WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas CodeUpdates and Highlights for ASPE, March 2014

Presentation Objectives

• Introductions• Jurisdictional Authority and Current Code Books• Present the Highlights of Code Changes from 2009

to 2012 IPC & from 2009 to 2012 IFGC• Present Amendments to the 2013 WSSC Plumbing

and Fuel Gas Code• Code Consistency Guideline and Newsletters• Violation Enforcement• Questions and Answers

Explanations and Format

• The items within are presented in a bulleted; paraphrased; common language format. Items presented within are not intended to be solely enforced as code; see actual Code language.

• Users should also utilize WSSC Code Consistency Guidelines which contain easy to understand and more detailed explanations for all (past and present) significant items of interpretation.

• Items in green depict new code language; items in blue depict modified code language; items in red are not current changes but related subjects with code consistency items clarified.

Jurisdictional Authority and Current Code Books

• WSSC is the jurisdictional authority for plumbing and fuel gas (natural and propane) installations in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties

• Exception: the Cities of Rockville and Poolesville. Note: the King Farm section of Rockville is under WSSC regulatory jurisdiction.

• Regulatory authority also governs residents served by private wells and/or septic systems and City of Bowie W/S customers as well.

• Current Code Books:– 2013 WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code– 2012 International Plumbing Code– 2012 International Fuel Gas Code

• Latest code changes apply to projects where permits are issued on or after May 1, 2013.

WSSC Code Transition (part 1)

Significant Changes

from

2009 International Plumbing Code (IPC)

to

2012 International Plumbing Code

Note: All IPC changes are accepted unless amended by the 2013 WSSC P&FG Code

(for WSSC amendments, see part 3)

IPC Chapters 1 & 2

• Chapter 1 – No Changes, but not applicable anyway; by past and present action, WSSC perpetually deletes IPC Chapter 1 in its entirety.

• Chapter 2 – Definitions– Plumbing Fixture – connected to water, drain or both.– Plumbing Appliance – operation or control based on an

energy component like a motor, controls or elements.– Grease Interceptor – superseded by WSSC Sections 202

& 302.10.

IPC Chapter 4Cont.

• 403.2.1 Family or Assisted Use Toilet – Allows for two unisex restrooms where separate facilities are required and the number of required water closets does not exceed one (each).

• 403.3.2 Toilet Rooms shall not open into food preparation areas. (Commercial)

(Illustration on next slide)

403.3.2

IPC Chapter 4Cont.

• 410.2 IPC drinking fountain requirements align with IBC. One requires two! (Illustration on next slide)

• 410.3 DF substitution allowance stipulates that water is free in restaurants or DF’s will be required.

410.2

IPC Chapter 5

• 504.4.1 T & P Relief Valves required on both the water heater and the auxiliary storage tank.

• 504.7 Required safe pan language change to specifically address only storage type water heaters and storage tanks. Pans are not required for tankless water heaters.

IPC Chapter 6Cont.

• 607.1.1 Temperature Limiting Means. Cannot use a water heater control valve to control hot water temperatures at fixtures.

• 607.2 Hot water proximity from “source” to fixtures, reduced from 100 feet to 50 feet.

• 607.5 Hot water insulation: – 1” on re-circ lines (both supply and return); – ½” within 8’ of all water heaters. (Storage type & tankless)– Note: Stay clear of the draft hood and vent.

IPC Chapter 6Cont.

• 608 Protection of Potable water – There are changes to IPC 608, but do not use them.

• Refer to WSSC Chapter 5 for Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

IPC Chapter 9

• 903.5 Vent terminals must now be 3’ above air intakes (windows, doors, RTU air intakes)

• 915.2 Combination Waste and Vent systems are now unlimited in length.

• 917 Single Stack Vent Systems (Very significant)– “Philadelphia” Vent System– No Restrictions based on building type

IPC Chapter 9Cont.

• 917.8 Prohibited Lower Connections. This section may be the Achilles' Heel for these systems.– Stacks greater than 2 branch intervals (stories) shall not

have branch drains connected into the lowest two branch intervals.

– This requires a separate stack; which requires a separate stack vent. (Illustration on next slide)

– Branch connections must be 10x pipe diameters from base of the single stack.

• 917.9 Sizing of Building Drains and Sewers. Normal sizing per Table 710.1(1)

917

IPC Chapter 10

• 1002.1 Exception 4. Allows garage drains to be “untrapped” providing a building trap is installed.

WSSC has always allowed this and the Interceptor serves as the trap (see sand/oil interceptor detail).

• 1003 Interceptors and Separators. This IPC section continues to be deleted and replaced with WSSC 302.10. No changes this cycle.

IPC Chapter 13

• Chapter 13 Gray Water Recycling Systems. This chapter was previously an appendix.

