Answers and Analysis

No. If medicine is mixed in containers which are placed in the sink to catch spillage, then a direct connection would be required (see Section 304.0), and the sink could serve additionally as a “hand sink.”

Section 801.0 (2003/2006/2009/2012) covers only basic plumbing problems in food processing sanitation in separating certain critical equipment from sewer connected drains.
1. It is not necessarily the sole responsibility of the Plumbing Official to determine specific methods of
drain connection for borderline use commercial kitchen fixtures because Public Health requirements
provide for overriding plan review and approval procedures. Plumbing permits may therefore be issued
and inspections made on the basis of mutually acceptable approved plans.
2. It is improbable that public health approval would be given for the occasional use of one of a set of
three general use sinks for ready-to-serve food preparation, even if it were indirectly connected, due
to its other uncontrolled uses and its proximity to a possibly contaminated adjacent compartment.
3. Any vessel or compartment of a vessel which is utilized for soaking or thawing of products which are
not sealed in a water-tight package must have its waste discharged through an airgap and must not
be interconnected with adjacent compartments or vessels.

Section 801.2 requires "ice-making machines" to be indirectly wasted. Typically, these machines have two drainage outlets, one for condensate drippage from the cooling coils, and the other for ice melt from the
storage bin. Condensate drainage may be discharged through an air break. The ice bin drainage is
required to have an airgap to assure that a flooded receptor will not create an unintended direct connection
with the submerged drain line.
In summary, equipment defined as requiring indirect waste discharge may not be directly connected.
Discharge piping which serves equipment that is utilized to store unpackaged food stuffs shall require an
airgap to prevent potential "bridging" between such equipment (or fixtures) and a flooded (due to downstream
stoppage) receptor. The objective is to prevent bacterial travel between the sewer-connected fixture
and the unpackaged contents of a culinary-type sink or food (ice) holding equipment. The prime objective
of modern plumbing is to isolate food and water from potential chemical or bacterial contamination, and an
airgap is the preferred means by which that objective may be accomplished.

A drainline carrying melted ice drippings to an indirect waste receptor is considered non-contaminated. No connection may exist between this drainline and any other piping which may contain contaminated waste
products. The purpose of an indirect drainage system is to prevent this type of cross-connection. To
combine the two drains would defeat the very thing that you are trying to protect.

Chapter 8 doesn’t specifically prohibit a lavatory from being indirectly drained however section 802.0 requires all fixtures that are intended to be indirectly drained into an indirect waste receptor to first be approved by the AHJ prior to being installed. Section 801.3 is specifically referring to the sink located in the bar not the hand washing lavatory. The only other fixture that the code specifically allows to be indirectly wasted is a drinking fountain, per section 809. As a result pre-approval from the AHJ would be required in order to indirectly drain the lavatory. Since the lavatory is located at the end of a peninsula the vents from the lavatory and floor sink could be run independently back to a point where they could be connected 6” above the overflow rim of the highest fixture.

Section 1001.4 (2003/2006/2009) 1001.1 (2012) limits the length of a fixture tailpiece to a maximum of 24 inches, based on the theory that the interior surface of a tailpiece is a fouling area, which unlike a fixture, cannot be readily cleaned. By placing a limit on the length of this concealed area, the possibility of an offensive odor being discharged into the building interior is minimized. Because of the nature of the appliance, the standpipe for a clothes washer is considered to be more of a receptor than a tailpiece. Although the same reasoning as above could be applied, because of the high gpm flow rate from the discharge pump of some clothes washer models, the capacity of a 24 inch standpipe may not always be sufficient, and thus the longer maximum length.

The 12 inch variable permitted in Section 804.1, both in the trap rough-in height and the length of the clothes washer standpipe receptor above its trap, represents a researched expedient designed to meet varying field and equipment conditions.
Eighteen inches was found to be the minimum satisfactory standpipe length and 30 inches deemed the maximum safe length from a fouling standpoint.
Section 804.1, in requiring that receptors be approved for the use proposed, in effect dictates a minimum standpipe height above the floor which is usually more than 24 inches. This height should be sufficient to preclude gravity discharge from the appliance by elevating the discharge hose gooseneck above the prescribed operating water level. Standpipes terminating less than 30 inches above the floor should require justification.

Note: The two extremes in this equation (trap 6 inches above floor + 30 inch riser, or trap 18 inches above floor + 18 inch riser) will both rise to the standard countertop height of 36 inches. A riser which terminates lower than 36 inches may become a system overflow point should a stoppage occur on that branch.

