4 | 19 | 25 | 31 | 38 | 44 | 50 | 56 | 63 | 69 | 75 |
| 31 | 3/4 | 18 | 24 | 29 | 35 | 41 | 47 | 53 | 59 | 65 | 71 |
| 32 | 3/4 | 17 | 22 | 28 | 33 | 39 | 44 | 50 | 56 | 61 | 67 |
| 33 | 3/4 | 16 | 21 | 26 | 32 | 37 | 42 | 47 | 53 | 58 | 63 |
| 34 | 3/4 | NP | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 |
| 35 | 3/4 | NP | 19 | 24 | 28 | 33 | 38 | 42 | 47 | 52 | 57 |
| 36 | 3/4 | NP | 18 | 22 | 27 | 31 | 36 | 40 | 45 | 49 | 54 |
| 37 | 3/4 | NP | 17 | 21 | 26 | 30 | 34 | 38 | 43 | 47 | 51 |
| 38 | 3/4 | NP | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 | 40 | 45 | 49 |
| 39 | 3/4 | NP | 15 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 31 | 35 | 39 | 42 | 46 |
| 40 | 3/4 | NP | NP | 18 | 22 | 26 | 29 | 33 | 37 | 40 | 44 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon per minute = 0.963 L/s.
NP = Not Permitted.
- Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2.
ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 1-INCH TYPE M COPPER WATER TUBING
| SPRINKLER FLOW RATEa (gpm) | WATER DISTRIBUTION SIZE (inch) | AVAILABLE PRESSURE—Pt (psi) | |||||||||
| 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | ||
| Allowable length of pipe from service valve to farthest sprinkler (feet) | |||||||||||
| 8 | 1 | 806 | 1075 | 1343 | 1612 | 1881 | 2149 | 2418 | 2687 | 2955 | 3224 |
| 9 | 1 | 648 | 864 | 1080 | 1296 | 1512 | 1728 | 1945 | 2161 | 2377 | 2593 |
| 10 | 1 | 533 | 711 | 889 | 1067 | 1245 | 1422 | 1600 | 1778 | 1956 | 2134 |
| 11 | 1 | 447 | 586 | 745 | 894 | 1043 | 1192 | 1341 | 1491 | 1640 | 1789 |
| 12 | 1 | 381 | 508 | 634 | 761 | 888 | 1015 | 1142 | 1269 | 1396 | 1523 |
| 13 | 1 | 328 | 438 | 547 | 657 | 766 | 875 | 985 | 1094 | 1204 | 1313 |
| 14 | 1 | 286 | 382 | 477 | 572 | 668 | 763 | 859 | 954 | 1049 | 1145 |
| 15 | 1 | 252 | 336 | 420 | 504 | 588 | 672 | 756 | 840 | 924 | 1008 |
| 16 | 1 | 224 | 298 | 373 | 447 | 522 | 596 | 671 | 745 | 820 | 894 |
| 17 | 1 | 200 | 266 | 333 | 400 | 466 | 533 | 600 | 666 | 733 | 799 |
| 18 | 1 | 180 | 240 | 300 | 360 | 420 | 479 | 539 | 599 | 659 | 719 |
| 19 | 1 | 163 | 217 | 271 | 325 | 380 | 434 | 488 | 542 | 597 | 651 |
| 20 | 1 | 148 | 197 | 247 | 296 | 345 | 395 | 444 | 493 | 543 | 592 |
| 21 | 1 | 135 | 180 | 225 | 270 | 315 | 360 | 406 | 451 | 496 | 541 |
| 22 | 1 | 124 | 165 | 207 | 248 | 289 | 331 | 372 | 413 | 455 | 496 |
| 23 | 1 | 114 | 152 | 190 | 228 | 267 | 305 | 343 | 381 | 419 | 457 |
| 24 | 1 | 106 | 141 | 176 | 211 | 246 | 282 | 317 | 352 | 387 | 422 |
| 25 | 1 | 98 | 131 | 163 | 196 | 228 | 261 | 294 | 326 | 359 | 392 |
| 26 | 1 | 91 | 121 | 152 | 182 | 212 | 243 | 273 | 304 | 334 | 364 |
| 27 | 1 | 85 | 113 | 142 | 170 | 198 | 226 | 255 | 283 | 311 | 340 |
| 28 | 1 | 79 | 106 | 132 | 159 | 185 | 212 | 238 | 265 | 291 | 318 |
| 29 | 1 | 74 | 99 | 124 | 149 | 174 | 198 | 223 | 248 | 273 | 298 |
| 30 | 1 | 70 | 93 | 116 | 140 | 163 | 186 | 210 | 233 | 256 | 280 |
| 31 | 1 | 66 | 88 | 110 | 132 | 153 | 175 | 197 | 219 | 241 | 263 |
| 32 | 1 | 62 | 83 | 103 | 124 | 145 | 165 | 186 | 207 | 227 | 248 |
| 33 | 1 | 59 | 78 | 98 | 117 | 137 | 156 | 176 | 195 | 215 | 234 |
| 34 | 1 | 55 | 74 | 92 | 111 | 129 | 148 | 166 | 185 | 203 | 222 |
| 35 | 1 | 53 | 70 | 88 | 105 | 123 | 140 | 158 | 175 | 193 | 210 |
| 36 | 1 | 50 | 66 | 83 | 100 | 116 | 133 | 150 | 166 | 183 | 199 |
| 37 | 1 | 47 | 63 | 79 | 95 | 111 | 126 | 142 | 158 | 174 | 190 |
| 38 | 1 | 45 | 60 | 75 | 90 | 105 | 120 | 135 | 150 | 165 | 181 |
| 39 | 1 | 43 | 57 | 72 | 86 | 100 | 115 | 129 | 143 | 158 | 172 |
| 40 | 1 | 41 | 55 | 68 | 82 | 96 | 109 | 123 | 137 | 150 | 164 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon per minute = 0.963 L/s.
- Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2.
ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 3/4-INCH CPVC PIPE
| SPRINKLER FLOW RATEa (gpm) | WATER DISTRIBUTION SIZE (inch) | AVAILABLE PRESSURE—Pt (psi) | |||||||||
| 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | ||
| Allowable length of pipe from service valve to farthest sprinkler (feet) | |||||||||||
| 8 | 3/4 | 348 | 465 | 581 | 697 | 813 | 929 | 1045 | 1161 | 1278 | 1394 |
| 9 | 3/4 | 280 | 374 | 467 | 560 | 654 | 747 | 841 | 934 | 1027 | 1121 |
| 10 | 3/4 | 231 | 307 | 384 | 461 | 538 | 615 | 692 | 769 | 845 | 922 |
| 11 | 3/4 | 193 | 258 | 322 | 387 | 451 | 515 | 580 | 644 | 709 | 773 |
| 12 | 3/4 | 165 | 219 | 274 | 329 | 384 | 439 | 494 | 549 | 603 | 658 |
| 13 | 3/4 | 142 | 189 | 237 | 284 | 331 | 378 | 426 | 473 | 520 | 568 |
| 14 | 3/4 | 124 | 165 | 206 | 247 | 289 | 330 | 371 | 412 | 454 | 495 |
| 15 | 3/4 | 109 | 145 | 182 | 218 | 254 | 290 | 327 | 363 | 399 | 436 |
| 16 | 3/4 | 97 | 129 | 161 | 193 | 226 | 258 | 290 | 322 | 354 | 387 |
| 17 | 3/4 | 86 | 115 | 144 | 173 | 202 | 230 | 259 | 288 | 317 | 346 |
| 18 | 3/4 | 78 | 104 | 130 | 155 | 181 | 207 | 233 | 259 | 285 | 311 |
| 19 | 3/4 | 70 | 94 | 117 | 141 | 164 | 188 | 211 | 234 | 258 | 281 |
| 20 | 3/4 | 64 | 85 | 107 | 128 | 149 | 171 | 192 | 213 | 235 | 256 |
| 21 | 3/4 | 58 | 78 | 97 | 117 | 136 | 156 | 175 | 195 | 214 | 234 |
| 22 | 3/4 | 54 | 71 | 89 | 107 | 125 | 143 | 161 | 179 | 197 | 214 |
| 23 | 3/4 | 49 | 66 | 82 | 99 | 115 | 132 | 148 | 165 | 181 | 198 |
| 24 | 3/4 | 46 | 61 | 76 | 91 | 107 | 122 | 137 | 152 | 167 | 183 |
| 25 | 3/4 | 42 | 56 | 71 | 85 | 99 | 113 | 127 | 141 | 155 | 169 |
| 26 | 3/4 | 39 | 52 | 66 | 79 | 92 | 105 | 118 | 131 | 144 | 157 |
| 27 | 3/4 | 37 | 49 | 61 | 73 | 86 | 98 | 110 | 122 | 135 | 147 |
| 28 | 3/4 | 34 | 46 | 57 | 69 | 80 | 92 | 103 | 114 | 126 | 137 |
| 29 | 3/4 | 32 | 43 | 54 | 64 | 75 | 86 | 96 | 107 | 118 | 129 |
| 30 | 3/4 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 81 | 91 | 101 | 111 | 121 |
| 31 | 3/4 | 28 | 38 | 47 | 57 | 66 | 76 | 85 | 95 | 104 | 114 |
| 32 | 3/4 | 27 | 36 | 45 | 54 | 63 | 71 | 80 | 89 | 98 | 107 |
| 33 | 3/4 | 25 | 34 | 42 | 51 | 59 | 68 | 76 | 84 | 93 | 101 |
| 34 | 3/4 | 24 | 32 | 40 | 48 | 56 | 64 | 72 | 80 | 88 | 96 |
| 35 | 3/4 | 23 | 30 | 38 | 45 | 53 | 61 | 68 | 76 | 83 | 91 |
| 36 | 3/4 | 22 | 29 | 36 | 43 | 50 | 57 | 65 | 72 | 79 | 86 |
| 37 | 3/4 | 20 | 27 | 34 | 41 | 48 | 55 | 61 | 68 | 75 | 82 |
| 38 | 3/4 | 20 | 26 | 33 | 39 | 46 | 52 | 59 | 65 | 72 | 78 |
| 39 | 3/4 | 19 | 25 | 31 | 37 | 43 | 50 | 56 | 62 | 68 | 74 |
| 40 | 3/4 | 18 | 24 | 30 | 35 | 41 | 47 | 53 | 59 | 65 | 71 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon per minute = 0.963 L/s.
- Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2.
ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 1-INCH CPVC PIPE
| SPRINKLER FLOW RATEa (gpm) | WATER DISTRIBUTION SIZE (inch) | AVAILABLE PRESSURE—Pt (psi) | |||||||||
| 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | ||
| Allowable length of pipe from service valve to farthest sprinkler (feet) | |||||||||||
| 8 | 1 | 1049 | 1398 | 1748 | 2098 | 2447 | 2797 | 3146 | 3496 | 3845 | 4195 |
| 9 | 1 | 843 | 1125 | 1406 | 1687 | 1968 | 2249 | 2530 | 2811 | 3093 | 3374 |
| 10 | 1 | 694 | 925 | 1157 | 1388 | 1619 | 1851 | 2082 | 2314 | 2545 | 2776 |
| 11 | 1 | 582 | 776 | 970 | 1164 | 1358 | 1552 | 1746 | 1940 | 2133 | 2327 |
| 12 | 1 | 495 | 660 | 826 | 991 | 1156 | 1321 | 1486 | 1651 | 1816 | 1981 |
| 13 | 1 | 427 | 570 | 712 | 854 | 997 | 1139 | 1281 | 1424 | 1566 | 1709 |
| 14 | 1 | 372 | 497 | 621 | 745 | 869 | 993 | 1117 | 1241 | 1366 | 1490 |
| 15 | 1 | 328 | 437 | 546 | 656 | 765 | 874 | 983 | 1093 | 1202 | 1311 |
| 16 | 1 | 291 | 388 | 485 | 582 | 679 | 776 | 873 | 970 | 1067 | 1164 |
| 17 | 1 | 260 | 347 | 433 | 520 | 607 | 693 | 780 | 867 | 954 | 1040 |
| 18 | 1 | 234 | 312 | 390 | 468 | 546 | 624 | 702 | 780 | 858 | 936 |
| 19 | 1 | 212 | 282 | 353 | 423 | 494 | 565 | 635 | 706 | 776 | 847 |
| 20 | 1 | 193 | 257 | 321 | 385 | 449 | 513 | 578 | 642 | 706 | 770 |
| 21 | 1 | 176 | 235 | 293 | 352 | 410 | 469 | 528 | 586 | 645 | 704 |
| 22 | 1 | 161 | 215 | 269 | 323 | 377 | 430 | 484 | 538 | 592 | 646 |
| 23 | 1 | 149 | 198 | 248 | 297 | 347 | 396 | 446 | 496 | 545 | 595 |
| 24 | 1 | 137 | 183 | 229 | 275 | 321 | 366 | 412 | 458 | 504 | 550 |
| 25 | 1 | 127 | 170 | 212 | 255 | 297 | 340 | 382 | 425 | 467 | 510 |
| 26 | 1 | 118 | 158 | 197 | 237 | 276 | 316 | 355 | 395 | 434 | 474 |
| 27 | 1 | 111 | 147 | 184 | 221 | 258 | 295 | 332 | 368 | 405 | 442 |
| 28 | 1 | 103 | 138 | 172 | 207 | 241 | 275 | 310 | 344 | 379 | 413 |
| 29 | 1 | 97 | 129 | 161 | 194 | 226 | 258 | 290 | 323 | 355 | 387 |
| 30 | 1 | 91 | 121 | 152 | 182 | 212 | 242 | 273 | 303 | 333 | 364 |
| 31 | 1 | 86 | 114 | 143 | 171 | 200 | 228 | 257 | 285 | 314 | 342 |
| 32 | 1 | 81 | 108 | 134 | 161 | 188 | 215 | 242 | 269 | 296 | 323 |
| 33 | 1 | 76 | 102 | 127 | 152 | 178 | 203 | 229 | 254 | 280 | 305 |
| 34 | 1 | 72 | 96 | 120 | 144 | 168 | 192 | 216 | 240 | 265 | 289 |
| 35 | 1 | 68 | 91 | 114 | 137 | 160 | 182 | 205 | 228 | 251 | 273 |
| 36 | 1 | 65 | 87 | 108 | 130 | 151 | 173 | 195 | 216 | 238 | 260 |
| 37 | 1 | 62 | 82 | 103 | 123 | 144 | 165 | 185 | 206 | 226 | 247 |
| 38 | 1 | 59 | 78 | 98 | 117 | 137 | 157 | 176 | 196 | 215 | 235 |
| 39 | 1 | 56 | 75 | 93 | 112 | 131 | 149 | 168 | 187 | 205 | 224 |
| 40 | 1 | 53 | 71 | 89 | 107 | 125 | 142 | 160 | 178 | 196 | 214 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon per minute = 0.963 L/s.
- Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2.
ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 3/4-INCH PEX AND PE-RT TUBING
| SPRINKLER FLOW RATEa (gpm) | WATER DISTRIBUTION SIZE (inch) | AVAILABLE PRESSURE—Pt (psi) | |||||||||
| 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | ||
| Allowable length of pipe from service valve to farthest sprinkler (feet) | |||||||||||
| 8 | 3/4 | 93 | 123 | 154 | 185 | 216 | 247 | 278 | 309 | 339 | 370 |
| 9 | 3/4 | 74 | 99 | 124 | 149 | 174 | 199 | 223 | 248 | 273 | 298 |
| 10 | 3/4 | 61 | 82 | 102 | 123 | 143 | 163 | 184 | 204 | 225 | 245 |
| 11 | 3/4 | 51 | 68 | 86 | 103 | 120 | 137 | 154 | 171 | 188 | 205 |
| 12 | 3/4 | 44 | 58 | 73 | 87 | 102 | 117 | 131 | 146 | 160 | 175 |
| 13 | 3/4 | 38 | 50 | 63 | 75 | 88 | 101 | 113 | 126 | 138 | 151 |
| 14 | 3/4 | 33 | 44 | 55 | 66 | 77 | 88 | 99 | 110 | 121 | 132 |
| 15 | 3/4 | 29 | 39 | 48 | 58 | 68 | 77 | 87 | 96 | 106 | 116 |
| 16 | 3/4 | 26 | 34 | 43 | 51 | 60 | 68 | 77 | 86 | 94 | 103 |
| 17 | 3/4 | 23 | 31 | 38 | 46 | 54 | 61 | 69 | 77 | 84 | 92 |
| 18 | 3/4 | 21 | 28 | 34 | 41 | 48 | 55 | 62 | 69 | 76 | 83 |
| 19 | 3/4 | 19 | 25 | 31 | 37 | 44 | 50 | 56 | 62 | 69 | 75 |
| 20 | 3/4 | 17 | 23 | 28 | 34 | 40 | 45 | 51 | 57 | 62 | 68 |
| 21 | 3/4 | 16 | 21 | 26 | 31 | 36 | 41 | 47 | 52 | 57 | 62 |
| 22 | 3/4 | NP | 19 | 24 | 28 | 33 | 38 | 43 | 47 | 52 | 57 |
| 23 | 3/4 | NP | 17 | 22 | 26 | 31 | 35 | 39 | 44 | 48 | 52 |
| 24 | 3/4 | NP | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 36 | 40 | 44 | 49 |
| 25 | 3/4 | NP | NP | 19 | 22 | 26 | 30 | 34 | 37 | 41 | 45 |
| 26 | 3/4 | NP | NP | 17 | 21 | 24 | 28 | 31 | 35 | 38 | 42 |
| 27 | 3/4 | NP | NP | 16 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 29 | 33 | 36 | 39 |
| 28 | 3/4 | NP | NP | 15 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 30 | 33 | 36 |
| 29 | 3/4 | NP | NP | NP | 17 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 31 | 34 |
| 30 | 3/4 | NP | NP | NP | 16 | 19 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 29 | 32 |
| 31 | 3/4 | NP | NP | NP | 15 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 28 | 30 |
| 32 | 3/4 | NP | NP | NP | NP | 17 | 19 | 21 | 24 | 26 | 28 |
| 33 | 3/4 | NP | NP | NP | NP | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 25 | 27 |
| 34 | 3/4 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 25 |
| 35 | 3/4 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
| 36 | 3/4 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 15 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 23 |
| 37 | 3/4 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
| 38 | 3/4 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 16 | 17 | 19 | 21 |
| 39 | 3/4 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 16 | 18 | 20 |
| 40 | 3/4 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 16 | 17 | 19 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon per minute = 0.963 L/s.
