Answers and Analysis

No. Section 316.1.6 (2006/2009), 705.10.4 (2012) limits the use of ABS/PVC transition solvent cement to the connection between the building drain and building sewer. In addition, the IAPMO listing for this specific product states:
“Solvent cements to provide a means for joining ABS non-pressure piping systems using a solvent
cemented transition joint, for example, joining an ABS building drain to a PVC sewer system. Such products
are not considered as all purpose ABS-PVC solvent cements that would be used for mixing of ABS &
PVC piping materials nor can such solvent cements be used for joining either material.”

No. Section 316.1.6 specifically states that “a solvent cement transition joint between ABS and PVC building drain and building sewer shall be made using a listed transition solvent cement”.
All other transitions from ABS to PVC piping shall be made by listed transition couplings that are referenced in Table 14.1

Additionally, the application explanation for a listed ABS/PVC transition glue (see IAPMO listing #4575) states that “ Solvent cements to provide a means for joining ABS non-pressure piping systems using a solvent cemented transition joint, for example, joining an ABS building drain to a PVC sewer system. Such products are not considered as all purpose ABS-PVC solvent cements that would be used for mixing of ABS & PVC piping materials nor can such solvent cements be used for joining either material.”

It is the opinion of the Code Interpretations Committee that PVC Sewer Pipe SDR 35 is not acceptable as a building drain whether it were encased in concrete or not, since it is not listed for that use and it does not
meet the minimum wall thickness standards required for use within a building.
Section 313.2 (2003/2006/2009) 312.2 (2012) requires that no piping shall be directly embedded in concrete. PVC
Sewer Pipe SDR 35 is listed for use outside of the building.

Yes, provided that the material complies with Section 701.0 and the interior waterway is of the same diameter, which assures that the drainage system is free of any ledge, shoulder, or reduction of pipe area that
offers an obstruction to flow.

1. IS 5 includes thermal expansion requirements as a cautionary measure to warn against excessive lengths and unsuitable environments. Approved methods may be considered broadly covered in IS 5.
Because of its low resistance to abrasion, buried ABS should be placed in a bed of sand, sandy
loam, or similar material containing no clods, rocks, and backfilled with the same type of material to a
depth of at least 12 inches over the pipe while at normal ground temperature. Buried ABS is more
vulnerable to shrinkage stress than expansion problems and should not be covered while warm.
Having low thermal conductivity, in use it normally varies little from ambient temperatures, particularly
when buried, and therefore little movement may be anticipated.
2. Except for vent terminals, IS 5 precludes the installation of ABS DWV in locations which would be
exposed to sunlight, thus installation on the exterior wall of a building is prohibited.

While IS 5 (ABS Installation Standard) requires special treatment for exposed ABS vents, there appears to be no similar concern for plastic cleanouts. Historically, plastic cleanout plugs have been listed in the
IAPMO Product Listing Directory without any restrictions on their use.
Plastic cleanout plugs are suitable for exterior locations. Plastic cleanout plugs are not suitable for use
in driveways, parking areas, or other traffic paths.

Dissimilar piping materials or fittings which comply with Sections 701.0, 715.2, (2003/2006/2006/2012) 311.5, and 316.4.1 (2003/2006/2009) 310.5 and 315.2 (2012) may be joined, provided the interior waterways are of the same diameter and listed couplings are utilized. This ensures that the drainage system is free of any ledges, shoulder, or reduction of pipe area that offers an obstruction to flow.

Yes. Sizing gravity drainlines to accommodate a pressure input involves establishing a formula (two [2] fixture units per gallon) that converts a pressurized input to an equivalent volume of gravity input.
Intermittent discharge lasting but a few seconds may be capable of filling and pressurizing a gravity system
which has not been "oversized" to accommodate high-rate input. “Continuous flow,” in this context, does
not mean forever but, rather, continuous for a period of time sufficient to overload an undersized drainline.
see also 710.5 (2003/2006/2009/2012)

The sanitary waste piping receiving the indirect discharge from commercial dishwashers, clothes washers and similar appliances that expel intermittent waste flow into the drainage system should be sized per
criteria found in Table 7-4 (2003/2006/20009) Table 702.2(b) (2012). The receptor should be of adequate size to prevent splashing or flooding and the corresponding trap size should not exceed limitations set forth in Section 702.0 (2003/2006/2009/2012).

Section 704.2 allows fixtures which are set back-to-back to waste separately into “an approved double fixture fitting.” The appropriate fitting for back-to-back trap arms would be a double inlet fitting which is
configured to create a directional flow toward its 60 degree branch inlets at the barrel connection. A sanitary
cross is unacceptable as a fixture fitting which is why the increased size option allowed by Section
706.2 is not included in Section 704.2.

Section 704.3 lists a number of items after which it states “and other similar fixtures.” Unless constructed as part of a “fixture,” dishwashing machines would normally be construed as something other than a fixture.

Most commercial “pass through” dishwashers incorporate an indirect waste in their design. Front-loading dishwashers and glass washers having the same configuration as domestic machines would require installation consistent with the requirements of Section 807.4. Section 704.3 requires commercial dishwashers to be directly connected to the drainage system with the stipulation that an adjacent floor drain be installed upstream of the dishwasher connection

Yes, the adjacent floor drain required as part of the installation requirements for pot sinks, scullery sinks, commercial dishwashers and silverware washing machines is a “safety” outlet, intended to aid in the
prevention of waste water backing into the fixture or appliance in the event of a stoppage downstream.

