Article VIII: Plumbing Code

§ 6-17 Incorporation by Reference.

§ 6-17.1 International Plumbing Code 2018. 

The International Plumbing Code 2018 with the modifications found in §6-17.2 of this article, is incorporated by reference. (Ordinance 740 effective September 25, 2019, historical reference 12, 605, and 658)

§ 6-17.2 International Plumbing Code Amendments

Amendments for the International Plumbing Code are as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective July 1st 2012)

§ 6-17.2.1 Chapter 1. Administration. Delete Section 101.1 Title and replace with the following: (Ordinance 605 effective July 1st 2012)

101.1 Title. The International Plumbing Code shall be known and may be cited as the Town of Easton, Plumbing Code.  It is referenced within as this code.

§ 6-17.2.2 Chapter 1. Administration. Delete the Exception under Section 101.2 Scope. (Ordinance 605 effective July 1st 2012)

§ 6-17.2.3 Chapter 1. Administration. Add Section 101.3.1 thru 101.3.22 Basic Principles to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

101.3.1    PRINCIPLE NO. 1 – ALL OCCUPIED PREMISES SHALL HAVE POTABLE WATER. All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy, or use shall be provided with a supply of potable water. Such a water supply shall not be connected with unsafe water sources, nor shall it be subject to the hazards of backflow, so installed as to prevent backflow or siphonage.

101.3.2    PRINCIPLE NO. 2 – ADEQUATE WATER REQUIRED. Plumbing fixtures, devices, and appurtenances shall be supplied with water in sufficient volume and at pressures adequate to enable them to function properly and without undue noise under normal conditions of use.

101.3.3    PRINCIPLE NO. 3 – HOT WATER REQUIRED. Hot water shall be supplied to all plumbing fixtures which normally need or require hot water for their proper use and function.

101.3.4    PRINCIPLE NO. 4 – WATER CONSERVATION. Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum quantity of water consistent with proper performance, cleaning and with Business Occupations and Professions Article, 12-605(b), Annotated Code of Maryland.

101.3.5    PRINCIPLE NO. 5 – SAFETY DEVICES. Devices for heating and storing water shall be so designed and installed as to guard against dangers from explosion or overheating.

101.3.6    PRINCIPLE NO. 6 – USE PUBLIC SEWER WHERE AVAILABLE. Every building with installed plumbing fixtures and intended for human habitation, occupancy, or use, and located on premises where a public sewer is on or passes said premises within a reasonable distance, shall be connected to the sewer.

101.3.7    PRINCIPLE NO. 7 – REQUIRED PLUMBING FIXTURES. Each family dwelling unit shall have at least one water closet, one lavatory, one kitchen-type sink, and one bathtub or shower to meet the basic requirements of sanitation and personal hygiene. All other structures for human habitation shall be equipped with sufficient sanitary facilities. Plumbing fixtures shall be made of durable, smooth, non-absorbent and corrosion resistant material and shall be free from concealed fouling surfaces.

101.3.8    PRINCIPLE NO. 8 – DRAINAGE SYSTEM. The drainage system shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to guard against fouling, deposit of solids and clogging, and with adequate cleanouts so arranged that the pipes may be readily cleaned.

101.3.9    PRINCIPLE NO. 9 – DURABLE MATERIALS AND GOOD WORKMANSHIP. The piping of the plumbing system shall be of durable material, free from defective workmanship and so designed and constructed as to give satisfactory service for its reasonable expected life.

101.3.10    PRINCIPLE NO. 10 – FIXTURE TRAPS. Each fixture directly connected to the drainage system shall be equipped with a liquid seal trap.

101.3.11    PRINCIPLE NO. 11 – TRAP SEALS SHALL BE PROTECTED. The drainage system shall be designed to provide an adequate circulation of air in all pipes with no danger of siphonage, aspiration, or forcing of trap seals under conditions of ordinary use.

101.3.12    PRINCIPLE NO. 12 – EXHAUST FOUL AIR TO OUTSIDE. Each vent terminal shall extend to the outer air and be so installed as to minimize the possibilities of clogging and the return of foul air to the building.

101.3.13    PRINCIPLE NO. 13 – TEST THE PLUMBING SYSTEM. The plumbing system shall be subjected to such tests as will effectively disclose all leaks and defects in the work or the material.

101.3.14    PRINCIPLE NO. 14 – EXCLUDE CERTAIN SUBSTANCES FROM THE PLUMBING SYSTEM. No substance which will clog or accentuate clogging of pipes, produce explosive mixtures, destroy the pipes or their joints, or interfere unduly with the sewage-disposal process shall be allowed to enter the building drainage system.