1. Yes. This construction constitutes an acceptable device and meets the intent of both Sections 220.0, Receptor, and 804.1.
2. Yes. Provided that such standpipe and trap are fabricated from materials acceptable for use in other
concealed parts of the drainage system.

The measurement is taken from the top of the floor to the weir of the trap. The reason for the requirement is to allow for the depth of the bottom dip of the trap to clear the floor and to provide a means of complying
with the minimum and maximum length requirements of the standpipe, while keeping the top of the standpipe
no lower than the water level in the machine, in order to allow the machine to function properly.
see also 1001.4 (2003/2006/2009) 1001.1 (2012)

When the code states that the trap for a washing machine can't be below the floor, is it referring to the floor that the washing machine is sitting on or does it include a situation where the floor of an adjoining room is
higher than the floor that the washing machine is sitting on?

1. An approved dishwasher airgap fitting is a specially designed waste backflow prevention device conforming to certified performance standards, which, when installed in an approved manner in the
waste discharge piping of a domestic dishwashing machine above its overflow rim, prevents contamination
of the washing and storage compartment by waste or sewage backup. Acceptable dishwasher
airgap devices are listed in the IAPMO Product Listing Directory which is available online at
www.iapmo.org.
2. A dishwasher may discharge through an approved airgap fitting into a food waste disposer equipped
with a “free flow” dishwasher waste inlet connection. The dishwasher airgap fitting must be located
above the flood level rim of the sink and conform with Section 1001.3 (2003/2006/2009) 1001.1 (2012). Disposers that are acceptable for this purpose are listed in the Product Listing Directory as noted above.
3. No domestic dishwasher discharge piping may be connected to a trap, fixture tailpiece, or food waste
disposer, unless an approved, properly located waste airgap fitting is installed to prevent reverse waste
flow by gravity or siphonage back into the dishwasher, creating an insanitary condition.

In reply to the inquiry on waste airgaps for domestic dishwashers, perhaps a little history would help. This requirement, Section 807.4, was added a number of years ago based on the knowledge that a
domestic dishwasher was not only a washer, but also was frequently used as a storage compartment for
clean dishes which were allowed to dry in a sterile atmosphere and therefore, this appliance should be
connected in such a manner that there would be no possibility of sewage, waste water, garbage, or other
contaminates entering the storage chamber.
In answer to the question, we see no reason why a dishwasher cannot be discharged either into a
garbage disposal, a separate trap or, as was quite prevalent at one time, into the kitchen sink, provided in
all cases the dishwasher waste line includes a waste airgap.

Section 810.1, which prohibits the direct connection of steam lines to a drainage system and also prohibits water over 140°F from being discharged under pressure directly into a drainage system, does not appear
to be the appropriate section to apply to drains from relief valves under most circumstances.
While an exception might be a boiler where the relief or safety valves are tested daily, the usual drain
from a water heater relief valve is considered an emergency drain. A normally operating relief valve on a
water heater might occasionally discharge a small amount of water due to thermo-expansion or leakage
that could be at a temperature of up to 160°F. However, hotter water would only be discharged when the
water heater had reached an overheated condition and the temperature relieving feature became operative.
If such a condition continued, it would be readily apparent to the owner that water heater repairs were
in order.
The drain from a temperature and/or a pressure relief valve could properly discharge through an appropriate
airgap into a clothes washer standpipe or similar receptor under the “other approved locations” provisions
of Section 608.5.

Section 810.1 prohibits steam pipes or any water with a temperature above 140 degrees from being directly connected to and discharging under pressure into a drainage system.

Section 603.3.5 (2003/2006/2009) 603.4.4 (2012) prohibits a direct connection between the potable water piping (relief valve drain) and sewer connected waste. The discharge of a relief valve must be drained indirectly into the drainage system, by means of an approved airgap, and therefore would not be in violation of the Code.

If the chemicals or industrial liquid wastes are of such nature that they are likely to damage or increase the maintenance cost of the sanitary sewer system, detrimentally affect sewage treatment, or contaminate
surface or subsurface waters, than they must be pretreated prior to discharge into a drainage system. The
amounts of calcium, magnesium carbonate, or other suitable materials necessary for neutralization should
be determined by a qualified person. An industrial waste engineer or a health department representative
will make these judgments based upon submitted proposals.
see also 714.1

Section 811.4, as it pertains to chemical waste system accessibility stipulates, “wherever practicable all piping shall be readily accessible.” Site-specific Authority Having Jurisdiction determination would conclude
whether or not any such installation may be concealed and, if so, what degree of accessibility is required.
If all pipe, fitting, and incidental materials were appropriately listed (for concealment) and an Authority
Having Jurisdiction believes a concealed application is warranted, then they have discretion to permit it.
Section 811.4 does not prohibit the installation of chemical waste pipe in concealed locations if it is necessary.