The purpose of using brass, copper or other approved corrosion resistant screws or bolts to secure fixtures is to minimize the possibility of failure which could cause the fixture to come loose. This applies equally if
the flange is fastened to other materials or fastened directly to the floor. Materials which are not corrosion resistant are not approved for securing flanges.

Yes, hubless couplings may be used on the discharge piping from a sewage ejector. IS 6 (2003/2006/2009/2012) states that hubless cast-iron sanitary systems may be used in any location
where cast-iron soil pipe is acceptable under the UPC. Section 710.7 (2003/2006/2009/2012) states that
drainage systems in connection with sumps and mechanical waste lifting devices shall be installed under
the same requirements as provided for gravity systems. Vitrified clay pipe is the only drainage material listed in Section 701.1 (2003/2006/2009/2012) that is not acceptable on the discharge piping from a sewage ejector (see Section 701.1.3, 2003/2006/2009) 701.1 (3) (2012).
Nonetheless, manufacturer recommendations or limitations are to be considered in every assessment
of appropriate product application.
see also 310.4 (2003/2006/2009) 309.4 (2012)

Transition between different types of materials must be made with couplings listed for the specific intended use. Listed couplings are available for transitions between DWV materials.
See also IS 6 (2003/2006/2009/2012) 310.4 (2003/2003/2009) 309.4 (2012)

If no slip joints are utilized, access would not be required in either case (see definition of “slip joint” in Section 221.0, 2003/2006/2009).
See also 405.2 (2003), and 404.2 (2006/2009) 402.11 (2012)

Yes, 90 degree changes in direction of drainage piping from vertical to horizontal, and horizontal to horizontal must be made with approved fittings which include two 45 degree 1⁄8 bends, combination 45 degree
wye and 1⁄8 bends, or other approved fittings of equivalent sweep.
Regarding the required equivalent 45 degree sweep, if a 1⁄4 bend is in question, then place two 1⁄8
bends of the same size and material together for comparison.
The 1⁄4 bend fittings are called by different names, depending on the type of material, but the basic
fundamental requirements or guidelines must be adhered to in Sections 706.3 and 706.4.

1. Yes. 2. Cleanout requirements for horizontal sink and urinal drains apply only to those fixtures at the building drain level.
3. Yes.

A cleanout would not be required for the lavatory in Figure 1 or Figure 2. The definition of a vertical pipe, Section 224.0 states that a vertical pipe is any pipe that is installed at an angle of not
more than 45 degrees with the vertical. Section 707.4, Exception 2 states that cleanouts may be omitted
on a drainage pipe installed on a slope of 72 degrees or less from the vertical angle. Section 707.4,
Exception 1 states that a cleanout may be omitted on a horizontal drain line less than 5 feet in length,
except for sinks and urinals.

Yes. Section 707.4 requires a cleanout for each 100 feet of pipe. This is so the entire drain line may be cleaned of any stoppages that may occur. A cleanout at the upper terminal may be omitted according to
Section 707.4, Exception 4, if an approved two-way cleanout is installed inside the building wall near the
connection between the building drain and building sewer or installed outside of a building at the lower end
of a building drain and extended to grade. A two-way cleanout could be a substitute for an upper terminal
cleanout, but is not intended to be an alternative to the cleanout required at the 100 foot interval downstream
of the upper terminal cleanout.

Yes. Exception 1 and Exception 2 are applied independently

No, unless the trap arm exceeds 135 degrees change of direction. See also Section 1002.3

While IS 5 deals only generally with building drainage cleanouts which are normally located within structures, and IS 1 indicates that building sewer cleanout extensions within 12 inches of grade do merit special
consideration, both standards are qualified by general UPC installation requirements covering mechanical
damage, stress or other misuse of the subject materials.

Exception 3 of Section 707.4 allows horizontal piping other than the "building drain" to be installed without cleanouts. The building drain is defined in Section 204.0 , as "that part of the lowest
piping of a drainage system, etc." The lowest piping would be the horizontal drainline serving all stacks and
branch lines, which comprise the plumbing system of a building, including horizontal branches serving
levels above the first floor.
Note: The lowest horizontal drainline will not necessarily be at grade level. However, it will be the lowest
level that gravity drains to the building sewer.

"Upper terminal" can be defined as follows: "terminal" means "a part that forms the end" (Webster's Ninth Collegiate Dictionary); "upper" means "higher in physical position". Therefore, "upper terminal" would mean
"the end that is higher in physical position." Because drainlines are graded downward from the point of
entry, each branch and each trunkline will have a high and a low end, the high end being the "upper
terminal."

No. Section 707.4(4) allows an approved type of two-way fitting (singular) to be installed inside the building wall or outside of the building at the lower end of the building drain and extended to grade. This language suggests that the Code recognizes the use of a single fitting designed for this purpose as opposed to an assembly of fittings that are attached in a back-to-back configuration.

Early editions of the UPC required a cleanout for each horizontal change of direction in excess of 221⁄2 degrees. Later editions permitted up to one 45 degree offset (two 45 degree changes of direction) without
an additional cleanout. The current UPC permits an aggregate 135 degree change of direction without an
additional cleanout and without specifying the fitting angles, provided that they conform to Section 706.0.
Traditionally, cleanout requirements start at the upper terminal of a drain and continue at 100 foot intervals
thereafter on straight lines.
In the past, the intersection of a branch with a building drain did not require another cleanout, providing
it was accomplished by means of a wye or combination wye and 1⁄8 bend fitting. The addition of the two 45
degree changes of direction between its upper terminal cleanout and its normal intersection with another
drain did not previously require an extra cleanout for change of direction. Considering the interim development of more sophisticated drain cleaning tools and the changing character of wastes, no additional
cleanout fitting is mandated by the UPC until the aggregate change of direction between the upper terminal
cleanout and the branch fitting on the receiving drain exceeds 135 degrees. This opinion also applies to
changes in direction in qualifying drains not over five feet in length.

