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Code of the Township of Abington
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PART II GENERAL LEGISLATION: Chapter 121, PLUMBING
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of
the Township of Abington 5-9-1963 by Ord. No. 1097.
Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Building construction -- See Ch. 62.
Drainage -- See Ch. 70.
Housing standards-- See Ch. 98.
Sewers and sewage -- See Ch. 132.
Excavations in streets -- See Ch. 143, Art. I.
Water -- See Ch. 159.
ARTICLE I, Licensing and Regulation of Plumbers
121-1. License required.
It shall not be lawful for any person to carry on or
work at the business of plumbing or house drainage in
the Township of Abington until a certificate or license
to engage in or work at said business shall have been
granted to said person by the Township of Abington Department
of Health, nor until said person shall have registered
as such in the office of the Department of Health of
said township; provided, however, that nothing in this
chapter shall be construed to prevent the employment
of journeymen plumbers or the working of apprentices,
under the direction and supervision of duly registered
and licensed master plumbers.
121-2. Registration. [Amended 11-10-1976 by Ord. No.
1437EN]
A. Master plumbers who have been duly examined and
have a current registration and a bona fide place of
business shall be entitled to register for the current
year and annually thereafter before the 31st day of
December of each year.
B. Journeyman plumbers who have been duly examined
and hold a current license shall be entitled to register
for the current year and annually thereafter before
the 31st day of December of each year.
121-3. Registration fees.
A. Registration and fees. [Amended 11-10-1976 by Ord.
No. 1437EN]
(1) Each master plumber engaged in the business of
plumbing or house drainage in the Township of Abington
shall pay for each registration the sum of $50. [Amended
3-12-1981 by Ord. No. 1523]
(2) Journeyman plumbers working at plumbing and house
drainage in the Township of Abington shall pay for each
license the sum of $10. [Amended 3-12-1981 by Ord. No.
1523]
(3) All fees shall be paid into the township treasury,
for the use of said township.
B. Expiration of licenses. At the expiration of each
calendar year, said certificate, registration or license
shall be null and void. [Amended 11-10-1976 by Ord.
No. 1437EN]
C. Reregistration. [Amended 11-10-1976 by Ord. No.
1437EN]
(1) A licensed master or journeyman plumber desiring
to continue in or working at the business of plumbing
and house drainage for the ensuing year shall, before
the 31st day of December of each year, file a renewal
of registration application upon the forms furnished
by the Township of Abington Department of Health.
(2) Licensed master plumbers shall be reregistered
upon filing a renewal of registration application and
paying the sum of $25. [Amended 3-12-1981 by Ord. No.
1523]
(3) Licensed journeyman plumbers shall be reregistered
upon filing a renewal of registration application and
paying the sum of $10. [Amended 3-12-1981 by Ord. No.
1523]
D. Registration for institutions, etc. A person certified
as competent by the Board of Examiners of the Township
of Abington Department of Health may be registered as
a master plumber for the care, alteration or addition
of the drainage system of a designated manufacturing
or mercantile establishment, institution, hotel, etc.,
where it is necessary to have the continual service
of a master plumber, and receive a certificate of registry,
but in no case shall said person be permitted to do
any plumbing or drainage work in any building or buildings
other than that for which said person is registered.
To obtain a registration other than an institutional
registration, the person must submit proof that said
person is no longer employed by said firm, institution
or other business establishment and offer evidence of
a bona fide place of business.
E. Certificates may be revoked.
(1) The certificate of registry granted under this
chapter may be suspended or revoked by the Township
of Abington Department of Health when a master plumber,
firm or corporation or the registered representative
thereof shall violate any of these rules and regulations
and shall refuse or neglect to make the necessary corrections
to work not approved by the Township of Abington Department
of Health, within a reasonable time after notification
thereof, or shall permit the use of the name of said
plumber, firm or corporation by a person or persons
for the purpose of obtaining a permit or permits to
do plumbing and drainage work.
(2) No person, firm or corporation carrying on the
business of plumbing and house drainage shall allow
the name of said person, firm or corporation to be used
by any person directly or indirectly, either to obtain
a permit or permits or to do any work under the license
of said person, firm or corporation.
121-4. Examination and licensing.
A. Any qualified and recommended apprentice or Journeyman
plumber desiring to engage in the business or work of
plumbing and house drainage in this township shall make
application to said Township of Abington Department
of Health for such certificate or license, and if, after
proper examination made by the Board of Examiners of
said township, such person or persons so applying shall
be found competent, the same shall be certified to the
Township of Abington Department of Health, who shall
thereupon issue a certificate or license to such person,
for the period of one calendar year or fractional part
thereof, to engage in or work at the business of plumbing
and house drainage. [Amended 11-10-1976 by Ord. No.
1437EN]
B. A fee of $75 shall be submitted with each application
for a master plumber's examination. The fee for reexamination
shall be $50. A fee of $20 shall be submitted with each
application for a Journeyman plumber's examination,
and the fee for reexamination shall be $15. [Added 11-10-1976
by Ord. No. 1437EN; amended 3-12-1981 by Ord. No. 1523]
C. Register. A register of all such applicants and
the licenses or certificates issued shall be kept in
said Department, which said register shall be open to
inspection by all persons interested therein.
D. Board of Examiners.
(1) The Township of Abington Department of Health is
hereby authorized to appoint a Board of Examiners, to
consist of the Township Plumbing Inspector and two competent
master plumbers in no way connected with the township
government, which Board shall examine all applicants
for license under the provisions of this chapter. The
said Board of Examiners shall make all reasonable rules
and regulations governing examinations, which shall
be approved by said Township of Abington Department
of Health. An examination of any one member of a firm
or corporation or the superintendent or foreman thereof
shall be deemed sufficient. The master plumbers acting
on said Board shall receive the sum of $25 per day for
each day or part thereof they are actually employed.
[Amended 11-10-1976 by Ord. No. 1437EN]
(2) The Board shall also appoint or select a competent
master plumber who shall act as an alternate in the
event that one of the regular master plumbers cannot
attend an examination. The Board of Examiners of said
township shall sit for the purpose of examination on
the following months and days: the third Wednesday of
February, May, September and November of each year.
121-5. Place of business.
A. Place of business.
(1) Every registered master plumber shall have a bona
fide place of business and shall display on the front
of such place of business a sign "Registered Master
Plumber," bearing the name or names of the person,
firm or corporation, in letters not less than three
inches high.
(2) A bona fide place of business shall be a building
or part of a building where a shop is equipped with
a reasonable amount of stock, tools and work space,
or an office where people may call to transact business
at least 30 hours per week.
B. Display of signs.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation
to advertise as a registered master plumber unless said
person, firm or corporation holds a bona fide registration
and place of business.
(2) Every master plumber doing work in the Township
of Abington must have said plumber's truck or trucks
clearly lettered with the name and address of said plumber's
business.
C. Notice of change in place of business.
(1) Every registered master plumber, firm or corporation
shall give immediate notice of any change in place of
business, and upon retirement from business or upon
discontinuance of active engagement in the business
of plumbing, shall surrender said certificate of registry
to the Township of Abington Department of Health.
(2) Every person registering for any other person,
firm or corporation shall give the full name or names
of the person or firm or the officers' names of the
corporation for which said person shall register.
121-6. Plans and specifications; fees.
A. Plans and specifications.
(1) The drainage of all buildings, public or private,
and all alterations, extensions, additions and removals
to the drainage systems shall be executed in accordance
with the plans and specifications approved in writing
by the Township of Abington Department of Health.
(2) No special equipment of any description for a hospital
or institution of similar character, manufacturing establishment,
chemical laboratory or other laboratory or any place
where special equipment is required which necessitates
connections with the vent pipes or the general drainage
system of a building shall be installed until plans
of the proposed installation shall be submitted to and
approved by the Township of Abington Department of Health.
B. Plan requirements.
(1) There shall be a separate plan placed on file in
the office of the Township of Abington Department of
Health for the drainage system of each building, public
or private, or any addition thereto, alterations or
removal thereof, accompanied by specifications describing
the drainage of said building, on the forms prescribed
and furnished for this purpose, showing the location,
size and kind of pipes, traps, closets and fixtures
to be used and showing partitions and the method of
ventilating water closet compartments.
(2) Plans must be drawn legibly in ink, and old work
shall be shown in red ink.
(3) All applications for change in plans must be made
in writing.
(4) In replacing or removing any fixture, the master
plumber shall file application for the replacement or
removal before starting work.
(5) Plans filed for the correction of any work must
designate the approximate time for the completion thereof.
C. Forms; plot plans.
(1) Forms for drawings and specifications for drainage
will be furnished upon application at the office of
the Township of Abington Department of Health. One vertical
drawing will be sufficient for a building where it can
be made to show all the work; if the work is intricate
and cannot be shown on one drawing, two or more shall
be made.
(2) A plot plan showing the location of the building,
together with the house sewer, wells and all drainage
piping of every description connected with the sanitary
drainage system, shall in all cases be submitted.
(3) Where plans have been prepared by registered architects
and/or engineers, showing all drainage, vent piping
and fixture location in a manner satisfactory to the
Township of Abington Department of Health, these plans
and specifications may be submitted for approval with
the necessary application form furnished for this purpose.
D. Approval of plan. [Amended 2-12-1976 by Ord. No.
1417]
(1) A permit of approval will be issued, in writing,
when a plan is deemed satisfactory by the Township of
Abington Department of Health. Where necessary for the
protection, benefit and preservation of the health,
safety and welfare of the residents of the township,
the Department is authorized and empowered to approve
the control and methods of holding tank sewage disposal
and the collection and transportation thereof, provided
that the installation and control of such holding tanks
are consistent with the aforementioned purposes.
(2) Under no circumstances whatever shall a verbal
approval or permission given by anyone be considered
a justification for any deviation from the approved
plans, or the violation of any of the rules and regulations
governing house and/or building drainage.
E. Fees. [Amended 2-12-1976 by Ord. No. 1417; 11-10-1976
by Ord. No. 1437; 3-12-1981 by Ord. No. 1523; 1-13-1983
by Ord. No. 1559]
(1) A fee of $30 shall be paid by the master plumber
for each set of drawings or plans submitted for a new
building having from one to five fixtures, and $5 for
each additional fixture over five.
(2) A fee of $10 shall be paid for each set of drawings
or plans for alterations, additions, replacement and/or
removal of fixtures, for the first fixture, and $5 for
each additional fixture.
(3) A fee of $5, payable in advance, shall be paid
for each certified statement of the sanitary condition
of the plumbing or house drainage system of any property
and/or compliance with this chapter and the rules and
regulations of the Township of Abington Department of
Health if submitted on the Township of Abington form
of certificate, and a fee of $5 if submitted on any
other required form.
(4) (Reserved)EN
121-7. Supervision; inspections.
A. Supervision. It shall be the duty of the Township
Plumbing Inspector or such officer's representative
to supervise, superintend and inspect all plumbing and
house drainage, in conformity with the provisions of
the ordinances of the Township of Abington and the rules
and regulations of the Township of Abington Department
of Health.
B. Drainage, sewerage or plumbing work must not be
covered or concealed in any manner until after it is
inspected and approved by the Plumbing Inspector or
such officer's representative.