NP = Not Permitted.
- Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2.
ALLOWABLE PIPE LENGTH FOR 1-INCH PEX AND PE-RT TUBING
| SPRINKLER FLOW RATEa (gpm) | WATER DISTRIBUTION SIZE (inch) | AVAILABLE PRESSURE—Pt (psi) | |||||||||
| 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | ||
| Allowable length of pipe from service valve to farthest sprinkler (feet) | |||||||||||
| 8 | 1 | 314 | 418 | 523 | 628 | 732 | 837 | 941 | 1046 | 1151 | 1255 |
| 9 | 1 | 252 | 336 | 421 | 505 | 589 | 673 | 757 | 841 | 925 | 1009 |
| 10 | 1 | 208 | 277 | 346 | 415 | 485 | 554 | 623 | 692 | 761 | 831 |
| 11 | 1 | 174 | 232 | 290 | 348 | 406 | 464 | 522 | 580 | 638 | 696 |
| 12 | 1 | 148 | 198 | 247 | 296 | 346 | 395 | 445 | 494 | 543 | 593 |
| 13 | 1 | 128 | 170 | 213 | 256 | 298 | 341 | 383 | 426 | 469 | 511 |
| 14 | 1 | 111 | 149 | 186 | 223 | 260 | 297 | 334 | 371 | 409 | 446 |
| 15 | 1 | 98 | 131 | 163 | 196 | 229 | 262 | 294 | 327 | 360 | 392 |
| 16 | 1 | 87 | 116 | 145 | 174 | 203 | 232 | 261 | 290 | 319 | 348 |
| 17 | 1 | 78 | 104 | 130 | 156 | 182 | 208 | 233 | 259 | 285 | 311 |
| 18 | 1 | 70 | 93 | 117 | 140 | 163 | 187 | 210 | 233 | 257 | 280 |
| 19 | 1 | 63 | 84 | 106 | 127 | 148 | 169 | 190 | 211 | 232 | 253 |
| 20 | 1 | 58 | 77 | 96 | 115 | 134 | 154 | 173 | 192 | 211 | 230 |
| 21 | 1 | 53 | 70 | 88 | 105 | 123 | 140 | 158 | 175 | 193 | 211 |
| 22 | 1 | 48 | 64 | 80 | 97 | 113 | 129 | 145 | 161 | 177 | 193 |
| 23 | 1 | 44 | 59 | 74 | 89 | 104 | 119 | 133 | 148 | 163 | 178 |
| 24 | 1 | 41 | 55 | 69 | 82 | 96 | 110 | 123 | 137 | 151 | 164 |
| 25 | 1 | 38 | 51 | 64 | 76 | 89 | 102 | 114 | 127 | 140 | 152 |
| 26 | 1 | 35 | 47 | 59 | 71 | 83 | 95 | 106 | 118 | 130 | 142 |
| 27 | 1 | 33 | 44 | 55 | 66 | 77 | 88 | 99 | 110 | 121 | 132 |
| 28 | 1 | 31 | 41 | 52 | 62 | 72 | 82 | 93 | 103 | 113 | 124 |
| 29 | 1 | 29 | 39 | 48 | 58 | 68 | 77 | 87 | 97 | 106 | 116 |
| 30 | 1 | 27 | 36 | 45 | 54 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 91 | 100 | 109 |
| 31 | 1 | 26 | 34 | 43 | 51 | 60 | 68 | 77 | 85 | 94 | 102 |
| 32 | 1 | 24 | 32 | 40 | 48 | 56 | 64 | 72 | 80 | 89 | 97 |
| 33 | 1 | 23 | 30 | 38 | 46 | 53 | 61 | 68 | 76 | 84 | 91 |
| 34 | 1 | 22 | 29 | 36 | 43 | 50 | 58 | 65 | 72 | 79 | 86 |
| 35 | 1 | 20 | 27 | 34 | 41 | 48 | 55 | 61 | 68 | 75 | 82 |
| 36 | 1 | 19 | 26 | 32 | 39 | 45 | 52 | 58 | 65 | 71 | 78 |
| 37 | 1 | 18 | 25 | 31 | 37 | 43 | 49 | 55 | 62 | 68 | 74 |
| 38 | 1 | 18 | 23 | 29 | 35 | 41 | 47 | 53 | 59 | 64 | 70 |
| 39 | 1 | 17 | 22 | 28 | 33 | 39 | 45 | 50 | 56 | 61 | 67 |
| 40 | 1 | 16 | 21 | 27 | 32 | 37 | 43 | 48 | 53 | 59 | 64 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon per minute = 0.963 L/s.
- Flow rate from Section P2904.4.2.
The pressure available to offset friction loss in the interior piping system (Pt) shall be determined in accordance with the Equation 29-1.
(Equation 29-1)| Pt | = | Pressure used in applying Tables P2904.6.2(4) through P2904.6.2(9). |
| Psup | = | Pressure available from the water supply source. |
| PLsvc | = | Pressure loss in the water service pipe. (Table P2904.6.2(1)) |
| PLm | = | Pressure loss in the water meter. (Table P2904.6.2(2)) |
| PLd | = | Pressure loss from devices other than the water meter. |
| PLe | = | Pressure loss associated with changes in elevation. (Table P2904.6.2(3)) |
| Psp | = | Maximum pressure required by a sprinkler. |
Determination of the required size for water distribution piping shall be in accordance with the following procedure:
Step 1—Determine Psup
Obtain the static supply pressure that will be available from the water main from the water purveyor, or for an individual source, the available supply pressure shall be in accordance with Section P2904.5.1.
Step 2—Determine PLsvc
Use Table P2904.6.2(1) to determine the pressure loss in the water service pipe based on the selected size of the water service.
Step 3—Determine PLm
Use Table P2904.6.2(2) to determine the pressure loss from the water meter, based on the selected water meter size.
Step 4—Determine PLd
Determine the pressure loss from devices other than the water meter installed in the piping system supplying sprinklers, such as pressure-reducing valves, backflow preventers, water softeners or water filters. Device pressure losses shall be based on the device manufacturer's specifications. The flow rate used to determine pressure loss shall be the rate from Section P2904.4.2, except that 5 gpm (0.3 L/s) shall be added where the device is installed in a water service pipe that supplies more than one dwelling. As an alternative to deducting pressure loss for a device, an automatic bypass valve shall be installed to divert flow around the device when a sprinkler activates.
Step 5—Determine PLe
Use Table P2904.6.2(3) to determine the pressure loss associated with changes in elevation. The elevation used in applying the table shall be the difference between the elevation where the water source pressure was measured and the elevation of the highest sprinkler.
Step 6—Determine Psp
Determine the maximum pressure required by any individual sprinkler based on the flow rate from Section P2904.4.1. The required pressure is provided in the sprinkler manufacturer's published data for the specific sprinkler model based on the selected flow rate.
Step 7—Calculate Pt
Using Equation 29-1, calculate the pressure available to offset friction loss in water-distribution piping between the service valve and the sprinklers.
Step 8—Determine the maximum allowable pipe length
Use Tables P2904.6.2(4) through P2904.6.2(9) to select a material and size for water distribution piping. The piping material and size shall be acceptable if the developed length of pipe between the service valve and the most remote sprinkler does not exceed the maximum allowable length specified by the applicable table. Interpolation of Pt between the tabular values shall be permitted.