101.3.15    PRINCIPLE NO. 15 – PREVENT CONTAMINATION . Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of food, water, sterile goods, and similar materials by backflow of sewage. When necessary, the fixture, device, or appliance shall be connected indirectly with the building drainage system.

101.3.16    PRINCIPLE NO. 16 – LIGHT AND VENTILATION. No water closet or similar fixture shall be located in a room or compartment which is not properly lighted and ventilated.

101.3.17    PRINCIPLE NO. 17 – INDIVIDUAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS. If water closets or other plumbing fixtures are installed in buildings where there is no sewer within a reasonable distance, suitable provision shall be made for disposing of the sewage by some accepted method of sewage treatment and disposal.

101.3.18    PRINCIPLE NO. 18 – PREVENT SEWER FLOODING. Where a plumbing drainage system is subject to backflow of sewage from the public sewer or private disposal system, suitable provision shall be made to prevent its overflow in the building.

101.3.19    PRINCIPLE NO. 19 – PROPER MAINTENANCE. Plumbing systems shall be maintained in a safe and serviceable condition from the standpoint of both mechanics and health.

101.3.20    PRINCIPLE NO. 20 – FIXTURES SHALL BE ACCESSIBLE. All plumbing fixtures shall be so installed with regard to spacing as to be accessible for their intended use and for cleaning.

101.3.21    PRINCIPLE NO. 21 – STRUCTURAL SAFETY. Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to preservation of the strength of structural members and prevention of damage to walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.

101.3.22    PRINCIPLE NO. 22 – PROTECT GROUND AND SURFACE WATER. Sewage or other waste shall not be discharged into surface or sub-surface water unless it has first been subjected to some acceptable form of treatment.

§ 6-17.2.4 Chapter 1. Administration. Delete Part 2 Administration and Enforcement and replace with the following: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

103.1 Administration. The Plumbing Code is regulated by the Building Codes Administration under Article I of Chapter 6.

§ 6-17.2.5 Chapter 2. Definitions. Delete Section 201.3 Terms defined in other codes, and replace with the following: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Terms that are not defined in this code but are defined in the International Building Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code or the International Residential Code shall have the meanings ascribed to them in those codes.

§ 6-17.2.6 Chapter 2. Definitions. Delete the definition of Air Break under Section 202 General Definitions, and replace with the following: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

AIR BREAK (Drainage System). A piping arrangement in which a drain from a fixture, appliance or device discharges indirectly into another fixture, receptacle or interceptor at a point below the flood level rim and above the trap seal so installed as to prevent backflow or siphonage.

§ 6-17.2.7 Chapter 2. Definitions. Add a definition for Frostproof Closet under Section 202 General Definitions, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

FROSTPROOF CLOSET. A hopper with no water in the bowl and with the trap and water supply control valve located below the frost line."

§ 6-17.2.8 Chapter 2. Definitions. Add a definition for Incidental Plumbing Services under Section 202 General Definitions, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

INCIDENTAL PLUMBING SERVICES. Repair of faucets, ball-cock valves, and shutoff valves; cleaning of choked drain lines and repairing of minor leaks. Incidental Plumbing Services does not include replacement of any plumbing fixture, new installation, or any work, including repairs of faucets, ball-cock valves, and shutoff valves, cleaning of choked drain lines, and repairing of minor leaks, that requires a permit by the Town of Easton.

§ 6-17.2.9 Chapter 2. Definitions. Add a definition for Minor Repair Services under Section 202 General Definitions, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

MINOR REPAIR SERVICES. Repair or replacement of faucets, ball-cock valves, and shut-off valves; cleaning of choked drain lines; and repairing leaks in piping and fixtures that do not require changes in sizes, types of materials, or pipe configuration. Minor Repair Services does not include complete replacement of any plumbing fixture, new installation, or any work described in this paragraph if a permit is required by the Town of Easton.

§ 6-17.2.10 Chapter 2. Definitions. Delete the definition of Plumbing System under Section 202 General Definitions, and replace with the following: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

PLUMBING SYSTEM. Includes the water supply and distribution pipes; plumbing fixtures and traps; water-treating or water-using equipment; soil, waste and vent pipes; and sanitary and storm sewers and building drains; in addition to their respective connections, devices and appurtenances within a structure or premises, within the property line.  It does not include the mains of a public sewer system or private or public sewage treatment or disposal plant outside the property line.

§ 6-17.2.11 Chapter 2. Definitions. Add a definition for Scavenger under Section 202 General Definitions, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012

SCAVENGER. Any person engaged in the business of cleaning and emptying septic tanks, seepage pits, privies, or any other sewage disposal facility.

