Lastname, Firstname 2004-06-22 2004-06-22 2005-06-30 Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Safety and Buildings Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Safety and Buildings, Commerce, Safety and Buildings, Comm, Credentials, Certifications, Buildings Codes, Registrations, Construction, Public Safety, Licenses, Permits, License application forms, Trades, Administrative codes, Regulations, Statutes, Administrative rules, Cities, City, Towns, County, Counties, Municipal, Ordinances, Hygiene, Hazardous, Diseases, Design, Engineering, Continuing education, Audits, Grants, POWTS, Private wastewater treatment systems, Septic field, Septic tanks, Sewage treatment, Sewage disposal, Accessibility, Accessible, Disability, Disabilities, Clean air, Clean water, Air quality, Public sector employees, Applications, Plan review, State, Bureau of Program Development, Bureau of Field Operations, Bureau of Integrated Services, Environmental assessments, Environmental impact statement, Soil erosion, Drinking water, Appliances, Plumbing Products, Fire prevention and protection, Firefighter safety, Fire Sprinklers, Rental unit energy efficiency, Rental weatherization, Commercial buildings, Forms, Publications, Plumbing, Inspection, Inspectors, Consultants, Waste disposal, Historic buildings, Occupational and industrial safety, Occupational health, One and two family dwellings, Houses, Housing, Homes, Multifamily dwellings, Mine Safety, Mining, Mines, Open pits, Quarries, Blasters, Plumbers, Electricians, Boilers, Wastewater, Elevators, Lighting, Energy, Mobile homes, Manufactured homes, Welding, Structural systems, Gas systems, HVAC, Refrigeration, Public swimming pools, Wisconsin Fund, Explosives, Amusement rides and attractions, Tramways lifts and tows, Government facts figures and statistics Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Safety and Buildings, Commerce, Safety and Buildings, Building, Wisconsin, Safety, Construction, License. Safety and Buildings Division - Wisconsin Plumbing Code Report articles, April 2001 Choose the number of an article of interest, or scroll down: 1. Powts plan review submitters - You can look for time savings; 2. Wisconsin Fund POWTs replacement/rehab program works with Comm 83; 3. Plan submittal kit includes plumbing, POWTS forms; 4. Code Committee Calendar; 5. Shower drain locations draw attention; 6. New Swimming Pools and POWTS Plan Reviewer; 7. S&B may change its role in POWTS con ed; 8. UW Spring Educational Sessions for POWTS - Arlington Research Station; 9. The Check Valve - The valve with the "unwritten" presence; 10. What makes a Plumbing Code? A look at Wisconsin's Comm 81-87; 11. Prescriptive code, Performance code; 12. Installations change for Kay chemical dispensers
1. Powts plan review submitters
- You can look for time savings
If you think spring weather in Wisconsin is variable, consider the workload for plan review by Safety and Buildings staff for private onsite wasterwater treatment systems (POWTS).
The workload surges in the spring and fall as installers push to get started or push to get things completed. Weather during all the construction season has effects in letting people get in the field when its not wet or giving time to catch up with designs and submittals when things "bog down" outside.
S&B stopped setting appointments for POWTS plan reviews because submitters were having such a rough time meeting their appointment commitments and S&B reviewers' time was not being used efficiently. POWTS plan review submittals are accepted and scheduled in the S&B offices on a first-come, first-served basis. (Plan review appointments continue to be scheduled for plumbing, buildings, fire protection, and elevator systems.)
When the difference between the next available review dates available at the S&B review offices exceeds five days, S&B mails newly-received unscheduled plans between offices, in order to balance the workload. Plans which do not have a specific office indicated on the application form are mailed to the office with the soonest available review time.
Submitters can save that processing and mailing turnaround time, usually 2-3 days, by sending plans directly to the office with the soonest available review time. Not only is that turnaround time saved, the chance is lessened of inadvertently getting caught in a long line of waiting reviews in one office when the plan doesn't really need to be done in any particular office.
Information on review time available in each office statewide can be obtained by calling any of the offices listed in contacts.
