NC Plumbing Code 2012 Land Use and Environmental Service Agency (Code Enforcement)

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Land Use and Environmental Service Agency

(Code Enforcement)

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NC Plumbing Code 2012

Qtr. 1/1/12-3/31/12 Q & A in tan 2 nd Qtr. 4/1/12-6/30/12 Q & A in green

3 rd Qtr. 7/1/12-9/30/12 Q & A in blue 4 th

CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS

Qtr. 10/1/12-12/31/12 Q & A in red

1) (Q) While inspecting a lab set up for acid waste and vent piping in a medical office

building the inspector finds the acid waste piping system installed without the

minimum required vent sizing requirements for DWV per code. The inspector asks

for and receives the documentation on the engineered system. Should the

Inspector question the seal if a structural engineer seals the design document?

(A) Yes. Current code would require an engineer in his respective design profession to

seal the design. Under the 2012 Code it depends on whether the licensing board

deems them qualified by the state board of rules and regulations. 2009 code:

“licensed to practice in his respective design profession” New Code: “registered

and licensed to practice professional architecture or engineering as defined by

statutory requirements…………” Ref: 2012 NCPC. Chapter 2 definitions Registered

Design Professional

CHAPTER 3 GENERAL REGULATIONS

1) (Q) An engineer has designed a gray water waste recycling system, including all DWV,

located in the basement of a single family dwelling. The system is designed to

allow full flow throughout the system so the engineer has decreased the

minimum pipe sizes of the DWV associated with the gray water system to one

pipe size smaller than the minimum code would allow. Would this

installation be allowed per the 2012 NC Plumbing Code?

(A) No. “All drain, Waste, and Vent piping associated with gray water recycling

systems shall be installed in full compliance with this code. “Ref: 301.3, (2012)

2) (Q) A contractor is installing a rain water recycling system. His explanation to the

Inspector; he is connecting indirectly to the sanitary drainage system so he does

not have to use the code minimum sizing requirements for the plumbing piping.

Should the inspector pass the rainwater DWV system?

(A) No. The 2012 Code requires gray water and rain water recycling systems to meet

minimum code requirements for DWV. The drainage system cannot connect

indirectly to the sanitary sewer. Ref. 301.3, 2012 PC

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3 rd Qtr. 7/1/12-9/30/12 Q & A in blue 4 th Qtr. 10/1/12-12/31/12 Q & A in red

3) (Q) A plumbing contractor has installed a floor drain with a deep seal trap in the slab

at the bottom of an elevator shaft in a multi-story office building. The elevators

are all hydraulic type. Can this installation be approved under the 2012 code? Can

it be approved under the 2009 code?

(A) No. New code requires an oil water separator to be installed in the discharge line

of the floor drain. Ref: 301.6 (2012), 301.6, Exception. 2009 Code would not

require an OWS to be installed. Per research of hydraulic elevator fluid capacities

and spill probabilities an OWS will not be required by Mecklenburg County.

See Plumbing interpretations on the web site for current information.

4) (Q) Can you clarify our interpretation regarding the discharge from an elevator sump

drain when the elevator is a hydraulic type?

(A) After review of the possibility of hydraulic fluid leakage, it was very remote, so

therefore it could go to sanitary (via indirect of course) w/out an oil separator. If

the engineer decides to use an oil minder it could go to storm, as no oil would be

allowed to leave the building via sanitary or storm water systems. 301.6 exception

2012 PC

5) (Q) The manufacturer of a new brand of AAV allows a 20 degree deviation from

vertical on the vents installed in an attic. If the plumbing code had a minimum

standard that only allowed an 18 degree deviation, which of the two installations

should be approved by the inspector?

(A) The code minimum shall be met because it is more restrictive. 301.7, Exception,

2012 PC

6) (Q) Foundation Pipe Sleeves: Is a pipe sleeve required when the pipe passes within 12”

of the foundation?

(A) Yes, Section 305.5 requires a pipe sleeve when the distance between the top of the

pipe and the bottom of the foundation is 12” or less. If the distance between the top

of the pipe and the bottom of the foundation is greater than 12”, a pipe sleeve is not required. 305.5 2012 PC

7) (Q) Buried Depth of Water Pipe: Can the minimum depth of water pipe be reduced by

applying insulation on the pipe?

(A) No, the top the water pipe shall be installed below the frost line or a minimum of

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12” below grade, whichever is the greater. If insulation was placed outside and

underground on the water pipe, it would deteriorate over a short period of time;

therefore not providing protection. 305.6 2012 PC

8) (Q) Freeze Protection of Soil And Waste Traps: Are soil and waste traps required to be

protected from freezing?

(A) Yes. Section 305.6.1 requires soil and waste traps to be protected from freezing

when placed in the exterior wall or in an unconditioned space. A crawl space is not

considered unconditioned. Traps placed in the exterior wall or an unconditioned

space shall be insulated with a minimum of R=6.5 insulation. 305.6.1 2012 PC

9) (Q) Drain Pipe and Sleeve Sizes: What pipe sizes may be used when the code requires

the pipe sleeve to be two pipe sizes larger than the drain pipe?

(A) We presume the "pipe sizes" as addressed in the definitions may be used when the

sleeve is required to be increased two pipe diameters. When the drainage pipe is

3”, the pipe sleeve may be 4”, which is using 3 ½” and 4”. 305.5 and 202, 2012 PC

10) (Q) Nail Guards for Plastic Plumbing Pipe: Are nail guards required for plastic plumbing

pipe?

(A) Yes, when the edge of the plastic plumbing pipe is less than 1.5 inches from the

nearest edge of the stud, joist, rafter or similar member, the pipe shall be

protected by shield plates. Protective shield plates shall be a minimum of 0.0575

inch-thick (16 gage). For holes in metal studs, nail guards are not required if the

gage of the metal stud is equal to or greater than 0.0575 inch (16 gage). The 1.5

inch depth mentioned above is based on the depth of the typical fastener

penetrating through surface material covering the stud, joist, rafter or similar

member and into the member itself. If these fasteners are expected to penetrate

deeper than 1.5 inches into the stud, joist, rafter or similar member, then shield

plates will be required at those locations as well. 305.8 2012 PC

11) (Q) Upon inspecting the sanitary sewer and water distribution piping on a single

family home the inspector finds the piping covered up in the right of way. Is the

inspector required to inspect in the right of way or is he restricted to private

property?

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(A) Unless a utility contractor has already installed the water and sewer to the

termination point at the building the inspector is required to inspect the

installation from the cleanout at the house to the connection at the utility.

Inspections are required to determine compliance with 306.1 through 306.3, 2012

PC

12) (Q) Stack Base Supported With Earth: Can the drainage stack base be supported with

earth?

(A) Yes, Section 308.10 allows virgin or compacted earth to support the drainage

stack. Code Reference: 308.10 Stacks. Bases of stacks shall be supported by the

building structure, virgin or compacted earth, or other suitable material to

adequately support the weight of the piping.

308.10 2012 PC

13) (Q) The pump for a domestic hot water recirculation system is located below the

design flood elevation in the garage of a single family dwelling located close to

the ocean. Would this installation be allowed by the 2012 code?

( A) A pump for domestic water cannot be installed below the design flood elevation.

The exception allowing the pump in the 2009 code has been deleted from the

2012 code. Ref: 2012 code see item 2 is deleted from the exceptions. 2012 NCPC

[B] 309.2 Exception (deleted)

14) (Q) All permanently installed water closets in buildings are required to be in a

separate room or stall per the 2012 Plumbing Code. What are the two locations

exempted by the 2012 code?

(A) Child Care facilities and facilities where restraint is required per the building

codes. Ref: 310.4, exception 3, 2012 PC.

15) (Q) My Architectural firm is designing a small restaurant and we are providing two

bathrooms. Each bathroom will require only a water closet and a lavatory per

table 403.1 occupancy count calculations. The client wants the Men’s bathroom to

have a urinal in addition to the water closet without a separate privacy screen. We

recall Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement approving a urinal in this type of

occupancy under the 2009 Plumbing Code. Would this be allowed under the 2012

Plumbing Code?