C. Notice must be given said Department when the work
is sufficiently advanced for inspection, when it shall
be the duty of the proper officer to inspect the same
within three working days after receipt of said notification.
121-8. Applicable rules and regulations.
The Township of Abington Department of Health rules
and regulations for the construction, repair, replacement
and/or removal of plumbing, house drainage, building
drainage and cesspools in the Township of Abington shall
be those approved by the Board of Township Commissioners
on May 9, 1963, and/or as may be modified or changed
by the Township of Abington Department of Health and
further approved by the Board of Township Commissioners.EN
121-9. Violations and penalties.
A. Penalties. [Amended 3-11-1976 by Ord. No. 1420;
11-10-1976 by Ord. No. 1437; 3-12-1981 by Ord. No. 1523]
(1) Any person or persons, firm or corporation who
or which shall fail to comply with any of the provisions
of this chapter regarding the procuring of a license
or certificate to engage in or work at the business
of house or building drainage shall be liable, upon
conviction for a first offense, to a fine of not less
than $50 nor exceeding $100 for each and every day such
person or persons shall engage in or work at said business
without first having obtained said certificate, license
or registration, and, for a second offense, to a fine
of not less than $100 nor exceeding $500 for each and
every day. In default of the payment of any fine, the
defendant may be imprisoned in the township lockup for
a period not exceeding five days or in the county jail
for a period not exceeding 30 days, at the discretion
of the District Justice, together with costs of prosecution
in each case.
(2) Any person or persons, firm or corporation who
or which shall violate any of the duly approved rules
and regulations of the Township of Abington Department
of Health regarding the construction, reconstruction,
testing or removal of plumbing, house and building drainage,
on-site disposal or water connections to private or
public fixtures or equipment shall be liable, upon conviction
for a first offense, to a fine of not less than $50
nor exceeding $100 and, for a second offense, to a fine
of not less than $100 nor exceeding $500 for each and
every day. In default of the payment of any fine, the
defendant may be imprisoned in the township lockup for
a period not exceeding five days or the county jail
for a period not exceeding 30 days, at the discretion
of the District Justice, together with costs of prosecution
in each case.
B. All prosecutions for violations of this chapter
shall be by summary proceedings brought in the name
and for the use of the Township of Abington before the
District Justice of said township.
C. All fines and penalties shall be paid to the Treasurer
of the Township of Abington, to be applied to general
funds.
ARTICLE II, Rules and Regulations
121-10. Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall
have the meanings indicated:
BRANCH -- That part of any system of piping which extends
horizontally at a slight grade, with or without lateral
or vertical extensions or vertical arms, from the main
to receive fixture outlets not directly connected to
the main.
CROSS-CONNECTION -- A plumbing system in which a potable
water supply and a questionable water supply are physically
connected by pipes, valves or other means.
DEAD END -- A branch leading from a soil, waste, vent,
house drain or house sewer which is terminated at a
developed distance of two feet or more by means of a
cap, plug or other fitting used for hermetically sealing
a pipe or branch.
DRY VENT -- Any vent that does not carry water or waterborne
wastes.
HOLDING TANK [Added 8-14-1980 by Ord. No. 1512] --
A watertight receptacle which receives and retains sewage
and is designed and constructed to facilitate ultimate
disposal of the sewage at another site. "Holding
tanks" include, but are not limited to, the following:
A. A chemical toilet, which is a toilet using chemicals
that discharge to a holding tank.
B. A retention tank, which is a holding tank where
sewage is conveyed to it by a water-carrying system.
C. A vault pit privy, which is a holding tank designed
to receive sewage where water under pressure is not
available.
HOUSE DRAIN -- That part of the lowest horizontal piping
of a house drainage system which receives the discharge
from soil, waste and other drainage pipes inside the
walls of any building and conveys the same to the house
sewer beginning five feet outside the inner face of
the building wall.
HOUSE SEWER -- That part of the horizontal piping of
a house drainage system extending from the house drain
five feet outside the inner face of the building wall
to its connection with the main sewer or cesspool and
conveying the drainage of but one building site.
IMPROVED PROPERTY [Added 8-14-1980 by Ord. No. 1512]
-- Any property within the township upon which there
is erected a structure intended for continuous or periodic
habitation, occupancy or use by human beings or animals
and from which structure sewage shall or may be discharged.
LOCAL VENTILATING PIPE -- A pipe through which foul
air is removed from a room or a fixture.
MAIN -- That part of any system of horizontal, vertical
or continuous piping which receives the wastes, vent
or back vents from, fixture outlets or traps, directly
or through branch pipes.
OWNER [Added 8-14-1980 by Ord. No. 1512] -- Any person
vested with ownership, legal or equitable, sole or partial,
of any property located in the township.
PERSON [Added 8-14-1980 by Ord. No. 1512] -- Any individual,
partnership, company, association, corporation or other
group or entity.
PLUMBING -- The art of installing in buildings the
pipes, fixtures and other apparatus for bringing in
the water supply and removing liquid and water-carried
wastes.
PLUMBING FIXTURES -- Receptacles intended to receive
and discharge water, liquid or water-carried waste into
a drainage system with which they are connected.
PLUMBING SYSTEM OF A BUILDING -- Includes the water
supply distributing pipes; the fixtures and fixture
traps; the soil, waste and vent pipes; the house drain
and house sewer; and the stormwater drainage, with their
devices, appurtenances and connections all within or
adjacent to the building.
SEWAGE [Added 8-14-1980 by Ord. No. 1512] -- Any substance
that contains any of the waste products or excrement
or other discharge from the bodies of human beings or
animals and any noxious or deleterious substance being
harmful or inimical to the public health or to animal
or aquatic life or to the use of water for domestic
water supply or for recreation.
SIZE and LENGTH -- The given caliber or size of pipe
is the nominal internal diameter. The developed length
of a pipe is its length along the center line of pipe
and fittings.
SOIL PIPE -- Any pipe which conveys the discharge of
water closets, with or without the discharge from other
fixtures, to the house drain.
SOIL STACK -- Any vertical pipe which receives the
discharge of water closets or fixtures having similar
functions.
STACK -- A general term for any vertical line of soil,
waste or vent piping.
STACK VENT -- The extension of a soil or waste stack
above the highest horizontal branch or fixture drain
connected to the stack.
TRAP -- A fitting or device so constructed as to prevent
the passage of air or gas through a pipe without materially
affecting the flow of sewage or waste water through
it.
TRAP SEAL -- The vertical distance between the crown
weir and the dip of the trap.
VENT PIPE -- Any pipe provided to ventilate a house
drainage system and to prevent trap siphonage and back
pressure.
VENT STACK (sometimes called the "main vent")
-- A vertical pipe installed for the purpose of providing
circulation of air to or from any part of the building
drainage system.
WASTE PIPE and SPECIAL WASTE be given said Department
when the work is sufficiently advanced for inspection,
when it shall be the duty of the proper officer to inspect
the same within three working days after receipt of
said notification.
WATER DISTRIBUTION PIPES -- Those pipes which convey
water from the service pipe to the plumbing fixtures.
WATER SERVICE PIPE -- The pipe from the water main
to the building served.
WET VENT -- A vent which receives the discharge from
wastes other than water closets, but is limited to low-rated
fixtures (not more than three fixture units each).
121-11. General regulations.
A. All premises intended for human habitation or occupancy
shall be provided with a supply of pure and wholesome
water, neither connected with unsafe water supplies
nor cross-connected through plumbing fixtures to the
drainage system.
B. Buildings in which water closets and other plumbing
fixtures exist shall be provided with a supply of water
adequate in volume and pressure for flushing purposes.
C. The pipes conveying water to water closets shall
be of sufficient size to supply the water at a rate
required for adequate flushing without unduly reducing
the pressure at other fixtures.
D. Devices for heating water and storing it in boilers
or hot-water tanks shall be so designed and installed
as to prevent all dangers from explosion and also prevent
a backflow of hot water through the meter connected
with a public water supply. These devices for heating
water and storing it in boilers or hot-water tanks may
be installed by other than registered master plumbers.
E. Every building intended for human habitation or
occupancy on premises abutting on a street in which
there is a public sewer must have a connection with
the sewer.
F. If water closets or other plumbing fixtures exist
in buildings where there is no sewer within reasonable
distance, suitable provision shall be made for disposing
of the house sewage by some method of sewage treatment
and disposal satisfactory to the Township of Abington
Department of Health.
G. Buildings or structures containing not more than
five employees may have a toilet room consisting of
one water closet and one lavatory to be used by both
sexes, provided that the door can be locked from the
inside. When the number of employees exceeds five, the
minimum number of sanitary facilities shall comply with
the following table.EN [Amended 3-12-1981 by Ord. No.
1523]
H. Grades and supports. [Amended 4-10-1980 by Ord.
No. 1507; 3-11-1982 by Ord. No. 1537]
(1) Grades of horizontal piping. All horizontal piping
shall be run in alignment and at a uniform grade of
not less than 1/4 of an inch per foot.
(2) Supports.
(a) Horizontal piping in lengths of 10 feet or more
shall be supported or anchored at intervals not to exceed
10 feet. Hubless cast-iron soil pipe and plastic schedule
40 DWV pipe shall be supported at intervals not to exceed
five feet and at each change of direction. All stacks
shall be supported at their base, and all pipe shall
be rigidly secured.
(b) Vertical piping shall be supported with a riser
clamp located at each floor, When the distance between
floors is greater than 10 feet, the vertical piping
shall be supported every seven feet.
I. Change in direction. All changes in direction shall
be made by the approximate use of forty-five-degree
wyes, half-wyes, long-sweep bend, short-sweep bend,
sixth, eighth or sixteenth bends, except that single
sanitary tees and double sanitary tees may be used on
vertical stacks, and quarter bends may be used in soil
and waste lines where the change in direction of flow
is from the horizontal to the vertical.
J. Prohibited fittings. No double hub, double tee or
any cross-fitting shall be used on soil or waste lines.
The use of Sisson joints on vertical piping is prohibited.
The drilling and tapping or welding of house drains
and soil, waste or vent pipes and the use of saddle
hubs and bands are prohibited.
K. Protection of material. All pipes passing under
or through walls shall be protected from breakage by
a relieving arch or sleeves.
L. Workmanship. Workmanship shall be of such character
as to fully secure the results sought to be obtained
in all of the sections of this chapter.
121-12. Quality and weight of materials.
A. Quality of materials. All materials used in any
drainage or plumbing system or part thereof shall be
free from defects.
B. Cast or stamped label. Each length of pipe, fitting,
trap, fixture and device used in a plumbing or drainage
system shall be stamped or indelibly marked with the
weight or quality thereof and the maker's mark or name.
C. Vitrified clay pipe. All vitrified clay pipe shall
conform to the ASTM Standard Specifications for Clay
Sewer Pipe.
D. Cast-iron pipe. All cast-iron soil pipe and fittings
shall be bell and spigot or hubless and shall conform
to ASTM specifications, extra-heavy or service weight,
uncoated or coated with a propane-derivative asphalt.
[Amended 3-10-1977 by Ord. No. 1443; 3-11-1982 by Ord.