If a horizontal drainage line that is provided with a cleanout is intersected by a wye fitting for a branch connection, the 45 degree change of direction in the wye is not included in determining the change of direction of the branch regarding cleanout requirements (see Figure 1 below).
If a horizontal drainage line that is provided with a cleanout is intersected by a combination wye and
1⁄8 bend fitting for a branch connection, only 45 degrees or the 1⁄8 bend portion of the fitting is included in
determining the change of direction of the branch regarding cleanout requirements (see Figure 2 below).
Changes of direction in any branch line are considered only until they intersect another horizontal
drainage line that is provided with an appropriately sized cleanout.

No, a 90 degree change in direction from horizontal to vertical would not be added to the horizontal change in direction. A cleanout is only required whenever there is a “horizontal change in direction exceeding one
hundred and thirty-five degrees”.

The flow of waste in horizontal drainage piping is dependent on three major factors: adequate slope, reasonably smooth piping, and the proper use of directional fittings having sufficient sweep. To properly
serve their purpose, cleanout extensions and their incidental fittings must also be directional and of a radius
large enough to avoid abrupt turns and thus facilitate the manipulation of drain cleaning tools.
For the purpose of clarifying Section 707.7 (2003/2006) 707.6 (2009/2012) which stipulates that cleanout extensions must be considered as drainage piping and prescribes the configuration of fittings used, a wye-type fitting is any approved fitting embodying a change of direction not greater than a 45 degree angle. This also includes a 90 degree fitting having a sufficient radius to produce cleaning tool access characteristics equivalent to the combination of a 45 degree wye and 1⁄8 bend or two 1⁄8 bends.
A tapped cleanout tee or a sanitary tee are acceptable as direct points of entry for cleaning tools.
Neither of these would be permissible when a branch extension is necessary.
Where a stack also serves as a horizontal cleanout entry point, a branch extending from a sanitary tee
on such stack is not an acceptable extension.
See also 706.2 (2003/2006/2009/2012)

Yes, as defined in Section 203.0 of the UPC, “Readily accessible means direct access without the necessity of removing any panel, door, or similar obstruction”. Opening a cabinet door is considered readily
accessible.
See also 707.10 (2003/2006), 707.9 (2009/2012)

1. No. 2. Yes. Table 7-6 (2003/2006/2009) Table 707.1 (2012) establishes the minimum size of cleanout opening based on the pipe size served. The cleanout opening should be appropriately sized to access the drainage pipe served.

1. Assuming the 3 inch horizontal drainage piping is provided with the required cleanouts upstream of the bathroom, no additional cleanouts would be required for the wet vent installation as per the proposed
drawing below. Section 707.0 applies to horizontal drainage piping only. Section 1002.3 provides the
cleanout requirements for trap arms.
2. No. The removal of the water closet is not an acceptable means or alternative method to clean out the
building drainage line.

The last clause in Section 710.1 is intended to fix placement of necessary backwater valves at locations where their closure will cause minimum disruption in drainage system function.
Connecting the upper level fixtures on the “house” side of the backwater valve would allow flooding of
the lower level fixtures when any surcharge on the server main causes closure of the backwater valve.
Connecting the fixtures downstream of the backwater valve prevents this from occurring.
See also Section 710.6

1. No. 2. The intent of Section 710.1 is to protect the building interior from main-line sewer overflow or surcharge.

No. A backwater valve would not be required because the next upstream manhole in this case would be the one that is connected to the building sewer. Please note that the code requires the floor that the fixtures
are set above the next upstream manhole, not just above the fixtures' rim.

Yes, additional venting would be needed downstream of the backwater valve to comply with Section 904.1 (2003/2006/2009/2012) and Section 901.0 (2003/2006/2009/2012) that requires air circulation throughout the entire drainage system, which includes the building sewer.

Section 710.3.3 stipulates that the discharge piping of “each” ejector or pump shall have a backwater and gate valve, and be a minimum of 3 inches in diameter. When stripped of extraneous wording this section
says: "Each pump or ejector shall have a backwater valve, a gate valve, and shall have piping which is a
minimum of 3 inches."

Fullway ball valves are allowed to be installed in a drainage system. A listed plastic, backwater valve or fullway ball valve would be allowed where a plastic drainage system is permitted
See also Section 710.4

Section 218.0 defines a private system as one which serves a “family or an individual.” Therefore, any system of piping, fixtures, or a sump which serves two or more families is considered to be public use .
Since Section 710.9 requires dual sewage pumps or ejectors for public use occupancies, dual pumps
are required for a duplex.
See also 218.0, Public or Private Use and Public or Public Use

Yes. Section 710.9 makes no exceptions for providing dual pumping capacity, including when the plumbing system served is comprised of a single fixture.

Section 710.9 refers to all sumps and receiving tanks for public and private use, and includes the additional requirements for public use occupancies to have dual pumps. All other requirements refer to sump installations, public and private use.