The maximum allowable length of piping in Tables P2904.6.2(4) through P2904.6.2(9) incorporates an adjustment for pipe fittings. Additional consideration of friction losses associated with pipe fittings shall not be required.
An owner's manual for the fire sprinkler system shall be provided to the owner. A sign or valve tag shall be installed at the main shutoff valve to the water distribution system stating the following: "Warning, the water system for this home supplies fire sprinklers that require certain flows and pressures to fight a fire. Devices that restrict the flow or decrease the pressure or automatically shut off the water to the fire sprinkler system, such as water softeners, filtration systems and automatic shutoff valves, shall not be added to this system without a review of the fire sprinkler system by a fire protection specialist. Do not remove this sign."
The water distribution system shall be inspected in accordance with Sections P2904.8.1 and P2904.8.2.
The following items shall be verified prior to the concealment of any sprinkler system piping:
- Sprinklers are installed in all areas as required by Section P2904.1.1.
- Where sprinkler water spray patterns are obstructed by construction features, luminaires or ceiling fans, additional sprinklers are installed as required by Section P2904.2.4.2.
- Sprinklers are the correct temperature rating and are installed at or beyond the required separation distances from heat sources as required by Sections P2904.2.1 and P2904.2.2.
- The pipe size equals or exceeds the size used in applying Tables P2904.6.2(4) through P2904.6.2(9) or, if the piping system was hydraulically calculated in accordance with Section P2904.6.1, the size used in the hydraulic calculation.
- The pipe length does not exceed the length permitted by Tables P2904.6.2(4) through P2904.6.2(9) or, if the piping system was hydraulically calculated in accordance with Section P2904.6.1, pipe lengths and fittings do not exceed those used in the hydraulic calculation.
- Nonmetallic piping that conveys water to sprinklers is listed for use with fire sprinklers.
- Piping is supported in accordance with the pipe manufacturer's and sprinkler manufacturer's installation instructions.
- The piping system is tested in accordance with Section P2503.7.
The following items shall be verified upon completion of the system:
- Sprinkler are not painted, damaged or otherwise hindered from operation.
- Where a pump is required to provide water to the system, the pump starts automatically upon system water demand.
- Pressure-reducing valves, water softeners, water filters or other impairments to water flow that were not part of the original design have not been installed.
- The sign or valve tag required by Section P2904.7 is installed and the owner's manual for the system is present.
Circulation systems and heat trace systems that are installed to bring heated water in close proximity to one or more fixtures shall meet the requirements of Section N1103.5.1.
Demand recirculation water systems shall be in accordance with Section N1103.5.2.
The installation of water service pipe, water distribution pipe, fittings, valves, appurtenances and gaskets shall be prohibited in soil and groundwater that is contaminated with solvents, fuels, organic compounds or other detrimental materials that cause permeation, corrosion, degradation or structural failure of the water service or water distribution piping material.
Where detrimental conditions are suspected by or brought to the attention of the building official, a chemical analysis of the soil and groundwater conditions shall be required to ascertain the acceptability of the water service material for the specific installation.
Where a detrimental condition exists, approved alternate materials or alternate routing shall be required.
The lead content in pipe and fittings used in the water supply system shall be not greater than 8 percent.
Pipe, pipe fittings, joints, valves, faucets and fixture fittings utilized to supply water for drinking or cooking purposes shall comply with NSF 372 and shall have a weighted average lead content of 0.25-percent lead or less.
Polyethylene pipe shall be cut square using a cutter designed for plastic pipe. Except where joined by heat fusion, pipe ends shall be chamfered to remove sharp edges. Pipe that has been kinked shall not be installed. For bends, the installed radius of pipe curvature shall be greater than 30 pipe diameters or the coil radius where bending with the coil. Coiled pipe shall not be bent beyond straight. Bends within 10 pipe diameters of any fitting or valve shall be prohibited. Joints between polyethylene plastic pipe and fittings shall comply with Section P2906.3.1 or P2906.3.2.
Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. Joint surfaces shall be heated to melting temperature and joined. The joint shall be undisturbed until cool. Joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM D2657.
Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Water service pipe shall conform to NSF 61 and shall conform to one of the standards indicated in Table P2906.4. Water service pipe or tubing, installed underground and outside of the structure, shall have a working pressure rating of not less than 160 pounds per square inch at 73°F (1103 kPa at 23°C). Where the water pressure exceeds 160 pounds per square inch (1103 kPa), piping material shall have a rated working pressure equal to or greater than the highest available pressure. Water service piping materials not third-party certified for water distribution shall terminate at or before the full open valve located at the entrance to the structure. Ductile iron water service piping shall be cement mortar lined in accordance with AWWA C104/A21.4.
| MATERIAL | STANDARD |
|---|---|
| Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic pipe | ASTM D1527; ASTM D2282 |
| Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic pipe | ASTM D2846; ASTM F441; ASTM F442/F442M; CSA B137.6 |
| Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride/aluminum/chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC/AL/CPVC) plastic pipe | ASTM F2855 |
| Copper or copper-alloy pipe | ASTM B42; ASTM B43; ASTM B302 |
| Copper or copper-alloy tubing (Type K, WK, L, WL, M or WM) | ASTM B75/B75M; ASTM B88; ASTM B251; ASTM B447 |
| Cross-linked polyethylene/aluminum/cross-linked polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) pipe | ASTM F1281; ASTM F2262; CSA B137.10 |
| Cross-linked polyethylene/aluminum/high-density polyethylene (PEX-AL-HDPE) pipe | ASTM F1986 |
| Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plastic tubing | ASTM F876; AWWA C904; CSA B137.5 |
| Ductile iron water pipe | AWWA C115/A21.15; AWWA C151/A21.51 |
| Galvanized steel pipe | ASTM A53 |
| Polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene (PE-AL-PE) pipe | ASTM F1282; CSA B137.9 |
| Polyethylene (PE) plastic pipe | ASTM D2104; ASTM D2239; AWWA C901; CSA B137.1 |
| Polyethylene (PE) plastic tubing | ASTM D2737; AWWA C901; CSA B137.1 |
| Polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT) plastic tubing | ASTM F2769; CSA B137.18 |
| Polypropylene (PP) plastic tubing | ASTM F2389; CSA B137.11 |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic pipe | ASTM D1785; ASTM D2241; ASTM D2672; CSA B137.3 |
| Stainless steel (Type 304/304L) pipe | ASTM A312; ASTM A778 |
| Stainless steel (Type 316/316L) pipe | ASTM A312; ASTM A778 |
Trenching, pipe installation and backfilling shall be in accordance with Section P2604. Where water service piping is located in the same trench with the building sewer, such sewer shall be constructed of materials listed in Table P3002.1(2). Where the building sewer piping is not constructed of materials indicated in Table P3002.1(2), the water service pipe and the building sewer shall be horizontally separated by not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) of undisturbed or compacted earth. The required separation distance shall not apply where a water service pipe crosses a sewer pipe, provided that the water service is sleeved to a point not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally from the sewer pipe centerline on both sides of such crossing. The sleeve shall be of pipe materials indicated in Table P2906.4, P3002.1(2) or P3002.2. The required separation distance shall not apply where the bottom of the water service pipe that is located within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the sewer is not less than 12 inches (305 mm) above the highest point of the top of the building sewer.
Water distribution piping within dwelling units shall conform to NSF 61 and shall conform to one of the standards indicated in Table P2906.5. Water distribution pipe and tubing shall have a pressure rating of not less than 100 psi at 180°F (689 kPa at 82°C).
| MATERIAL | STANDARD |
|---|---|
| Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic pipe and tubing | ASTM D2846; ASTM F441; ASTM F442/F442M; CSA B137.6 |
| Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride/aluminum/chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC/AL/CPVC) plastic pipe | ASTM F2855 |
| Copper or copper-alloy pipe | ASTM B42; ASTM B43; ASTM B302 |
| Copper or copper-alloy tubing (Type K, WK, L, WL, M or WM) | ASTM B75/B75M; ASTM B88; ASTM B251; ASTM B447 |
| Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plastic tubing | ASTM F876; CSA B137.5 |
| Cross-linked polyethylene/aluminum/cross-linked polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) pipe | ASTM F1281; ASTM F2262; CSA B137.10 |
| Cross-linked polyethylene/aluminum/high-density polyethylene (PEX-AL-HDPE) pipe | ASTM F1986 |
| Galvanized steel pipe | ASTM A53 |
| Polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene (PE-AL-PE) composite pipe | ASTM F1282 |
| Polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT) plastic tubing | ASTM F2769; CSA B137.18 |
| Polypropylene (PP) plastic pipe or tubing | ASTM F2389; CSA B137.11 |
| Stainless steel (Type 304/304L) pipe | ASTM A312; ASTM A778 |
Pipe fittings shall be approved for installation with the piping material installed and shall comply with the applicable standards indicated in Table P2906.6. Pipe fittings used in water supply systems shall comply with NSF 61.