The information is also updated daily on the S&B WebSite, at http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivDailyDoc.html.
The POWTS workload from 2000 was evaulated and S&B plan review staff were assigned to offices according to expectations for 2001.
Currently, the POWTS review staff in the six plan review offices is:
Green Bay - Wes Grube;
Hayward - Pat Shandorf and Tom Devereaux;
La Crosse - Jerry Swim and Charles Bratz;
Madison - Glen Jones, Pete Pagel and Len Kanter;
Shawano - Keith Wilkinson; and
Waukesha - Julia Lewis and Tom Perkins.
A large number of counties have been delegated agent status for certain reviews. Information on those counties was printed in the March WPCR. That information is kept up-to-date on the WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-PowtsProgram.html, choose the "Local Regulators Page."
2. Wisconsin Fund POWTs replacement/rehab
program works with Comm 83
by Roman Kaminski, Safety and Buildings Division POWTS Program Manager, 715-345-5334, rkaminski@commerce.state.wi.us
While there has been a spot light on implementation of the Comm 83, Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Code, revision package , the Wisconsin Fund Grants program continued to operate "business as usual." The program administered by Jean Joyce (jjoyce@commerce.state.wi.us)of the Safety and Buildings Division provides POWTS replacement or rehabilitation grants.
A question on the minds of some local regulators is what effect the revised Comm 83 code will have on the Wisconsin Fund program. There appear to be two main issues: 1. Now that holding tanks are a system of choice in the revised Comm 83 code, what effect will this have on individual grant applications?; and 2. How will the management/maintenance provisions in Comm 83 affect those found in Comm 87, the Wisconsin Fund Code? Let's look at these issues.
1. Under the previous Comm 83, holding tanks (which are typically the cheapest system to install) were considered a system of last resort. So, funding requests for other POWTS systems were not affected in terms of the "least costly method" of system replacement. The revised Comm 83 code includes holding tanks as one of many choices available for use.
The question I have been asked is whether S&B will now fund replacement systems based on the cost of a holding tank system installation. The answer is, "No."
S&B will review grant requests based on the type of POWTS system that was approved for installation and based on the tables that are listed in Comm 87 for that type of system.
For example, if a replacement mound system is installed on a property, Tables 87.30-1, 2, and 4 will be used to determine the proper funding level for that application. These tables list the maximum allowable grant amounts for septic tanks, pump chambers, and mound absorption areas, respectively. For systems or system components that are not covered in the tables, Comm 87.30(5) allows S&B to make a determination on a case-by-case basis.
2. Management/maintenance of systems, and more specifically the tracking of these events, is of concern to many local regulators.
While there are differences between the maintenance code language in Comm 83 and Comm 87, it does not appear to me that there is a conflict between the two codes.
The Comm 87 language is specific to those systems approved and installed from the point in time when a county joined the Wisconsin Fund program. Comm 83 expands upon this by requiring the property owner to report inspection, maintenance, or servicing activities for their POWTS system regardless of when it was installed.
Many counties are now discussing how to address this provision in Comm 83. The newly formed Comm 83 Code Council will also be revisiting the management/maintenance provisions found in Comm 83. When Comm 87 is revised, the maintenance reporting and tracking section will be reviewed to ensure that it complements the provisions found in Comm 83.
3. Plan submittal kit includes plumbing, POWTS forms
A revised 100-page "Building and HVAC Plan Submittal Kit" is now available from the Safety and Buildings Division. The kit not only contains forms, worksheets, and information for building plan reviews, but also has forms for reviews for plumbing, POWTS, swimming pools, and elevators.
The newly revised kit now also includes infor-mation about fire protection system plan reviews.
The kit is available free of charge from the S&B Materials Distribution Section. Telephone 608-267-4405, or email phobbs@commerce.state.wi.us.
The individual forms are also on the S&B WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivForms.html.
Plan review scheduling information is also on the WebSite, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivDailyDoc.html.
4. Code Committee Calendar
Contact the listed Code Consultant for information on the meeting agendas, locations, etc. If you have questions concerning technicalities of the codes which are the subjects of the meetings, contact consultants and reviewers in the appropriate program area.