§ 6-17.2.12 Chapter 2. Definitions. Add a definition for Vacuum Intake under Section 202 General Definitions, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

VACUUM INTAKE. A vacuum intake has no trap or mechanical device to keep gasses from leaving the sewer line. An intake is a vertical pipe installed to provide circulation of air to the drainage system. No intake terminal shall be located directly beneath any door, window or other ventilating opening of the building or of an adjacent building, nor shall any such intake terminal be within 10 feet horizontally of such an opening unless it is at least 2 feet above the top of such opening.

§ 6-17.2.13 Chapter 3 General Regulations. Add Section 303.5 Uniform Color Code, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

303.5 Uniform Color Code. All non-potable water shall be identified in accordance with section

608.8. All subsurface pipes must be permanently marked or completely colorized for easy identification as follows:

303.5.1    YELLOW. Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or gaseous materials

303.5.2    BLUE. Water

303.5.3    LAVENDER. Reclaimed water

§ 6-17.2.14 Chapter 3 General Regulations. Delete Section 305.4.1 Sewer Depth, and replace with the following: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

305.4.1 Sewer depth. Building sewers that connect to private sewage disposal systems shall be a minimum of 30 inches below finished grade at the point of septic tank connection. Building sewers shall be a minimum of 30 inches below grade.

§ 6-17.2.15 Chapter 3 General Regulations. Add Section 306.5 Trenching Protection, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012, historical reference 12)

306.5    Trenching Protection. Trenching shall be protected by proper guards around all excavations made on any public right-of-way in the Town and shall cause lights to be provided and maintained on same each night between sunset and sunrise.

§ 6-17.2.16 Chapter 3 General Regulations. Add Section 306.6 Trenching Restoration, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012, historical reference 12)

306.6    Trenching Restoration. All streets, road, lanes, alleys and similar, including gutters, curbs and sidewalks, disturbed by trenching shall replace and restore to the standards of the Town.

§ 6-17.2.17 Chapter 4 Fixture, Faucets and Fixture Fittings. Delete Section 403.2.1 Family or Assisted- use toilet facilities serving as separate facilities and replace with the following: (Ordinance 740 effective September 25, 2019, historical reference 605) 

403.2.1 Accessible, Family, Assisted-Use or Unisex Toilet Facility.  In new construction for assembly and mercantile occupancies, an accessible toilet facility may be provided where an aggregate of six or more male or female water closets are required. In buildings of mixed occupancy, those water closets required for the assembly or mercantile portion of the occupancy would be used to determine the ability to make use of the toilet facility option. The inclusion of the one accessible toilet facility room shall be allowed to replace both one male and one female toilet. Accessible, Family, Assisted- Use or Unisex Toilet Facility shall comply with this section and the requirements for accessible toilet rooms as per standards prescribed in COMAR 09.12.53 Maryland Accessibility Code.

403.2.1.1 Toilet facility shall include only one water closet and only one lavatory.

403.2.1.2 Toilet facility shall be located on an accessible route. Unisex toilet rooms shall be located not more than one story above or below separate-sex toilet rooms. The accessible route from any separate-sex toilet rooms to a unisex toilet room shall not exceed 500 feet/152.4m.

403.2.1.3 Toilet facility shall be designated by accessible signs. Directional signage shall be provided at all separate-sex toilet rooms indicating the location of the nearest unisex toilet room.

§ 6-17.2.18 Chapter 5. Water Heaters. Add Section 501.2.1 Water Circulation, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

105.2.1    Water Circulation. The system shall be equipped with a means to prevent and provide for periodic circulation between the water heater and the exchanger during off seasons.

§ 6-17.2.19 Chapter 5. Water Heaters. Add Section 501.2.2 Informational Sheet, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

105.2.2    Informational Sheet. For all such devices used in Maryland, an informational sheet shall be provided that outlines all of the requirements COMAR 09.20.01.02(I)(1).

§ 6-17.2.20 Chapter 6. Water Supply and Distribution. Add Section 605.4.1 Water Service Pipe, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

605.4.1 Water Service Pipe. Copper tube when used underground may not be less than type L. All threaded ferrous pipe and fittings shall be galvanized or cement lined, and, when used underground in corrosive soil or filled ground, shall be coal-tar enamel coated, or its equivalent, and threaded points shall be coated and wrapped when installed.