Section 710.10 allows vent pipes from sumps or receiving tanks with approved type, electrically operated sewer ejectors to be combined with other vent pipes or to go separately through the roof.
Vent pipes from air operated sewer ejectors are not permitted to combine with other vents. Since air
operated sewer ejectors are seldom used, the common practice is to use the electrical type, and to
combine the sump vent with the venting system of the building. This is especially true in hi-rise construction
where running a vent through the roof would be costly and impractical.
The size of the vent from the sump and the point where it combines with the building system should
be calculated per Section 710.10. In addition, Section 811.6 (2003/2006/2009/2012) would prohibit combining
chemical vents with other sanitary vents.

Yes. Section 1109.2.2 does not allow Schedule 40 plastic DWV systems to be tested by air. Section 712.1 also prohibits air from being used as a test media for plastic pipe.
see also 1109.2 (2009/2012) 1109.2.2 (2003/2006)

Section 712.0 (2003/2006/2009/2012) allows DWV piping installation to be tested with either water pressure (10 foot head) or air pressure (5 psi). A 10 foot head of water exerts 4.34 psi of test pressure at the base of the 10 foot column of water. Therefore, the water and air pressures are similar enough to be accepted as equivalent.
Both of the air and water tests exert comparable pressures when testing a DWV system. A combination
of air and water does not increase the pressure of either. The air test requires sealing the system and
attaching an air compressor testing apparatus which forces air pressure into the system until there is a
uniform gauge pressure of 5 psi to measure pressure loss if a leak should exist. The water test requires
totally filling the system with water under a 10 foot head of pressure to visually expose material or installation
defects. Any test which fails to satisfy all the criteria for either method would not be code compliant

The intent of Sections 306.1 (2003/2006/2009) 305.1 (2012) and 714.1 is to prevent damage to the drainage and sewer system by the discharge of other than domestic sewage.
Damage to the drainage system can be avoided by the proper use of an interceptor (clarifier) as
required by Section 1009.0.(2003/2006/2009/2012)
Floor drains in auto repair garages, car washes, photo labs, which could use products which would be
harmful to the drainage and sewer system must be required to drain into an industrial interceptor (clarifier)
before being discharged into a public or private sewer system.

No, the transition may be made at any point beyond the minimum 2 foot requirement for a building drain transition to the building sewer.
There is no specific limit to the distance beyond the end of the building drain that this transition connection
for ABS to PVC may be permitted.
See also 316.1.6 (2003/2006/2009) 705.10.4 (2012)

Taken literally, the referenced code sections would require cleanouts at the prescribed intervals.However, Section 301.2.1 (2003) 301.2 (2006/2009/2012) addresses 'intent,' and emphasizes that the UPC
does not prohibit applying alternatives which result in equivalent outcomes. In each non-standard plumbing
system design, such as a pressure drainage system, there are variables that need to be considered and
addressed. The length of the system, the total rise, the length of the no-flow periods, the waste contents,
the discharge flow velocity, the head pressure capacity of the pumps, and the number of directional
changes in the discharge piping are but a few of the considerations that make each of these systems
unique. Normally, there are solids suspended in waste water which contributes to the possibility of the low
end of the system becoming more solid than liquid. With sufficient elevation to compress these solids and
a period of time for this mass to congeal, it is possible to create an obstruction which would not be easily
moved. Infrequent pump discharge due to a reduction in use of one or more buildings may also result in
contents which do not freely move within the system. A number of variables make design of such systems
more difficult than those associated with designing a water pumping station; and because no one can accurately predict system utilization over the long term, it is best to take a conservative approach. This would
include installing cleanouts at strategic locations.
Cleanout openings for pressure piping are unique when compared with those for gravity systems. Each
pressure system cleanout opening requires a fullway valve and an adapter connection which allows attachment of either a pressure hose or a suction hose. In no instance is a conventional manhole of any value
when installing a pressure discharge waste system. Because the method of clearing stoppages does not
normally involve the use of a 100 foot long tool, the need for providing cleanouts at 100 foot intervals is
subject to joint discretion of the designer and the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
In summary, the 'intent' of Section 707.12 must be satisfied as, in any event, an extensive pressure
drainage system should not be installed without some means of access other than its inlet and outlet openings.
See also 707.12, 710.7 and 719.6 (2003/2006/2009/2012)

Yes. Even though there is no up-stream manhole, a blockage could happen down-stream and cause a back-up in to the sewer services that are lower than the up-stream services. Normally manholes, which could overflow and prevent sewerage from backing up into the lower services, are installed as cleanout access points on public or private sewer mains. Though this is not the case in this situation, the potential for damage still exists thereby creating the need for the installation of a backwater valve.

Primers that meet ASTM F656 must be purple in color in order to be in compliance with Section 316.1.6 (2009), 705.7.2 (2012 UPC), 705.5.2 (2015) and as noted in the IS 9-2006 2.1.4.1. The purple coloring is the only means that allows the owners, installers and the inspectors to verify that required listed primers were applied.
Code changes have been proposed in recent code cycles to permit primer tinted purple, but that can only be seen by the use of a UV light. To our knowledge this code change has not been approved because many code compliance departments do not want to equip their inspectors with UV detecting equipment.

The code does require that cleanouts shall be provided for pressure drainage systems in section 707.11 and in section 710.7 it states that they should be installed under the same requirements as a gravity system.