No. 1537]
E. Wrought iron pipe. All wrought iron pipe shall conform
to the ASTM Standard Specifications for Welded Wrought
Iron Pipe (as per federal specifications) and shall
be galvanized.
F. Mild steel pipe. All steel pipe shall conform to
the ASTM Standard Specifications for Welded and Seamless
Steel Pipe (as per federal specifications) and shall
be galvanized.
G. Brass and copper pipe. Brass and copper pipe shall
conform, form, respectively, to the standard specifications
of the ASTM for brass pipe, standard sizes, and for
copper pipe, standard sizes (as per federal specifications,
respectively). Copper waste piping shall conform to
federal specifications for tubing. DWV tubing may be
used for drainage, with Type K tubing for branch lines
serving only urinals or any underground branches.
H. Lead pipe: diameter, weights. All lead pipe shall
be of the best quality of drain pipe, of not less weight
per linear foot than shown below:
Internal Diameter Weight Per Foot
(inches) (pounds) (ounces)
1 1/4 2 8
1 1/2 3 8
2 4 12
3 6
4 8
I. Sheet lead. Sheet lead shall weigh not less than
four pounds per square foot.
J. Acid- and chemical-waste pipes. Acid- and chemical-waste
pipes shall be of materials unaffected by the discharge
of such wastes, as approved by the Township of Abington
Department of Health and installed according to the
manufacturers' specifications. [Amended 4-10-1980 by
Ord. No. 1507; 10-8-1981 by Ord. No. 1528]
K. Thread fittings. All drainage fittings shall be
of cast iron, galvanized malleable iron or brass of
standard weight and dimensions. All drainage fittings
shall have "new improved recess" installed
throughout, with smooth interior waterway, with threads
tapped out of solid metal and of the long-turn pattern.
L. Soldered fittings, brass fittings, drainage fittings.
Soldered fittings shall conform to the American Standards
Association standards for solder-joint fittings. Brass
fittings shall conform to the American Standards Association
standards for brass fittings. All copper and brass drainage
fittings shall be of the drainage type and long-turn
pattern.
M. Caulking ferrules. Brass caulking ferrules shall
be of the best quality red cast brass, with weights
and dimensions in accordance with the following table:
Actual Inside
Pipe Size Diameter Length Weight
(inches) (inches) (inches) (lbs.) (oz.)
2 2 1/4 4 1
3 3 1/4 4 1 12
4 4 1/2 4 2 8
N. Soldering nipples. Soldering nipples shall be of
brass, iron-pipe size, or of heavy cast red brass, not
less than the following weights:
Diameter Weight
(inches) (pounds) (ounces)
1 1/4 6
1 1/2 8
2 14
2 1/2 1 6
3 2
4 3 8
O. Floor flanges for water closets. Floor flanges for
water closets shall be not less than 3/16 of an inch
thick and of brass or cast iron.
P. Materials specifications for plumbing installations.
[Added 4-10-1980 by Ord. No. 1507EN]
Description ANSI ASTM PS Other
Clay sewer pipe C-13-65T
(standard strength)
Clay sewer pipe C-200-65T
(extra strength)
Vitrified clay C-425-64
pipe joints
Concrete sewer pipe C-14-65
Cast-iron soil pipe A-74-72
and fittings (hub
and spigot)
[Amended 3-11-1982 by
Ord. No. 1537 ]
Cast-iron soil pipe CISPI-301-
fittings (hubless) 78
[Added 3-11-1982 by 310-78
Ord.No. 1537]
Cast-iron, split cou- A-48 C-564 Manufac-
pling with synthetic turer's
rubber gasket standards
[Added 3-11-1982 by
Ord. No. 1537]
Stainless steel, mechan- C-564 CISPI-301
ical joint coupling Minimum
with synthetic rubber 2-inch
gasket [Added 3-11-1982 width
by Ord. No. 1537]
Cast-iron water pipe A-377-66
Cast-iron screwed pipe A-40.5-43 WW-P-356
Cast-iron drainage B-16.12-65 WW-P-491a
fittings
Cast-bronze solder drain- B-16.23-60
age fittings
Joints (screwed) B-2.1-60 GGG-P351a
B-2.2-60
Joints (brazed) B-31.1-55
B-31.1(a)65
Jiffey joint C-564-65T
O'Ring, gasket PVC and C443, C425,
neoprene C594,C564,
D1869
Wrought-iron pipe A-72-64T
Steel pipe (galvanized) A120-65
Malleable iron screwed B-16.3-63 WW-P-521
fittings (150#) e64
Brass pipe B-43-62
Seamless brass tube B-135-63
Brass caulking ferrules B-43-62
Rough brass screwed B-16.1564 471a64
fittings
Copper drainage tube - H-23.6-67 B-306-66A CS-229-60
Type DWV
Copper water tube - H-23.1-67 B-88-66a WW-T-799a
Type K, L, M
Seamless copper tubing B75-65
Soldered fittings (for B-16.1863
copper water tube)
Flared fittings (for B-16.26.58
copper water tube)
Stainless steel tube A-268
Copper-coated or plain TP-430
DWV Grade G Code orange TP-409
Water pipe -- Grade H Code B-254-23
blue
Lead pipe WW-P-325,
CS-9541
Lead traps and bends WW-P-325,
CS-9641
Hard-lead closet flanges LIA
Caulking lead B-2955
Sheet lead (minimum QQ-L-201d-
weight 4 pounds per 61
square foot)
Borosilicate glass pipe Manufactur-
and fittings er's
standards
Galvanized pipe and A-120-65,
fittings A-90-66
Coal tar enamel protec- D-1187-66
tive coating
Soft solder B-32-60at
Fixture setting compound HH-C-536a-
54, WW-P-
541b-54
Valves, bronze gate B-61-63
Valves, cast-iron gate A-126-66
Acid resisting cast-iron A-518-64
Acid resisting cast-iron A-518-64
pipe and fittings
Air gaps in plumbing A-40.4-42
systems
Backflow preventers A-40.6-43
Temperature and pressure Z-21.10
relief valve 1-67
Saran-lined steel pipe Manufactur-
and fittings er's standards
Stainless steel, mechan- Manufactur-
ical joint coupling with er's standards;
resilient sleeve and minimum 2 inches
teflon liner wide
Malleable iron split A-47, Manufactur-
coupling with synthetic Grade 32510 er's standards
rubber gasket
Elastomeric, compression- C-564-65T
type, one-piece gasket
ABS Schedule 40 DWV D-2661-68 L-P322a-66 CS-270-65
Acrylonitrile/butadiene/ NSF 14-65
styrene (ABS) drain, waste
and vent pipe and fittings
PVS Schedule 40 DWV D-2265-68 L-P-320a-66 CS-272-65
Polyvinyl choloride (PVC) NSF 14-65
drain, waste and vent
pipe and fittings
Polyethylene (nalgene) D-2104-62T CS-197-60
Polypropylene (fuseal) D-883-64T
D-1600-61T
Concrete sewer pipe, C-14-67 SS-P-371-a
nonreinforced 1956
Q. PVC Schedule 40 plastic DWV pipe and fittings may
be used above ground in residential buildings not over
three stories in height or 35 feet in overall height.
[Added 10-8-1981 by Ord. No. 1528; amended 4-12-1984
by Ord. No. 1569; 1-9-1992 by Ord. No. 1708]
121-13. Joints and connections.
A. Water- and airtight joints. All joints and connections
mentioned under this section shall be made permanently
gas- and watertight. No paint, varnish or coating shall
be permitted until after the joints have been tested
and approved. [Amended 3-10-1977 by Ord. No. 1443]
B. Caulked joints. Caulked joints for cast iron shall
be firmly packed with jute oakum or hemp and shall be
secured only with pure molten lead, not less than one
inch deep. Lead shall be run in one pouring and caulked
tight. The lead shall not extend more than 1/8 of an
inch below the rim or hub. For acid-resisting cast iron,
joints similar to soil pipe shall be made using asbestos
rope in lieu of oakum or hemp. [Amended 3-10-1977 by
Ord. No. 1443]
C. Screw joints. All screw joints shall be American
Standard screw joints, and all burrs or cuttings shall
be removed.
D. Cast iron. Joints for cast-iron pipe may be caulked,
screw thread or neoprene seal gaskets. Gasket joints
(slip seal) may only be used underground or outside
of a building, with permission of the Plumbing Inspector
when conditions warrant their use. Mechanical joints
for hubless cast-iron pipe may only be used aboveground,
using approved couplings and gaskets. [Amended 3-10-1977
by Ord. No. 1443; 3-11-1982 by Ord. No. 1537]
E. Wrought iron, steel, brass, copper or lead to cast
iron. The joints may be either screwed or caulked joints
made in the approved manner.
F. Lead pipe. Joints in lead pipe or between lead pipe
and brass or copper pipes, ferrules, soldering nipples
or traps, in all cases on the sewer side of the trap,
and in concealed joints on the inlet side of the trap,
shall be full-wiped joints, with an exposed surface
of the solder to each side of the joint of not less
than 3/4 of an inch and a minimum thickness at the thickest
part of the joint of not less than 3/8 of an inch.
G. Lead to cast iron, steel or wrought iron. The joints
shall be made by means of a caulking ferrule or solder
nipple.
H. Plastic-pipe joints shall be made with approved
fittings by either solvent-welded or fusion-welded connections,
approved insert fittings or threaded joints according
to approved standards. [Amended 10-8-1981 by Ord. No.
1528]
I. Slip joints and unions. Slip joints will be permitted
only in trap seals or on the inlet side of the trap.
Unions on the sewer side of the trap shall be ground-faced
and shall not be concealed or enclosed. [Amended 10-8-1981
by Ord. No. 1528]
J. Roof joints. The joint at the roof shall be made
watertight by use of copper, lead or iron plates or
flashings. [Amended 10-8-1981 by Ord. No. 1528]
K. Floor connections; closet, pedestal, urinal and
trap standard slop sink. A brass floor connection shall
be wiped or soldered to lead or copper pipe, and an
iron floor connection shall be caulked to cast-iron
pipe or caulked or screwed to wrought iron pipe, and
the floor connection bolted to an earthenware trap flange.
A metal to earthenware, a metal union or a lead or asbestos
gasket or washer shall be used to make a tight joint.
[Amended 10-8-1981 by Ord. No. 1528]
L. Increasers and reducers. Where different sizes of
pipe or pipes and fittings are to be connected, proper
size increasers or reducers, pitched at an angle of
45 between the two sizes, shall be used. [Amended 10-8-1981
by Ord. No. 1528]
M. Prohibited joints and connections. Any fitting or
connection which has an enlargement, chamber or recess
with a ledge shoulder or reduction of the pipe area
in the direction of the flow on the outlet or drain
side of any trap is prohibited. Solder bushings are
prohibited except for trap connections. [Amended 10-8-1981
by Ord. No. 1528]
N. New materials. Any other material than that specified
in this chapter, which the Township of Abington Department
of Health approves as being equally efficient, may be
permitted. [Amended 10-8-1981 by Ord. No. 1528]
121-14. Traps and cleanouts.
A. Traps; where required. Each fixture shall be separately
trapped by a water-seal trap placed as near to the fixture
as possible, except that a set of not more than three
scully sinks or three glass sinks may connect with a
single trap, and sinks, lavatories with waste outlets
not over two feet apart, and not to exceed more than
three to a battery. No fixture shall be double-trapped.