§ 6-17.2.21 Chapter 6. Water Supply and Distribution. Delete Section 608.14 Backflow Protection, and replace with the following: (Ordinance 740 effective September 25, 2019, historical reference 605)

608.14 Backflow Protection. Means of protection against backflow shall be provided in accordance with Sections 608.14.1 through 608.14.9 including but not limited to the following: Operating, dissection, embalming and mortuary tables or similar equipment; in these installations, the hose used for water supply shall terminate at least 12 inches away from every point of the table or attachments; Water closets equipped with flushometer valves or with flushing tanks with submerged float operated ball-cocks; Seat-acting water closets; Bed pan washers; Bidets; Sterilizers with water supply connections; Therapeutic baths with inlets below the rim of the fixture; Water operating waste ejectors, such as used by dentists, undertakers and those who practice colonic irrigation; Bathtubs with inlets below the rim of the fixture;  Wash basins with inlets below the rim of the fixture; Bar, soda fountain, or other sinks with submerged inlets; Laundry trays with faucets below the rim; Sinks with faucets or water inlets below the rim and sinks with loose hose connections; Dishwashing sinks or machines with water inlets below the rim; Cuspidors with water supply connections; Dental cuspidors with water supply connections; Hospital appliances generally, such as sterilizers, condensers, filters, stills, pipette washers, aspirators, and washers; Frostproof hydrants with underground bleed or automatic livestock watering devices; Industrial vats, tanks, etc. of any description which have an inverted water supply connection, or a water supply connection below the top of the spill rim, or in which a hose filler is used; Industrial water supplied process appliances with direct water connections; A rubber hose with hand control or self-closing faucets attached, as used in connection with baths, industrial vats, tanneries, etc.; Pressure water supplied sealing rings on sewage and sludge pumps; Water supply for priming connections; Water supply (hot or cold) to laundry equipment; Condenser cooling connections for refrigeration and air conditioning machinery; Drains from fire sprinklers connected directly to sewers or wastes; Steam tables; Condensers; Stills; Aspirators; Chlorinators; Photographic developing tanks; Laboratory water faucets and cocks with serrated nipples or hose connections; and Any other fixture or installation creating a similar hazard.

§ 6-17.2.22 Chapter 7. Sanitary Drainage. Delete Section 701.2 Connection to Sewer Required, and replace with the following: (Ordinance 740 effective September 25, 2019, historical reference 605)

701.2 Connection to Sewer Required. Every building in which plumbing fixtures are installed and all premises having drainage piping shall be connected to a public sewer, where available, or an approved private sewage disposal system in accordance with the Talbot County Environmental Health Office.

§ 6-17.2.23 Chapter 7. Sanitary Drainage. Add Section 703.7 Building Sewer Size, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012 and Ordinance 658 effective July 1, 2015)

703.7 Building Sewer Size. The minimum size of the building sewer shall be 4 inches.

§ 6-17.2.24 Chapter 8. Indirect/Special Waste. Add Section 803.3 Refrigeration Waste, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012 and Ordinance 658 effective July 1, 2015)

803.3 Refrigeration Waste. Refrigeration waste pipes may not be smaller than shown in the following:

  1. 1 ¼ inch: 1 inlet serving not more than 100 cubic feet of refrigeration space;
  2. 2 inch: 2 to 12 - 1 ¼ inch inlets or the equivalent refrigeration space;
  3. 3 inch: 13 to 36 - 1 ¼ inch inlets or the equivalent refrigeration space.

§ 6-17.2.25 Chapter 9 Vents. Delete Section 903.1 Roof Extensions, and replace with the following: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

903.1 Roof extension. All open vent pipes that extend through a roof shall be terminated at least 14 inches above the roof, except that where a roof is to be used for any purpose other than weather protection, the vent extensions shall be run at least 7 feet (2134 mm) above the roof.

§ 6-17.2.26 Chapter 9 Vents. Delete Section 913.3 Stack Vent, and replace with the following: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

913.3    Stack Vent. A stack vent shall be provided for the waste stack . The size of the stack vent shall be not less than the size of the waste stack . Offsets shall be permitted in the stack vent , shall be located at least 6 inches (152 mm) above the flood level of the highest fixture, Offsets in stacks greater than at a 45 degree angle are not permitted unless all piping from the start of the offset is increased one pipe size and shall be in accordance with Section 905.2. The stack vent shall be permitted to connect with other stack vents and vent stacks in accordance with Section 904.5.

913.3.1    Stack Vent. May be used in any building up to three-story levels of plumbing fixtures. All stacks shall continue undiminished in size through the roof.

913.3.2    Fixture Unit Loading. Capacities may not exceed one-half of the capacities listed in Table 710.1(1) and Table 710.1(2).

913.3.2.1    When all of the plumbing fixtures can only be on one story level, the stack or horizontal drain can receive all of the permitted fixture unit capacity.