A three compartment sink is a single fixture and the connections between the individual compartments are by definition a continuous waste. The code does not have specific requirements for the type of fittings that may be used on a continuous waste, although the Code does require a wye or other directional type fitting when a disposal unit is connected to the continuous waste. Although there may not be a specific requirement the committee feels that a double fixture fitting or a double combination makes a better installation. For the requirements in your area contact the AHJ to find out their requirements.

Schedule 40 PVC DWV long sweeps and 1/8th bends with a minimum radian of 0.79 are the proper fittings to use on a horizontal to horizontal change of direction in a drain line. The use of a quarter bend is not allowed due to the fact that the abrupt change in direction will reduce the velocity of the flow.

A floor sink is considered an indirect waste receptor, not a sink, and as such would not be required by Section 707.4 to have a cleanout if the horizontal waste line for the fixture is less than 5 feet from the main building drain.

No. If the Rainwater leaders and conductors can go by gravity then they must go by gravity. If a power outage were to occur during a rain storm, disabling the sump, the rainwater would quickly backup to the roof and could cause overloading of the roof system. There are unique situations that won’t allow them to go by gravity and therefor you must comply with section 1101.14. If the building is for public use than you must install a dual pump similar to the requirements as an ejector system for sanitary drainage.

1. Yes. Cleanouts may be omitted on drain lines that are above the floor level of the lowest floor of the building and above the building drain, which is usually the first floor of a building, with two exceptions. 1. A cleanout shall be installed above the fixture connection fitting, serving each urinal, regardless of the location of the urinal in the building, and 2. Section 1002.3 requires cleanouts on trap arms that exceeds 90 degrees change in direction.
2. Cleanouts are required for drains below the lowest floor of the building, which could be a basement, and on the building drain and its branches which is normally below the first or ground floor of a building.

1. Yes, a standard sewage ejector pump is required to be capable of passing an 1-1/2” solid ball on residential pumps and 2” on units installed commercially.
2. No. Grinder pumps are part of the sewage ejector pump family and may be used in lieu of a standard sewage ejector pump. The requirements for grinder pumps may be found in Section 710.12 of the 2012 UPC.

Per Section 710.1 of the UPC, only fixtures installed on a floor level below the next upstream manhole cover shall be protected from backflow of sewage by installing an approved backwater valve. All fixtures on floor levels above the aforementioned elevation shall be connected downstream of the backwater valve. Connecting the upper floor drainage piping to the building drain prior to the backwater valve will allow waste water from those fixtures to back out of the lower fixtures when the backwater valve is in a closed position. Additionally the Code requires all of the drainage system to be vented. A backwater valve in the sewer would prevent the sewer from being vented as required.

1. The double wye installation is a field made type of cleanout and would be required to be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The two-way cleanout is a UPC approved and IAPMO listed fitting and is approved for installation.
2. The listed two-way cleanout is UPC approved and listed and may be installed in that application. The double wye configuration would require AHJ approval prior to installation.

Note: Section 707.5 of the UPC specifically states: “Each cleanout shall be installed so that it opens to allow cleaning in the direction of flow of the soil or waste or at right angles thereto and, except in the case of wye branch and end-of-line cleanouts, shall be installed vertically above the flow line of the pipe.” These are the requirements for the installation of cleanouts regardless of the depth of the sanitary sewer.

Yes. The floor drain installed per Section 704.3 of Uniform Plumbing Code, is to provide a level of protection for pot sinks, scullery sinks, dishwashing sinks and similar fixtures, by providing an opening in the drainage system lower than that of the sink, thereby preventing sanitary waste from backing into the sink in the event of a stoppage. Nothing in the code precludes the use of a floor sink in lieu of a floor drain in this type of installation.

Table 701.2 of the Uniform Plumbing Code, limits the use of polyethylene pipe and fittings for building sewers*.

*Note: A building sewer is defined as “That part of the horizontal piping of a drainage system that extends from the end of the building drain and that receives the discharge of the building drain and conveys it to a public sewer, private sewer, private sewage disposal system, or other point of disposal”.

Per Section 105.0 of the Uniform Plumbing Code, the entire plumbing system is required to be tested with air or water and inspected prior to covering or concealing the piping. Testing requirements for specific piping systems may be found throughout the Code. Section 712.0, addresses the testing of drainage and venting systems. Once the piping has been tested, it would be redundant to retest the system once the fixtures are set and the job is complete. The final test referenced in Section 712.1 is simply the visual verification that the fixtures are listed as prescribed in the Code, installed per the requirements of the manufacturer and the Code and do not leak.

1. No. Section 715.3 of the Uniform Plumbing Code refers to the trenchless repair of existing building sewers* using resin impregnated tube per ASTM F1216-16 (Standard Practice for Rehabilitation of Existing Pipelines and Conduits by the Inversion and Curing of a Resin-Impregnated Tube). The scope of that standard states that this process may be used in the reconstruction process for a variety of gravity and pressure applications, such as sanitary sewers, storm sewers, process piping, electrical conduits and ventilation systems.
2. No. Per Section 309.2 it is unlawful to conceal cracks, holes or other imperfections by welding, brazing, soldering, paint, wax, solvent cement or other leak-sealing or repair agents. Damaged pipe and fittings must be replaced with code compliant material.

*Building Sewer. That part of the horizontal piping of a drainage system that extends from the end of the building drain and that receives the discharge of the building drain and conveys it to a public sewer, private sewer, private sewage disposal system, or other point of disposal.