• By Amendment, WSSC has deleted this chapter in its entirety and replaced with a new “first time” Chapter 9.

WSSC Code Transition(part 2)

Significant Changes

from

2009 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

to

2012 International Fuel Gas Code

Note: All IFGC changes are accepted unless amended by the 2013 WSSC P&FG Code

(for WSSC amendments, see part 3 )

IFGC Chapter 1 & 2

• Chapter 1 – No Changes, but not applicable anyway, WSSC action deleted all of IFGC Chapter 1 except 101.2.4 Systems, Appliances, & Equipment outside of the Scope.

• 308.1 Scope. Revised to specifically call-out gypsum board as a combustible material. Suggested fix: concrete wall board with tile or stainless steel finish

IFGC Chapter 3Cont.

• 310.1.1 CSST Bonding– IFGC Changed; WSSC Amendment did not. Amendment

still supersedes IFGC, see WSSC 402.3.2.– …at the point where the gas service enters the building or

where the gas piping is closest to the electrical system grounding electrode when the gas service and electric service are in separate areas.

– New perspective regarding Generators - bonding per Electrical Inspector.

– Code consistency guideline updated.

IFGC Chapter 6

• 618.4 Prohibited Sources for Return Air.– Item 5; Exception 2.3 re-writes the 10 foot rule, intent

unchanged. No return inlets within 10 feet of a draft hood or combustion chamber.

– Item 6; New Exception 2. allows for furnace in garage to pull return air from the garage, if and only if, the furnace only serves the garage area. No office(s), storage areas, sales area, or bath rooms.

• 636 Outdoor Decorative Appliance. New section and standard number for newish technology.

WSSC Code Transition (part 3)

WSSC Amendments to the:

2012 International Plumbing Code (IPC)

2012 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

2011 WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code

Final Result:

2013 WSSC Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code

WSSC Chapter 3

• 302.3.3/IPC 305.4.2 Winterization.

– Piping Arrangement: requires a means to drain at low point(s); a means to break the vacuum to facilitate drainage; no trapped piping.

– Drain down pits are prohibited; provide a means for forced air elimination of residual water.

– Fixture traps shall remain in place and be filled with non-toxic anti-freeze

– Hose bibb shut-off valves require a maintenance tag

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 302.3.4/IPC 306.5 Geotechnical Responsibilities.

• Proposed language highlights that additional attention needs

to be given to special site soil conditions

• Places responsibility onto owner and design team to recognize and inform installers of geotechnical concerns

• Places responsibility of oversight onto professional engineers and not WSSC inspectors or installing plumbers.

• Requires plumber to report unknown hazards to the owner and design team for direction.

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 302.5/IPC 501 Hot Water Temperature Limits.

• 501.1 Establishes a “recommended best practice” for water heating storage and deliveryPoint of use scald protectionHigher temperature settingsTempering valve immediately downstream of

water heaterShall not be enforced as Code.

• 202 Defines Domestic Hot Water Temperature parameters.

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 302.5/IPC 501 Hot Water Temperature Limits (cont.)

• 501.1.3 Minimum and Maximum Storage Temperatures.– Establishes Minimum storage temps (new and retrofits).– Establishes Maximum Storage Temperatures for older

construction.

• 501.1.4 Maximum Delivery Temperature.- Establishes Max. delivery of 140 F; matches domestic hot

water definition.- Establishes Max. delivery of 125 F for existing

construction.

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 302.5/IPC 501 Hot Water Temperature Limits (cont.)

• 501.9 Requires Tempering Valves where any domestic hot water is delivered to sensitive populations.

• 501.10 Requires Tempering Valves when hot water is produced through heat transfer.

• Existing IPC 501.2 only covers combo water heaters. When used in applications which do not have point of use scald prevention, a mixing valve shall be installed per new 501.1.4.

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 302.6.1/IPC 601.5 Futures, Dead Ends, Dormant Systems, and Seasonal Uses/Occupancies.

• Stagnant water systems cause water quality concerns. Examples include Legionella and other unsafe biological growth.

• 601.5.1 Isolation Valve. Within 12” of connection to active potable system. Does not include dormant water services.

• 601.5.2 & 601.5.3 Flushing Port or Backflow Preventer required.

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 302.6.1/IPC 601.5 Futures, Dead Ends, Dormant Systems, and Seasonal Uses/Occupancies (cont.)

• 601.5.4 Testable Backflow Assemblies. See new 508.2.6 for seasonal testing requirements.

• 601.5.5 Infrequently Used Fixtures. Laterals to connect to active mains; be as short as possible; and be properly flushed to insure potability.

• 601.5.6 Activation. Prior to any activation of a dormant or seasonal system, the water must first be deemed potable by flushing, disinfecting and/or testing as needed.