B. Prohibited traps. No form of trap which depends
for its seal upon the action of movable parts or concealed
interior partitions shall be used.
C. Water seal. Each fixture trap shall have a water
seal of not less than two inches and not more than four
inches.
D. Trap cleanouts; accessibility. [Amended 3-12-1981
by Ord. No. 1523]
(1) Trap cleanouts. Each trap, except in combination
with fixtures in which the trap seal is plainly visible
and accessible, shall be provided with an accessible
brass trap screw of ample size, protected by the water
seal.
(2) Accessibility of cleanouts. All required cleanouts
shall be located so as to be readily accessible. Cleanouts
concealed in or in back of walls or ceilings shall be
extended to the exposed surface of such walls or ceilings
or shall be accessible through access doors or panels.
E. Trap levels and protection. All traps shall be set
true with respect to their water seals and protected
from frost.
F. Traps; kind and minimum size.
(1) Every trap shall be self-cleaning. Traps for bathtubs,
lavatories, sinks and other similar fixtures shall be
lead, brass, cast iron, galvanized malleable iron or
porcelain enameled inside.
(2) Galvanized or porcelain-enameled traps shall have
a full-bore smooth interior waterway with threads tapped
out of solid metal. [Amended 3-10-1977 by Ord. No. 1443]
(3) Trap size.
(a) The minimum size (nominal inside diameter) of trap
and waste branch for a given fixture shall not be less
than that shown in the following table:
Size of
Trap and
Branch
Kind of Fixture (inches)
Automatic washing machine 11/2
Bathtub (1) 11/2
Bath w/shower 11/2
Bath - shower stall (1 head) 11/2
Bath - shower stall (multiple head) 2
Combination (2-pt. fix.) 11/2
Drinking fountains 11/4
Dental cuspidors 11/2
Dishwashers (residence) 11/2
Garbage disposal 11/2
Laundry trays 11/2
Sinks, kitchen (residence) 11/2
Sinks, hotel or public 2
Sinks, small or pantry bar 11/2
Sinks, slop (service) 3
Urinal, lip 11/2
Urinal, pedestal 2
Urinal, stall 2
Washbasin (lavatory) 11/4
Washbasin (lavanett) 11/2
Water closet 3
(b) The trap shall be of the same nominal size as the
drain to which it is connected and shall not be smaller
than the fixture outlet to which it is connected.
G. Pipe cleanouts. The bodies of cleanout ferrules
shall be made of standard pipe sizes, conform in thickness
to that required for pipe and fittings of the same metal
and extend not less than 1/4 of an inch above the hub.
The cleanout cap or plug shall be of heavy red brass
not less than 1/8 of an inch thick and be provided with
a raised nut or recessed socket for removal.
H. Grease traps. When a grease trap is installed, it
shall be placed as near as practical to the fixture
from which it receives the discharge and should have
twice the capacity of the discharge.
I. Sand traps. Sand traps, when installed, shall be
so designed and placed as to be readily accessible for
cleaning.
J. Interceptor pit.
(1) Public garages and call-wash stands shall install
a grease, oil, gasoline, silt and sand interceptor so
placed as to be readily accessible for cleaning and
connection to the house sewer line.
(2) The interceptor shall be watertight and constructed
of reinforced concrete of a mix of 1 to 2 to 31/2. It
shall be at least 71/2 feet in length, four feet in
width and six feet in height, with walls six inches
thick. The bottom of the interceptor shall have two-way
reinforcement with three-eighths-inch round deformed
bars placed nine inches center to center. The sidewalls
shall have three-eighths-inch vertical reinforcing rods
placed 12 inches center to center and one-fourth-inch
horizontal temperature rods placed 18 inches center
to center. The roof of the interceptor shall have two-way
reinforcement with three-fourths-inch round deformed
balls and shall be equipped with two twenty-four-inch
cast-iron manhole frames and covers.
(3) The interceptor shall have two compartments of
at least three feet by three feet each, below the waterline.
The center partition shall be six inches thick and shall
extend nine inches above the water line and shall be
provided with two five-inch-diameter openings, 18 inches
center to center and placed 18 inches above the floor.
(4) There shall be a two-inch difference in flow lines
between the inlet and outlet of the interceptor. The
outlet pipe shall be a partition tee extending to within
18 inches of the bottom and to 18 inches above the water
line.
(5) No fixture connection carrying sanitary sewage
shall be permitted to flow through the interceptor.
K. Floor drains.
(1) Floor drains shall connect into a trap so constructed
that it can be readily cleaned and of a size to serve
efficiently the purpose for which it is intended. The
drain inlet shall be so located as to be at all times
in full view. When subject to backflow or back pressure,
such drains shall be equipped with an adequate backwater
valve.
(2) Any building having a basement elevation such that
the plumbing fixtures located therein may be subject
to flooding by sewage in the event of surcharging of
the sanitary sewer system by reason of the bypass elevation
at the sewage treatment plant or sewage pumping stations
shall be required to have installed in its sanitary
drainage system a backwater valve of a type and size
approved by the Plumbing Inspector. Said backwater valve
shall be installed at a location in the piping system
approved by the Plumbing Inspector.
L. Backwater valves.
(1) Backwater valves shall have all bearing parts or
balls of noncorrodible metal and so constructed as to
ensure a positive mechanical seal and remain closed
except when discharging waste.
(2) Any building in which basement plumbing fixtures
are installed, revised, renovated, expanded or altered
after the date of this chapter, or any building having
a basement elevation such that the plumbing fixtures
located therein may be subject to flooding by sewage
in the event of surcharging of the sanitary sewer system,
shall be required to have installed and properly maintained
in its sanitary drainage system a backwater valve of
a type and size approved by the Plumbing Inspector and
maintained in operable condition. Said backwater valve
shall be installed at a location in the piping system
approved by the Plumbing Inspector. Any building owner
required to have a backwater valve installed under this
provision shall be responsible for damages resulting
from sewage backups through basement plumbing fixtures.
[Added 3-13-1997 by Ord. No. 1787]
121-15. Water supply and distribution.
A. Distribution. The water supply shall be distributed
through a piping system entirely independent of any
other piping system.
B. Water service. The water service pipe of any building
shall be of sufficient size to permit a continuous ample
flow of water on all floors at a given time.
C. Water supply to fixtures. All plumbing fixtures
shall be provided with a sufficient supply of water
for flushing to keep them in a sanitary condition. Every
water closet or pedestal urinal shall be flushed by
means of an approved tank or flush valve of at least
four gallons flushing capacity for water closets and
at least two gallons for urinals and shall be adjusted
to prevent the waste of water. No water closet or urinal
bowl shall be supplied directly from a water supply
system through a flushometer or other valve unless such
valve is set above the water closet or urinal in a manner
such as to prevent any possibility of polluting the
water supply. No plumbing fixture, device or construction
shall be installed which will provide a cross-connection
between a distributing system of water for drinking
and domestic purposes and a drainage system, soil or
waste pipe so as to permit or make possible the backflow
of sewage or waste into the water supply system.
D. Size of fixture branches. The minimum size of fixture
branches and other supply outlets shall be as follows:
Inside
Diameter
Fixture (inches)
Sill cocks 1/2
Domestic water heaters 1/2
Laundry trays 1/2
Sinks 1/2
Lavatories 3/8
Bathtubs 1/2
Water closet tanks 3/8
Water closet flush valves 1
Flush valves for pedestal urinals 1
Flush valves for wall or stall urinals 1/2
E. Shutoffs. Accessible shutoffs with drains shall
be provided on the building main and on branches for
each dwelling unit and in each outdoor connection. Additional
shutoffs may be installed.
F. Material for water piping and tubing. Material for
a building's water supply pipes and tubes shall be of
brass, copper, cast or wrought iron, open-hearth iron,
lead or steel with approved fittings. All threaded ferrous
pipe and fittings shall be galvanized (zinc coated)
or cement lined. No pipe, tubing or fittings that have
been previously used shall be used for distribution
of water except for replacement in the same system.
Lead piping in water supply lines shall not be used
unless it has been definitely determined that no poisonous
lead salts are produced by contact of lead with the
particular water supply.
G. Relief valves. Whenever a check valve is installed
on the cold-water supply pipe between the street main
and the hot-water tank, there shall be installed on
the hot-water distributing system a suitable relief
valve.
H. Pumps and hydrants. All pumps and hydrants shall
be protected from surface water and contamination.
I. Backflow preventers. [Added 10-8-1981 by Ord. No.
1528]
(1) Potable water distributing and supply pipes shall
be protected against backflow from any plumbing fixtures
or other equipment or appliances capable of effecting
the quality of the potable water.
(2) Where it is not practicable to provide a minimum
air gap, the connection to the fixture, equipment or
appliance shall be equipped with an approved backflow
preventer or vacuum breaker between the control valve
and the water outlet.
121-16. Plumbing fixtures.
A. Materials. All receptacles used as water closets,
urinals or otherwise for the disposal of human excreta
shall be vitrified earthenware, hard natural stone or
cast iron white-enameled on the inside.
B. How installed. All plumbing fixtures shall be installed
free and open in a manner to afford access for cleaning.
C. Water closet bowls. Water closet bowls and traps
shall be made in one piece and of such form as to hold
a sufficient quantity of water, when filled to the trap
overflow, to prevent fouling of surfaces and shall be
provided with integral flushing rims constructed so
as to flush the entire interior of the bowl.
D. Frostproof closets: where permitted. Frostproof
closets may be installed only in compartments which
have no direct connection with a building used for human
habitation or occupancy. The soil pipe between the hopper
and the trap shall be three inches in diameter and shall
be of lead or cast iron enameled on the inside.
E. Prohibited fixtures. Fixed wooden washtrays or sinks
shall not be installed in any building designed or used
for human habitation. No new copper-lined wooden bathtub
shall be installed, and an old fixture of this class
taken out shall not be reconnected. Pan and valve plunger,
offset washer and other water closets having invisible
seals or unventilated space or having walls not thoroughly
washed at each flush shall not be used. Long hopper
closets or similar appliances shall not hereafter be
installed. No dry closet or chemical closet shall be
installed in a dwelling, except that a chemical toilet
shall be permitted in disaster units, air raid shelters
or fallout shelters where there must be no outside communication
with the atmosphere and only after such shelter has
been approved by proper township officials.
F. Shower stalls. Except those on concrete ground floors
or precast receptors, shower floors shall be completely
lined with a four-pound sheet lead or nonplasticized
chlorinated polyethylene 0.040 thickness pan, turned
up at least six inches all around. The pan shall be
connected to the drain by soldering or by using a clamping
ring. Precast receptors shall be in one piece and shall
have the drain cast in the receptor. Chlorinated polyethylene
sheeting shall be joined by solvent welding. [Amended
12-13-1984 by Ord. No. 1578]
G. Fixture strainers. All fixtures other than water
closets and pedestal urinals shall be provided with
fixed strong metallic strainers with outlet areas not
less than that of the interior of the trap and waste
pipe.
H. Fixture overflow. The overflow pipe from a fixture
shall be connected on the house or inlet side of the
trap and be so arranged as to be readily and effectively
cleaned.