April 23, 2001 - Monday - Multifamily Dwelling Code Council - 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Wisconsin Builders Assoc., 4868 High Crossing Blvd, Madison - Sam Rockweiler, 608-266-0797, srockweiler@commerce.state.wi.us
April 26, 2001 - Wednesday - Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Manufactured Homes - 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - 201 W Washington Ave, Rm. 3B., Madison - Ron Acker, 608-267-7907, racker@commerce.state.wi.us
Tentative Date/Location: May 2, 2001 - Wednesday - Uniform Dwelling Code Council - 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. - Wisconsin Builders Assoc., 4868 High Crossing Blvd, Madison - Duane Hubeler, 608-266-1390, dhubeler@commerce.state.wi.us
May 17, 2001 - Thursday - Mines, Pits and Quarries Code Council - 9:30 a.m. - 201 W Washington Ave, Rm. 3C., Madison - Ron Acker, 608-267-7907, racker@commerce.state.wi.us
May 17, 2001 - Thursday - Plumbing Advisory Code Council - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - 201 W Washington Ave, 3 Rm. 3B, Madison - Jean MacCubbin, 608-266-0955, jmaccubbin@commerce.state.wi.us
5. Shower drain locations draw new attention
by Tom Braun, S&B Plumbing Consultant, 715-345-5335, tbraun@commerce.state.wi.us
Comm. 84.20(5)(L)3 reads, in part: "Showers … the waste outlet shall be so located and the floor so pitched that the waste water from one shower does not flow over the floor area serving another shower."
The exact time this code section was written is uncertain, but it was in the plumbing code in 1972; at some time it was recognized and codified that it is undesirable and unhygienic for a bather to stand in wastewater from another bather.
There has been discussion recently between plumbing plan review submitters, plan review staff, and field staff on what the "area serving another shower" means.
In gang or multiple showers, the slope of the shower room floor must be toward the shower drains in such a manner as to prevent wastewater from flowing from one shower area through another shower area.
S&B has defined the area of a shower as a single point located 18 inches from the wall and perpendicular to the wall where the showerhead is mounted. A shower drain shall be located so that straight lines drawn from the shower area to the drain and drainage path do not cross a line drawn from any adjoining shower areas. Depending on the type of showerhead configuration, the location of the drains will vary.
If you have any questions, please contact one of the plumbing plan reviewers or plumbing consultants listed in contacts.
6. New Swimming Pools and POWTS Plan Reviewer
Glen Jones has been hired by the Safety and Buildings Division to review swimming pool and private onsite waste treatment system plans in the Madison office. His phone number is 608-267-5265, his email address is gjones@commerce.state.wi.us.
Jones has a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Wisconsin and a Masters Degree in Soils from Penn State University.
Glen Schlueter has been reviewing swimming pool plans, as well as being involved in plumbing product review. In the near future, Schlueter will no longer be reviewing pool plans and will focus on plumbing product reviews.
7. S&B may change its role in POWTS con ed
by Roman Kaminski, Safety and Buildings Division Wis. Fund Program Manager, 715-345-5334, rkaminski@commerce.state.wi.us
All of the credentials involved in the Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System program have a mandatory continuing education responsibility in order to renew the credential. (In addition, the new POWTS Maintainer credential may be obtained by demonstrating attendance at an approved classroom training program.)
During the last year or so, it has become apparent to me that POWTS-related education has begun to mature. What started out as seminars solely sponsored and taught by the Safety and Buildings Division has evolved into a mix of educational opportunities offered by a wide variety of sources.
S&B is proposing to modify its role in the POWTS continuing education area this year. Instead of sponsoring continuing education seminars directly, we may continue to be available to provide code related updates at seminars sponsored by the various parties cited below.
Let me give an outline of some of the con ed opportunities sponsored by groups other than S&B, available around the state.
UW-Madison - Extension continues to offer their usual excellent workshops at multiple locations around the state. Winter sessions are held classroom style, while other workshops often combine classroom with "in the field" sessions.