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(A) Yes. We will approve the urinal in the same bathroom as the water closet as a

convenience fixture only (can not be a required fixture per code). The bathroom

must have a locked door and be a single-occupant toilet room as required by 310.4

exception #1, 2012 PC. Only one person at time may use the bathroom. The

bathroom shall maintain the clearances required by the accessibility code, 404.1

2012 PC, for the bathroom floor area, water closet, urinal and the lavatory. 310.4

exception #1, 310.5, exception #1 2012 PC

16) (Q) An inspector is witnessing the testing of the plumbing system on a single family

dwelling. The dwelling has several shower installations. The inspector has turned

the job down because the plumbing contractor has not provided a shower pan

liner test. Is this a required inspection under the 2009 Plumbing Code? Is it a

required inspection under the 2012 Plumbing Code?

(A) The 2012 code test procedures require a shower pan test. REF: 2012 NCPC

312.9. The 2009 code did not address shower pan testing.

CHAPTER 4 FIXTURERS, FAUCETS AND FIXTURE FITTINGS

1) (Q) Would you look at Section 403.1.1 in the plumbing code. It basically says that you

divide the occupant load first to get the occupant load for each sex, then apply the

fixture ratios in Table 403.1. I ran in to this and came up with a different number

than the designer. The old code commentary said to divide the fixture count, not

the occupant load. Which calculation method is correct?

(A) From looking at the commentaries from the 2006 North Carolina Code and

Commentary and 2009 ICC code commentary you are correct. The commentary

Clarifies the general rule by requiring the designer to divide the occupant count

first 50/50 and then apply the ratios from the fixture tables to each count. 2012

code 403.1.1 clarifies this rule. This change may result in additional fixtures that

would not have been required under the 2009 NC plumbing code. Example:

run a business occupancy classification. 403.1 2012 PC

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2) (Q) Can we replace a bathtub with a walk in shower (only one bath room) in a condo?

(A) Yes the fixture tables will allow either a tub or a shower to meet the minimum code

requirements. Table 403.1 R-2 occupancy, PC 2012

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3) (Q) Toilet Facilities For Vegetable And Fruit Stands: Are toilet facilities required for

vegetable/fruit stands?

(A) No, if the vegetable/fruit stand is located on the same parcel of land as the

operator’s dwelling and has no entrance into the stand for the customers, then

toilet facilities are not required.

Yes, if the vegetable/fruit stand allows customers to enter the building, then toilet

facilities are required (see table 403.1 mercantile for required toilet facilities)

4) (Q) I am trying to calculate the required number of toilet fixtures for a charter school.

As I understand things, the relevant information is as follows:

• Charter schools are public schools authorized by the State Board of Education

• Charter schools are exempt from most of the NC General Statutes that relate to schools, including GS115C-301 which is referenced in the code.

• Charter schools have a maximum enrollment given in the charter. The charter is a legal document between the NCBOE and the charter school that governs most aspects of the school’s operation.

As I review the code, the relevant section of the 2012 NC Building Code appears to be

2902.6 Plumbing Fixtures for Public Schools. 2902.6.1 states that “Occupant content of public schools for the purpose of determining the number of required facilities shall be the maximum legal class size multiplied by the number of classrooms. Maximum class sizes are 29 students for grades K-9 and 33 students for grades 10-12 (GS 115C-301). The occupant load for private schools shall be as listed in Table 1004.1.1 of this code.”

The issue that I have is that while charter schools are public schools and therefore would appear to fall under this section, they are not bound by the NC General Statutes that relate to class size. They are actually bound by the number of students listed in their charter, which is typically far less than the maximum in the General Statutes. I would like to use this number as the occupant content for the school for the purposes of determining the number of required fixtures.

In my case, using the traditional calculation given in 2902.6.1, I would end up with 797 students, but the school’s charter caps the number of students at 442. Again, the charter is a legal document that the school is bound to follow.

Barring this, it would be preferable to use the number of classrooms x (square footage/20net) as is the method for private schools since this would more closely approximate the actual number of students at the school than the method for public schools in 2902.6.1.

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(A) Even though this is a public school we would allow the calculation of the class

rooms for students to be calculated at the number of classrooms x (square

footage/ 20 net). This is a charter school and it is similar to a Montessori school.

These schools are unique when compared to a public school student populations

Your calculation would be allowed if you meet table 1004.1.1 of the Building Code

similar to private schools in 403.9.1 PC 2012.

5) (Q) Domestic Dishwasher Waste Connection: May the waste line of a domestic

dishwashing machine connect to the wye-branch fitting on a kitchen sink tailpiece

or to the waste food grinder?

(A) Yes, per Section 802.1.6 when the dishwashing machine waste line connects to a

deck mounted air gap or the waste line rises and is securely fastened to the underside of the sink rim or counter. 409.3 2012 PC

6) (Q) Can a mercantile occupancy use the code exception in 410.1 to eliminate drinking

fountains?

(A) No, Drinking Fountains are required in a mercantile occupancy once the occupancy

count exceeds 100. The exception for requiring drinking fountains in 410.1 only

applies to A 2 occupancy classifications which are restaurants, night clubs, taverns

and bars. Table 403.1 (See A-2 occupancy No. 1 and Mercantile occupancy No. 6

requirements in the 403.1 table) and 410.1, 2012 PC

7) (Q) Question to Laurel Wright, DOI Accessibility Chief: I have a Mercantile occupancy

that wants to install a water dispenser. It is directly connected to the water

distribution piping. Would this be considered a drinking fountain? If yes, it meets

the reach requirements of the HC code as far as location. The codes would be in

play because of the “where provided” and not “where required” code language.

The Argument from the designer is it is not a drinking fountain but a water

dispenser.

(A) (See later interpretation in 3 below) As you noted, once this goes in, it is a

Provided drinking fountain and does not meet the requirements of either NCBC

1109.5 or ANSI 602. Yes, it would be considered a drinking fountain. Calling it a

‘water dispenser’ is simply a play with words and trying to use semantics to get

around the minimum code requirements. 410.1 2012 PC

Note: A formal interpretation was requested by Lon McSwain, Building Code

Administrator for Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement on this issue.

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8) (Q) I am installing an appliance that requires a water line from the cold water

distribution system for the building to be connected the device. The occupancy is

Mercantile and would not require a drinking fountain per table 403.1 of the North

Carolina Plumbing Code. Am I required to get a plumbing permit for this appliance

water line installation? Does the appliance have to meet accessibility

requirements?

(A) The interpretation below is a formal interpretation from Laurel Wright, Chief DOI

Accessibility Consultant, and is as follows: The interpretation she has made

involves requirements for one of two situations identified below:

1.

If a permit is required: If the water fountain/water cooler/water delivery device requires a permit, e.g., it is connected to the building electrical system or the building’s water system, then the inspector is required to verify that the fixture complies with the NC Plumbing Code, the NC Building Code and the ANSI A117.1 accessibility requirements.

2.

If a permit is not required: If the water delivery device does not require a permit and is not connected to the building, e.g., it becomes a ‘fixture or furnishing’ that is not addressed by the code. As such, there are no code requirements to be enforced.

Reference: 410.1 2012 PC

9) (Q) Does the 2012 code require “domed/elevated “floor drains in restaurant floors?

A) No. The code has not changed. Floor drains should not present a tripping hazard

if they are in the path of travel or egress. (See also NC Building Code) 412, 2012 PC

10) (Q) Are tempering valves required on all lavatories in a hospital?

(A) No. Tempered water for public hand washing facilities has been deleted in the

2012 NCPC. 416.5, 2012 NCPC

11) (Q) Use of Epoxy Paint as a Smooth, Hard, Nonabsorbent Surface Around Plumbing

Fixtures: Can epoxy paint be used to meet the code requirement for smooth, hard,

Non-absorbent surfaces on walls within 2’ of urinals and water closets per NC Building

Code Section 1210.2 and shower compartments and tubs with shower heads per NC

Building Code Section 1210.3?

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(A) Yes; however, the epoxy paint manufacturer must provide documentation that the

product is tested and approved for application in such locations and for application

on the surface material that is being used.