I. Domestic garbage grinders. Domestic garbage grinders
are permitted and shall be installed in accordance with
the following regulations:
(1) No person shall install and use or, if already
installed, shall continue to use, except as hereinafter
provided, any domestic garbage grinder unless a permit
therefore shall first have been obtained from the Plumbing
Inspector. Any person desiring to install and use or
continue to use a domestic garbage grinder shall have
a master plumber file an application, accompanied by
a permit fee of $20, with the Plumbing Inspector on
a form furnished by the Plumbing Inspector, setting
forth the location of the property, the type and size
of the grinder and such additional information as the
Plumbing Inspector shall require, except that a fee
for the replacement of a grinder shall be $10. Upon
approval of the application by the Plumbing Inspector,
the grinder may be installed or continue to be used,
as the case may be, provided that the applicant complies
in all respects with the provisions herein; provided,
however, that the Plumbing Inspector shall issue no
permit for any grinder, even though such grinder may
comply with all the requirements herein, unless the
sewer into which said grinder drains shall flow into
an outlet which ultimately flows into a sewage treatment
plant capable of treating such sewage or shall flow
into a private on-site sewage disposal system. [Amended
3-10-1977 by Ord. No. 1443; 3-12-1981 by Ord. No. 1523;
1-13-1983 by Ord. No. 1559]
(2) Garbage, fruit, vegetable, animal or other solid
kitchen waste materials may be admitted to the sanitary
sewers of this municipality if such waste materials
shall first be passed through a mechanically operated
grinder so designed:
(a) That it will discharge wastes at a reasonably uniform
rate, in fluid form which will flow readily through
an approved trap, in a manner which will prevent clogging
or stoppage of the drain line.
(b) That it will be self-scouring, with no fouling
surfaces to cause objectionable odors.
(c) That it will be free from any cross-connections
or electrical or mechanical hazards.
(3) Garbage grinders and/or garbage disposal units
shall shred the garbage to a uniform size as follows:
100% shall pass through a one-half-inch screen and not
more than 5% shall pass a No. 40 mesh screen.
(4) Garbage grinders and/or garbage disposal units
must be securely fastened to the sink, and the working
parts of the shredding or grinding elements of the unit
shall be of a noncorrosive, nonrusting material of sufficient
quality and action.
(5) When applying for a permit to install a garbage
grinder to a kitchen sink, the serial number-model number
and manufacturer's name shall be noted on the plan when
presented for approval by the plumber to the Plumbing
Inspector, and this serial number model number and manufacturer's
name shall be firmly attached by a plate or indented
marking on the grinder being installed under such permit.
(6) The list of garbage grinders heretofore approved
by the City of Philadelphia is hereby approved by the
Township of Abington and incorporated herein by reference.
Any garbage grinder presented henceforth for approval
shall be first approved by the Bureau of Engineering,
Zoning and Surveys and the Water Department of the City
of Philadelphia and the Commissioners of the Township
of Abington.
(7) The efflux from the grinder when in operation shall
be carried off by and through a trap and waste pipe
of at least 11/2 inches inside diameter, and said waste
pipe shall not extend in length more than 12 feet from
the soil or waste stack.
(8) An approved electrical underwriters' toggle switch
shall be installed in the electrical supply line placed
in an accessible spot, either in the sink cabinet or
in the wall near the garbage disposal unit, for the
purpose of power shutoff when the disposal unit is not
in use or when it is being serviced. [Amended 8-14-1980
by Ord. No. 1512]
(9) No plumbing fixture shall discharge into or through
the garbage grinder other than the kitchen sink to which
it is securely fastened.
(10) All garbage grinders shall be properly grounded
using a new code ground clamp and shall have an overload
protector or circuit breaker. All wiring shall be in
flexible metal conduit or armored cable. At each location
where a grinder is installed, there must be a separate
circuit known as an appliance circuit, the conductors
of which shall be not smaller than No. 12 wire. All
units shall be approved by the Underwriters' Laboratories,
Inc.
(11) All installations of domestic garbage grinders
heretofore installed without a permit are hereby declared
to be nonconforming, and the use or continued use thereof
shall be prohibited unless application is made to the
Plumbing Inspector.
(12) The right to install and use or continue to use
a domestic garbage grinder applies only to installations
in homes and residences, and the use of garbage grinders
by any type of commercial enterprise, store, restaurant
or outlet for food is hereby prohibited.
121-17. Ventilation of rooms and fixtures.
A. Location of fixtures. No trapped plumbing fixture
shall be located in any room or apartment which does
not contain a window placed in an external wall or is
not otherwise provided with proper ventilation.
B. Ventilating pipe. Ventilating pipes from fixtures
and toilet rooms shall be separate and distinct from
and have no connection with other ventilating ducts
or pipes in the building. [Amended 3-12-1981 by Ord.
No. 1523]
C. Ventilation of toilet rooms and water closet compartments.
(1) In all buildings where toilet rooms and water closet
compartments are partitioned off from a room used for
other purposes, the partitions of such room or compartment
shall extend to the ceilings, and the partitions and
ceilings shall be substantially airtight. The outside
wall shall include a window opening directly to the
outer air, or it shall be ventilated by an air shaft
or skylight, opening to the outer air. Toilet rooms
and water closet compartments containing 250 cubic feet
or less shall have a window, air shaft or skylight with
an area of at least three square feet. If the room exceeds
250 cubic feet, the window, air shaft or skylight shall
have an area of one square foot additional for each
250 square feet or less. Where mechanical ventilation
is provided by means of a motor-driven exhaust fan,
the exhaust fan and the air duct or air shaft shall
be capable of changing the air of the entire room at
least once every 10 minutes, or six air changes per
hour.
(2) Mechanical exhaust ventilation shall ventilate
directly to the outer air as prescribed for window ventilation
by means of an approved rigid pipe duct securely fastened
to the exhaust fan housing and so constructed to be
reasonably odor tight and to terminate directly to the
outer air.
(3) In multistory buildings the ventilating ducts or
air shafts shall be piped through floors, ceilings and
partitions.
(4) Residential toilet rooms with mechanical ventilation
may have separate electrical switches to control the
lights and exhaust fan.
121-18. Soil, waste and vent pipes.
A. Materials. [Amended 10-8-1981 by Ord. No. 1528]
(1) Underground soil, waste and vent pipes and fittings
inside the building shall be cast iron, lead, brass,
copper with cast DWV fittings, acid-resisting cast iron,
chemical stoneware or heat-resistant prestressed borosilicate
glass.
(2) Aboveground soil, waste and vent pipe and fittings
inside the building shall be cast iron, galvanized iron,
lead, DWV brass or copper and ABS or PVC-DWV Plastic
Schedule 40.
B. Fixture units.
(1) The following table shall be employed to determine
the minimum diameters of fixture traps, the minimum
diameters of waste pipes from single fixtures and the
fixture unit values to be assigned to fixtures.
(2) In the classification of plumbing installations:
(a) Class 1 (private) shall apply to fixtures in residences
and apartments and to fixtures in private bathrooms
of hotels and similar installations where the fixtures
are intended for the use of a family or an individual.
(b) Class 2 (semipublic) shall apply to fixtures in
office buildings, factories, dormitories, theaters and
similar installations where the fixtures are intended
for the use of the occupants of the building.
(c) Class 3 (public) shall apply to fixtures in general
toilet rooms of schools, gymnasiums, hotels, railroad
stations, public comfort stations and other installations
(whether pay or free) where a number of fixtures are
installed so that their use is similarly unrestricted.
(3) Fixture unit ratings for all fixtures given a single
rating shall apply to those fixtures in all classes
of installations.
Minimum Trap Diameters, Minimum Drain Sizes
and Fixture Unit Values
Minimum
Minimum Nominal
Nominal Diameter
Trap Dia- of
meter Individual
(inches) Drain Fixture
Fixture and Class of Installation (inches) units
1 lavatory or washbasin, Class I 1 1/4 1 1/4 1
1 lavatory or washbasin, Class 2 1 1/4 1 1/4 2
or 3
1 water closet, Class 1 3 3 3
1 water closet, Class 2 3 3 5
1 water closet, Class 3 3 3 6
1 bathtub, Class 1 1 1/2 1 1/2 3
1 bathtub, Class 2 or 3 2 2 4
1 shower stall, shower head only, 1 1/2 1 1/2 2
Class 1
1 shower stall, multiple spray, 2 2 4
Class 1
1 shower stall, shower head only, 2 2 3
Class 2 or 3
1 shower stall, multiple spray, 3 3 6
Class 2 or 3
Gang shower, for each shower head 5
Dishwasher, commercial (small) 2 2
Dishwasher, commercial (large) 3 3
Automatic washing machine (residence) 1 1/2 1 1/2 3
Automatic washing machine (laundromat) 1 1/2 1 1/2
6
Garbage disposal (residence) 1 1/2 1 1/2 3
1 urinal, lip, or each 2 feet of 1 1/2 1 1/2 2
trough or gutter
1 urinal, stall or wall-hung with 2 2 4
tank or flush valve supply
1 urinal, pedestal or blowout 3 3 5
1 bathroom group consisting of 6
1 lavatory, 1 water closet and
1 bathtub with or without
overhead shower head, or
consisting of 1 lavatory, 1 water
closet and 1 shower stall, Class 1
1 bathroom group consisting of 1 7
lavatory, 1 water closet, 1 bathtub
and 1 shower stall in same bathroom,
Class 1
1 sink - residence or apartment 1 1/2 1 1/2 3
kitchen sink, dishwasher, butler's
or pantry sink, Class 1
1 sink - hotel or restaurant pot 3 3 8
sink
1 sink - hotel or restaurant 2 2 6
vegetable sink
1 sink - hotel or restaurant glass 1 1/2 1 1/2 3
sink
I sink - hotel or restaurant silver 1 1/2 1 1/2 3
sink
1 sink - lunch counter bar sink 2 2 6
1 sink - soda fountain bar sink 1 1/4 1 1/4 1.5
1 sink - ordinary slop sink 2 2 3
1 sink - siphon jet slop sink, 3 3 6
flush rim or mop
1 sink - bedpan sink or bedpan 3 3 6
washer
1 sink - laboratory, surgeon's 1 1/2 1 1/2 1.5
or medical sink
1 sterilizer, instrument, utensil 1 1/4 1 1/4 0.5
or water
1 sterilizer, bedpan 3 3 6
1 laundry tray 11/2 1 1/2 3
1 combination fixture 1 1/2 1 1/2 3
1 footbath or sitz bath 1 1/2 1 1/2 2
1 infant's or baby's slab bath 1 1/4 1 1/4 0.5
1 bidet 1 1/2 1 1/2 3
1 drinking fountain 1 1/4 1 1/4 0.5
1 cuspidor, fountain or dental 1 1/4 1 1/4 0.5
1 floor drain, ordinary 2 2 1
1 floor drain, flush rim 2 2 3
1 floor drain receiving overflow 2
from tanks or discharges from
unrated fixtures, to be rated on
the estimated maximum now for each
gallon per minute
1 sewage ejector, for each 25- 50
gallons- per-minute discharge
capacity
(4) Fixtures not given a rating, when installed in
sufficient number to justify their consideration relative
to the total load to be provided for, may be given the
rating of some comparable fixture given in the table.