Appliances are typically not directly connected to the waste and vent system. Though not specifically addressed in the UPC, commercial washer-extractors are normally installed per Section 807.1 as an indirect waste. Section 805.0 states that an indirect connection is required when the waste discharge is under pressure, but also allows an exception to directly connect any approved pressure-wasting plumbing fixture or device when the Authority Having Jurisdiction has been satisfied that the drainage system is adequately sized to accommodate the anticipated discharge thereof.

1. No, a floor drain is not required in a walk-n cooler. A list of required locations for floor drains may be found in Section 418.3 (2012/2015), 411.2 (2009).
2. Yes, a properly trapped and vented trough drain in front of the walk-in cooler door is acceptable.
3. No, a floor drain located in a walk-in cooler must drain by means of an indirect waste per Sections 418.4 (2012/2015), 411.3 (2009) and 801.2.2 (2009/2012), 801.3 (2015).

In Section 414.3 (2012/2015), domestic dishwashing machines shall discharge indirectly through an air gap fitting in accordance with Section 807.4 (2009/2012), 807.3 (2015) into a waste receptor, a wye branch fitting on the tailpiece of a kitchen sink, or a dishwasher connection of a food waste grinder.
Per the code there are no exceptions.
Some Authorities Having Jurisdiction may grant deviations when existing dishwashers are being replaced.

Yes. Though “hand wash sinks” are not specifically listed for this purpose, the fixture is nothing more than a lavatory in a location other than a restroom and would meet the intent of the code. The connection of a condensate drain to the tailpiece of a lavatory described in Section 807.2 of the UPC is considered an airbreak. The lavatory is acting as an indirect waste receptor for the condensate waste line. (see definition of air break*)

1) No, the connection of a condensate drain to the tailpiece of a lavatory described in Section 807.2 of the 2012 UPC is considered an airbreak. The lavatory is acting as an indirect waste receptor for the condensate waste line. (see definition of air break*)
2) The airbreak is the elevation difference between the pan for the air conditioning unit and the flood level rim of the lavatory.
*Section 203.0 Airbreak. A physical separation which may be a low inlet into the indirect waste receptor from the fixture, appliance, or device indirectly connected.

1. Section 801.2.1 of the 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code states “Except refrigeration coils and ice-making machines, the size of the indirect waste pipe shall be not smaller than the drain on the unit, but shall be not smaller than 1 inch, and the maximum developed length shall not exceed 15 feet”. The section also permits the use of ¾” drains for ice-making machines. This exception removes the length limitations for condensate lines that transport clear water wastes. Indirect waste lines connected to plumbing fixtures convey grey water waste that may produce unwanted deposits and odors within in the piping. Requiring a trap at 5 feet and limiting the length of the indirect waste line to 15 feet which limits the interior fouling surface of the piping thereby reducing the chances of undesirable smells being emitted from the pipe.
2. Drainage fittings are not available for 3/4” pipe. The use of 90° Elbows, in the material being used, to create a trap and a standard tee for the vent connection would be acceptable.

No. Section 303.1 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code states that “plumbing fixtures, drains, appurtenances and appliances, used to receive or discharge liquid wastes or sewage, shall be connected properly to the drainage system of the building or premises, in accordance with the requirements of this code.”
Grease interceptors are considered plumbing appurtenances or appliances that are used to pretreat grease laden waste from a plumbing fixture prior to allowing the waste to drain into the sanitary waste system. In some cases the fixture drains by means of an indirect waste pipe* into a receptor, which in turn connects to the interceptor which subsequently connects directly to the sanitary waste piping.

*Indirect Waste Pipe - A pipe that does not connect directly with the drainage system but conveys liquid waste by discharging into a plumbing fixture, interceptor, or receptacle that is directly connected to the drainage system.

1. No. Section 814.3.1 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code requires condensate drain lines to be configured or provided with a cleanout to permit the clearing of blockages and for maintenance without requiring the drain line to be cut.
2. The Code does not give specific requirements on the placement of cleanouts on condensate waste lines. The Authority Having Jurisdiction should be consulted for approved cleanout locations

Yes. CPVC may be an acceptable material for air conditioning condensate if approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Section 814.3 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code states, “Condensate waste pipes from air-cooling coils shall be sized in accordance with the equipment capacity as specified in Table 814.3. The material of the piping shall comply with the pressure and temperature rating of the appliance or equipment and shall be approved for use with the liquid being discharged”. Condensate has a chemical makeup similar to distilled water. Condensate is neither gray water nor sewage and would therefore not be required to comply with Table 701.2, Materials for Drain, Waste, Vent Pipe and Fittings.