Toilet partitions (screens) also may be protected with epoxy paint that is tested

and approved for application in such locations and for application on the surface

material that is being used. 1210.2 & 1210.3 NCBC 2012, 419.3 & 417.4.1 NCPC

2012

12) (Q) Can a commercial two compartment sink be used as follows:

Compartment A (left hand) waste is tied in indirectly for food prep. Compartment

B (right hand) waste is tied in directly for a pot sink per the 2012 code NCPC

802.1.8 Is this permissible?

(A) This is permissible. Each section of the sink may be considered separately for

DWV requirements to meet minimum code. Not prohibited by 418.

13) (Q) (1) Does 419.1, 2012 PC, require a waterless urinal to be supplied with a

permanent connection for a future water supply? (2) If yes, when I have

multiple urinals in a bathroom would a single water line stub out be acceptable

for all urinals or will each urinal requires a separate water line stub out?

(A) (1) Yes. 419.1 Exception. (2) Provide a future connection for each urinal

separately and/or approximately every 4 feet. 419.1, 2012 PC

14) (Q) Whirlpool Bathtubs Pump Access : Is access to the whirlpool bathtub pump

required for repair and removal?

(A) Yes, the Plumbing Code states access shall be provided to the pump. An access

large enough to remove the motor and/or pump shall be provided at the side or

end of the whirlpool bathtub (clearance of 21” minimum in front of the access door

). The access may be through a cabinet (double doors with no stile) and/or from

below the whirlpool bathtub in a basement or crawl space ( travel path to the

access to the whirlpool bathtub shall be a minimum height of 24”in the crawl

space). Per the 2009 Plumbing Code: “where the manufacturer’s instructions do not

specify the location and minimum size of field-fabricated access openings, a 12-inch

by 12-inch minimum sized opening shall be installed to provide access to the

circulation pump. Where pumps are located more than 2 feet from the access

opening, an 18-inch by 18- inch minimum sized opening shall be installed. A door or



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panel shall be permitted to close the opening. In all cases, the access opening shall

be unobstructed and of the size necessary to permit the removal and replacement

of the circulation pump.” 421.5 2012 PC

15) (Q) An inspector is called to re-inspect an apartment that has been recently occupied.

It is one of the apartments in a newly completed complex of over 100 units. While

inspecting a new water connection he notices the water heater temperature is

set at 140 degrees. What should the inspector do per the 2012 code?

(A) The inspector should inform the tenant, contractor and landlord that an anti scald

valve is required if the temperature is set above 120 degrees in the dwelling

units. Ref: 424.3, 102.9, 2012 PC

CHAPTER 5 WATER HEATERS

Number 1 through 13 below is the specific code requirements related to water heaters

1) * See NC General Statutes/Administrative Code change-out permitting requirements

for one and two family dwellings (a) through (k) below * a) The work is restricted to one or two-family dwellings only (no buildings with three or

more dwelling units and no commercial buildings). b) The work has to be performed by a North Carolina Licensed Plumbing Contractor (or a

bona-fide employee of a North Carolina licensed Plumbing Contractor) c) The licensee is required to personally examine the work at completion. d) The licensee is required to ensure that a leak test has been performed on the gas

piping. e) The energy use rate or thermal input is not greater than the water heater which is

being replaced. f) The replacement is required to be installed in accordance with the current edition of

the State Building Code (plumbing section). g) There is no change in fuel. h) There is no change in energy source. i) There is no change in location. j) There is no change in capacity. k) There is no change in routing or sizing of venting or piping.

* If any of the above requirements are missing, permits/inspections are required*

2) All water heaters (including electric), if either in a garage or a room leading directly off

a garage must be on a stand (ignition source elevated 18"- unless FVIR listed) and have

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vehicle protection, if in the travel path of a motor vehicle as per the NCFGC or NCMC.

3) Gas water heaters must have a union or (flare fitting if copper), or a listed flexible gas

connector approved for the location on the gas line, as well as an appliance drip leg

that has a 90 degree change of direction in it (if not on the appliance MP regulator).

4) Gas water heaters must have the venting attached per manufacturer’s instructions.

5) Electric water heater change-outs must have a means of disconnect (NEC Article 422)

6) All water heaters must have the manufacturer's clearances two sides, top, back, and to

combustible construction- this includes appropriate piping insulation for water piping

in unconditioned areas.

7) All water heaters must have approved dielectric unions/fittings on the water piping

(unless prohibited by manufacturer’s installation instructions).

8) Manufacturer’s Installation instructions must be left with the water heater.

9) On city water systems, an expansion tank must be added for a tank style heater, and

for a tank-less heater if the manufacturer requires it. A well supplied system may not

if it has an expansion tank on the well and no backflow devices.

10) T&P discharge lines may only serve a single relief device and shall not direct connect

to piping serving any other relief device or equipment and installed as per NCPC 504.6

11) Where water heaters or hot water storage tanks are installed in: (a) remote locations

such as a suspended ceiling, (b) attics, (c) above occupied spaces, or (d) unventilated

crawl spaces, the tank or water heater shall be installed in a galvanized steel pan

having a material thickness of not less than 0.0236 inch (0.6010 mm) (No. 24 gage), or

other pans approved for such use.

Exceptions:

a) Electric water heaters may rest in a high-impact plastic pan of at least 1/16 inch

(1.6 mm) thickness.

b) Water heater mounted on a concrete floor sloped to a floor drain. EG; equipment

rooms

12) Pan drains shall be no less than 1.5 inches deep in the pan, no smaller than 1 inch

diameter and will be constructed from materials listed in NCPC table 605.4

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13) Discharge through an air gap located in the same room as the water heater, either on

the floor (if on concrete slab), into an indirect waste receptor or outdoors.

14) (Q) Water Heaters In Garages: Are water heaters installed in garages required to be

elevated?

(A) Yes, unless the appliance is listed as flammable vapor ignition resistant. Section

502.5 states "water heaters having an ignition source shall be elevated such that

the source of ignition is not less than 18 inches above the garage floor". The

ignition source would apply to both electric and gas water heaters. The ignition

source (not the bottom of the water heater) shall be elevated to minimum of 18

inches above the garage floor. As per the exception “elevation of the ignition

source" is not required for appliances that are listed as flammable vapor ignition

resistant.502.5 2012 PC

15) (Q) A T&P relief line terminates only slightly (the thickness of a piece of paper) above

the drain pan for a tankless water heater located in the attic of a three story

townhome. What is the proper height of the gap above the drain pan for the T& P

relief line if the line is sized to meet minimum code? If the drain line is one inch or

more above the drain pan is splashing an issue that would allow a reduced height

for upper floor or attic terminations?

(A) 504.6 #5 would allow the discharge line from the T&P relief line to discharge into a

water heater pan. The code does not address the minimum height above the pan.

In 802.3.1 the code states that receptors shall be installed to prevent splashing.

The maximum height above the pan would be 6 inches but the minimum could be

as close to zero as the contractor wants to install the relief line. 802.2.1, 802.3.1,

504.6 #5, #6, #10, 2012 PC

16) (Q) Required Pans For Water Heaters: Where are water heater pans required?

(A) Section 504.7 states "where water heaters or hot water storage tanks are installed

in:

(a) remote locations such as a suspended ceiling,

(b) attics,

(c) above occupied spaces, or

(d) unventilated crawl spaces,

the tank or water heater shall be in a galvanized steel pan ...".

Above occupied spaces shall include finished basements (does not include

Unfinished basements), first floor, second floor and third floors of dwelling units

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3 rd Qtr. 7/1/12-9/30/12 Q & A in blue 4 th Qtr. 10/1/12-12/31/12

and one and two family dwellings. 504.7 2012 PC

Q & A in red

17) (Q) PVC Pipe for Water Heater Pan Discharge : May PVC piping material be used for

the water heater pan discharge?

(A) No. Section 504.7.1 states "piping from safety pan drains shall be of those

materials listed in Table 605.4". Table 605.4 is water distribution pipe which does

not include PVC. 504.7.1 2012 PC

18) (Q) Water Heater Relief Valve Discharge: May a water heater pan drain and/or the

discharge from a water heater relief valve terminates into a crawl space?