(5) A floor drain receiving regular or intermittent
discharges from fixtures shall be counted as the total
of the fixtures drained into it.
C. Soil and waste stacks. Every building in which plumbing
fixtures are installed shall have a soil or waste stack
or stacks extending full size through the roof. Soil
and waste stacks shall be as direct as possible and
free from sharp bends and turns. The required size of
a soil or waste stack shall be determined from the distribution
and total of all fixture units connected to the stack
in accordance with the following table, except that
no water closets shall discharge into a stack less than
three inches in diameter:
Maximum Fixture Units on One Stack
With All 45
Y or Combina-
tion Y and One- Maximum
With Sanitary Eighth Bend Inlets Length,
Inlets Including
In One On Any In One On Any Extension
Diameter Branch One Branch One as Vent
(inches) Interval* Stack Interval* Stack (feet)
11/4 1 1 1 1 50
11/2 2 8 4 12 65
2 9 16 15 36 85
3 24 48 45 72 212
4 144 256 240 384 300
5 324 680 540 1,020 390
6 672 1,380 1,122 2,070 510
8 2,088 3,600 3,480 5,400 750
*Note: The term "branch interval" shall be
interpreted to mean a vertical length of stack, not
less than eight feet, within which a branch or branches
are connected, and the total fixture units on all branches
connected to a stack within any eight-foot length shall
not exceed the maximum permitted by the table in one
branch interval.
D. Soil and waste stacks: fixture connections. All
soil and waste stacks and branches shall be provided
with correctly faced inlets for fixture connections.
E. Changing soil and waste vent pipes. In existing
buildings where the soil or waste vent pipe does not
extend undiminished through or above the roof, or where
there is a sheet metal soil or waste vent pipe, and
such vent pipe is changed or is replaced, a soil or
waste vent pipe of the size and material prescribed
for new work shall be installed.
F. Prohibited connections. No fixture connection shall
be made to a lead bend or branch of a water closet or
similar fixture, but same may enter the soil stack through
a crowfoot fitting (old work excepted). No soil or waste
vent, circuit or loop vent above the highest installed
fixture on the branch or main shall thereafter be used
as a soil or waste pipe.
G. Soil and waste stacks to be protected. No soil or
waste stack shall be installed or permitted outside
a building unless adequate provision is made to protect
it from frost.
H. Roof extensions. All roof extensions of soil and
waste stacks shall be run full size at least one foot
above the roof, and when the roof is used for other
purposes than weather protection, such extension shall
not be less than five feet above the roof.
I. Terminals. The roof terminal of any stack or vent,
if within 10 feet of any door, window, scuttle or air
shaft, shall extend at least three feet above the same.
J. Terminals adjoining high buildings.
(1) No soil, waste or vent pipe extension in any new
or existing building shall be run or placed on the outside
of a wall, but shall be carried up in the inside of
the roof.
(2) In the event that a new building is built higher
than an existing building, the owner of the new building
shall not locate windows within 12 feet of any existing
vent stack on the lower building unless the owner of
such new building shall defray the expenses of alteration
or shall make such alteration to conform with Subsection
H of this section.
(3) It shall be the duty of the owner of the lower
or existing building to make such alteration therein
upon the receipt in advance of money or security therefor,
sufficient for the purpose, from the owner of the new
or higher building, or to permit, at the election of
the owner of the new or higher building, the making
of such alteration by the owner of said new or higher
building.
K. Traps to be protected; vents.
(1) Every fixture trap, except as hereinafter provided
in this subsection, shall be protected against siphonage
and back pressure, and air circulation assured, by means
of a soil or waste stack, a continuous waste or soil
vent, loop or circuit vent. No crown vent shall be installed.
(2) Water closets placed within eight feet and other
fixtures placed within 12 feet of the soil or waste
stack need not be back-vented, provided other fixtures
not to exceed twice the number of water closets may
discharge into the lines specified for soil pipes without
increasing their size.
(3) The vertical soil pipes must extend full size as
directly as possible from the basement to a point at
least one foot above the roof. Any branch line with
two or more fixtures shall be vented.
(4) When a building is 40 feet or less in height, a
three-inch vertical soil pipe may be used for one water
closet and three other fixtures, the waste line for
each of which shall not exceed two inches in diameter.
(5) The following table for size of house sanitary
drains shall apply:
Grade One-Fourth Inch Per Foot
Horizontal Line of Soil Pipes Vertical Line of Soil
Pipes
Size Number of Size Number of
(inches) Water Closets (inches) Water Closets
4 6 4 9
5 12 5 18
6 20 6 30
8 50 8 75
L. Distance of vent from fixtures. No water closet
shall be placed more than eight feet and no other fixture
shall be placed more than 12 feet, developed length,
from its vent. The distance shall be measured along
the center line of the waste or soil pipe from the inlet
of the trap to the vent opening. The vent opening from
the soil or waste pipe, except for water closets and
similar fixtures, shall not be below the dip of the
trap.
M. Main vents to connect at base. All main vents or
vent stacks shall connect full size at their base to
the main soil or waste pipe at or below the lowest fixture
branch and shall extend undiminished in size above the
roof or shall be reconnected with the main soil or waste
vent at least three feet above the highest fixture.
N. Vents: required sizes. The required size of main
vents or vent stacks shall be determined from the size
of the soil or waste stack vented, the total number
of fixture units drained into it and the developed length
of the vent, in accordance with the following table,
interpolating when necessary between permissible lengths
of vent given in the table:
O. Branch and individual vents. No vents shall be less
than 11/4 inches in diameter. For waste pipes of either
11/4 inches or 11/2 inches in diameter, the vent shall
be of the same diameter as the waste pipe, and in no
case shall a branch or main vent have a diameter less
than 1/2 that of the soil or waste pipe served, and
in no case shall the length of a branch vent of given
diameter exceed the maximum length permitted for the
main vent serving the same size soil or vent stack.
P. Vent pipe grades and connections. All vent and branch
pipes shall be free from drops or sags and be so graded
and connected as to drip back to the soil or waste pipe
by gravity. Where vent pipes connect to a horizontal
soil or waste pipe, the vent branch shall be taken off
above the center line of the pipe, and the vent pipe
must rise vertically or at an angle of 45 to the vertical
to a point six inches above the fixture it is venting
before offsetting horizontally or connecting to the
branch, main waste or soil vent.
Q. Circuit and loop vents. A circuit or loop vent will
be permitted as follows: A branch soil or waste pipe
to which two and not more than eight water closets,
pedestal urinals, trap standard slop sinks or shower
stalls are connected in the series may be vented by
a circuit or loop vent, which shall be taken off in
front of the last fixture connection. Where fixtures
discharge above such branch, each branch shall be provided
with a relief 1/2 the diameter of the soil or waste
stack, taken off in front of the first fixture connection.
R. Common vent. Where bathrooms or water closets or
other fixtures are located on opposite sides of a wall
or partition or directly adjacent to each other within
the prescribed distance, such fixtures may have a common
soil or waste pipe and common vent.
121-19. House drains and sewers.
A. Independent system.
(1) The drainage and plumbing system of each new building
and of new work installed in an existing building shall
be separate from and independent of that of any other
building, except as provided below, and every building
shall have an independent connection with a public or
private sewer when available.
(2) Exception. Where one building stands in the rear
of another building on an interior lot and no private
sewer is available or can be constructed to the rear
building through an adjoining alley, court, yard or
driveway, the house drain from the front building may
be extended to the rear building and the whole will
be considered as one house drain.
B. Old house sewers and drains. Old house sewers and
drains may be used in connection with new buildings
or new plumbing only when they are found, on examination
and test, to conform in all respects to the requirements
governing new sewers or drains, as prescribed in these
rules. If the old work is found defective, the Department
of Health shall notify the owner to make the necessary
changes to conform with this chapter.
C. Connections to private sewage disposal systems.
Connections from the building drain five feet outside
the building wall to the private disposal treatment
tank shall be cast-iron pipe and fittings. From the
treatment tank to the distribution box and into the
disposal field, PVC Schedule 40 DWV pipe and fittings
will be acceptable. [Amended 3-10-1977 by Ord. No. 1443;
4-10-1980 by Ord. No. 1507EN]
D. Excavations.
(1) Each system of piping shall be laid in a separate
trench, provided that drainage trenches may be benched
not less than 18 inches for lighter piping if not in
violation of any township regulation prescribed for
their installation. Where a double system of drainage
is installed, the sanitary and surface house sewers
or drains may be laid side by side in one trench.
(2) Tunneling for distances not greater than six feet
is permissible in yards, courts or driveways of any
building site. When pipes are driven, the drive pipe
shall be at least one size larger than the pipe to be
laid.
(3) All excavations required to be made for the installation
of a house drainage system or any part thereof within
the walls of a building shall be open trenchwork. All
such trenches and tunnels shall be kept open until the
piping has been inspected, tested and approved.
E. Additional requirements for new construction. Capped
sewer lines shall be suitably capped at the limits of
the subdivision and/or land development. Laterals shall
be extended and capped at the building setback line
or within six feet of the house when the house location
is determined, whichever is nearer the house. The sewer
installation shall include the construction within rights-of-way
or easements to bring the sewer to the future connection
with the township sanitary sewer system. [Amended 3-13-1997
by Ord. No. 1786]
F. Materials. [Amended 3-10-1977 by Ord. No. 1443]
(1) The house sewer beginning five feet outside the
inner face of the building wall to the sewer lateral
shall be cast-iron soil pipe and fittings.
(2) The house drain when underground inside the building
shall be of cast-iron soil pipe, lead or brass.
(3) The house drain when above ground inside the building
shall be of cast-iron soil pipe, galvanized wrought
iron or steel, lead, brass or copper of approved standards.
G. No building sewer shall be laid parallel to or within
three feet of any bearing wall, which might thereby
be weakened. The depth shall be sufficient to afford
protection from frost. The building sewer shall be laid
at a uniform grade and in a straight alignment. Changes
in direction shall be made with the proper degree fittings.
Any building sewer installed or repaired after the date
of this chapter shall have a cleanout fitting installed
at the curb. [Amended 3-13-1997 by Ord. No. 1787]
H. Size of house sewers, house drains and horizontal
branches.
(1) The required size of a sanitary house sewer, sanitary
house drain or branch of the sanitary house drain not
receiving the discharge from fixtures on the same floor
or level as the branch shall be determined in accordance
with the following table:
House Drains and House Sewers (Sanitary Only)
Maximum Number of
Fixture Units for
Diameter of 1/8-inch 1/4-inch 1/2-inch
Pipe Fall Per Fall Per Fall Per
(inches) Foot Foot Foot
1 1/4 1 1 1
1 1/2 2 2.5 3.5
2* 7 9 12
2 1/2* 17 21 27
3 (no water closets) 33 45 72
3 (no more than 1 27 36 48
water closet)
4 114 150 210
5 270 370 540
6 510 720 1,050
8 1,290 1,860 2,640
10 2,520 3,600 5,250
12 4,390 6,300 9,300
15 8,300 11,600 16,800
*NOTE: No water closet shall discharge into a drain
less than three inches in diameter, and no main house
drain or house sewer receiving discharges from water
closets shall be less than four inches in diameter.