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 302.6.2/IPC 602.2 Potable water required.

• 602.2.1 Exception. Various plumbing fixtures and equipment can utilize non-potable water per the new “first time” WSSC Chapter 9.

• 602.2.2 Applicability of End-use Fixtures. Certain end-use water uses shall be considered plumbing fixtures so that 602.2 will apply. Emergency fixtures shall not be supplied with non-potable water.

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 302.6.4/IPC 605.2 Lead content of water supply pipe and fittings.

• Federal “No Lead” and “Low Lead” law pertaining to plumbing fixtures, fittings, and pipe went into effect Jan.1, 2014

• State laws already in effect, including sales.• 605.2 Amended to add specifications for components

used in the flow path of water intended for consumption/ingestion.

• Includes references to revised NSF 61 by adding Annex G, (displayed as 61-G), and new NSF standard 372.

• Some markings include “NL” or “LF”

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 302.6.5/IPC 606.2 Location of shutoff valves.

• 2. Added additional items in order to clarify that the provision applies to all types of hose connection fixtures.

• Includes frost-free or freeze-proof type hose bibbs.

• Includes reference to winterization requirements.

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 302.7.3/IPC 708.9 Access.

• Cleanout openings shall be maximum of 36” AFF

• Or extend to the floor above or outside.

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 302.7.4/IPC 715 Three changes to Backwater Valve (BWV) code language.– First by IPC: Recognizes finished floor level instead of

flood level rim.– Second by WSSC: 715.1 Allows for private manhole rim

elevations to be referenced for decision making.– Third by WSSC: 715.6 Mandates marking and labeling in

two forms; 1.) Label the access cover to warn against covering with finish flooring. 2.) A tag to be affixed to the main water supply indicating the use of and the location of the backwater valve(s).

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 302.8.2/IPC 802.3 Waste receptors. WSSC’s revision to IPC language accomplishes two items:

• Italicize ventilated space and provide new WSSC definition.

• Added visible ready access areas to code language and provided new WSSC definition.

(Illustration on next slide)

802.3

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 302.9.1/IPC 901.3 Chemical waste vent systems. Added to IPC language that All chemical drainage systems shall be “engineered systems” (including AAVs)

(Illustration on next slide)

• 302.9.4/IPC 918 Air Admittance Valves. Codifies key components of product listings and manufacturer’s instructions and also provide additional parameters to ensure safe practices.

• 918.2.1 Timing. Install at final, not during close-in.

901.3 & 918.8

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 918.2.2 Painting Do not paint or alter in any way.

• 918.4.1 Prohibited below grade.

• 918.5.1 Detectable problem. Shall be located in, or have air exchange with a visible ready access area. Prohibited in Attics or similar where failure would go undetected.

• 918.5.2 Documentation. Locate documentation at main water supply valve or tag indication use of AAV’s and location of documentation.

WSSC Chapter 3Cont.

• 918.7.1 Minimum Size Vent. One half of the cross sectional area of the largest portion of the building drain.

• 918.8.1 Additional prohibited installations. Prohibited in FOG waste systems, suds-laden waste systems, flammable liquid waste systems, pathogenic waste systems, hospitals, healthcare facilities, adult or child care facilities, or similar at risk occupancies.

WSSC Chapter 4

• 402.3.1/IFGC 304.12. Protection from fumes and gases. Align WSSC enforcement of the Fuel Gas Code with the building and mechanical codes used by the county building code officials

• IFGC 304.12.1 Carbon Monoxide Alarms, New Construction. (In conjunction with the Building Code and the Residential Building Code). Required where fuel burning appliances are installed. Affects: Single Family Homes, Townhomes, and Multi-unit Dwellings

WSSC Chapter 4Cont.

• 304.12.2 Carbon Monoxide Alarms, Existing Construction. (In conjunction with the Residential Building Code). Affects: Only Single Family Homes and Townhomes (Group R-3 Occupancies).

• Requirement triggered by gas appliance replacement or where gas is installed new to a home.

• Install in accordance with building code parameters.

WSSC Chapter 4Cont.

• 402.4.1/IFGC 401 General. International Fuel Gas Code does not have code language for installation of privately owned (landlord) gas meters or sub-meters installed by the gas utility

• 401.11 Private Meters and Gas Utility Submeters. Proposed code language mandates meters to be listed to a nationally recognized standard.• Ready Access and located in a Ventilated Space.• 36” from a source of ignition.• Also stipulates other safety related minimum installation

requirements.

WSSC Chapter 5

• 502.3 Containment Backflow Preventer– 502.3.1 New Facilities. Additional language adds

requirement for facilities connecting to WSSC for the first time (well to public water conversion).

– 502.3.2 Existing Facilities. Additional language requires facilities renewing their water service as a design choice to follow general containment requirements (as if new).