| MATERIAL | STANDARD |
|---|---|
| Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic | ASTM D2468 |
| Cast-iron | ASME B16.4 |
| Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic | ASSE 1061; ASTM D2846; ASTM F437; ASTM F438; ASTM F439; CSA B137.6 |
| Copper or copper alloy | ASME B16.15; ASME B16.18; ASME B16.22; ASME B16.26; ASME B16.51; ASSE 1061 |
| Cross-linked polyethylene/aluminum/high-density polyethylene (PEX-AL-HDPE) | ASTM F1986 |
| Fittings for cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plastic tubing | ASSE 1061; ASTM F877; ASTM F1807; ASTM F1960; ASTM F2080; ASTM F2098; ASTM F2159; ASTM F2434; ASTM F2735; CSA B137.5 |
| Gray iron and ductile iron | AWWA C110/A21.10; AWWA C153/A21.53 |
| Malleable iron | ASME B16.3 |
| Insert fittings for Polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene (PE-AL-PE) and cross-linked polyethylene/aluminum/cross-linked polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) | ASTM F1281; ASTM F1282; ASTM F1974; CSA B137.9; CSA B137.10 |
| Polyethylene (PE) plastic | ASTM D 2609; CSA B137.1 |
| Fittings for polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT) plastic tubing | ASSE 1061; ASTM D2683; ASTM D3261; ASTM F1055; ASTM F1807; ASTM F2098; ASTM F2159; ASTM F2735; ASTM F2769; CSA B137.18 |
| Polypropylene (PP) plastic pipe or tubing | ASTM F2389; CSA B137.11 |
| Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic | ASTM D2464; ASTM D2466; ASTM D2467; CSA B137.2; CSA B137.3 |
| Stainless steel (Type 304/304L) pipe | ASTM A312; ASTM A778 |
| Stainless steel (Type 316/316L) pipe | ASTM A312; ASTM A778 |
| Steel | ASME B16.9; ASME B16.11; ASME B16.28 |
The use of saddle tap fittings and combination saddle tap and valve fittings shall be prohibited.
Flexible water connectors, exposed to continuous pressure, shall conform to ASME A112.18.6/CSA B125.6. Access shall be provided to flexible water connectors.
Joints and connections in the plumbing system shall be gas tight and water tight for the intended use or required test pressure.
Joints in plastic piping shall be made with approved fittings by solvent cementing, heat fusion, corrosion-resistant metal clamps with insert fittings or compression connections. Flared joints for polyethylene pipe shall be permitted in accordance with Section P2906.10.1.
Solvent-cemented joints shall comply with Sections P2906.9.1.1 through P2906.9.1.4.
Solvent cement for ABS plastic pipe conforming to ASTM D2235 shall be applied to all joint surfaces.
Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. Joints shall be made in accordance with the pipe, fitting or solvent cement manufacturer's installation instructions. Where such instructions require a primer to be used, an approved primer shall be applied, and a solvent cement, orange in color and conforming to ASTM F493, shall be applied to joint surfaces. Where such instructions allow for a one-step solvent cement, yellow or red in color and conforming to ASTM F493, to be used, the joint surfaces shall not require application of a primer before the solvent cement is applied. The joint shall be made while the cement is wet, and in accordance with ASTM D2846 or ASTM F493. Solvent cement joints shall be permitted above or below ground.
Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture, and an approved primer shall be applied. Solvent cement, orange in color and conforming to ASTM F493, shall be applied to all joint surfaces. The joint shall be made while the cement is wet, and in accordance with ASTM D2846 or ASTM F493. Solvent-cemented joints shall be installed above or below ground.
Exception: A primer shall not be required where all of the following conditions apply:
- The solvent cement used is third-party certified as conforming to ASTM F493.
- The solvent cement used is yellow in color.
- The solvent cement is used only for joining 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) through 1-inch (25 mm) diameter CPVC/AL/CPVC pipe and CPVC fittings.
- The CPVC fittings are manufactured in accordance with ASTM D2846.
A purple primer, or other approved primer that conforms to ASTM F656 shall be applied to PVC solvent-cemented joints. Solvent cement for PVC plastic pipe conforming to ASTM D2564 shall be applied to all joint surfaces.
Joints between cross-linked polyethylene plastic tubing or fittings shall comply with Section P2906.9.10.1 or Section P2906.9.10.2.
Flared pipe ends shall be made by a tool designed for that operation.
Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Fittings for cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plastic tubing shall comply with the applicable standards indicated in Table P2906.6 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. PEX tubing shall be factory marked with the applicable standards for the fittings that the PEX manufacturer specifies for use with the tubing.
Joints between polypropylene plastic pipe and fittings shall comply with Section P2906.11.1 or P2906.11.2.
Heat fusion joints for polypropylene pipe and tubing joints shall be installed with socket-type heat-fused polypropylene fittings, buttfusion polypropylene fittings or electrofusion polypropylene fittings. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. The joint shall be undisturbed until cool. Joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM F2389.
Mechanical and compression sleeve joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Joints between polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene (PE-AL-PE) and cross-linked polyethylene/aluminum/cross-linked polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) pipe and fittings shall comply with Section P2906.12.1.
Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Fittings for PE-AL-PE and PEX-AL-PEX as described in ASTM F1974, ASTM F1281, ASTM F1282, CSA B137.9 and CSA B137.10 shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Joints between stainless steel pipe and fittings shall comply with Section P2906.13.1 or P2906.13.2.
Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Joint surfaces shall be cleaned. The joint shall be welded autogenously or with an approved filler metal in accordance with ASTM A312.
Threaded joints shall conform to American National Taper Pipe Thread specifications. Pipe ends shall be deburred and chips removed. Pipe joint compound shall be used only on male threads.
Soldered joints in copper and copper alloy tubing shall be made with fittings approved for water piping and shall conform to ASTM B828. Surfaces to be soldered shall be cleaned bright. Fluxes for soldering shall be in accordance with ASTM B813. Brazing fluxes shall be in accordance with AWS A5.31M/A5.31. Solders and fluxes used in potable water-supply systems shall have a lead content of not greater than 0.2 percent.
Flared joints in water tubing shall be made with approved fittings. The tubing shall be reamed and then expanded with a flaring tool.
Joints between different piping materials shall be made in accordance with Section P2906.18.1, P2906.18.2, P2906.18.3 or P2906.18.4, or with a mechanical joint of the compression or mechanical sealing type having an elastomeric seal conforming to ASTM D1869 or ASTM F477. Joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Joints between copper or copper-alloy tubing and galvanized steel pipe shall be made with a copper alloy fitting or dielectric fitting. The copper tubing shall be joined to the fitting in an approved manner, and the fitting shall be screwed to the threaded pipe.
Where a PVC water service pipe connects to a CPVC pipe at the beginning of a water distribution system, the transition shall be by a mechanical fitting, an approved adapter fitting, a transition fitting or by a single, solvent-cemented transition joint. A single, solvent-cemented transition joint shall be in compliance with ASTM F493 and the pipe, fitting and solvent cement manufacturers' instructions. Solvent cement joint surfaces shall be clean, free from moisture and prepared with an approved primer. Solvent cement conforming to ASTM F493 shall be applied to the joint surfaces and the joint assembled while the cement is wet.
Joints between different types of plastic pipe or between plastic pipe and other piping material shall be made with an approved adapter fitting.
Joints between stainless steel and different piping materials shall be made with a mechanical joint of the compression or mechanical-sealing type or a dielectric fitting.
Press-connected joints shall conform to one of the standards indicated in Table P2906.6. Press-type mechanical joints in copper tubing shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Cut tube ends shall be reamed to the full inside diameter of the tube end. Joint surfaces shall be cleaned. The tube shall be fully inserted into the press-connected fitting. Press-connected joints shall be pressed with a tool certified by the manufacturer.
Joints between polyethylene of raised temperature plastic tubing and fittings shall be in accordance with Sections P2906.20.1, P2906.20.2 and P2906.20.3.
Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Fittings for polyethylene of raised temperature plastic tubing shall comply with the applicable standards indicated in Table P2906.6 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Polyethylene of raised temperature plastic tubing shall be factory marked with the applicable standards for the fittings that the manufacturer of the tubing specifies for use with the tubing.