(2) The required size of a sloping sanitary drain receiving
the discharge from fixtures on the same floor or level
as the drain (termed a "horizontal branch")
shall be determined in accordance with the following
table:
Horizontal Branches (Sanitary Only)
Maximum Number of
Fixture Units for
Diameter of 1/8-inch 1/4-inch 1/2-inch
Pipe Fall Per Fall Per Fall Per
(inches) Foot Foot Foot
1 1/4 1 1 1
1 1/2 2 2 3
2* 5 6 8
2 1/2* 12 15 18
3 (no water closets) 24 27 36
3 (not more than 15 18 21
1 water closet)
4 84 96 114
5 180 234 280
6 330 440 580
8 870 1,150 1,680
10 1,740 2,500 3,600
12 3,000 4,200 6,500
15 6,000 8,500 13,500
*NOTE: No water closet shall discharge into a drain
less than three inches in diameter.
I. Drainage below sewer level. In all buildings in
which the whole or part of the house drainage and plumbing
system thereof lies below the crown level of the main
sewer, sewage or house wastes shall be lifted by approved
artificial means and discharged into the house sewer.
J. Sumps and receiving tanks. All subhouse drains shall
discharge into an airtight sump or receiving tank so
located as to receive the sewage by gravity, from which
sump or receiving tank the sewage shall be lifted and
discharged into the house sewer by pumps, ejectors or
any equally efficient method. Such sumps shall be either
automatically discharged or of sufficient capacity to
receive the house sewage and wastes for not less than
24 hours.
K. Ejectors: venting required. The soil or vent pipe
leading to an ejector or other appliance for raising
sewage or other waste matter to the street sewer shall,
where a water closet or closets are installed, be provided
with a vent pipe not less in diameter than the soil
pipe to which the water closet or closets are connected,
and where fixtures other than water closets are installed,
the waste vent pipe shall be the same diameter as the
waste pipe.
L. Motors, compressors, etc. All motors, air compressors
and air tanks shall be located where they are open for
inspection and repair at all times. The air tanks shall
be so proportioned as to be of equal cubical capacity
to the ejectors connected therewith, in which there
shall be maintained an air pressure of not less than
two pounds for each foot of height the sewage is to
be raised.
121-20. Stormwater drains.
A. Drainage of yards, areas and roofs.
(1) All roofs and paved areas, yards, courts and courtyards
may be drained into the stormwater sewer system but
not into the sewers intended for sewage only.
(2) Where there is no stormwater sewer accessible,
such connections may discharge in the public gutter,
unless otherwise permitted by the proper authorities.
However, in no case shall water from said sources drain
over the surface of sidewalks nor be allowed to damage
any neighbor's property.
B. Size of gutters and leaders.
(1) No gutter or inside leader shall be of less size
than the following:
Area of Roof Gutter Leader
(square feet) (inches) (inches)
Up to 90 3 1 1/2
91 to 270 4 2
271 to 810 4 3
811 to 1,800 5 3
1,801 to 3,600 6 4
3,601 to 5,500 8 5
5,501 to 9,600 10 6
(2) Outside leaders to the frost line shall be one
size larger than required in the above table.
(3) Gutters eight inches or over in width on new buildings
shall be hung with wrought-iron hangers of approved
type.
(4) The above sizes of rain leaders are based on diameter
of circular rain leaders, and gutters are based on semicircular
sheet metal gutters with the top dimension given, and
other shapes shall have the same sectional area.
C. Inside conductors. When placed within the walls
of any building or run in an inner or interior court
or ventilating pipe shaft, all conductors or roof leaders
shall be constructed of cast-iron or of galvanized wrought-iron
or steel pipe.
D. Outside conductors.
(1) When outside conductors or downspouts of sheet
metal are connected with the stormwater drain, they
shall be so connected by means of not less than one
length of cast-iron pipe extending vertically at least
one foot above the grade line.
(2) Along public driveways without sidewalks, they
shall be placed in niches in the walls protected by
wheel guards, or enter the building through the wall
at a slope of 45 at least 12 feet above the grade.
E. Defective conductor pipes. When an existing sheet
metal conductor pipe within the walls of any building
becomes defective, such conductor shall be replaced
by one which conforms to this chapter.
F. Vent connections with conductors prohibited. Conductor
pipes shall not be used as soil, waste or vent pipes,
nor shall any soil, waste or vent pipes be used as conductors.
G. Overflows. Overflow pipes from cisterns, supply
tanks, expansion tanks and drip pans shall connect only
indirectly with any house sewer, house drain, soil,
waste or vent pipe.
H. Subsoil, foundation, clear water and absorption
tile drains. Where subsoil drains are placed under the
cellar floor or used to encircle the outer walls of
a building, the same shall be made of open-jointed drain
tile laid on four inches of crushed stone with additional
crushed stone covering the pipe and shall be properly
trapped and protected against back pressure by an automatic
back-pressure valve accessibly located before entering
the stormwater drain.
I. Subsoil drains below storm sewer level. Subsoil
drains below the storm sewer level shall discharge into
a sump or receiving tank, the contents of which shall
be automatically lifted and discharged to the stormwater
drain.
J. Size of storm systems only.
Storm Systems Only
Maximum Drained Roof
Area (square feet) *
Slope, Slope Slope,
Diameter 1/8-inch 1/4-inch 1/2-inch
of Pipe Fall to Fall to Fall to
(inches) 1 Foot 1 Foot 1 Foot
3 865 1,230 1,825
4 1,860 2,610 4,170
5 3,325 4,715 7,465
6 5,315 7,515 11,875
8 11,115 15,745 24,890
10 19,530 27,575 43,625
12 31,200 44,115 69,720
14 42,600 60,000 95,000
*NOTE: The calculations in this table are based on
a rate of rainfall of four inches per hour.
121-21. Refrigerator, safe and special wastes.
A. Connection of refrigerator wastes. No waste pipe
from a refrigerator or icebox floor drain or from any
other receptacle where food is stored shall connect
directly with any house drain, soil or waste pipe. Such
waste pipes shall in all cases empty into an open sink
that is properly supplied with water, connected, trapped
and vented the same as other fixtures.
B. Size of refrigerator wastes.
(1) Refrigerator waste pipes shall be not less than
11/4 inches for one opening, 11/2 inches for three openings
and two inches for four to 12 openings, and shall have
at each opening a trap and cleanout at angles so arranged
as to properly flush and clean pipe.
(2) Such waste pipes shall be continued not less than
full size through the roof.
C. Overflow pipes and motor exhausts. Pipes from a
water supply tank or exhaust from a water lift shall
not be connected with any house drain, soil or waste
pipe.
D. Exhaust from steam pipes, etc. No steam exhaust,
blowoff or drip pipe shall connect with a sewer or house
drain, leader, soil pipe, waste or vent pipe. Such pipes
must discharge into a tank or condenser from which suitable
outlet to the sewer shall be made. Such condenser shall
be water-supplied to help condensation and protect the
sewer and shall also be supplied with a relief vent
to carry off dry steam.
121-22. Maintenance.
A. Defective fixtures. All installed fixtures found
defective or in an unsanitary condition shall be replaced
or removed within 30 days upon written notice from the
proper administrative authorities.
B. Sealed openings. Any fixture, open waste, safe waste,
main drain, branch drain or any part or parts of any
sanitary drainage system that is removed or disconnected
must be hermetically sealed in an appropriate manner,
by cap or Plug.
C. Temporally toilet facilities. Suitable toilet facilities
shall be provided for the use of workmen during the
construction of any building. These toilet facilities
shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.
121-23. On-site sewage disposal systems. [Amended 8-14-1980
by Ord. No. 1512]
A. On-site sewage disposal systems shall come under
the regulations set forth in the Pennsylvania Sewage
Facilities Act No. 537, Article I, Land Resources, Subpart
C, Protection of Natural Resources, enacted January
24, 1966, as amended, Part 1 Department of Environmental
Resources, Title 25, Rules and Regulations, Chapter
71, Administration of Sewage Facilities Program, and
Chapter 73, Standards for Sewage Disposal Facilities.
B. Holding tanks. The following considerations must
be incorporated into the design of the holding tanks:
(1) Capacity. The minimum capacity allowed shall be
equal to either the daily flow times the longest interval,
in days, between collection plus one day's additional
capacity or three days' capacity, whichever is greater;
provided, however, that the minimum tank capacity shall
be at least:
Minimum Tank
Size
Type of Facility (gallons)
Residential 1,000
Commercial 1,000
Industrial 2,000
Institutional 3,000
(2) The property owner shall submit to the Department
for its approval plans showing the size, shape, location,
type of material used in the fabrication of the holding
tank and details of its construction prior to the issuance
of any building permit for newly constructed buildings
and prior to the issuance of any occupancy permit for
existing buildings. No building permit shall be issued
until the Department approves the holding tank application
in each instance and grants a permit for its installation,
and no occupancy permit shall be granted until the holding
tank installation is approved by the Department.
(3) Level indicator. An indicator to show the sewage
depth will be required. Also, a warning device which
can be either a light, bell, etc., shall be installed.
This device will operate when the tank reaches 75% of
its capacity.
(4) Withdraw facilities. The necessary withdraw facilities
to ensure that the tank can be completely pumped out
will be required.
(5) Venting. The tank shall be properly vented to the
atmosphere. If odor problems occur, it will be the property
owner's responsibility to install the necessary filter
system within 30 days after written notice from the
Department.
(6) Maintenance. It will be the property owner's responsibility
to maintain all facilities and equipment in proper working
order at all times.
(7) All holding tanks shall be located so that the
sewage pumper will have easy access to withdrawal facilities
during all seasons of the year.
C. When applying for a holding tank permit, the property
owner shall submit the following material to the Department:
(1) A performance bond to ensure that the necessary
steps for the collection, transportation and disposal
of the sewage contained in the holding tank will be
taken and, depending upon the use to be made of the
land whereon the holding tank is to be established,
in the following amounts:
Amount of
Use of Land Performance Bond
Residential $ 500.00
Commercial 1,000.00
Industrial 2,000.00
Institutional 3,000.00
(2) A letter from an authorized employee of a disposal
site which has been approved by Department of Environmental
Resources of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, agreeing
to receive sewage from the applicant.
(3) A list, both quantitative and qualitative, of all
wastes which will be discharged to the holding tank.
(4) A signed contract with a sewage hauler, provided
that a sewage hauler will dispose of the holding tank
waste of the applicant on a regular basis.
D. The collection and transportation of all sewage
from any improved property utilizing a holding tank
shall be by or under the direction and control of the
Department, and the disposal thereof shall be made only
at such site or sites as may be approved by the Department
of Environmental Resources of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
No person shall have the right to collect, transport
or dispose of any sewage from any property utilizing
a holding tank in the township unless authorized by
license granted by the township to do so.
E. The owner of an improved property that utilizes
a holding tank shall:
(1) Maintain the holding tank in conformance with this
article or any ordinance of this township, the provisions
of any Department and any administrative agency of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
(2) Permit only the Department or anyone acting under
the direction of the Department to make periodic inspection
of his holding facilities.