1. Per Section 814.3 of the 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code, air-conditioning condensate may drain into the sanitary waste system by means of either an airgap or airbreak.
2. No. Section 814.3 states that the condensate may connect to a “tailpiece of plumbing fixtures”. This connection would definitely be below the flood rim of the fixture.

No. Section 811.2 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing code requires all CPVC pipe and fittings used in chemical waste systems to comply with the standard, ASTM F2618. Per Section 9 of that standard, all pipe and fittings shall be marked with “CPVC-CW”.

No. There are UPC® listed multi-port airgap fittings available specifically for the installation of two domestic dishwashers through a single waste fitting. These air gap fittings are listed to IAPMO PS 23-2006 (Material and Property Standard for Dishwasher Drain Airgaps). Per Section 2.2, the standard covers dishwasher air gap fittings for both single and multiple inlet ports.

Yes. Condensate from and HVAC roof top unit, has a similar chemical make-up as distilled water. Per Section 814.3 of the 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code, “air-conditioning condensate waste pipes shall connect indirectly to the drainage system through an air gap or air break…”. By definition, a building storm drain is “a building drain that conveys storm water or other drainage, but not sewage”.

1. Yes. Per Section 814.3 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code(UPC), the material used for condensate piping for air-conditioning equipment shall be constructed of materials found in Chapter 7, specifically Table 701.2.
2. Drainage fittings are required per Sections 701.3 and 706.0. Drainage fittings however are not available for piping under 1-1/4” in size. In the event the minimum condensate waste piping for an installation is smaller than 1-1/4”, available fittings for the type of piping being used would be acceptable.

No. There are UPC® listed multi-port airgap fittings available specifically for the installation of two domestic dishwashers through a single waste fitting. These air gap fittings are listed to IAPMO PS 23-2006 (Material and Property Standard for Dishwasher Drain Airgaps). Per Section 2.2, the standard covers dishwasher air gap fittings for both single and multiple inlet ports.

Yes. Condensate from and HVAC roof top unit, has a similar chemical make-up as distilled water. Per Section 814.3 of the 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code, “air-conditioning condensate waste pipes shall connect indirectly to the drainage system through an air gap or air break…”. By definition, a building storm drain is “a building drain that conveys storm water or other drainage, but not sewage”.

Yes. Per Section 814.3.1, cleanout(s) are to be installed in a manner to permit clearing of blockages without requiring the drain line to be cut. If each section of the condensate piping is accessible for cleaning with a single cleanout, the installation would be Code compliant. Section 814.5 requires each condensate to be trapped per the manufacturer’s instruction. If a vent is installed it could also be used as a cleanout.

1. No. Section 804.1 of the 2015 UPC requires receptors receiving the discharge of indirect waste receptors to be readily accessible* for inspection and cleaning. Additionally, that section states “no indirect waste receptor shall be installed in a toilet room, closet, cupboard, or storeroom, nor in a portion of a building not in general use by the occupants.”
2. Yes.
*Readily Accessible by definition is having direct access without the necessity of removing a panel, door or similar.

1. No. Section 414.1 of the 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code requires domestic or commercial dishwashing machines to comply with the applicable standards referenced in Table 1401.1. Domestic dishwashers are to be tested and listed to UL 749, which requires compliance with ASSE 1006. Section 1.3.4 of ASSE 1006 states, “Potable water supplies to the unit shall be protected against contamination by means of air gaps or other acceptable devices. This requirement applies to the supplying of potable water to all accessories such as dispensers and injectors as well as the washing machine.” Dishwashers not listed to UL 749 and ASSE 1006 must be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction prior to installation as prescribed in Chapter 3. The drainage air gap fitting described in Section 807.4, is intended to prevent backflow of waste water from the kitchen sink into the washing compartment of the dishwasher in the event of a stoppage in the kitchen sink or waste line.
2. Kitchen sink waste is not gray water* but would be considered sewage**. The drainage air gap fitting for a residential dishwasher is intended to prevent backflow of waste water from the kitchen sink into the washing compartment of the dishwasher, in the event of a stoppage in the kitchen sink or waste line.
3. Yes. See #2

*Gray Water. Untreated wastewater that has not come into contact with toilet waste, kitchen sink waste, dishwasher waste or similarly contaminated sources. Gray water includes wastewater from bathtubs, showers, lavatories, clothes washers, and laundry tubs. Also known as grey water, graywater, and greywater.
**Sewage. Liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution and that may include liquids containing chemicals in solution