Yes. Section 701.2(5) of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, pertains specifically to the installation of stainless steel pipe and fittings. Listed shielded couplings are required to meet Section 705.2.2, which requires the couplings to comply with ASTM A1056, ASTM C1277-18, ASTM C1540 or CISPI 310. All of these standards but ASTM A1056 pertain to stainless steel shielded couplings. None of these standards limit where the couplings may be installed. Additionally, each of the aforementioned standards require a minimum 300 series stainless steel for the coupling* and make references to CISPI 310, which states in its General Information section, “the 300 series stainless steel was selected for the clamp and shield assemblies because it possesses high corrosion resistant characteristics, which have been demonstrated to exist in underground corrosion tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Bureau of Standards.”

*ASTM C1277-2015 6.1.1 All parts shall be of 300 series stainless steel. All parts made from round stock shall be of 300 series stainless steel.

ASTM C1540 6.1.1 All metallic parts shall be of 300 series stainless steel and shall conform to the requirements of Specification A240/A240M. All metallic parts made from round stock shall be of 300 series stainless steel and shall conform to the requirements of Specification A493 (excluding copper-bearing alloys).

CISPI 310 2.3 Shield and Clamp Assembly. The shield and clamp assembly shall consist of (1) a 300 Series stainless steel corrugated shield, (2) two stainless steel bands for sizes 1 ½”, 2”, 3”, and 4”, (see Fig. 1.); four stainless steel bands for sizes 5”, 6”, 8” and 10”, (see Fig. 2.); six stainless steel bands for sizes 12” and 15” (see Fig. 3.) and (3) a stainless steel tightening device for each band. Each tightening device housing shall interlock with a band at the unslotted end. The bands are to be fastened to the shield by riveting or such other method that shall insure that the bands shall not become separated from the shield. The shield and clamp assembly shall comply with dimension and material specifications, as are given in Tables 4, 5, and 5A.

No. Exception 3 in Section 707.4 of the 2015/2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) states that cleanouts are only required on the building drain*, the horizontal branches connected to the building drain and urinals. Other than urinals, no other cleanouts are required on piping above the elevation of the building drain.

* Building Drain. That part of the lowest piping of a drainage system that receives the discharge from soil, waste, and other drainage pipes inside the walls of the building and conveys it to the building sewer beginning 2 feet (610 mm) outside the building wall.

No. Section 710.3 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code, addresses the installation of sewage ejectors or sewage pumps receiving the discharge of multiple fixtures including water closets or urinals. The two pump requirement found in Section 710.9, provides public use occupancies the ability to repair a failed pump without loss of the building sanitary service. The failure of a pump serving a single fixture would not affect the rest of the plumbing system and would therefore not require an additional pump.

No. Section 710.3 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code, addresses the installation of sewage ejectors or sewage pumps receiving the discharge of multiple fixtures including water closets or urinals. The two pump requirement found in Section 710.9, provides public use occupancies the ability to repair a failed pump without loss of the building sanitary service. The failure of a pump receiving only the waste from air conditioning condensate would not affect the rest of the plumbing system and would therefore not require an additional pump.

Per Section 103.3.1 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, a license to install plumbing is determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Installation of sewage ejectors and pumps falls within the guidelines found Chapter 7 of the Uniform Plumbing Code and is considered part of the plumbing system and should therefore be installed by an individual deemed qualified to do so by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

This installation would not be required to meet the requirements found in Section 711.1 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code. Exception (2) of that code section specifically exempts stacks receiving the discharge from less than three stories of plumbing fixtures from meeting the requirements for suds relief.

Though pipe bursting using polyethylene plastic pipe would be considered a type of trenchless installation, it does not fall within the parameters of ASTM F1216 the standard for cured-in place pipe liners and would not be subject to the restrictions found in Section 715.3 of the 2018 UPC. Pipe bursting using polyethylene plastic pipe is a pipe replacement system using trenchless technology and must meet the requirements found in ASTM F714(Standard Specification for Polyethylene(PE)Plastic Pipe(DR-PR)Based on Outside Diameter. (see 2018 UPC, Table 701.2) ASTM F714 references ASTM F894 Standard Guide for Insertion of Flexible Polyethylene Pipe Into Existing Sewers as an installation guide.

Section 710.7 of the 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code states that the the use of pipe and fittings for gravity waste systems, found in Table 701.1, may be used for “fixtures, sumps, receiving tanks, and mechanical waste-lifting devices.

1. No. ASTM F1216, referenced in Section 715.3 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, is the standard for the rehabilitation of existing pipelines and conduits by the inversion and curing of a resin-impregnated tube. Pipe bursting utilizing PE pipe, is a pipe replacement system, not a pipe lining system.
2. Yes
3. Per Table 701.2, Polyethylene pipe used for building sewers shall be required to meet the requirements found in both ASTM F714 and ASTM F894. The standard ASTM F714, states in Section 1.3, that “the piping is intended for new construction and insertion renewal of old piping systems used for the transport of water, municipal sewage, domestic sewage, industrial process liquids, effluents, slurries, etc., in both pressure and non-pressure systems”. Referenced in ASTM F714 is ASTM F585, the “Standard Guide for Insertion of Flexible Polyethylene Pipe Into Existing Sewers”.
4. Table 701.2 and the associated standards for Polyethylene sewer pipe.
5. ASTM F585

Note: Installation Standard 26-2006, found in the 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code, gave guidelines for the insertion of Polyethylene pipe for sewer laterals. This standard has been updated and will be available in the 2021 version of the Uniform Plumbing Code.