Many counties are hosting "annual contractor meetings." A recent trend has been to regionalize the meetings by having multiple counties host the meetings. This allows the attendees to obtain at one time at one location information they need to work in their various counties.
Several major plumbing supply houses hold annual meetings at various locations around the state. They often invite speakers to present POWTS information and have the sessions approved for con ed.
Pre-cast concrete tank manufacturers also sponsor seminars that include a variety of POWTS-related material.
And some POWTS component manufacturers and their reps sponsor annual training opportunities related to their products.
One significant thing that all these sessions have in common is that they are approved by S&B for continuing education credit.
My point is that there appears to be plenty of opportunity for plumbers, soil testers, POWTS inspectors and POWTS maintainers to attend POWTS continuing education events around the state. Most importantly, these events include presentations by experts in their respective fields, so that attendees are able to get relevant information from the source.
We will be advising the Comm 83 code council, industry, and regulator groups of the proposal to change S&B con ed involvement. If you have an opinion on this matter, please contact your group or organization representatives so that they are aware of your concerns, or contact me.
8. UW Spring Educational Sessions for POWTS - Arlington Research Station
1. Soil Basics, Coarse Fragments (classroom and field) - May 8, 2001 - half-day sessions, morning and afternoon, three credit hours for soil testers, master and journeyman plumbers, and POWTS inspector
2. POWTS Maintainer-Qualifier sessions - May 22, 2001 - Pretreatment/Treatment Systems (a.m.) (classroom) - Evaluation and Maintenance (p.m.) (classroom and field, includes field tests) - three credit hours each for POWTS maintainer-qualifier and inspector, soil tester and master and journeyman plumbers
Additional sessions may be scheduled if these fill.
Brochures will be available in April. For more information, contact Jim Peterson, UW Environmental Resources Center, 1450 Linden Drive, Madison, 53706; 608-262-3799; jopeters@facstaff.wisc.edu
9. The Check Valve - The valve with the "unwritten" presence
by Don Hough, Safety and Buildings Division Plumbing Consultant, Hayward, 715-634-4804, dhough@commerce.state.wi.us
There are times when we all need to stop, take a deep breath, and think of subjects that are fundamental to life. The phrase, "Stop and smell the roses," comes to mind (although there are only so many things in the plumbing trade that smell like roses).
The "givens" in life, the subjects and issues that go hand in hand with common sense, are at times good to reflect on. Plumbers definitely have common sense. Plumbers also have some definite "givens."
Here are some "givens" I have been thinking of lately:
- A wedding anniversary is not a good time to go fishing with the guys.
- Taxes are always due.
- Government spending can feel like your vacation dollars being spent without you.
- Hot water is the absence of cold water (or, 110 degrees or more).
- Cold water is the absence of hot water (or, less than 85 degrees).
- Tempered water is the area where hot and cold compromise their values and become diluted (actually between 85 and 109 degrees).
- Check valves are the "given" in plumbing water distribution.
Check valves are so basic and fundamental to plumbing design they are not even mentioned in the plumbing code, yet they are so vital in specific water distribution applications.
Many of the "Basic Plumbing Principles" in Comm 82.10 could not be achieved without the use of check valves, yet, the check valve on water distribution piping has eluded written confinement.
It is a role player, with cameo appearances in such lofty plumbing principles such as: Comm 82.10 (1) "Plumbing in all buildings, public and private, …..shall be installed and maintained….so as to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public or occupants."
In Comm 82.10 (4) we find the defining parameters of a water distribution system serving plumbing fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances: The water shall be supplied "…in sufficient volume and at pressures adequate to enable them to function properly and efficiently at all times…under normal conditions of use. Plumbing systems shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum quantity of water consistent with proper use and cleaning." Somewhere behind those words you find the check valve hard at work.
In Comm 82.10 (5) we find in many instances a plumbing system cannot meet the intent of this principle without the use of a check valve. "Hot or tempered water shall be supplied to all plumbing fixtures which normally require hot or tempered water for proper use and function." If we go international, the International Plumbing Code has the definition of a check valve without the name; Chapter 6, Section 604 Design of Building Water Distribution System, 604.2 System Interconnection. "At the points of interconnection between the hot and cold water supply systems and the individual fixtures, appliances, or devices, provisions shall be made to prevent flow between such piping systems."
