Search: The Web Tripod      Gear Factor				Share This Page		Report Abuse		Edit your Site		Browse Sites
			« Previous | Top 100 | Next »

BRANCH OPINION

INTERIM REPORT
WATER SERVICE PIPING TASK FORCE
MARCH, 1995

TASK FORCE MANDATE

The Water Service Piping Task Force was established to:

1. To review the provisions contained in Part 7 of the Ontario Building Code for the construction of water service piping.

2. To review the construction standards of regional municipalities for water service piping.

3. To make recommendations to the Housing Development and Buildings Branch for amendments to Part 7 of the Ontario Building Code respecting technical standards for water service piping.

The effect of the changes to the Ontario Building Code will be to promote uniform technical requirements for water service piping across Ontario acceptable to regional municipalities.

TASK FORCE MEMBERSHIP

The following organizations were invited to participate in the meetings of the Water Service Piping Task Force:

• Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association
• Ontario Building Officials Association
• Canadian Copper & Brass Development Association
• Society of the Plastics Industry of Canada
• Regional Municipality of Halton
• Regional Municipality of Peel
• Regional Municipality of York
• City of Etobicoke
• Town of Lindsay
• Ministry of the Environment & Energy
• Ministry of Housing

INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS

The Water Service Piping Task Force held 5 meetings between March 29, 1994 and May 16, 1994. The following proposals were made by the Task Force:

1. FIRE LINES

Code Reference: None (Meeting #3)

Problem: There are no regulations pertaining to the installation of fire lines for sprinkler systems and standpipe and hose systems. The Building Code does not address which materials are acceptable for use in fire lines.

Proposal: Reference NFPA 24, with appropriate revisions, in the Building Code.

2. TRACER WIRES FOR PLASTIC PIPING

Code Reference: None (Meeting #2)

Problem: The OBC does not require a tracer wire to be installed with plastic piping for the purpose of locating the piping.

Proposal: Revise 7.2.5 to require the installation of a tracer wire for plastic water service piping. Include detailed specifications for proper installation of tracer wire in the Appendix.

3. ASBESTOS CEMENT WATER PIPE

Code Reference: 7.2.5.2 (Meeting #3)

Problem: Asbestos cement water pipes are rarely used because of higher cost and the availability of other piping materials which are considered better alternatives. Improper on-site cutting may be a health hazard.

Proposal: Delete 7.2.5.2.

4. CPVC PIPE AND FITTINGS - CSA B137.6

Code Reference: 7.2.5.7 (Meeting #3)

Problem: CPVC piping and fittings conforming to CSA B137.6 are intended for use in water distribution systems. They are not being used for water service piping.

Proposal: Revise Article 7.2.5.7 to limit the use of CPVC pipe and fitting conforming to CSA B137.6 to water distribution systems.

5. POLYBUTYLENE PIPING - CSA B137.7

Code Reference: 7.2.5.8 (Meeting #4)

Problem: There are concerns about the performance of this product in cold climate conditions. SDR 13.5 polybutylene piping is tested to only 160 psi and is not suitable for use in cold climate conditions.

Proposal: Revise Article 7.2.5.8 to permit polybutylene piping with an SDR of 11 or less for use in water service piping.

6. DUCTILE IRON PIPE

Code Reference: 7.2.6 (Meeting #3)

Problem: Many water purveyors require cement lined ductile iron pipes. The Building Code does not require cement linings.

Proposal: Amend 7.2.6 to require cement linings for ductile iron pipes.

7. TYPE L SOFT COPPER WATER TUBE

Code Reference: Table 7.2.7.A (Meeting #3)

Problem: Type L soft copper water tubing is easy to kink and requires good workmanship for successful installation. There is little difference in the installed cost of Type L and Type K copper piping.

Proposal: Revise Table 7.2.7.A to permit the use of only Type K soft copper for water service piping.

8. INSTALLATION OF PIPING IN TRENCHES

Code Reference: 7.3.5 (Meeting #2)

Problem: The OBC's requirements for the support and protection of water service piping are performance oriented rather than prescriptive.

Proposal: In order to assist installers and inspectors, add notes to the Appendix. These notes are to show one or more acceptable methods for the installation of water service piping. Specify pipe bedding materials in the Appendix.

9. THRUST BLOCKS

Code Reference: 7.3.5 (Meeting #2)

Problem: The OBC does not address directly the use of thrust blocks.

Proposal: Amend the OBC to require thrust blocks for changes in direction and intersections of piping 100mm size and larger. Provide appendix notes to assista installers and inspectors.

10. FROST PROTECTION

Code Reference: 7.3.5.4 (Meeting #3)

Problem: No details are provided for the protection of piping from frost action.

Proposal: In the Appendix, provide design tables and a commentary from sources such as the SPI and Appencix E of the MOEE Guidelines.

11. SIZE AND CAPACITY OF WATER SERVICE PIPING

Code Reference: 7.6.1.1 (Meeting #5)

Problem: No prescriptive requirments for the sizing of water service piping.

Proposal: Provide a chart for sizing water service piping.

12. PROTECTION FROM CONTAMINATION

Code Reference: 7.6.2.2 (Meeting #5)

Problem: No details on how to ensure cleaning of newly-installed water service piping prior to initial use.

Proposal: Include a revised version of Ontario Provincial Standard Specification (OPSS) 701.07.09 in the Appendix.

13. DOUBLE CHARGING FOR INSPECTIONS

Code Reference: 2.4 (Meeting #5)

Problem: The water purveyor is often not the same entity as the authority having jurisdiction for enforcement of the Building Code. Situations often arise where the water purveyor insists on inspecting the water service piping as well as the building inspector. This duplication of inspections is wasteful of resources.

Proposal: Revise Section 2.4 to allow the water purveyor to inspect water service piping for compliance with the Building Code, where there is an agreement between the Building Code enforcement authority and the water purveyor concerning jurisdiction, fees, and other administrative matters.

SUBSEQUENT TASK FORCE MEETINGS

The Housing Development & Buildings Branch's staff will prepare detailed Appenix Notes and Code Revisions based on the above recommendations. The Notes and Revisions will be circulated for comments to interested parties. The Task Force will make its final recommendations after reviewing all of the comments.

March 14, 1995