Joints shall be of the socket-fusion, saddle-fusion, or butt-fusion type, and shall be joined in accordance with ASTM D2657. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free of moisture. Joint surfaces shall be heated to melt temperatures and joined. The joint shall remain undisturbed until cool. Fittings shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM D2683 or ASTM D3261.
Joints shall be of the electrofusion type. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free of moisture and scoured to expose virgin resin. Joint surfaces shall be heated to melt temperatures for a period of time specified by the manufacturer and joined. The joint shall remain undisturbed until cool. Fittings shall be manufactured in accordance with ASTM F1055.
Push-fit joints shall be used only on copper-tube-size outside diameter dimensioned CPVC, PEX and copper tubing. Push-fit joints shall conform to ASSE 1061 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Pipe and tubing support shall conform to Section P2605.
Drinking water treatment units shall meet the requirements of NSF42, NSF 44, NSF 53, NSF 60 or CSA B483.1.
Point-of-use reverse osmosis drinking water treatment units, designed for residential use, shall meet the requirements of CSA B483.1 or NSF 58. Waste or discharge from reverse osmosis drinking water treatment units shall enter the drainage system through an air gap or an air gap device that meets the requirements of NSF 58.
The tubing to and from drinking water treatment units shall be of a size and material as recommended by the manufacturer. The tubing shall comply with NSF 14, NSF 42, NSF 44, NSF 53, NSF 58 or NSF 61.
The provisions of this section shall govern the materials, design, construction and installation of systems for the collection, storage, treatment and distribution of nonpotable water. The use and application of nonpotable water shall comply with laws, rules and ordinances applicable in the jurisdiction.
Nonpotable water for each end use application shall meet the minimum water quality requirements as established for the intended application by the laws, rules and ordinances applicable in the jurisdiction. Where nonpotable water from different sources is combined in a system, the system shall comply with the most stringent requirements of this code applicable to such sources.
Where chlorine is used for disinfection, the nonpotable water shall contain not more than 4 ppm (4 mg/L) of chloramines or free chlorine. Where ozone is used for disinfection, the nonpotable water shall not contain gas bubbles having elevated levels of ozone at the point of use.
Exception: Reclaimed water sources shall not be required to comply with the requirements of this section.
Nonpotable water utilized for water closet and urinal flushing applications shall be filtered by a 100 micron or finer filter.
Exception: Reclaimed water sources shall not be required to comply with the requirements of this section.
Nonpotable water outlets such as hose connections, open-ended pipes and faucets shall be identified at the point of use for each outlet with signage that reads as follows: "Nonpotable water is utilized for [application name]. CAUTION: NONPOTABLE WATER. DO NOT DRINK." The words shall be legibly and indelibly printed on a tag or sign constructed of corrosion-resistant, waterproof material or shall be indelibly printed on the fixture. The letters of the words shall be not less than 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) in height and in colors contrasting the background on which they are applied. In addition to the required wordage, the pictograph shown in Figure P2910.3 shall appear on the signage required by this section.
PICTOGRAPH—DO NOT DRINK
Permits shall be required for the construction, installation, alteration and repair of nonpotable water systems. Construction documents, engineering calculations, diagrams and other such data pertaining to the nonpotable water system shall be submitted with each permit application.
Where a potable system is connected to a nonpotable water system, the potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance with Section P2902.
The system shall be protected to prevent the entrance of insects and vermin into storage tanks and piping systems. Screen materials shall be compatible with contacting system components and shall not accelerate the corrosion of system components.
Where sustained freezing temperatures occur, provisions shall be made to keep storage tanks and the related piping from freezing.
Nonpotable water storage tanks shall comply with Sections P2910.9.1 through P2910.9.11.
The holding capacity of the storage tank shall be sized in accordance with the anticipated demand.
Storage tanks shall be installed above or below grade. Above-grade storage tanks shall be protected from direct sunlight and shall be constructed using opaque, UV-resistant materials such as, but not limited to, heavily tinted plastic, lined metal, concrete and wood; or painted to prevent algae growth; or shall have specially constructed sun barriers including, but not limited to, installation in garages, crawl spaces or sheds. Storage tanks and their manholes shall not be located directly under any soil piping, waste piping or any source of contamination.
Where collected on site, water shall be collected in an approved tank constructed of durable, nonabsorbent and corrosion-resistant materials. The storage tank shall be constructed of materials compatible with any disinfection systems used to treat water upstream of the tank and with any systems used to maintain water quality within the tank. Wooden storage tanks that are not equipped with a makeup water source shall be provided with a flexible liner.
Storage tanks shall be supported on a firm base capable of withstanding the weight of the storage tank when filled to capacity. Storage tanks shall be supported in accordance with this code.
Where the soil can become saturated, an underground storage tank shall be ballasted or otherwise secured to prevent the tank from floating out of the ground when empty. The combined weight of the tank and hold-down ballast shall meet or exceed the buoyancy force of the tank. Where the installation requires a foundation, the foundation shall be flat and shall be designed to support the storage tank weight when full, consistent with the bearing capability of adjacent soil.
Where installed below grade, storage tank installations shall be designed to withstand earth and surface structural loads without damage and with minimal deformation when empty or filled with water.
Where an uninterrupted nonpotable water supply is required for the intended application, potable or reclaimed water shall be provided as a source of makeup water for the storage tank. The makeup water supply shall be protected against backflow by means of an air gap not less than 4 inches (102 mm) above the overflow or an approved backflow device in accordance with Section P2902. A full-open valve located on the makeup water supply line to the storage tank shall be provided. Inlets to the storage tank shall be controlled by fill valves or other automatic supply valves installed to prevent the tank from overflowing and to prevent the water level from dropping below a predetermined point. Where makeup water is provided, the water level shall be prohibited from dropping below the source water inlet or the intake of any attached pump.
Makeup water systems shall be fitted with a warning mechanism that alerts the user to a failure of the inlet control valve to close correctly. The alarm shall activate before the water within the storage tank begins to discharge into the overflow system.
The storage tank shall be equipped with an overflow pipe having a diameter not less than that shown in Table P2910.9.6. The overflow outlet shall discharge at a point not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above the roof or roof drain; floor or floor drain; or over an open water-supplied fixture. The overflow outlet shall be covered with a corrosion-resistant screen of not less than 16 by 20 mesh per inch (630 by 787 mesh per m) and by 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) hardware cloth or shall terminate in a horizontal angle seat check valve. Drainage from overflow pipes shall be directed to prevent freezing on roof walks. The overflow drain shall not be equipped with a shutoff valve. Not less than one cleanout shall be provided on each overflow pipe in accordance with Section P3005.2.
Not less than one access opening shall be provided to allow inspection and cleaning of the tank interior. Access openings shall have an approved locking device or other approved method of securing access. Below-grade storage tanks, located outside of the building, shall be provided with a manhole either not less than 24 inches (610 mm) square or with an inside diameter not less than 24 inches (610 mm). Manholes shall extend not less than 4 inches (102 mm) above ground or shall be designed to prevent water infiltration. Finished grade shall be sloped away from the manhole to divert surface water. Manhole covers shall be secured to prevent unauthorized access. Service ports in manhole covers shall be not less than 8 inches (203 mm) in diameter and shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) above the finished grade level. The service port shall be secured to prevent unauthorized access.
Storage tanks shall be provided with a vent sized in accordance with Chapter 31 and based on the aggregate diameter of all tank influent pipes. The reservoir vent shall not be connected to sanitary drainage system vents. Vents shall be protected from contamination by means of an approved cap or a U-bend installed with the opening directed downward. Vent outlets shall extend not less than 4 inches (102 mm) above grade, or as necessary to prevent surface water from entering the storage tank. Vent openings shall be protected against the entrance of vermin and insects in accordance with the requirements of Section P2910.7.
A drain shall be located at the lowest point of the storage tank. The tank drain pipe shall discharge as required for overflow pipes and shall not be smaller in size than specified in Table P2910.9.6. Not less than one cleanout shall be provided on each drain pipe in accordance with Section P3005.2.
Each nonpotable water storage tank shall be labeled with its rated capacity. The contents of storage tanks shall be identified with the words "CAUTION: NONPOTABLE WATER. DO NOT DRINK." Where an opening is provided that could allow the entry of personnel, the opening shall be marked with the words, "DANGER—CONFINED SPACE." Markings shall be indelibly printed on the tank, or on a tag or sign constructed of corrosion-resistant waterproof material that is mounted on the tank. The letters of the words shall be not less than 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) in height and shall be of a color in contrast with the background on which they are applied.
Storage tanks shall be tested in accordance with the following:
- Storage tanks shall be filled with water to the overflow line prior to and during inspection. Seams and joints shall be left exposed and the tank shall remain water tight without leakage for a period of 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, supplemental water shall be introduced for a period of 15 minutes to verify proper drainage of the overflow system and leaks do not exist.