(A) No, Section 504.7.2 states the relief valve shall discharge full size to a safe place of

disposal such as within 6 inches of the ground surface outside the building, or an

indirect waste receptor. The 1996 Plumbing Code was the last code which allowed

the discharge into the crawl space.

Code Reference: 504.7.2 Pan drain termination. The pan drain shall extend full-

size and terminate over suitable located indirect waste receptor or floor drain or

extend to the exterior of the building and terminate not less than 6 inches and

not more than 24 inches above the adjacent ground surface. 504.7.2 2012 PC

CHAPTER 6 WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION

1) (Q) Thermal Expansion Control: When a check valve or backflow prevention device is

installed at the water supply meter, is a thermal expansion device required?

(A) Yes, an expansion device (tank, valve, etc.) shall be installed in a residential or

commercial building when a storage-type water heater is installed in the water

distribution system with a backflow prevention device installed in the water supply

line. Also, an expansion device shall be installed on a water heater replacement

when a backflow prevention device is installed in the water supply line. This

requirement for an expansion device shall apply to a manufactured home. An

expansion device is not required for a tankless water heater.

Code Reference: 607.3.2 Backflow prevention device or check valve. Where a backflow prevention device, check valve or other device is installed on a water

supply system utilizing storage water heating equipment such that thermal

expansion causes an increase in pressure, a device for controlling pressure shall be

installed. 607.3 2012 PC

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2) (Q) An underground combined water/fire service line is installed to supply both fire

sprinkler and potable water to a building.

A) Can the FDC (Fire Department Connection) to the building be installed on the

potable water side of the water service piping?

B) Is protection required for Fire Hydrants when branch lines are located on the

potable water supply line.

(A) A) No. The potable water shall be protected from the sprinkler water in the

building by a backflow device that meets the code. The combined line shall

meet the requirements of the State Plumbing Code first for protection, material

and testing. Once that has been done the Fire Code requirements shall be met.

Ref: 608.13

B) Yes. When Fire Hydrants or other Fire Apparatus are located on the potable

water supply and the main water line shall be protected from the turbid water

that is located in the water line to the hydrant by a backflow device meeting

minimum code. The backflow device shall be installed on the FDC branch as

close as possible to the branch connection to avoid turbid water from

entering the domestic water line and contaminating the potable water.

Ref: 608.5, 608.13

3) (Q) The specifications for a new commercial building call for Polybutylene (PB) water

service and water distribution pipe to be used on a project permitted under the

2012 Plumbing Code. Should the plans examiner approve this material?

(A) No. The 2012 code has removed PB from the list of approved material for water

service piping. Ref: Table 605.3, table 605.4, 2012 PC

4) (Q) Sanitary Sewer piping under the 2009 Plumbing Code cannot have restrictions to

flow because of the waste build-up and eventual clog resulting from the restriction

either in pipe size reduction or use of a fitting with shoulders that would disrupt

flow. Would the 2012 code require the same restrictions on water pipe fittings?

(A) Yes. “fittings shall not have ledges, shoulders or reductions capable of retarding or

obstructing flow in the piping.” Ref: 605.5, 2012 PC

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5) (Q) Is cross link aluminum PEX allowed in the 2012 code for water distribution, water

service and fittings?

(A) Yes. See 605.21, 605.21.1, and tables 605.3, 605.4 and 605.5, 2012 PC

6) (Q) A Would a stop- and- waste valve be allowed under the 2009 code? B. Would a

stop-and –waste valve be allowed under the 2012 code?

(A) A. No. Not allowed 608.7 2009 NCPC

B. Yes. See 608.7 Exception NCPC Freeze proof yard hydrants that drain the

riser into the ground shall be permitted to be installed, provided that the

potable water supply to such hydrants is protected upstream of the hydrants

in accordance with Section 608 and the hydrants are permanently identified as

non potable outlets by approved signage that reads as follows: “Caution, Non

Potable Water. Do Not Drink.”

7) (Q) A backflow preventer is protected from freezing by the installation of unions

that are easily removed. Is this an acceptable means of protection from freezing

per the code?

(A) Yes. 608.14.2, 2012 PC.

8) (Q) A reduced pressure principal backflow preventer installed inside a building has

the relief port piping terminating in an air brake located outside the building. Is

this an acceptable termination per the code?

(A) Yes. As long as it is terminated outside the building. 608.14.2.1

9) (Q) We want to encourage the installation of residential sprinklers in a new Delburg

Street infill project. It is our understanding from the utility department that the

Residential sprinkler system would not require a separate meter. The utility

department told us that a separate meter may be required by the Mecklenburg

County Code Enforcement Department. Will Code Enforcement require separate

metering for the residential sprinkler system? Will a backflow preventer be

required on the residential sprinkler system?

(A) The residential sprinkler system you describe in your questions is a 13D system.

Metering is a requirement of the utility. It is not a plumbing code requirement. I

have answered the questions you have asked and provided you with information

that should be helpful with your project in the bullet points below.

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• A backflow preventer is not required to separate the sprinkler piping from the potable water piping when a 13D system is allowed. This system is only allowed in one and two-family dwellings and townhouses. 903.3.1.3 NCBC

• NCPC 608.16.4 Exception # 1 states; “Where systems are installed as a portion of the water distribution system in accordance with the requirements of this code and are not provided with a fire department connection, isolation of the water supply system shall not be required.” The exception to backflow protection describes the 13D system when installed per 614.1 or 615.1 of the plumbing code.

• A backflow preventer is required on the sprinkler piping on a combined water service

(sprinkler & domestic water) upon entering a commercial building. We see this combined system installed mainly on apartments/condos. NCPC 608.16.4 (13 or 13R system)

• The potable water distribution piping on a commercial building, whether it is a 13 or

13R sprinkler system, is required to be separated from the sprinkler distribution piping. This is accomplished either by a totally separate sprinkler service line or, on a combined domestic water/sprinkler line using a backflow preventer on the sprinkler service branch prior to installation of the sprinkler distribution piping.

• The backflow preventer on an apartment complex building is generally located in a common access area inside the building. The backflow preventer is required to prevent contamination of the domestic water line on a combined system.

10) (Q) What are the special piping material requirements for installing a NFPA 13 D

sprinkler system in a single family residence for a partial system?

For a full fire

sprinkler system?

(A) There are no special material requirements for a partial system, standard water

piping per the North Carolina Plumbing Code is required if the installation is a

partial add on system. 614.4 #4 2012 PC. A full 13D system would have to meet

NFPA 13D material requirements. 615.1 2012 PC

CHAPTER 7 SANITARY DRAINAGE

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1) (Q) An engineering firm has submitted plans to construct a building with a large

meeting room located in a park in Mecklenburg County. The meeting room will be

rented by the parks department for meetings and social occasions. Neither the

parks department nor the health department (food services) will allow food to be

prepared on the site. The prep area contains a 3 compartment sink and a six

burner residential range with a type 2 hood. The waste for the building is drained

into a septic tank. Septic tank installations are required to be approved by the

Mecklenburg County Groundwater and Wastewater Dept. (GWWD) The

GWWD dept. will not require a grease interceptor on the site. The Code

enforcement department will require a point of use interceptor at the 3

compartment sink. The GWWD concludes the interceptor shall be installed

outside the building and meet their installation requirements. What should be

done to resolve the conflicts between the two departments?

(A) As with the minimum building codes the most restrictive requirements shall apply.

The grease interceptor is required it has to meet the minimum standards of both

the GWWD and the Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement Department code

minimums. The sanitary waste and vent system installation is required to be

permitted and inspected by the code enforcement department up to the

connection at the septic tank. Ref: 701.1, 701.2

2) (Q) In a residential single family dwelling that has 4 bathrooms with water closets, the

waste in the basement bathrooms is pumped to a lift station, the two upstairs

bathrooms drain by gravity. Would the main drain required be a 3 inch or a 4 inch?

(A) Even if the DFU’s calculation for the basement pump may allow a smaller main

drain if sloped at one quarter inch the main drain is required to be a 4 inch

because of the number of water closets discharging into the main drain.