Where do we find the check valve busy at work? The key is to observe its function. The check valve is designed and installed in water distribution piping systems to prevent the occurrence of crossflow conditions. Possible crossflow conditions are created in a piping system anytime there is a connection between the hot and cold piping. A pressure loss on either side will enable the water from one system to flow into the other.
Symptoms of crossflow conditions are:
Ø Hot water heaters back-siphoning the hot water distribution system upon pressure loss.
Ø Return circulating piping for hot water distribution piping not circulating efficiently.
Ø Tempering valves allowing hot water to cross flow to cold water fixtures. Remember the frantic homeowner service call with the water closet full of hot water? The first thing you think of is that an apprentice piped the water closet wrong. Then you settle down and realize the tempering valve installed to temper the water going to the water closet did not have integral check valves.
Ø Commercial faucets (such as you may find on three- and four-compartment scullery sinks and service sinks) left in the open position because of a controlling hand spray at the point of discharge. This allows direct crossflow through the faucet to cause the intermixing of the cold and hot water distribution system.
Ø Proportioners may also allow the crossflow between hot and cold water distribution piping.
When do you know that a check valve is required? Other than looking for symptoms such as I have just described, you may want to check the specific requirements of the valves, appliances, and fixtures you are installing. Many manufacturers of water temperature controls have installed integral checks on their thermostatic mixing valves, manifold systems, water temperature control stations, hose stations, shower valves, and emergency valves and fixtures.
If crossflow conditions exist on the water distribution system and create an abnormal situation where proper use, safety, or function of the system is impaired, check valves will be one of the solutions that will be recommended (if not ordered) by an inspector. The installation of a check valve may also require the installation of thermal expansion provisions in a plumbing system.
10. What makes a Plumbing Code? A look at Wisconsin's Comm 81-87
by Lynita Docken, Safety and Buildings Division Plumbing Program Manager, 608-785-9349, ldocken@commerce.state.wi.us
Wisconsin's plumbing code was first adopted in 1914. The intent at that time was to protect the public health, and with good reason; in the early 1900's there were many water-carried diseases including cholera and typhoid. In 1900 there were 178 deaths in Wisconsin due to Typhoid.
Although we believe we're out of the dark ages when it comes to plumbing principals and technology, plumbing pathogens such as cryptosporidium, legionella, and e-coli are still real threats to public health.
So, we still need a plumbing code. What type of codes are available and what type do we have in the Wisconsin?
State-level building codes are developed in two general forms, minimum codes and uniform codes, as determined by the enabling legislation authorizing the regulations. Minimum codes set the basic safety requirements to be applied statewide. Local governments with powers to regulate building construction are able to adopt local ordinances that are more restrictive than a statewide minimum code. They are not permitted to adopt regulations that are less restrictive.
Uniform state codes are known as "mini/max" codes because they may not be altered by local government ordinances that are either more or less restrictive.
Wisconsin's suite of building codes contain both minimum and uniform codes. Comm chapters 50-64, the Commercial Building Code, are minimum code chapters. Uniform codes include Comm chapters 20-25, the Uniform Dwelling Code, Comm chapter 66, the Uniform Multifamily Dwelling Code, and Comm chapters 81-87, the Uniform Plumbing Code.
There are a number of specific code provisions within the Wisconsin uniform codes that provide for limited local government authority to pass ordinances that are more restrictive than the statewide code.
For example, the following specific provisions involve Comm 82 of the Uniform Plumbing Code:
Cities of the first, second, or third class that have a water or sewage system must have ordinances for local plumbing permits. (145.04 (1), Wis Stats)
Cities of the fourth class, towns, counties, and metropolitan sewage commissions may have ordinances for local plumbing permits. (145.04(1) Wis. Stats.)