1. No. The installation of macerating toilet systems, per Section 710.13 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, shall comply with ASME A112.3.4/CSA B45.9(Macerating Toilet Systems and Waste Pumping Systems for Plumbing Fixtures) and the manufacturer’s instructions. Section 4.3.1 of ASME A112.3.4/CSA B45.9, states that water closets connected to macerating toilet systems must: a) meet applicable standards, b) be tested before connection to the macerating toilet system and c) be tested as a system, when the water closets have integral grinders and pumps. The manufacturer’s installation instructions for listed macerating toilet systems, shows that when the water closet is directly connected to the ejector holding tank, an additional vent for the water closet is not required.
2. Yes. Water closets, directly attached to the ejector holding tank, are part of a tested and listed system. In the event the ejector holding tank is installed remotely from the water closet, the water closet shall be vented per the requirements found in Section 710.13.3.
3. No. This installation of a macerating toilet system is tested and listed as a system and must meet the requirements found in ASME A112.3.4/CSA B45.9 and the manufacturer’s installation requirements.

Yes. Section 710.13 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, permits pumped waste systems approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, complying with ASME A112.3.4/CSA B 45.9 and installed per the manufactures installation instruction to be used in lieu of a sewage pump system. The submitted pump and pit assembly is listed by an approved testing agency, CSA, to the aforementioned standard.

No. Section 711.0 of the 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code specifically states that “drainage connections shall not be made into a drainage piping system with eight(8) feet of an vertical to horizontal change in direction of a stack containing suds-producing fixtures”.

A Sovent systems is a single stack vent system and is addressed in Appendix L, Section L 8.0 of the 2006 UPC. This appendix must be adopted by the local jurisdictions before it becomes part of the code. Per Section L 8.1 of the 2006 UPC, “single-stack venting shall be designed by a registered professional engineer as an engineered design.” The professional engineer may use the manufacturer’s design manual in his/her design.

1. No. Horizontal waste piping connecting to a vertical stack, per Section 706.2 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, shall be made with 45 degree wye branches, 60 degree wye branches, combination wye and one-eighth bend branches, sanitary tees sanitary tapped tee branches or other approved fittings of equivalent sweep. The only mention of double fixture fittings is found in Section 704.2, as the required fitting for back-to-back and side-by-side fixtures.
2. No. The design of a double fixture fittings is to permit the installation of back-to-back or side-by-side fixtures using a single waste stack and vent.

Note: This code change was approved by the Uniform Plumbing Code Technical Committee and IAPMO membership during the 2012 to 2015 code change cycle. The substantiation by the proponent for the change stated that the "UPC is silent on the type of material that is approved for the discharge lines and therefore should be addressed for ease of enforcement and application".
1. No. The discharge piping, per Section 710.4, must be an approved pressure rated material. The total dynamic head* needed to produce the desired outcome will dictate the pressure rating required for the pipe. Many of the materials listed in Table 701.2 are listed for non-pressure use only.
2. Pressure rated pipe that meets the total dynamic head required for the installation would be acceptable. Although Type K copper would most likely be acceptable, pressure rating for the material would dictate if it could be used.
*Total Dynamic Head (TDH) is the total equivalent height that a fluid is to be pumped, taking into account friction losses in the pipe

1. A tub waste and overflow is considered a waste fitting per Section 404.1* of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code and not a drainage fitting. The referenced bathtub waste and overflow is tested to ASME A112.18.2-2015/CSA B125.2-15 and listed as complying with both the Uniform Plumbing Code and the National Pluming Code of Canada, per File #4497. Section 409.2 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, states that bathtub waste and overflows shall meet the requirements found in Section 701.2 for materials and Section 404.1 for the installation of overflows.

*404.1 Waste Fittings. Waste fittings shall comply with ASME A112.18.2/CSA B125.2, ASTM F409 or Table 701.2 for aboveground drainage piping and fittings.

1. No. The installation of macerating toilet systems, per Section 710.13 of the Uniform Plumbing Code, shall comply with ASME A112.3.4/CSA B45.9 and the manufacturer’s instructions. The manufacturer’s installation instructions for listed macerating toilet systems, shows that when the water closet is directly connected to the ejector holding tank, an additional vent for the water closet is not required.
2. Yes. Water closets, directly attached to the ejector holding tank, are part of a tested and listed system. In the event the ejector holding tank is installed remotely from the water closet, the water closet shall be vented per the requirements found in Section 710.13.3.
3. No. This installation of a macerating toilet system is tested and listed as a system and must meet the requirements found in ASME A112.3.4/CSA B45.9 and the manufacturer’s installation requirements.

Yes. Section 710.13 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, permits pumped waste systems approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, complying with ASME A112.3.4/CSA B 45.9 and installed per the manufactures installation instruction to be used in lieu of a sewage pump system.

1. "Approved pressure rated material", refers to a material capable of withstanding the *Total Dynamic Head (TDH) produced by the pump. This requirement is satisfied by verification of the pressure rating of the material.
2. No, many of the materials listed in Table 701.2 are listed for non-pressure use only.

*Total Dynamic Head (TDH) is the total equivalent height that a fluid is to be pumped, taking into account friction losses in the pipe.

1. Yes. Table 707.1 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code, specifies the size of pipe in the left column and cleanout size in the middle column. The body of the cleanout would be required to be 2” and the cleanout opening 1-1/2”.