- Following a successful test of the overflow, the water level in the tank shall be reduced to a level that is 2 inches (51 mm) below the makeup water trigger point by using the tank drain. The tank drain shall be observed for proper operation. The makeup water system shall be observed for proper operation, and successful automatic shutoff of the system at the refill threshold shall be verified. Water shall not be drained from the overflow at any time during the refill test.
Distribution piping shall conform to the standards and requirements specified in Section P2906 for nonpotable water.
If the owner of an on-site nonpotable water reuse system or rainwater collection and conveyance system elects to cease use of or fails to properly maintain such system, the system shall be abandoned and shall comply with the following:
- System piping connecting to a utility-provided water system shall be removed or disabled.
- The distribution piping system shall be replaced with an approved potable water supply piping system. Where an existing potable water pipe system is already in place, the fixtures shall be connected to the existing system.
- The storage tank shall be secured from accidental access by sealing or locking tank inlets and access points, or filled with sand or equivalent.
Nonpotable water collection and distribution piping and reclaimed water piping shall be separated from the building sewer and potable water piping underground by 5 feet (1524 mm) of undisturbed or compacted earth. Nonpotable water collection and distribution piping shall not be located in, under or above cesspools, septic tanks, septic tank drainage fields or seepage pits. Buried nonpotable water piping shall comply with the requirements of Section P2604.
Exceptions:
- The required separation distance shall not apply where the bottom of the nonpotable water pipe within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the sewer is not less than 12 inches (305 mm) above the top of the highest point of the sewer and the pipe materials conforms to Table P3002.2.
- The required separation distance shall not apply where the bottom of the potable water service pipe within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the nonpotable water pipe is not less than 12 inches (305 mm) above the top of the highest point of the nonpotable water pipe and the pipe materials comply with the requirements of Table P2906.5.
- The required separation distance shall not apply where a nonpotable water pipe is located in the same trench with a building sewer that is constructed of materials that comply with the requirements of Table P3002.2.
- The required separation distance shall not apply where a nonpotable water pipe crosses a sewer pipe provided that the nonpotable water pipe is sleeved to not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally from the sewer pipe centerline on both sides of such crossing, with pipe materials that comply with Table P3002.2.
- The required separation distance shall not apply where a potable water service pipe crosses a nonpotable water pipe, provided that the potable water service pipe is sleeved for a distance of not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) horizontally from the centerline of the nonpotable pipe on both sides of such crossing, with pipe materials that comply with Table P3002.2.
- The required separation distance shall not apply to irrigation piping located outside of a building and downstream of the backflow preventer where nonpotable water is used for outdoor applications.
Sillcocks, hose bibbs, wall hydrants, yard hydrants and other outdoor outlets supplied by nonpotable water shall be located in a locked vault or shall be operable only by means of a removable key.
The provisions of this section shall govern the construction, installation, alteration and repair of on-site nonpotable water reuse systems for the collection, storage, treatment and distribution of on-site sources of nonpotable water as permitted by the jurisdiction.
On-site nonpotable water reuse systems shall collect waste discharge only from the following sources: bathtubs, showers, lavatories, clothes washers and laundry trays. Water from other approved nonpotable sources including swimming pool backwash operations, air conditioner condensate, rainwater, foundation drain water, fluid cooler discharge water and fire pump test water shall be permitted to be collected for reuse by on-site nonpotable water reuse systems, as approved by the building official and as appropriate for the intended application.
Reverse osmosis system reject water, water softener backwash water, kitchen sink wastewater, dishwasher wastewater and wastewater containing urine or fecal matter shall not be collected for reuse within an on-site nonpotable water reuse system.
Traps serving fixtures and devices discharging wastewater to on-site nonpotable water reuse systems shall comply with the Section P3201.2.
On-site nonpotable water reuse systems shall utilize drainage piping approved for use within plumbing drainage systems to collect and convey untreated water for reuse. Vent piping approved for use within plumbing venting systems shall be utilized for vents within the graywater system. Collection and vent piping materials shall comply with Section P3002.
Collection piping conveying untreated water for reuse shall be installed in accordance with Section P3005.
Collection piping conveying untreated water for reuse shall utilize joints approved for use with the distribution piping and appropriate for the intended applications as specified in Section P3002.
Collection piping conveying untreated water for reuse shall be sized in accordance with drainage sizing requirements specified in Section P3005.4.
Additional marking of collection piping conveying untreated water for reuse shall not be required beyond that required for sanitary drainage, waste and vent piping by Chapter 30.
Untreated water collected for reuse shall be filtered as required for the intended end use. Filters shall be accessible for inspection and maintenance. Filters shall utilize a pressure gauge or other approved method to provide indication when a filter requires servicing or replacement. Filters shall be installed with shutoff valves immediately upstream and downstream to allow for isolation during maintenance.
Nonpotable water collected on site for reuse shall be disinfected, treated or both to provide the quality of water needed for the intended end-use application. Where the intended end-use application does not have requirements for the quality of water, disinfection and treatment of water collected on site for reuse shall not be required. Nonpotable water collected on site containing untreated gray water shall be retained in collection reservoirs for not more than 24 hours.
Graywater used for flushing water closets and urinals shall be disinfected and treated by an on-site water reuse treatment system complying with NSF 350.
Storage tanks utilized in on-site nonpotable water reuse systems shall comply with Section P2910.9 and Sections P2911.7.1 through P2911.7.3.
Storage tanks shall be located with a minimum horizontal distance between various elements as indicated in Table P2911.7.1.
LOCATION OF NONPOTABLE WATER REUSE STORAGE TANKS
| ELEMENT | MINIMUM HORIZONTAL DISTANCE FROM STORAGE TANK (feet) |
| Critical root zone (CRZ) of protected trees | 2 |
| Lot line adjoining private lots | 5 |
| Seepage pits | 5 |
| Septic tanks | 5 |
| Water wells | 50 |
| Streams and lakes | 50 |
| Water service | 5 |
| Public water main | 10 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm
Storage tank inlets shall be designed to introduce water into the tank with minimum turbulence, and shall be located and designed to avoid agitating the contents of the storage tank.
Outlets shall be located not less than 4 inches (102 mm) above the bottom of the storage tank, and shall not skim water from the surface.
Valves shall be supplied on on-site nonpotable water reuse systems in accordance with Sections P2911.8.1 and P2911.8.2.
One three-way diverter valve certified to NSF 50 or other approved device shall be installed on collection piping upstream of each storage tank, or drainfield, as applicable, to divert untreated on-site reuse sources to the sanitary sewer to allow servicing and inspection of the system. Bypass valves shall be installed downstream of fixture traps and vent connections. Bypass valves shall be labeled to indicate the direction of flow, connection and storage tank or drainfield connection. Bypass valves shall be installed in accessible locations. Two shutoff valves shall not be installed to serve as a bypass valve.
Backwater valves shall be installed on each overflow and tank drain pipe. Backwater valves shall be in accordance with Section P3008.
Mechanical equipment including pumps, valves and filters shall be accessible and removable in order to perform repair, maintenance and cleaning. The minimum flow rate and flow pressure delivered by the pumping system shall be appropriate for the application and in accordance with Section P2903.
Where the water pressure supplied by the pumping system exceeds 80 psi (552 kPa) static, a pressure-reducing valve shall be installed to reduce the pressure in the nonpotable water distribution system piping to 80 psi (552 kPa) static or less. Pressure-reducing valves shall be specified and installed in accordance with Section P2903.3.1.
Distribution piping utilized in on-site nonpotable water reuse systems shall comply with Sections P2911.11.1 through P2911.11.3.
Exception: Irrigation piping located outside of the building and downstream of a backflow preventer.
On-site nonpotable water reuse distribution piping systems shall be designed and sized in accordance with Section P2903 for the intended application.
On-site nonpotable water distribution piping labeling and marking shall comply with Section P2901.2
Tests and inspections shall be performed in accordance with Sections P2911.12.1 through P2911.12.6.
Drain, waste and vent piping used for on-site water reuse systems shall be tested in accordance with Section P2503.
Storage tanks shall be tested in accordance with Section P2910.11.
The testing of makeup water supply piping and distribution piping shall be conducted in accordance with Section P2503.7.
The testing of backflow preventers and backwater valves shall be conducted in accordance with Section P2503.8.
Inlets and vents to the system shall be inspected to verify that each is protected to prevent the entrance of insects and vermin into the storage tank and piping systems in accordance with Section P2910.7.
The quality of the water for the intended application shall be verified at the point of use in accordance with the requirements of the jurisdiction.