913.3.2.2    When the plumbing fixtures can be on two story levels, the maximum fixture unit load on each possible story level may not exceed one half of the total permitted fixture unit capacity.

913.3.2.3    When the plumbing fixtures can be on three story levels, the maximum fixture unit load on each possible story level may not exceed one third of the total permitted fixture unit capacity.

913.3.3    Fixtures for clothes washing and washing machines. Shall be installed only on the lowest story level.

913.3.4    Fixtures Downstream of a Water Closet. Fixtures other than another water closet may not be installed downstream from a water closet unless there is a 5 foot length of pipe without any fixture connections before the next fixture is connected.

913.3.5    Stack Vent Junction. There may not be any fixtures connected within 5 feet downstream or 3 feet upstream from the junction of a vertical line with a horizontal line. The fitting at the junction of a vertical line with a horizontal line shall be full size of the horizontal line to the point where the line is 90 degrees from a horizontal plane.

913.3.6    Minimum size building drain and extensions. Shall be 4 inches to the base of all stacks.

913.3.7    Trap Arm. Each trap arm shall be individually connected into the stack or horizontal line, and the maximum length of the trap arm may not exceed 5 feet. Side inlet connections into a 4- inch closet bend shall be accepted as individual connections.

913.3.8    Entrance fittings from a stack into a horizontal line. Shall have the equivalent sweep and radius of two 45 degree fittings with 1 foot of pipe between the fittings, or the fittings shall have a radius of two times the nominal pipe diameter. The vertical portion of the line shall be completely outside the junction area that turns horizontal.

913.3.9    Entrance fittings into a stack or in a change of direction from horizontal to vertical, horizontal to horizontal. Shall have a minimum radius of one pipe diameter of the upstream horizontal pipe.

913.3.10    Additional Venting. Venting the base of the stack, or other venting, into the building drain, at least 5 feet downstream or upstream from any other connection. Venting may also be permitted into a stack at least 5 feet downstream or upstream from any other connection.

§ 6-17.2.27 Chapter 10 Traps, Interceptors and Separators. Delete Exception 2 for Section 1002.1 Fixture Traps, and replace with the following: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012)

2.    A combination plumbing fixture is permitted to be installed on one trap, provided that one compartment is not more than 6 inches (152 mm) deeper than the other compartment, the waste outlets are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) apart and neither outlet is equipped with a food- waste grinder.

§ 6-17.2.28 Chapter 10 Traps, Interceptors and Separators. Add an Exception to Section 1003.1 Where Required, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012, historical reference 12)

Exception: Commercial Buildings, a grease interceptor may not be required in restaurants, hotel kitchens, bars, factory cafeterias or restaurants, clubs, or other similar establishments, as determined by the Town of Easton.

§ 6-17.2.29 Chapter 10 Traps, Interceptors and Separators. Add Section 1003.4.3 Point of Discharge, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012, historical reference 12)

1003.4.3 Point of Discharge. In a structure where a public sanitary sewer is available, the waste pipe from oil separators shall discharge, if installed, into the public sanitary sewer, or any more restrictive manner as otherwise mandated by the Town of Easton.

§ 6-17.2.30 Chapter 10 Traps, Interceptors and Separators. Add Section 1003.5.1 Point of Discharge, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012, historical reference 12)

1003.5.1 Point of Discharge. In a structure where a public sanitary sewer is available, the waste pipe from sand interceptors shall discharge, into the public sanitary sewer, or any more restrictive manner as otherwise mandated by the Town of Easton.

§ 6-17.2.31 Chapter 10 Traps, Interceptors and Separators. Delete Section 1003.1 Where required and replace with the following: (Ordinance 658 effective July 1st 2015)

1003.1 Where required. Interceptors, separators, neutralizers, dilution tanks, or other means shall be provided to prevent the discharge of fats, oils, greases, flammable liquids, sand, solids, acid or alkaline waste, chemicals, or other harmful-hazardous substances from entering a building drainage system, a public or private sewage system or the sewage treatment plant or processes.

§ 6-17.2.32 Chapter 10 Traps, Interceptors and Separators. Add Section 1005 On-Site Subsurface Disposal, to read as follows: (Ordinance 658 effective, July 1st 2015, historical reference 12 and 605)

SECTION 1005 On-Site Subsurface Disposal

1005.1 On-Site Subsurface Disposal. Any new construction of a structure or renovation of an existing structure which discharges liquid wastes which require a interceptor and separator according to Section 1003.1 or which discharges other industrial waste waters shall have the option of discharging into an on-site subsurface disposal system, providing the facility's owner/operator applies for and obtains from the Maryland Department of the Environment a water discharge permit issued pursuant to the provisions and conditions of COMAR

1005.1.1 Underground Tanks. If an underground tank is installed, it shall be corrosion protected and designed according to COMAR

§ 6-17.2.33 Chapter 12. Special Piping and Storage Systems. Delete Section 1201.1 Scope, and replace with the following: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012 and Ordinance 658 effective July 1, 2015)

1201.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the design and installation of piping and storage systems for nonflammable medical gas systems and nonmedical oxygen systems. All maintenance and operations of such systems shall be in accordance with the Maryland Fire Prevention Code.