Table 701.1 (1) footnote c, 2012 PC

3) (Q) I am trying to find out if you know of anyone who has approved compost type

water closets for use in a single family dwelling. If yes, what were the

circumstances of the approval. Examples: (Land did not perk, utility service not

available, convenience). The water closet would be installed in a single family

dwelling which already has an existing water closet connected to the sanitary

sewer?

(A) The department of environmental health would approve these only in extreme

circumstances where a septic system had failed and would not perk or a public

sewer system is not available. I have listed some info below. The NC plumbing

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code section only allows connection to a public sewer or approved private sewage

disposal system. A composting toilet shall only be approved by the State

Department of Environmental Health. Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement

has no jurisdiction to approve a composting toilet. 701.2 NCPC

4) (Q) What is the intent of adding the exception in the 2012 code eliminating the use of

PVC pipe and fittings for sanitary and storm sewer installations in high rise

buildings?

(A) Bill Moeller, PE, DOI Chief Plumbing/Fuel Gas. Interpretation.

The intent was to limit the use of plastic pipe for drain, waste, storm water and

vent in walls and concealed spaces in buildings in which the top floor is over 75 feet

above the grade of fire department access. Therefore exposed fittings under sinks

could be plastic. Pipe and fittings in walls and concealed in ceiling spaces could not

be plastic for these types of buildings. This code language goes back to what was

used prior to adoption of the ICC codes.

Therefore (1) PVC can be used underground, (2) piping in an adjacent building less

than 75 feet to the highest occupied floor can be plastic, (3) run-outs from stacks

should be cast iron, (4) concealed construction should not be plastic, (5) under sink

fittings and traps can be plastic and (6) PVC washing machine boxes are not

concealed and can be plastic. Material installed between the floors such as Pro Set

is not allowed. Ref: 702.1 Exceptions, 702.4 Exceptions, 1102.2 Exceptions, 1102.7

Exceptions, 2012 PC

5) (Q) I have a contractor who is replacing a galvanized 2 inch condensate riser in a high

rise 14 story building. The condensate riser is exposed in the trash room which is

rated 2 hour. The North Carolina Mechanical Code 307.2.2 has a list of the

materials approved for condensate drains. Most of the material used for DWV in

702 of the plumbing code is listed in 307.2.2 of the Mechanical Code. Joints and

connections for the piping installed per 307.2.2 of the Mechanical Code for

condensate are required to meet the requirements of Chapter 7 of the plumbing

Code. 702.4, fittings (exception) states that plastic pipe and fittings shall not be

used for DWV in which the top floor is 75 feet. Since the fittings cannot be plastic

for DWV does this also hold true for the condensate riser and therefore the

condensate riser has to be a ferrous material?

(A) The condensate drain line would have to be non combustible material and cannot

be plastic pipe for buildings in which the top floor level exceeds 75 feet. This is per

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section 102.1 which states that where there is a conflict between a specific

requirement and a general requirement of the code, the specific

requirement shall govern. 702.1 PC 2012

6) (Q) An AAV is installed on a plumbing vent. The AAV is specified from the

manufacturer for multiple applications. The 1(1/2) inch AAV may be installed

directly to a 1 (1/2) inch pipe (outside) or glued (inside) a 2 inch pipe. Does the

installation meet code and manufacturers recommendations?

(A) No. The code will not allow a shoulder on the inside of the pipe even if the

manufacturer of the pipe approves the installation the code will not allow gluing

on the inside the pipe.

Ref: 702.4, 2012 PC

7) (Q) Can the inside of a PVC pipe be used as a fitting to glue a cleanout or a closet

flange?

(A) DOI interpretation, September 2011. No, Section 702.4 states "pipe fittings shall

be approved for installation with the piping material installed and shall comply

with the applicable standards listed in Table 702.4. Table 702.4, PVC fittings

reference ASTM D 2665, ASTM F 1866, ASTM D 3034, and ASTM D 2949. Other than

not meeting these standards, inside pipe diameters can vary significantly as the

wall thickness and outside diameter varies and therefore is not suitable for use as a

fitting socket. 702.4, 2012 PC

8) (Q) The water service has been completed on a project, however, while installing the

sanitary sewer line the contractor runs into a problem. FYI: (The water service

line is crossing the water line at 90 degree angle.) The water line installation will

not allow the proper slope on the pipe to meet the code per the DFU calculation.

The engineer wants to replace the 4 inch sewer line with an 8 inch line so the

water service will not have to be re-done. With this fix the sewer line will meet

code per the slope requirement and miss the water service line. A. Would this

be allowed by code? B. If no. What are acceptable alternatives that will meet

code?

( A) A. No. 704.1 The “scouring velocity” of the piping cannot be maintained when

using an 8 inch pipe. B. To keep solids suspended a slope with a velocity of 2 feet

per second must be maintained. To use this alternate method the engineer will

have to provide calculations in a sealed letter that show the slope can be reduced

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and still maintain the 2fps velocity required to meet minimum code. The 2fps

allowance is in the code commentary and the NCDNR site utility requirements.

The contractor can re-route the water line as an alternate to providing the

calculations. Ref: 704.1

9) (Q) What are the special provisions in the code for heat fusion joints for

Polyvinylidene floride plastic pipe and tubing joints and what test procedure in

required?

(A) Joint surfaces shall be clean and free of moisture. The joint shall be undisturbed

until cool. The joints shall be made per ASTM F 1673. 705.18.8 PC 2012

10) (Q) Can a side-inlet quarter bend be used for wet venting and stack venting?

(A) Yes. Deleted in the 2009 code but it is in the 2012 Code. 706.4, 2012 PC

11) (Q) The section on heel- or –side inlet quarter bends that was deleted under the 2009

code has been added back into the code 706.4. What is the conflict between the

new code article and footnote “f “in table 606.3? What has been added to the

footnote that effects the Quarter Bend installations?

(A) Per DOI we must use the most stringent requirement from all code sections that

apply. See DOI interpretation below as well as the most stringent

requirements that currently apply in the information listed below:

DOI Interpretation from Bill Moeller:

Section 706.4 was deleted in the 2009 plumbing code but was carried forward from the

IPC in 2012. This was a new section that was not deleted by the ad hoc committee and was approved by the building code council. Since this was a new section it could not be added to the errata and will stand as is until a building code change request is done and submitted to the building code council. I have been advising those that ask about it, that in the interim we must use the most stringent of the two sections per section 102.1 of the plumbing code.

There are other ways to work around not using the low heel inlet but they are not as convenient or economical for plumbing contractors.

Jimmy Lawson is going to put together a code change request. When it is filed with the code council, so that we get a real code change in the works, I will pole the ad-hoc committee for their intent. If everyone on the ad-hoc committee agrees that section

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706.4 was not intended to be in the approved 2012 plumbing code, I will issue an interpretation based on the intent of the NC language on footnote f of 706.3.

The short answer is that the most stringent of both sections 706.3 and 706.4 are in effect at the present time.

Current Code per DOI interpretation: 102.1, most stringent requirements.

706.4

Heel-or side-inlet quarter bends. Current requirements per 2012 code.

1) A quarter bend is an acceptable means of connection. Exception: They cannot serve

a water closet whether the quarter bend is a high-heel or low-heel inlet type.

(706.4)

2) A low- heel inlet shall not be used as a wet-vented connection (706.4)

3) Side-inlet quarter bends shall be an acceptable means of connection for drainage,

wet venting and stack venting arrangements. (706.4)

4) Quarter bend fittings used for change in direction “horizontal to horizontal” shall

only be permitted to be used as the first fitting directly behind the fixture for

fixture drains 2 inches and smaller, except clothes washers.

(Table 706.3 foot note e)

5) Except as noted in # (1) above the high-heel inlet of a quarter bend may be used as

a wet or a dry vent if the heel inlet connection of the quarter bend is located in the

vertical position. (Table 706.3 foot note f)

6) A side inlet connection may be used as a wet vent if the quarter bend is located

directly below a water closet or other fixture with one integral trap. (Note: Other

than a water closet a high- heel- inlet may be used as a wet vent on a fixture with

one integral trap.) (Table 706.3 f)

7) A quarter bend, installed vertical to horizontal, except as noted in # (1) above, may

be used only within 12 inches below a water closet flange measured to the center

line of the quarter bend. (table 706.3 d)

12) (Q) Crawl Space Heights for Cleanouts: If a cleanout is placed in a crawl space, is the

travel path required to be 24 inches in height?