Operation and maintenance materials shall be supplied with nonpotable on-site water reuse systems in accordance with Sections P2911.13.1 through P2911.13.4.
A detailed operations and maintenance manual shall be supplied in hard-copy form for each system.
The manual shall include a detailed system schematic, the location of system components and a list of system components that includes the manufacturers and model numbers of the components.
The manual shall provide a schedule and procedures for system components requiring periodic maintenance. Consumable parts including filters shall be noted along with part numbers.
The manual shall include system startup and shutdown procedures. The manual shall include detailed operating procedures for the system.
The provisions of this section shall govern the construction, installation, alteration, and repair of rainwater collection and conveyance systems for the collection, storage, treatment and distribution of rainwater for nonpotable applications, as permitted by the jurisdiction.
Rainwater shall be collected only from above-ground impervious roofing surfaces constructed from approved materials. Collection of water from vehicular parking or pedestrian walkway surfaces shall be prohibited except where the water is used exclusively for landscape irrigation. Overflow and bleed-off pipes from roof-mounted appliances including, but not limited to, evaporative coolers, water heaters and solar water heaters shall not discharge onto rainwater collection surfaces.
Downspouts and leaders shall be connected to a roof washer and shall be equipped with a debris excluder or equivalent device to prevent the contamination of collected rainwater with leaves, sticks, pine needles and similar material. Debris excluders and equivalent devices shall be self-cleaning.
An amount of rainwater shall be diverted at the beginning of each rain event, and not allowed to enter the storage tank, to wash accumulated debris from the collection surface. The amount of rainfall to be diverted shall be field adjustable as necessary to minimize storage tank water contamination. The roof washer shall not rely on manually operated valves or devices, and shall operate automatically. Diverted rainwater shall not be drained to the roof surface, and shall be discharged in a manner consistent with the stormwater runoff requirements of the jurisdiction. Roof washers shall be accessible for maintenance and service.
Gutters and downspouts shall be constructed of materials that are compatible with the collection surface and the rainwater quality for the desired end use. Joints shall be water tight.
Roof gutters, leaders and rainwater collection piping shall slope continuously toward collection inlets and shall be free of leaks. Gutters and downspouts shall have a slope of not less than 1/8 inch per foot (10.4 mm/m) along their entire length. Gutters and downspouts shall be installed so that water does not pool at any point.
Water drained from the roof washer or debris excluder shall not be drained to the sanitary sewer. Such water shall be diverted from the storage tank and shall discharge to a location that will not cause erosion or damage to property. Roof washers and debris excluders shall be provided with an automatic means of self-draining between rain events and shall not drain onto roof surfaces.
Rainwater collection and conveyance systems shall utilize drainage piping approved for use within plumbing drainage systems to collect and convey captured rainwater. Vent piping approved for use within plumbing venting systems shall be utilized for vents within the rainwater system. Collection and vent piping materials shall comply with Section P3002.
Collection piping conveying captured rainwater shall be installed in accordance with Section P3005.3.
Collection piping conveying captured rainwater shall utilize joints approved for use with the distribution piping and appropriate for the intended applications as specified in Section P3003.
Collection piping conveying captured rainwater shall be sized in accordance with drainage-sizing requirements specified in Section P3005.4.
Additional marking of collection piping conveying captured rainwater for reuse shall not be required beyond that required for sanitary drainage, waste, and vent piping by Chapter 30.
Collected rainwater shall be filtered as required for the intended end use. Filters shall be accessible for inspection and maintenance. Filters shall utilize a pressure gauge or other approved method to provide indication when a filter requires servicing or replacement. Filters shall be installed with shutoff valves installed immediately upstream and downstream to allow for isolation during maintenance.
Where the intended application for rainwater requires disinfection or other treatment or both, it shall be disinfected as needed to ensure that the required water quality is delivered at the point of use.
Storage tanks utilized in nonpotable rainwater collection and conveyance systems shall comply with Section P2910.9 and Sections P2912.10.1 through P2912.10.3.
Storage tanks shall be located with a minimum horizontal distance between various elements as indicated in Table P2912.10.1.
LOCATION OF RAINWATER STORAGE TANKS
| ELEMENT | MINIMUM HORIZONTAL DISTANCE FROM STORAGE TANK (feet) |
| Critical root zone (CRZ) of protected trees | 2 |
| Lot line adjoining private lots | 5 |
| Seepage pits | 5 |
| Septic tanks | 5 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm
Storage tank inlets shall be designed to introduce collected rainwater into the tank with minimum turbulence, and shall be located and designed to avoid agitating the contents of the storage tank.
Outlets shall be located not less than 4 inches (102 mm) above the bottom of the storage tank and shall not skim water from the surface.
Valves shall be supplied on rainwater collection and conveyance systems in accordance with Sections P2912.11.1 and P2912.11.2.
A means shall be provided to divert storage tank influent to allow for maintenance and repair of the storage tank system.
Backwater valves shall be installed on each overflow and tank drain pipe. Backwater valves shall be in accordance with Section P3008.
Mechanical equipment including pumps, valves and filters shall be easily accessible and removable in order to perform repair, maintenance and cleaning. The minimum flow rate and flow pressure delivered by the pumping system shall appropriate for the application and in accordance with Section P2903.
Where the water pressure supplied by the pumping system exceeds 80 psi (552 kPa) static, a pressure-reducing valve shall be installed to reduce the pressure in the rainwater distribution system piping to 80 psi (552 kPa) static or less. Pressure-reducing valves shall be specified and installed in accordance with Section P2903.3.1.
Distribution piping utilized in rainwater collection and conveyance systems shall comply with Sections P2912.14.1 through P2912.14.3.
Exception: Irrigation piping located outside of the building and downstream of a backflow preventer.
Distribution piping shall conform to the standards and requirements specified in Section P2906 for nonpotable water.
Distribution piping systems shall be designed and sized in accordance with the Section P2903 for the intended application.
Nonpotable rainwater distribution piping labeling and marking shall comply with Section P2901.2.
Tests and inspections shall be performed in accordance with Sections P2912.15.1 through P2912.15.8.
Roof gutters shall be inspected to verify that the installation and slope is in accordance with Section P2912.5.1. Gutters shall be tested by pouring not less than 1 gallon of water (3.8 L) into the end of the gutter opposite the collection point. The gutter being tested shall not leak and shall not retain standing water.
Roofwashers shall be tested by introducing water into the gutters. Proper diversion of the first quantity of water in accordance with the requirements of Section P2912.4 shall be verified.
Drain, waste and vent piping used for rainwater collection and conveyance systems shall be tested in accordance with Section P2503.
Storage tanks shall be tested in accordance with the Section P2910.11.
The testing of makeup water supply piping and distribution piping shall be conducted in accordance with Section P2503.7.
The testing of backflow preventers and backwater valves shall be conducted in accordance with Section P2503.8.
Inlets and vents to the system shall be inspected to verify that each is protected to prevent the entrance of insects and vermin into the storage tank and piping systems in accordance with Section P2910.7.
The quality of the water for the intended application shall be verified at the point of use in accordance with the requirements of the jurisdiction.
Operation and maintenance manuals shall be supplied with rainwater collection and conveyance systems in accordance with Sections P2912.16.1 through P2912.16.4.
A detailed operations and maintenance manual shall be supplied in hard-copy form for each system.
The manual shall include a detailed system schematic, the location of system components and a list of system components that includes the manufacturers and model numbers of the components.
The manual shall provide a maintenance schedule and procedures for system components requiring periodic maintenance. Consumable parts, including filters, shall be noted along with part numbers.
The manual shall include system startup and shutdown procedures, and detailed operating procedures.
The provisions of this section shall govern the construction, installation, alteration and repair of systems supplying nonpotable reclaimed water.
Where the reclaimed water pressure supplied to the building exceeds 80 psi (552 kPa) static, a pressure-reducing valve shall be installed to reduce the pressure in the reclaimed water distribution system piping to 80 psi (552 kPa) static or less. Pressure-reducing valves shall be specified and installed in accordance with Section P2903.3.1
The design of the reclaimed water systems shall conform to accepted engineering practice.
Distribution piping shall comply with Sections P2913.3.1.1 through P2913.3.1.3.
Exception: Irrigation piping located outside of the building and downstream of a backflow preventer.
Distribution piping conveying reclaimed water shall conform to standards and requirements specified in Section P2906 for nonpotable water.
Distribution piping systems shall be designed and sized in accordance with Section P2903 for the intended application.
Nonpotable rainwater distribution piping labeling and marking shall comply with Section P2901.2.
The testing of makeup water supply piping and reclaimed water distribution piping shall be conducted in accordance with Section P2503.7.
The testing of backflow preventers shall be conducted in accordance with Section P2503.8.