Heads up:
There are no amended sections in this chapter.
User note: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the IRC - Plumbing and Mechanical Code
Development Committee during the 2015 (Group A) Code Development Cycle. See explanation on page xvii.
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 water-proof 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.
FIGURE P2901.2.1
PICTOGRAPH-DO NOT DRINK
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 gray water distribution systems.
The size of the background color field and lettering shall comply with Table P2901.2.2.2.
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
| 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 |
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 P2902.3.6. Backflow prevention applications shall conform to Table P2902.3, except as specifically stated in Sections P2902.4 through P2902.5.5.
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
| 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 pro- tection 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 back- flow 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, CSA B125.3 |
| Backflow preventer with intermediate atmo- spheric 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 backsi- phonage Sizes 1/2" 3/4", 1" |
ASSE 1011, CSA B64.2, B64.2.1 |
| Laboratory faucet backflow preventer | High or low hazard | Low head backpressure and back- siphonage |
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 backsi- phonage 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 |
- 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.
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
| 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 |
- 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 or CSA
B 125.3. 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-valve assembly or a reduced pressure principle
backflow preventer.
R 408.30539a
Exception: Isolation of the water distribution system is
not required for deluge, preaction, or dry pipe system.
R 408.30539a
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.
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 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 not be less than shown in Table P2903.1.
For SI: 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.
| 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 |
The maximum water consumption flow rates and quantities for plumbing fixtures and fixture fittings shall be in accordance with Table P2903.2.
For SI: 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa.
| 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 |
- A handheld shower spray shall be considered 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.
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. 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.
For SI: 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m.
For SI: 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m, 1 cubic foot per minute = 0.4719 L/s.
| 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 |
- 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).
| 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 |
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 code 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.
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m,
| PLASTIC | METALLIC | ||
| Nominal Size ID (inches) |
Maximuma gpm |
Nominal Size ID (inches) |
Maximuma gpm |
| 3/4 | 17 | 3/4 | 11 |
| 1 | 29 | 1 | 20 |
| 11/4 | 46 | 11/4 | 31 |
| 11/2 | 66 | 11/2 | 44 |
1 foot per second = 0.3048 m/s.
Note: See Table P2903.6(1) 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 (18288 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. If 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.
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 listed 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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.
FIGURE P2903.10
TYPICAL FROSTPROOF HOSE BIBB INSTALLATION NOT REQUIRING SEPARATE VALUE
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 VALUE
Drain water
heat recovery units shall be in accordance with Section
N1103.5.4.
Where installed, residential fire sprinkler
systems, or portions thereof, shall be in accordance with
NFPA 13D.
R 408.30539a
R 408.30539a
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.
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 F2620 and the manufacturer's instructions.
R 408.30544c
R 408.30544c
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; 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; 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; ASTM F877; 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 |
| 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 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. Hot-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; CSAB137.6 |
| 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; ASTM B88; ASTM B251; ASTM B447 |
| Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plastic tubing | ASTM F876; ASTM F877; 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 |
| 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 | ASTM B16.4 |
| Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic | ASSE 1061; ASTM D2846; ASTM F437; ASTM F438; ASTM F439; CSA B137.6 |
| Copper or copper alloy | ASSE 1061; ASME B16.15; ASME B16.18; ASME B16.22; ASME B16.26; ASME B16.51 |
| 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 F1974; ASTM F1281; ASTM F1282; CSA B137.9; CSA B137.10 |
| Polyethylene (PE) plastic | ASTM D2609; CSA B137.1 |
| Fittings for polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT) plastic tubing | ASTM F1807; ASTM F2098; ASTM F2159; ASTM F2735; ASTM F2769 |
| 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 |
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 P2906.3.
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-cement 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 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
P2906.9.1.5.1 or Section P2906.9.1.5.2.
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
P2906.10.1 or P2906.10.2.
Heat fusion joints for
polypropylene pipe and tubing joints shall be installed
with socket-type heat-fused polypropylene fittings, butt-fusion
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 D2657 and the
manufacturer's instructions.
R 408.30544c
R 408.30544c
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 P2906.11.1.
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 P2906.12.1 or
P2906.12.2.
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.
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 P2906.17.1, P2906.17.2 or P2906.17.3, 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 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-connect 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 connect fitting. Press-connect 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 Section
P2906.19.1.
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 listed
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.
Drinking water treatment units shall meet
the requirements of NSF 42, 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
NSF 58 or CSA B483.1. 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 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.
FIGURE P2910.3
PICTOGRAPH-DO NOT DRINK
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, crawlspaces 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.
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 perm) 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.
For SI: 1 gallon = 3.875 liters, 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
| TANK CAPACITY (gallons) |
DRAIN PIPE (inches) |
| Up to 750 | 1 |
| 751 to 1500 | 11/2 |
| 1501 to 3000 | 2 |
| 3001 to 5000 | 21/2 |
| 5001 to 7500 | 3 |
| Over 7500 | 4 |
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 P2902.7.
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.
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.
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
waste water 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
gray-water 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 the 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.
Gray water 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 shall be located with a minimum horizontal distance between various elements as indicated in Table P2911.7.1.
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm
| 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 |
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.
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 onsite
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.
Distribution
piping shall conform to the standards and requirements
specified in Section P2906 for nonpotable water.
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
storm water 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 watertight.
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.
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm
| 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 |
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 one 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
P2905 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.