(A) Yes, the cleanout must extend to the outside of the building if the crawl space

height is less than 24 inches. If the cleanout is placed in the crawl space, the crawl

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3 rd Qtr. 10/1/12-12/31/12 Q & A in red

space height shall be not less than 24 inches at the cleanout and along the travel

path from the access door to the cleanout. 708.4 2012 PC

Qtr. 7/1/12-9/30/12 Q & A in blue 4 th

13) (Q) 406.3 allows a 2 inch clean out for a 3 inch washer line. Is it acceptable to reduce

the size of all cleanouts by two pipe sizes?

(A) No. 406.3 is the only exception to 708.7 which requires the same nominal size for

the cleanout as the drain size until the size exceeds 4 inch at which time a 4 inch

may be used on sizes above 4 inches. Ref: 406.3 and 708.3.5, 708.7, 2012 PC

14) (Q) What is the DFU value and minimum trap size for a Shower when the total rate of

flow is 21.8 gpm? 709.1 PC 2012

(A) Table 709.1 2012 PC DFU 5, Min. trap size 3 inch.

15) (Q) What is the drainage fixture unit value when a waste receptor receives clear-

water waste from a freezer?

(A) one –half DFU. 709.4.1

CHAPTER 8 INDIRECT/SPECIAL WASTE

1) (Q) A contractor is installing a service ware washing sink in a commercial kitchen. He is

connecting it directly to the drainage system. Is this allowed by code?

(A) Yes. The 2012 code allows a direct connection. 802.1.8 2012 PC

2) (Q) (1) is there a difference in a hub drain and a floor drain? (2) Do hub drains that are

flush with the floor level require a strainer? Example: Mechanical Closet.

(A) A floor drain is commonly used as a surface drain flush with the floor. A hub drain

usually supplies individual appliance drains piped directly to the hub drain without

a strainer. The hub drain that is cut off flush with the floor should have a strainer

installed. 802.3.2, 2012 PC

3) (Q) An indirect waste receptor (hub drain) is installed above a drop ceiling collecting

condensate from an air handler. Should the inspector approve or disapprove the

job under any or all of the following conditions:

a. The hub drain has a deep seal trap.

b. The hub drain has a deep seal trap and is trap primed from the tail piece of a

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bathroom lavatory from the floor above.

c. The contractor installs a metered water line directly to the trap as a primer.

d. The hub drain is installed in a return air plenum ceiling.

e. The hub drain is accessible from a pull down stair.

f. The hub drain is in an attic that has a permanent stair.

(A) (a-e disapproved) f. approved. Ref: 2009-802.3, 2012-802.3 “Ready access.”

CHAPTER 9 VENTS

1) (Q) Are vent stacks always required for every drainage stack that has five branch

intervals or more?

(A) No. A waste stack vent installed per 910 would not be required to meet the vent

stack five branch interval rules. 903.2 Exception, 2012 PC

2) (Q) A property owner has built a bathroom within 2 feet of the property line on the

side of his house which has been approved by zoning. A vent terminal is located 5

feet from the edge of the roof addition on a 2 in 12 pitched roof. Is this a code

violation?

(A) Yes. 904.5. (not within 10 feet of a property line), 2012 PC

3) (Q) Fixtures within a bathroom group are wet vented by a residential clothes washer

drain line that has been sized 3 inches to prevent sudzing action and allow for

free drainage in the system. Is the wet vent sized properly?

(A) 909.1, 2012 PC. A residential clothes washer drain line shall not be used as a

wet vent.

4) (Q) A group of fixtures on a circuit vent are discharging downstream from water

closet. 901.2.1 states that all fixtures discharging downstream from a water closet

shall be individually vented. Would this be allowed by code?

(A) Yes. 911, 2012 PC.

5) (Q) A circuit vent is installed that has eight fixtures four of which are water closets and

four are floor drains. A lavatory that is individually vented and two drinking

fountains that are common vented are upstream of the battery. Within the circuit

branch there are three urinals that are individually vented. (a) Are there any

special requirements for this circuit vent that would not apply to a standard circuit

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vent? (b) Can a floor drain per 905.4 be used to vent the circuit using the

exception? [c] Are there any special conditions for the urinals located within the

circuit branch? [d] What would determine the size of the horizontal branch being

circuit vented? (e) Are the lavatory and drinking fountains allowed upstream of the

circuit vented branch drain?

(A) (a) A relief vent is not required even though there are four water closets in the

circuit because this is a single floor and not a stack connection. 911.4 2012 PC

(b) No. this venting may be used for an individual floor drain or grease interceptor.

[c] The urinals fixture drains cannot be installed in the vertical they shall enter the

circuit branch drain on the horizontal only if installed within the circuit branch.

911.5 2012 PC

[d] The horizontal branch shall be sized for the total number of fixtures on the

branch. 911.3.1, 911.3 2012 PC

[e] Yes. They shall be individually vented. 911.5 2012 PC

6) (Q) A grocery store is using a combination waste and vent system to drain the clear

water waste from a group of coolers that run the entire length of one isle of the

store. A pump is being used to discharge water from a water bath for melons that

is being continuously circulated and re-charged with water. The pump is

discharging into the combination waste and vent line. The pump has a very low

gpm flow into the system. Would this be allowed by code?

(A) Yes. 912.2.2, 2012 PC. The low gpm would still allow adequate venting for the

combination waste and vent system.

7) (Q) A Plumbing Plans examiner receives an engineered sealed plan showing a day tank

in a return air plenum. The tank is vented with an acid resistant non combustible

AAV. Should the plan examiner approve this installation?

(A) No. Even though this is an engineered design the AAV is not allowed in a return air

plenum. 917.8, 2012 PC

8) (Q) Are there any unique code requirements that are in addition to the plumbing code

minimums for running copper DWV in a sovent system?

(A) Yes. If it is a single stack design compliance with the Copper Development

Association (CDA) Handbook No. 802 is required. 920.1, 2012PC

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CHAPTER 10 TRAPS, INTERCEPTORS, AND SEPARATORS

1) (Q) I am the plumbing engineer on the new Ralf and Sons restaurant. Does your

department size the grease interceptor for our restaurant? Can a hand sink

discharge indirect and go through the interceptor?

(A) Our policy is that the engineer sizes, specifies and seals the Grease interceptor.

We don’t get into interior vs. exterior; we just say that we require any drains such

as flat floor drains in the food prep area, pot sinks/3 compartment/food prep/

sinks/ & dishwashers are required to go thru the Interceptor. We request that any

clear water waste, i.e.: hand sinks/ice machine condensate in hub drains, go to

sanitary, to keep the size of the Grease Interceptor as small as possible. You should

specify a style of trap/interceptor and show your calculations, then seal it. Ref:

1003.3.1

2) (Q) I am installing a 2,000 gallon grease interceptor outside the building in a traffic

area. What are the sizing requirements for approval in Mecklenburg County?

(A) Per the 2012 North Carolina Plumbing Code and an informal interpretation from

Bill Moeller the code has removed enforcement of interceptors 500 gallons and

larger located outside the building. We have terminated plan review, permitting,

and inspections. Inspectors and plan examiners will require the piping entering

and leaving the interceptor to meet the North Carolina Plumbing Code. Grease

interceptors that were reviewed by Mecklenburg County Code enforcement prior

to September 30, 2012 shall be inspected for code compliance in the field.

1003.3.4 Exception PC

3) (Q) An apartment clubhouse has two residential ranges. A type I hood is required over

the ranges. It is the intent of the owner to allow cooking for the tenants who rent

and use a large banquet room in the clubhouse. Should a grease interceptor be

required for this operation? Would a point of use interceptor be allowed if the

kitchen only has a pot sink and a three compartment sink?