§ 6-17.2.34 Appendix A. Add Appendix A Mobile Home and Travel Trailer Park Plumbing Standards, to read as follows: (Ordinance 605 effective, July 1st 2012 and Ordinance 658 effective July 1, 2015)

APPENDIX A

MOBILE HOME & TRAVEL TRAILER PARK PLUMBING STANDARDS

SECTION A101 GENERAL

A101.1 General. The requirements of this chapter are intended as general requirements for parks and campgrounds that serve travel trailers, recreational vehicles, and mobile homes. Travel trailers and recreational vehicles are used as temporary dwellings for travel or recreational purposes. Mobile homes are movable structures or units that are designed as living quarters.

A101.2 Plumbing Requirements. The primary objective of this Chapter is to assure sanitary plumbing installations in trailer parks and operation of trailer parks.

SECTION A102 DEFINITIONS

Service Buildings. A building housing toilet, laundry and any other such facilities as may be required.

Sewer Connection. Sewer connection is that portion of the drainage piping that extends as a single terminal under the trailer coach for connection with the trailer park drainage system.

Trailer Coach. Any camp-car, trailer, or other vehicle with or without motive power, designed and constructed to travel on the public thoroughfares in accordance with provisions of the Vehicle Code and designed or used for human habitation.

Trailer Coach, Dependent. One which is not equipped with a water closet for sewage disposal.

Trailer Coach, Independent. One which is equipped with a water closet for sewage disposal.

Trailer Coach Drain Connection. The removable extension connecting the trailer coach drainage system to the trailer connection fixture.

Trailer Coach, Left Side. The side farthest from the curb when the trailer home is being towed or in transit.

Trailer Connection Fixture. A connection to a trap that is connected to the park drainage system, and receives the water, liquid or other waste discharge from a trailer coach.

Trailer Park Drainage System. The entire system of drainage piping used to convey sewage or other waste from a trailer connection fixture to the sewer.

Trailer Park Branch Line. That portion of drainage piping that receives the discharge from not more than two trailer connection fixtures.

Trailer Park. Any area or tract of land where space is rented or held-out for rent or occupied by two or more trailer coaches.

Trailer Park Sewer System. That piping that extends from the public or private sewage disposal system to a point where the first trailer park drainage system branch fitting is installed.

Trailer Park Water Service Main. That portion of the water distribution system that extends from the street main, water meter, or other source of supply to the trailer site water service branch.

Trailer Site. That area set out by boundaries on which one trailer can be located.

Trailer Site Water Service Branch. That portion of the water distributing system extended from the park service main to a trailer site, and includes connections, devices, and appurtenances thereto.

Water Service Connection. That portion of the water supply piping that extends as a single terminal under the trailer coach for connection with the trailer coach park water supply system.

SECTION A103 STANDARDS

A103.1 General. Plumbing systems hereafter installed in parks and campgrounds shall conform to the provisions set forth in the Plumbing Code and also to the provisions set forth in this Chapter.

A103.2 Plans and Specifications. Before any plumbing or sewage disposal facilities are installed or altered in any parks and campgrounds, plans and specifications shall be filed, and required permits obtained. Plans shall show the following in detail:

A103.2.1 Plot Plan. Plot plan of the park, drawn to scale, indicating elevations, property lines, driveways, existing or proposed buildings, and sizes of trailer sites.

A103.2.2 Plumbing Layout. Complete specifications and piping layout of proposed plumbing system or alteration.

A103.2.3 Sewage Disposal Layout. Complete specifications and piping layout of proposed sewer system or alteration.

A103.2.4 Conformance. Trailer park plumbing systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of this Code and shall, in addition, conform to all other pertinent local codes and State regulations.

A103.3 Materials. Materials shall conform to the approved standards set forth in other sections of this Code.

SECTION A104 DRAINAGE SYSTEM

A104.1 Design and Installation. The parks and campgrounds drainage system shall be designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of this Code.

A104.2 Alternate. The parks and campgrounds drainage system may be installed by the use of a combination waste and vent drainage system, which shall consist of an installation of waste piping, as hereinafter provided in this Section, in which the traps for one or more trailer connection fixtures are not separately or independently vented, but which is vented through the waste piping of such size to provide free circulation of air therein.