– Where service is replaced solely for maintenance issues, containment requirements are waived, unless high hazard facility; bring cross connection staff on board.

WSSC Chapter 5Cont.

• 506.10.5 ASSE1024 DCV – Limited system up to 7 heads.

• Table 5.1 ASSE 1024 – Can use for every application of an ASSE 1022 except for carbonated beverage dispenser.

WSSC Chapter 5Cont.

• 507.3.1.1 Alternate. If adequate drainage capacity is not practical, an automatic fail safe system is recommended. The system shall be capable of sensing the BFPs failure and shutting down the water flow.

• Fail safe switch is prohibited on critical water supplies including fire protection and health care facilities.

WSSC Chapter 9(All New)

• Acknowledge Role of County to approve water re-use systems with emphasis on water quality standards.

• WSSC is not water reuse approval authority. Chapter 9 is the rules for now such a system can comingle with a building plumbing system.

• Clarify Centralized (effluent of WWTP) vs. Decentralized systems (graywater, rainwater, etc…)

• Protect Public Water supply – Backflow prevention

• Require Metering of sewer discharge when applicable

• Require Marking, Labeling and Disclosure

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

• WSSC 402.3.1; IFGC 304.12.2 Carbon Monoxide Alarms, Existing Construction - Affects: Only Single Family Homes and Townhomes (Group R-3 Occupancies). Requirement triggered by gas appliance replacement or where gas is installed new to a home. Alarms shall be “Plug-in” type, battery only type, or hard wired; all shall meet UL 2034, and be installed in accordance with International Residential Code parameters. Note: CO Detector Alarms are required in all forms of new construction (residential and commercial) where bedrooms or sleeping area exist.

Hot Water Circulation

• The IPC requires a hot water re-circulation system or heat tracing for distribution systems over 50 feet in developed length; regardless of building or occupancy type, or hours of operation.

• In homes (Group R-3) shut off when not in use.• Controlled by timers, motion sensors, or manual switch; thermostatically controlled

systems and gravity systems are prohibited.

• Shut off when demand is limited in all other structure types.• In all other structure types; timers, motion sensors, or manual switches may be

used if system is small in scale or hours of operation are limited. In larger structures or those with extended hours of hot water demand, a thermostat sensor(s) may be the only practical means to shut down re-circ pumps or heat trace when actual flow negates their need.

Exterior “Outside” Masonry ChimneysRestricted Use for Residential and Small Commercial Applications

• An Exterior “Outside” Masonry Chimney is defined as having one or more sides exposed to the outdoors below the roof line.

• For any variation of connected appliance(s) involving a space heating appliance, the chimney will require the installation of listed metal liner of B-vent if less than about 300,000 Btuh are connected.

• Draft Hooded Water Heater(s) can vent to an exterior chimney provided the cross sectional area of the chimney does not exceed 7 times the cross sectional area of the smallest connected draft hood outlet.

• Always clean and inspect all chimneys and vents.• See WSSC Newsletter• See WSSC Informational Position Paper

Updated Web Pages

• Safety Alerts – Special Notices• Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code• Code Consistency Guidelines• Cross Connection Control Program• Plans Review• Inspections• Licensing• Violation Enforcement• Replacement Gas Appliances

Use WSSC’s Web Pages

• Follow links provided to Code and other related subjects discussed:

• http://www.wsscwater.com

• http://www.wsscwater.com/home/jsp/content/regulatory-index.faces

• http://www.wsscwater.com/home/jsp/content/plumb-gas-code.faces

• http://www.wsscwater.com/file/SystemInspection/Special%20Announcement%20for%20Outside%20Chimney%20Venting%20Mar%2012%202014(1).pdf

• http://www.wsscwater.com/file/EngAndConst/SystemInspections/WSSC%20Quick%20Reference%20Guide%20to%20Code%20Consistency%20Nov%202013.pdf

Announcements

• ePlans Review (ProjectDox)– Mandatory eSubmittals beginning May 15, 2014– Project Designs require submittal of 20 sheets or more– By calendar year-end, more stringent requirement:

• In conjunction with e-permitting role out, ePlans will be required for projects with approx. 25 or more fixtures or appliances.

• ePermitting coming by the end of 2013?– Comprehensive role-out– System Extension Plans, Service Connections, Plumbing/Fuel Gas

Permits, Licensing, Inspection Scheduling, among others

• Next Code Cycle – Adoption of 2015 ICC Codes– Target effective Date May/June 2015– Code Change Suggestions by Sept 2014

Questions & Answers

• Violation Enforcement Actions?• Cross Connection/Backflow Prevention?• Plumbing?• Fuel Gas?• FOG?• Permits?• Plans Review?• Inspections?• Need a Change of Seasons?