(A) Yes. The cooking in the clubhouse kitchen is not considered non intensive per the

interpretation on our web site and therefore will require at least a point of use

interceptor for each sink. 1003.3, 1003.3.1, 1003.3.4, 1003.3.4.1, Table. 1003.3.4.1,

2012 PC

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4) (Q) In the example above if only one range is provided with a type II hood and the

cooking is sporadic and non intensive would a grease interceptor be required at the

two compartment sink in the Kitchen?

(A) If the kitchen facilities utilize a “standard” two compartment or single

compartment sink there is not a need for an interceptor if the operation is as

stated in the question. If they provide a pot sink in addition to the standard two

compartment sink or if the only sink provided is a commercial pot sink or three

compartment sink then we will require a point of use interceptor. (See interceptor

requirements for clubhouses in apartment complexes on the Meckpermit.com

web site.) No change of interpretation for the 2012 code.

5) (Q) When is the waste from a food waste grinder required to go through a grease

interceptor?

(A) Waste from a food waste grinder is not required to go through a grease interceptor

by code. If the waste from the food waste grinder is required to go through a

grease interceptor by an outside agency or the design engineer for the project the

waste shall go through a solids interceptor first then the waste can go through a

grease interceptor. 1003.3.2, 2012 PC

6) (Q) What type of manufacturers listing and labeling would the Plumbing Inspector

require on a 2000 gallon steel grease interceptor located outside the building for a

restaurant?

(A) The inspector is not required to inspect the interceptor. If the interceptor is 500

gallons or larger and located outside the building the plumbing code exempts the

permitting, review and inspection of the interceptor other than the piping

entering and leaving the interceptor including material types. 1003.3.4 Exception,

2012 PC. (Bill Moeller, PE Dept. of Insurance, Chief Plumbing inspector provided

this interpretation) Effective date for plan review September 30 th 2012.

CHAPTER 11 STORM DRAINAGE

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1) (Q) While inspecting a commercial building for a final the plumbing inspector notices

the sanitary sewer is protected by a back water valve. The flood level rims of the

plumbing fixtures are below the elevation of the first upstream manhole. The

building has both primary and overflow roof drains. (a) Should the inspector

require a backwater valve on the primary storm drain line? (b) Should the

emergency storm drain line have backwater valve protection?

(A) (a) Yes. The code would require a backwater valve. 1101.9, 2012 PC

(b) No. Overflow drains are required to discharge in a location visible to

maintenance personnel above grade. They do not tie directly to the storm

sewer.

2) (Q) Plastic pipe can be used for primary roof drain conductors and horizontal storm

drains in high rise buildings as long as they are in concealed two hour shafts. Is this

permissible by current code?

(A) No. Neither Plastic Conductors nor plastic fittings may be used in a high rise

Building in concealed construction. 1102.2 Exception, 1102.7 Exceptions,

3) (Q) I have a project for an outdoor pavilion that has a roof with a 1/8 th inch per foot

slope to one side. The roof has short parapets. The roof drainage will be via the

parapet scuppers. Since the only plumbing related item is the roof drainage, would

they need a plumbing permit for this or will the building inspector handle the

inspection?

(A) After discussing this with Gene Morton former Building CA and current Director of

Inspections the following information answers the question. The plan review

scupper sizing, location, materials, etc. is usually checked by the Plumbing

Reviewers. The Building inspector checks the installation. Information

from the Building Code and the Plumbing Code should be utilized by the Plumbing

Reviewer and/or the Building Reviewer to check the primary and secondary

scuppers. The Plumbing reviewer should coordinate with the Building reviewer.

Both codes have specific requirements that are critical to a code compliant

installation. Code Ref: (1106.3, 1106.4 1106.5, table 1106.5, 1107.1, 1107.2, 1109

NC Plumbing Code, 2012.) ([P] 1503.4, 1503.4.1, 1503.4.2, 1611.1, 1611.2, 1611.3,

3201.4 NC Building Code, 2012 .)

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4) (Q) The South Park Mall roof cave in is an example of roof failure due to clogging of

roof drains. The 1967 code and our current code both have the same table for

down conductors (vertical roof drains) and horizontal roof drain calculations for a

100 year, 60 minute flood. What changes were made in the codes to attempt to

reduce this type of occurrence?

(A) The requirements were added in the code for secondary/ roof drains or scuppers

calculated for the 100 year, 15 min. flood. The combination of the two drains or

scuppers will prevent the ponding of a 100 year, 5 min. flood. The design goal

would be satisfied by the tandem drainage of the primary and overflow drains.

Section 1107, 2012 PC

APPENDIX REQUIREMENTS

1) (Q) Does the 2012 code regulate swimming pool piping, process piping systems, utility owned piping systems or rain water recycling systems?

(A) Only rain water recycling systems of the four listed. (Appendix C1 mandatory).

See also page VII.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, POLICY, ADMINSTRATIVE CODE

1) (Q) Water piping is being installed in an outside wall. Even though the water piping is

installed on the warm side of the wall insulation the inspector requires the pipe to

be insulated. Is this a code requirement?

(A) Generally not required. 305.6. Laundry rooms on exterior walls may have

special insulation requirements because of the number of openings in the wall. If

this is the case the plumbing or the building inspector may require R6.5 to be

installed in the exterior wall. 101.3, 2012 PC, protection of the plumbing system.

2) (Q) I am adding a 3 compartment sink to an existing restaurant. I will supply a point of

use interceptor for the 3 compartment sink and a pot sink. Do I have to supply a

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3 rd Qtr. 7/1/12-9/30/12 Q & A in blue 4 th Qtr. 10/1/12-12/31/12

grease interceptor for the existing floor drains and can wash?

Q & A in red

(A) No. We would not require you to chop up the floors to re route the plumbing to an

outside grease interceptor unless there is evidence of grease clog maintenance on

the drains in your building on a regular basis. You are either improving the situation

or protecting the additional installation. Departmental Policy per 102.2, 2012 PC

3) (Q) Plumbing permits are currently required for repairs when breaking a trap seal

"Unsafe conditions", does this include all traps?

(A) Yes, permits are required for breaking ALL trap seals. (Admin 102.4)

4) (Q) The new 2012 plumbing code has words italicize in the code text. The 2009 did

not have this feature. A. What does it mean when a word within a paragraph in

the body of the code is italicized? B. It is confusing that some of the same words

that are italicized in one paragraph of the code text are not italicized in other

paragraphs. Did the code writer just miss some words and not others?

(A) Page VI of the new code describes how to understand the italicized words.

A. When a word is italicized in the code text it means it has the exact meaning as

the definition in chapter 2 of the code.

B. If the word is in the definition but not italicized in the code text it does not

have the same exact meaning as the definition.

5) (Q) If the code has a bracket in front of the code text ([B] for Building Code for

instance) does that mean the Building inspector should enforce that section of the

code?

(A) No. The bracket beside the code text means a committee other than the

Plumbing Code change committee is responsible for the change. Enforcement is

still the responsibility of the plumbing plan reviewer or inspector.

6) (Q) Are service stations required to allow customers to use the plumbing facilities?

(A) NC law only requires that public restrooms are required if the occupancy has sit

down dining (hand washing) or in a public facility (Exp: government building,

train/bus station, etc.) This is a Department of Labor regulation. Public and

employee bathrooms are required by law to be constructed per the NC Building

code; however, NC Dept. of Insurance and the Courts have ruled that outside of

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the above exceptions,(public buildings and restaurants with seating) if the owners

are denying access, the owner or his designee are well within their rights to deny

access and denial is lawful. Ref: See NC State Dept. of Labor rules and regulations.

General Requirements

7) (Q) Is a code official required to enforce the seal requirements of the North Carolina

Architectural and Engineering licensing boards?

(A) We require seals on plans per the NC Administrative code. We also may require a

professional seal under certain circumstances. Once violations of the state Board of

Professional Engineers and Architects are identified it is up to board officials to

enforce the rules and regulations. 204.3.5, 203.4.5.1, 2012 NC Administrative Code

8) (Q) A contractor wants to use a product called Ape Tape produced by Sioux City

manufacturing for bundling plumbing piping under a crawl space floor. The product

has been approved by IAPMO. Should the field inspector approve the installation?