An agent municipality may require plan submittal of less than 16 fixtures. (Comm 82.20(1)(b)2) (Ordinance required.)
A municipality or sanitary district may require that the portion of the building sewer between the lot line and the public sewer be larger than four inches in diameter. (Comm 82.30(4)(c)1) (Ordinance required.)
Saddle fittings for connecting a sanitary sewer to a public sewer must be acceptable to the municipality or sanitary district and approved for use by the Safety and Buildings Division. (Comm 82.30(10)(f)1a) (No ordinance required.)
Municipalities or sanitary districts may required the installation of sampling manholes. (Comm 82.35(3)(L)) (Ordinance required.)
Where no storm sewer system or combined sanitary-storm sewer system is available or adequate to receive anticipated loads, the discharge point for clearwater, surface water, stormwater or groundwater must meet local government requirements. (Comm 82.36(3)(b)1) (No ordinance required.)
Stormwater, surface water, groundwater, or clearwater from one- and two-family dwellings may be discharged to ground surface where allowed by local governmental authority. (Comm 82.36(3)(b)2) (No ordinance required.)
A municipality or sanitary district may require that a portion of a storm building sewer between the lot line and public sewer be larger than four inches in diameter (Comm 82.36(3)(e)1a) (Ordinance required.)
A local government may restrict the types of materials for water services and private water mains which are to be located within or beneath an area subject to an easement for a highway, street ,or public service right-of-way. (Comm 84.30(4)(d) 2) (Ordinance must be submitted to S&B and approved prior to enforcement.)
(Note: Comm 83 also has requirements allowing local restrictions.)
11. Prescriptive code, Performance code
With the July 1, 2000 adoption of Comm 83 revisions, there has been much discussion of the difference between "prescriptive" and "performance" codes. The Wisconsin Uniform Plumbing Code is a mix of performance and prescriptive requirements.
A prescriptive code gives the user a set way to achieve a goal. For instance, a prescriptive statement is found in Comm 82.35(3)(a): "Cleanouts shall be located so that the developed length of drain piping shall not exceed 75 feet." There should be only one answer to the question of cleanout spacing. How far apart are cleanouts in horizontal drains within a building? 75 feet.
A "performance" code gives the user the goal or desired result. Comm 82.40(7)(e) is such a requirement: "A water distribution system shall be designed so that the flow velocity does not exceed 8 feet per second." This code requirement doesn't tell a designer how to achieve the 8 feet per second, it only states the goal.
12. Installations change for Kay chemical dispensers
The Safety and Buildings Division plumbing product approval has been revised for Kay Chemical model Exacta/Smart Shape dispensing units that are installed on 3-compartment sink.
The original approval allowed the use of a hose thread connection in part of the unit. The supply also was a black hose, which did not have markings. The revised product approval is for the same unit, which now uses a barb or pipe thread connections on the hose, and with hose that conforms to NSF 61 and code pressure/temperature requirements.
The approval was revised due to the possibility of the hose thread connection being connected for other uses. If the hose thread connection were to be hooked up a general use hose, then a backflow preventer would be required to be installed on the connection in accordance with Comm 82.41(3)(b)4.
S&B has determined that installations of the units prior to Dec. 20, 2000 will be allowed to remain as approved under the old product approval. Installations after December 20, 2000 will comply with the revised product approval, which does not allow the use of a hose thread joint in the product.
Kay Chemical has sent S&B a list of approximately 300 installations done prior to Dec. 20, 2000 in Wisconsin, including those in five different store chains. Before an inspector asks for corrections for on an installation, they should require from the owner proof of the installation date. The inspector can contact Mike Beckwith, a S&B Plumbing Products Reviewer, 608-266-6742, mbeckwith@commerce.state.wi.us, to see if S&B has information on the installation date.
Link to this page's manager, Todd Taylor, Todd.Taylor@Wisconsin.gov
The Department of Safety and Professional Services Safety and Buildings Division is an equal opportunity service provider and employer. If you need assistance to access services or need material in an alternate format, please contact us, 608-266-3151, TTY 608-264-8777, or Todd.Taylor@Wisconsin.gov.