A104.3 Each Independent Trailer Site. Each independent trailer site shall be provided with a trapped trailer connection that shall consist of a three inch horizontal iron pipe-size threaded connection, installed a minimum of three inches and a maximum of six inches (from the bottom of the connection), above the finished grade. The vertical connection to the trailer connection fixture shall be anchored in a concrete slab four inches thick, and 18" x 18" square.

A104.4 Above Ground. Any part of the plumbing system extending above the ground shall be protected from damage.

A104.5 Trap Connections. Each trailer site shall be provided with a three-inch I.P.S. male or female threaded connection, extended above the surrounding grade, from a three- inch minimum size vented p-trap.

A104.5.1 Location. Traps shall be located with reference to the immediate boundary lines of the designated space or area within each trailer site that will actually be occupied by the trailer. Each such trap shall be located in the rear third-quarter section along the left boundary line of the trailer parking area not less than one foot or more than three feet from the road side of the trailer and shall be a minimum of five feet from the rear boundary of the trailer site.

A104.5.2 Material. All traps, tail pipes, vertical vents, the upper five feet of any horizontal vent, and the first five feet of any trap branch shall be fabricated from materials approved for use within a building.

A104.6 Restriction. No vertical pipe shall be used in a special waste and vent system, except the vent pipe, and the connection to the trailer connection fixture.

A104.7 Drain Connections. Mobile home and travel trailer drain connections shall be of approved semi-rigid or flexible reinforced hose having smooth interior surfaces and not be less than a 3-inch inside diameter. Main connections shall be equipped with a standard quick-disconnect screw or clamp type fitting, not smaller than the outlet. Main connections shall be gas-tight and no longer than necessary to make the connection between the trailer coach drain connection and the trailer connector fixture on the site.

A104.8 Cleanouts. Cleanouts shall be provided as required by Section 708, except cleanouts shall be provided in the vent stacks one foot above grade.

A104.9 Fixture Unit Loading. For the purpose of determining pipe sizes, each trailer site connection shall be assigned a waste loading value of six fixture units and each trailer park drainage system shall be sized as provided in Table A104.12.

A104.10 Slope. The grade on sewers shall provide a minimum velocity of two feet per second when the pipe is flowing half full.

A104.11 Discharge. The discharge of the parks and campgrounds drainage systems shall be connected to a public sewer.

A104.12 Minimum Pipe Size. Minimum pipe sizes in the drainage system shall be as set forth in Table A104.12.

Table A104.12
Drain Pipe Sizing
Maximum Number of Trailers, Individually Vented SystemsMax. No. of Trailers, Wet-Vented System Size of Drain
213"
302104"
100506"
400-8"
1000-10"


SECTION A105 VENTING

A105.1 Location. Each wet-vented drainage system shall be provided with a vent not more than 15 feet downstream from its upper trap, and long mains shall be provided with additional relief vents at intervals of not more than 100 feet thereafter. The minimum size of each vent serving a wet-vented system shall be as set forth in Table A105.1.

TABLE A105.1 VENT SIZING
Size of Wet-Vented DrainMinimum Size of Vent
3"2"
4"3"
5"4"
6"5"


A105.2 Vent Connections. All vent intersections shall be taken off above the center line of the horizontal pipe. All vent stacks shall be supported by a four-inch by four-inch redwood post, set in at least two feet of concrete extending at least four inches above the ground, or supported by another approved method.

A105.3 Galvanized Steel Vent Pipe. Galvanized steel vent pipe may extend below the ground vertically, and may directly intersect a drainage line with an approved fitting, if the entire section around both the drain and the galvanized pipe is encased in concrete to prevent any movement.

Galvanized steel pipe encased in concrete shall be first coated with bituminous paint, or equivalent protective material.

A105.4 Location of Vent Pipes. Vent pipes shall terminate at least 10 feet above grade and be at least 10 feet from any property line. No vent shall terminate directly beneath any door, window, or ventilation openings of the building or of an adjacent building, nor shall any such vent terminal be within 10 feet horizontally from such opening unless it is at least 2 feet above the top of such opening.

A105.5 Size of Vent Stack. All vent stacks in the wet-vented system shall be three inches or more in diameter, except that a three-inch branch line may be vented by a two-inch vent.  See Table A105.1.

A105.6 Wet Vented Branch Drain Lines. No three-inch branch drain shall exceed six feet in length, and no four-inch branch drain shall exceed 15 feet in length, unless they are properly vented.

A105.7 Trailer Connections. Each trailer connection fixture outlet shall be provided with a screw- type plug or cap, and be effectively capped when not in use.