Elastomeric mechanical couplings for use with dissimilar materials are tested and listed to ASTM C1460-2012 (for shielded connectors above grade use) and ASTM C1173-2010 (for un-shielded connectors below grade use). Both types of connectors are hydrostatically tested as part of the product testing process, but are not listed as acceptable for pressure type installations. Additionally, elastomeric mechanical couplings used for hubless cast iron are listed and tested to ASTM C1277-2015, are also hydrostatically tested but again are not listed for prolonged pressure installations.

Yes. The pumped waste line is considered drainage pipe and the rules for drainage piping shall apply. The pipe and fittings must be rated to withstand the pressures imposed by the ejector pumps.

The pipe sizes shown in Table 703.2 of the 2015 UPC are actual dimensions of pipe that are available for installation. Section 910.7 references Appendix B for explanatory notes on the design of combination waste and vent systems. As stated in Section B 101.6.1 of Appendix B, the pipe sizes, 2-1/2”, 3-1/2” and 4-1/2” are used specifically for the sizing of floor drain traps on combination waste and vent systems. Section B 101.2 requires combination waste and vent systems to be two pipe sizes larger than conventional systems and by using the ½ pipe sizes it makes the actual required size only one inch larger than the floor drain size. See B 101.6.1 Example of sizing.

No. The removal of a trap arm, in lieu of a code compliant clean-out, for the purpose of cleaning out the fixture waste piping is not permissible. Requirements for code compliant clean-outs may be found in Section 707.0.
Note: Section 707.2 states “Each cleanout fitting and each cleanout plug or cap shall be an approved type”.

No, not every waste stack is required to have a cleanout. Section 707.4 of the 2012 UPC, gives specifics as to the number and location of cleanouts on waste piping. Exceptions (1) and (3) of that section are pertinent to the question. Exception (1) requires cleanouts on horizontal drain lines over 5 feet in length. Exception (3) states that “excepting the building drain and its horizontal branches, a cleanout shall not be required on a pipe or piping that is above the floor level of the lowest floor of the building.” Cleanouts would therefore be required on waste stacks connecting to horizontal branches exceeding 5 feet in length that are part of the building drain system. (see definition of building drain)

Yes, if the water piping and sewer pipe are approved for installation below grade within a building, they may be laid in the same trench without stipulation.
Sections 609.2 and 720.0 of the 2015 UPC both have specific requirements for water pipes and building sewers that are laid in the same ditch. Materials, either water piping and/or sewer pipe, not approved below grade within a building must be shelved as stipulated in both Sections 609.2 and 720.0.

Yes. Per Section 707.11 of the 2015 UPC, pressure drainage systems shall be provided with cleanouts as prescribed in Section 710.7 which states, “the drainage and venting systems, in connection with fixtures, sumps, receiving tanks, and mechanical waste-lifting devices, shall be installed under the same requirements as provided for in this code for gravity systems.” See Sections 707.4 and 719.0 for cleanout requirements for gravity sanitary drainage and sewer systems.

This code change was approved by the Uniform Plumbing Code Technical Committee and IAPMO membership during the 2012 to 2015 code change cycle. The substantiation by the proponent for the change stated that the “UPC is silent on the type of material that is approved for the discharge lines and therefore should be addressed for ease of enforcement and application”.
1. Yes. The discharge piping, per Section 710.4, must be an approved pressure rated material. The total dynamic head* needed to produce the desired outcome will dictate the pressure rating required for the pipe.
2. Section 710.3(3), requires sewage ejector pumps and associated piping, for “other than single-dwelling units”, to be able to pass a 2 inch diameter solid ball through a 3 inch discharge line. Discharge piping includes all fittings, backwater valves and gate valves.
3. Fittings capable of meeting the requirements found in Section 710.3(3) would be acceptable.

*Total Dynamic Head (TDH) is the total equivalent height that a fluid is to be pumped, taking into account friction losses in the pipe.

1. Yes. Per Section 710.4 of the 2015 UPC requires “approved pressure rated material” for the discharge piping for all sewage ejectors. That material is required from the pump to the connection to the gravity waste line.
2. All fittings installed on the discharge line from the sewage ejector shall be pressure rated for the total dynamic head* needed to produce the desired outcome.

*Total Dynamic Head (TDH) is the total equivalent height that a fluid is to be pumped, taking into account friction losses in the pipe.

Section 705.9 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code requires joints between various materials to be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions and mechanical couplings used to join different materials for below ground use to meet the requirements of ASTM C1173. Unshielded elastomeric couplings are tested and listed per the requirements found in ASTM C1173. The scope of the standard as well as the IAPMO listing for the product in question (see IAPMO Certificate of Listing – File 5895) stipulates that this particular brand of unshielded elastomeric couplings may be installed both in underground drainage as well as sewer piping applications.

1. Yes, there are two separate drainage systems in this scenario. A gravity system, with fixtures located above the elevation of the building sewer, and a pump system with fixtures located below the elevation of the building sewer. Per Section 709.1, the gravity system must drain by gravity to the building sewer. The pumped system on the other hand, has gravity waste piping that connects to an ejector receiving tank, with the waste being pumped to the building sewer. The lowest piping of each drainage system would be considered as a seperate “building drain*” and would be required to have cleanouts sized and installed as prescribed in Section 707.0.
2. Each drainage system is considered to be a building drain and applicable cleanout requirements would apply.
Building Drain. That part of the lowest piping of a drainage system that receives the discharge from soil, waste, and other drainage pipes inside the walls of the building and conveys it to the building sewer beginning 2 feet (610 mm) outside the building wall.