(3) Submit a statement once a year to the Department
on the anniversary date of his permit showing that the
performance bond has been renewed. Along with this statement,
the property owner will also submit to the Department
a statement listing the dates of collection, quantity
of sewage collected, the collection agency and the final
disposal site for the sewage held in his holding tank.
(4) In the event that the Department must enforce the
performance bond for the collection, transportation
and disposal of the property owner's sewage, the property
owner must either obtain a new performance bond in an
amount designated by the Department or put into escrow
with the township an amount sufficient to pay all collection,
transportation and disposal costs before the holding
facility can be utilized.
121-24. Inspections and tests.
A. Inspections. All pipings, traps and fixtures of
a plumbing system shall be inspected by the proper administrative
authority to ensure compliance with all the requirements
of this chapter and the installation and construction
of the system in accordance with the approved plans
and the permit.
B. Notification.
(1) It shall be the duty of the plumber to notify the
Plumbing Inspector orally, by telephone, or in writing,
not less than eight working hours between the hours
of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. before the work is to be
inspected or tested.
(2) It shall be the duty of the plumber to make sure
that the work will withstand the test prescribed before
giving the above notification.
(3) If the Department of Health finds that the work
will not withstand the test, the plumber shall be required
to renotify as above.
(4) If the Plumbing Inspector fails to appeal within
24 hours (three working days) of the time set for each
inspection or test, the inspection or test shall be
deemed to have been made, and the plumber shall be required
to file an affidavit with the proper administrative
authority that the work was installed in accordance
with this chapter and the approved plans and permit,
that it was free from defects and that the required
test had been made and the system found free from leaks;
also whether the owner or the owner's authorized agent
was present when such inspection or test was made, or
was duly notified.
C. Material and labor for tests. The equipment, material,
power and labor necessary for the inspection and test
shall be furnished by the plumber.
D. System tests. All the piping of a plumbing system
shall be tested with water or air. After the plumbing
fixtures have been set and their traps filled with water,
the entire drainage system may be submitted to a final
air-pressure test. The Department of Health may require
the removal of any cleanouts to ascertain if the pressure
has reached all parts of the system.
E. Methods of testing.
(1) Water test.
(a) The water test may be applied to the drainage system
in its entirety or in sections. If applied to the entire
system, all openings in the piping shall be tightly
closed, except the highest opening above the roof, and
the system filled with water to the point of overflow
above the roof.
(b) If the system is tested in sections, each opening
shall be tightly plugged, except the highest opening
of the section under test, and each section shall be
filled with water; but no section shall be tested with
less than a ten-foot head of water or a five-pound pressure
of air. In testing successive sections, at least the
upper 10 feet of the next preceding section shall be
retested so that no joint or pipes in the building shall
have been submitted to a test of less than a ten-foot
head of water or a five-pound pressure of air.
(c) Under any test the water or air pressure shall
remain constant for not less than 15 minutes without
any further addition of water or air.
(2) Air test. The air test shall be made by attaching
the air compressor or test apparatus to any suitable
opening and by closing all other inlets and outlets
to the system, then forcing the air into the system
until there is a uniform pressure sufficient to balance
a column of mercury 10 inches in height or five pounds
per square inch on the entire system. This pressure
shall be maintained for 15 minutes.
(3) Final air test. The air machine shall be connected
to any suitable opening or outlet and an air pressure
equivalent to a one-inch water column shall be applied
and left standing at least 15 minutes. If there is no
leakage or forcing of trap seals indicated by the fluctuation
of the drum, float or water column, the system shall
be deemed airtight.
F. Order of tests.
(1) The tests may be made separately, as follows:
(a) The house drain, including all piping to the height
of 10 feet above the highest point in the house drain,
except the exposed connections to fixtures.
(b) The soil, waste, vent, inside conductor and drainage
pipes which would be covered up before the building
is enclosed or ready for completion.
(c) The final tests of the whole system.
(2) After each of the above tests has been made and
proved acceptable, the Department of Health may issue
a written approval.
G. Covering of work. No drainage or plumbing system
or part thereof shall be covered until it has been inspected,
tested and approved as herein prescribed.
H. Uncovering of work. If any house drainage or plumbing
system or part thereof is covered before being regularly
inspected, tested and approved as herein prescribed,
it shall be uncovered upon the direction of the proper
administrative authority.
I. Defective work. If inspection or test shows defects,
such defective work or material shall be replaced within
three days and inspection and test shall be repeated.
J. House drain tests. The house drain shall be tested
with water or air. The water test shall have not less
than a ten-foot head of water and the air test shall
have not less than a five-pound pressure. All alterations,
repairs or extensions which shall include more than
10 feet shall be inspected and tested.
K. Garage plumbing and drainage system. For a garage
or any part of a garage, the same tests and inspection
of the plumbing and drainage system thereof shall be
made as in the case of an ordinary dwelling.
L. Test of water distribution system. Upon the completion
of the entire water distribution system, it shall be
tested and proved tight under a water pressure not less
than the maximum working pressure under which it is
to be used.
M. Certificate of approval. Upon the satisfactory completion
and final test of the plumbing system, a certificate
of approval may be issued by the proper administrative
authority to the plumber, to be delivered to the owner,
when requested.
N. Air test of defective plumbing. The air test shall
be used in testing the sanitary condition of the drainage
or plumbing system of all buildings where there is reason
to believe that it has become defective. In buildings
condemned by the Department of Health because of unsanitary
conditions of the plumbing system, the alterations in
such system shall not be considered as repairs but as
new plumbing.
Minimum Number of Plumbing Fixtures
Township of Abington
Minimum Number of Plumbing Fixtures
Type of Fixture
Type of Building Bathtubs or Drinking
Occupancy Water Closets Urinals Lavatories Showers
Fountains Other
Assembly 1 for each 150 women 1 for each 300 men 1
for each 150 women 1 for each 150 people
Place of worship 1 for each 300 men 1 for each 300
men
Other than places of 1 for 1-100 persons 1 for 1-200
persons 1 for 1-200 persons 1 for each 1,000
worship (auditoriums, 2 for 101-200 persons 2 for 201-400
persons 2 for 201-400 persons persons
theaters, convention 3 for 200-400 persons 2 for 401-600
persons 3 for 401-750 persons
halls) For over 400 persons, For over 600 persons,
add 1 fixture for each add 1 fixture for each
additional 500 men 300 men
and 1 for each 300
women
Dormitories: school or 1 for each 10 men 1 for each
25 men; for 1 for each 12 persons 1 for each 20 persons
1 for each 75 persons Laundry trays: 1 for
labor 1 for each 8 women over 150 men, add 1 each 50
persons
for each 50 men
Buildings or structures 1 for 1-15 of each sex May
be provided in 1 for 1-15 employees 1 for each 75 persons
containing employees 2 for 16-35 of each sex men's
toilet rooms in 2 for 16-35 employees
3 for 36-55 of each sex lieu of water closets, 3 for
36-60 employees
4 for 56-80 of each sex but not for more than 4 for
61-90 employees
5 for 81-110 of each sex 1/3 of the required 5 for
91-125 employees
6 for 111-150 of each sex number of water 1 additional
fixture for
1 additional fixture for closets each additional 45
each additional 40 persons
employees
Schools
Elementary 1 for each 40 boys 1 for each 30 boys 1
for each 50 pupils In gym or pool shower 1 for each
100 pupils,
1 for each 35 girls rooms, 1 for each 5 but at least
1 per
pupils floor
Secondary 1 for each 75 boys 1 for each 30 boys 1 for
each 50 pupils In gym or pool shower 1 for each 100
pupils,
1 for each 45 girls rooms, 1 for each 5 but at least
1 per
pupils floor
Dwelling
Single 1 bathroom group Sink: 1
Multiple 1 bathroom group per Sink: 1
unit
For each additional 150 persons or fraction thereof,
one additional water closet, urinal and lavatory shall
be required.
These fixtures shall be required for all new establishments,
when building an addition to existing establishment,
when increasing the seating capacity
for patrons and when replacing more than 50% of the
plumbing fixtures.
These facilities shall be located so as not to require
the patron to pass through any food preparation area.
This requirement does not apply wherever food is not
consumed within the establishment or where only takeout
food is provided.
NOTES:
In stores with floor area of 150 square feet or less,
the requirements of this section to provide sanitary
facilities for use by the employees may be met by providing
a centrally located facility accessible to several stores.
The maximum distance from entry of any store to this
facility is 500 feet.
In buildings constructed with multiple floors, accessibility
to the sanitary facilities shall not exceed one vertical
story.
Township of Abington
Minimum Number of Plumbing Fixtures
(Cont'd)
Type of Fixture
Type of Building Bathtubs or Drinking
Occupancy Water Closets Urinals Lavatories Showers
Fountains Other
Hotel/Motel 1 bathroom group per
unit
Institutional (other than 1 for each 25 men 1 for each
50 men 1 for each 10 persons 1 for each 10 persons 1
for each 50 persons
hospitals or penal 1 for each 20 women
institutions), on each
occupied story
Hospitals: individual 1 for each 8 patients 1 for each
10 patients 1 for each 20 patients 1 for each 100
room: wards patients
Penal institutions 1 in each cell 1 in each exercise
1 in each cell 1 on each cell block 1 on each cell block
(prisoners) 1 in each exercise room room 1 in each
exercise room floor floor
1 in each exercise
room
Industrial (factories, 1 for 1-10 of each sex Where
more than 10 For 1-100 persons, 1 for 1 shower for each
15 1 for each 75 persons
warehouses, foundries 2 for 11-25 of each sex men are
employed: each 10 persons persons exposed to
and similar establish- 3 for 26-50 of each sex 1 for
11-30 men For over 100 persons, 1 excessive heat or
to
ments) 4 for 51-75 of each sex 2 for 31-80 men for
each 15 persons occupational hazard
5 for 76-100 of each sex 3 for 81-160 men from poisonous,
1 for each additional 30 4 for 161-240 men infectious
or irritating
employees materials
Food establishments, 1 for men and 1 for 1 for men
for seating 1 for men and 1 for
restaurants, catering women for seating capacity of
51-100 women for seating
halls, clubs, bars, capacity of 1-50 2 for men for
seating capacity of 1-50
taverns and similar 2 for men and 3 for capacity of
101-200 1 for men and 1 for
establishments (patrons) women for seating women for
seating
capacity of 51-100 capacity of 51-100
3 for men and 4 for 2 for men and 2 for
women for seating women for seating
capacity of 101-200 capacity of 101-200
For each additional 150 persons or fraction thereof,
one additional water closet, urinal and lavatory shall
be required.
These fixtures shall be required for all new establishments,
when building an addition to existing establishment,
when increasing the seating capacity
for patrons and when replacing more than 50% of the
plumbing fixtures.
These facilities shall be located so as not to require
the patron to pass through any food preparation area.
This requirement does not apply wherever food is not
consumed within the establishment or where only takeout
food is provided.
NOTES:
In stores with floor area of 150 square feet or less,
the requirements of this section to provide sanitary
facilities for use by the employees may be met by providing
a centrally located facility accessible to several stores.
The maximum distance from entry of any store to this
facility is 500 feet.
In buildings constructed with multiple floors, accessibility
to the sanitary facilities shall not exceed one vertical
story.
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