SECTION A106

WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

A106.1 Conformance. Each parks and campgrounds water distribution system shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 6 of this Code and shall be so designed and maintained as to provide a residual pressure of not less than 20 psi at each trailer site under normal operating conditions.

A106.2 Individual Water Service Branch. Every trailer site shall be provided with an individual water service branch line that shall not be less than 3/4" size, delivering safe, potable water.

A106.3 Connection Components. A control valve shall be installed on the water service branch, followed by an approved backflow preventer in accordance with ASSE 1024 or CSA B64.6 on the discharge side of the control valve, with a pressure relief valve located on the discharge side of the backflow preventer; with a hose connection or other approved attachment on the trailer side of the relief valve. Each such pressure relief valve shall be equipped with a full-size drain with the end of the pipe not more than two feet or less than six inches above the ground and pointing downward. Such drain may terminate at other approved locations. No part of such drain pipe shall be trapped. No shut- off valve shall be installed between any such pressure relief valve and the trailer it serves. The backflow device and relief valve shall be located not less than 12 inches above the grade.

A106.4 Connection Details. The service connection shall not be rigid. Flexible metal tubing is permitted. Fittings at either end shall be of a quick disconnect type not requiring any special tools or knowledge to install or remove.

A106.5 Water Fixture Units. Each trailer outlet on the water distribution system shall be rated as six water supply fixture units.

A106.6 Location of Water Connection. The parks and campgrounds water outlet for each trailer coach space shall be located near the center of the left side of each trailer coach.

A106.7 Fire Protection. In the design of the water distribution system in a parks and campgrounds, consideration for fire outlet stations throughout the park should be made relative to the location and quantity of water necessary during an emergency period.

A106.8 Backflow Protection. All requirements as described in Chapter 6 of this Code shall be considered a part of this Section.

SECTION A107 TESTING

A107.1 TESTING. Installations shall be tested and inspected as required by this Code.

SECTION A108 SANITARY FACILITIES

A108.1 Public Water Closets, Showers, and Lavatories. Separate public water closets, showers, and lavatories shall be installed and maintained for each sex in accordance with the following ratio of trailer sites:

A108.1.1 Dependent Trailer. Parks and campgrounds constructed and operated exclusively for dependent trailers shall have one water closet, one shower, and one lavatory for each 10 sites or fractional part thereof

A108.1.2 Independent Trailer. Parks and campgrounds constructed and operated exclusively for independent trailers shall have one water closet, one shower, and one lavatory for each 100 sites or fractional part thereof.

A108.1.3 Combined Trailer Use. Parks and campgrounds constructed and operated for the combined use of dependent and independent trailers shall have facilities as shown in Table A108.1.3.

TABLE A108-3
FACILITIES REQUIRED FOR COMBINED TRAILER USE

SitesWater ClosetsShowersLavatories
2-25111
26-70222


A108.1.4 Additional Water Closets. For combined trailer use, one additional water closet shall be provided for each 100 sites or fractional part thereof in excess of 70 sites.

A108.2 Exclusivity. Each toilet facility shall be for the exclusive use of the occupants of the trailer sites in the parks and campgrounds.

A108.3 Showers. In every parks and campgrounds, shower bathing facilities with hot and cold running water shall be installed in separate compartments. Every compartment shall be provided with a self- closing door or otherwise equipped with a waterproof draw curtain.

A108.4 Shower Compartments. The inner face of walls of all shower compartments shall be finished with concrete, metal, tile or other approved waterproof materials extending to a height of not less than six feet above the floor. Floors or shower compartments shall be made of concrete or other similar impervious material. Floors shall be waterproof and slope 1/4 inch per foot to the drains.

A108.5 Laundry Facilities. Every parks and campgrounds shall be provided with an accessory utility building containing at least one clothes washer or laundry tray equipped with hot and cold running water for every 20 trailer sites or fractional part thereof, but in no case shall there be less than two laundry trays in any parks and campgrounds.

SECTION A109 MAINTENANCE

A109.1 MAINTENANCE. All required devices or safeguards shall be maintained in good working order. The owner, operator, or lessee of the parks and campgrounds, or their designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance.

SECTION A110

OPERATOR’S RESPONSIBILITY – VIOLATIONS

A110.1 OPERATOR’S RESPONSIBILITY – VIOLATIONS. When it is evident that there exists, or may exist, a violation of any pertinent regulation, the owner, operator, lessee, person in charge of the park, or any other person causing a violation shall immediately disconnect the trailer water supply and sewer connections from the park or campground system and shall employ such other corrective measures as may be ordered.