(A) No. The product is not on the approved list on the ICC web site. See DOI

comments from Bill Moeller, DOI Plumbing Chief. 303.4 PC, 2012

IAPMO is not currently recognized by ICC to my knowledge. I agree that currently anything accepted under an IAPMO report or certification would be an alternate method and should be thoroughly reviewed by the AHJ prior to allowing the alternate method.

DOI does not approve materials or products outside of the scope of the ICC-ES approvals or the standard list of testing agencies approved by DOI. We have issued letters in the past indicating that certain products can be accepted by the local jurisdiction as an alternate method. Whether the local AHJ accepts an alternate method is strictly up to the AHJ.

The list current testing of approved testing agencies is for electrical and mechanical devices and is administered by our chief electrical code consultant. I would need to know a lot more about the IAPMO lab accreditations, testing procedures, quality control programs, surveillance programs, ISO certifications and facilities before I could begin to make an assessment as to their qualifications as a testing lab. In looking at the attached

IAPMO certification of listing, I have a few comments.

1.

The marking requirements are more stringent than that required by our code. This is good.

2.

The installation instructions on page 2 contain 4 misspelled words and poor grammar.

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3.

The products are stated to comply with the latest ICC codes but fail to mention which years are applicable.

4.

The products are said to have been tested by an IAPMO R&T recognized laboratory but fails to list what testing lab, the test report number and test date. A copy of the test report would be good to have.

5.

To be a valid test report the manufacturing facility for the product should fall under a continuing surveillance program to assure that the tested products that were approved are still manufactured under the same materials, methods and design that was approved. The manufacturing facilities should be periodically audited by quality control personnel to assure this. This is not mentioned in the report.

6.

It might be prudent to audit IAPMO periodically to verify their processes comply with ISO standards for record keeping, etc. if they become an approved lab.

7.

I hope this answers your question at least in part. Approval or recommendation of

IAPMO certifications and test reports will take careful evaluation and a better understanding of their capabilities, processes and accreditations.

Bill Moeller

William H. Moeller, P.E.

Chief Plumbing Code Consultant

NCDOI/OSFM Engineering Division

9) (Q) I am installing a double sink in the bathroom of a dormitory bathroom that serves

a suite of four rooms. This installation is repeated multiple times through 3 floors

of the dormitory building. The dormitory has a post tension slab and the

bathrooms had to be re-designed to meet handicap provisions. I cannot maintain

the required 30 inch center to center distance required for the lavatories because

an air handler is on one side of the lavatory top that we have reduced to 2 inches

but cannot reduce further or the air handler cannot be removed from the closet.

The other side of the lavatory is a 6 inch wall with the drains and vents for the

bathroom stacks that are sleeved through the post tension floor. We would like to

leave the two sinks for the convenience of the students so two can shave and get

ready for class at one time. We can maintain 27 inches center to center maximum

under the current conditions. The residential code would allow 24 inches center to

center for lavatories. Since this occupancy is very similar to a residential occupancy

would you consider allowing the reduced clearance between the lavatories for this

building?

( A) Under special circumstances where the Plumbing Official makes the

determination that the installation meets the intent of the code a condition such

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as the one listed above may be approved on a case by case basis and for a single

occurrence where the modification will not lessen health, life, and fire safety

requirements. 105.1 PC 2012

10) (Q) I am installing a water heater in a dwelling unit. It is a like for like change out. I

am adding an expansion tank to protect the system which is a customary practice

for our shop. This is a deviation from the exact like for like change out as I

understand the program and intent. Do I need a permit for this change out?

(A) No. You are improving the performance of the system without changing the water

heater capacity, fuel, or location. 105.2, 2012 NCPC

11) (Q) Is there any way we could get the inspection department to work more closely

with us concerning insulation and or t-ply inspections? Apparently this has to be

done before our tubs are set which is causing us extra trips to the job(s) to set

tubs.

(A) This is being done under the “Energy Star” program, I am enclosing a “you tube”

Video as to the how and why (starts around the 1:50 mark in the video) But this is

an issue to take up with your builder, as the GC decides on the path he is going to

take on this; he pays the extra 50.00 charge for this inspection. It has to be done

before the tubs (usually only full surround on an outside wall) are set, we take the

GC’s word on the insulation (this can be verified by thermal imaging if necessary),

but we must see the framing/draft stopping behind the tub. I would recommend

closer coordination with your GC, as it is his framing we must look at.

12) (Q) We have a project that has three outdoor decorative fountains and a shower

drain associated with a pool. The MEP is telling us that the decorative fountains

and shower drain should be drained to the storm water system rather than sewer

system?

(A) The MEP designer is correct as long as there is no chemical feed to the fountains

and the pool is not heated you may drain to the storm sewer. If either of the two

previous conditions exist then the sanitary sewer system should be used to drain

the items identified in your email. As a general rule of thumb water supplied from

the utility should return to the utility through the sanitary sewer system.

13) (Q) In a follow-up question for the same project, we have an outdoor shower ( rinsing

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off only, no hot water ) required by the pool code for the pool. Should the outdoor

shower be drained to sanitary sewer or storm?

(A) If the shower is just for rinsing off and it only has a cold water connection (no hot

water connection allowed) the waste may go to storm.

14) (Q) A plan I had reviewed stated that the only plumbing scope of work was to remove

a waterline above the ceiling and cap it off. Would this work require a permit?

(A) Yes. A permit is required.

15) (Q) Where can I find the latest addition of the DOI newsletter?

( A) Use the link below to access their news letter. You may also sign up to received

the newsletter for free. http://www.ncdoi.com/OSFM/Engineering_and_Codes.aspx

33

16) (Q) The 2012 North Carolina Plumbing no longer has the requirement for

construction of domestic water heaters the meet the 400 degree temperature

requirement. I recently replaced my water heater with a Reem Gas Fired water

heater that is rated at 250 degrees. Is this acceptable?

(A) No. The North Carolina Plumbing Code no longer prints the North Carolina State

Statute that requires a sticker with the 400 degree temperature requirement in the

code book; however the requirement has not changed. A water heater that will

only meet the 250 degree temperature requirement cannot be sold or installed in

the State of North Carolina. 102.10 of the NCFGC. See Article 4A GS 66-27.2

101.3.1 North Carolina Administrative Code; Requirements of other state

commissions. The North Carolina State Building Codes do not include all additional

requirements for buildings and structures that may be imposed by other state

agencies, occupational licensing boards or commissions. It shall be the

responsibility of a permit holder, design professional, contractor or occupational

license holder to determine whether any additional requirements exist. The Reem

water heaters in question still comply with the 400 degree temperature

requirement per the manufacturer. Reem is installing the 400 degree stickers on

the water heaters in stock and will sell water heaters with the correct sticker in

North Carolina in the future.

NC Plumbing Code 2012 Land Use and Environmental Service Agency (Code Enforcement)

CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS

CHAPTER 3 GENERAL REGULATIONS

CHAPTER 4 FIXTURERS, FAUCETS AND FIXTURE FITTINGS

CHAPTER 5 WATER HEATERS

CHAPTER 6 WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION

CHAPTER 7 SANITARY DRAINAGE

CHAPTER 8 INDIRECT/SPECIAL WASTE

CHAPTER 9 VENTS

CHAPTER 10 TRAPS, INTERCEPTORS, AND SEPARATORS

CHAPTER 11 STORM DRAINAGE

APPENDIX REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, POLICY, ADMINSTRATIVE CODE

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NC Plumbing Code 2012 Land Use and Environmental Service Agency (Code Enforcement)

CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS

CHAPTER 3 GENERAL REGULATIONS

CHAPTER 4 FIXTURERS, FAUCETS AND FIXTURE FITTINGS

CHAPTER 5 WATER HEATERS

CHAPTER 6 WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION

CHAPTER 7 SANITARY DRAINAGE

CHAPTER 8 INDIRECT/SPECIAL WASTE

CHAPTER 9 VENTS

CHAPTER 10 TRAPS, INTERCEPTORS, AND SEPARATORS

CHAPTER 11 STORM DRAINAGE

APPENDIX REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, POLICY, ADMINSTRATIVE CODE

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