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 - Articles from the May 2001 Wisconsin Plumbing Codes Report You may choose the number of an article of interest to you, or you may scroll down through the articles: 1. Possible revisions to the Uniform Plumbing Code - Why Change?; 2. A few words about water; 3. Error in POWTS pressure distribution manual; 4. Q&A about specific plumbing licensing situations - Who can do what, when?; 5. Internet licensing info; 6. Classes on multipurpose piping systems; 7. More about POWTS county agents   1. Possible revisions to the Uniform Plumbing Code - Why Change?
by Lynita Docken, S&B Plumbing Program Manager, 608-785-9349, ldocken@commerce.state.wi.us In the next few months proposed plumbing code revisions should be going through finalization and will proceed to public hearings,, which I expect to be in August. Whenever the plumbing code (or anything else) changes, people ask, "Why Change?" That question was fundamental as the Safety and Buildings Division and an advisory Plumbing Code Council evaluated the current code and considered what we knew of the plumbing industry in Wisconsin. That was the beginning of the discussion of which code sections needed revision and what additions would be beneficial. Over the last two years, the advisory council members and S&B staff have developed a draft of possible plumbing code changes. Issues list
The code council began by creating a list of issues with current code language. The issues ranged from "There are no written rules for forming a box to insulate building sewers" to "The health care code section is out-dated." The issues were prioritized and then researched. At each meeting, S&B staff presented their suggestions for responding to the code council's issues. Discussion in the council and within S&B formed the basis for the proposed revisions. For example, in looking at the sewer insulation issues, a S&B Plumbing Consultant, Don Oremus, and I researched studies concerning the insulation of highways and the movement of frost through soils, current practices for insulating, and model plumbing codes ideas. Don presented our findings and a recommendation for another codified option for insulation. The council supported the recommendation, and code language was drafted by Code Consultant, Jean MacCubbin. That's how the process worked. Many of the issues were handled in this manner; we answered the "Why change?" question. External forces
Another reason for code revision is to respond to external forces. The federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have shown that the current systems for collection, transport and discharge of storm water into streams and rivers harms our surface water ecosystems. The DNR has proposed a storm water management rule, NR 151, containing regulations for urban storm water. These rules, if adopted, will require retention and infiltration, or use, of storm water. One of the proposals would require "peak shaving" of all storms above a specified level. This peak shaving may be accomplished by installing a controlled flow roof drain system, underground retention in tanks or piping, retention ponds, or some combination of devices. Although retention ponds are not considered "plumbing," roof drains, subsurface piping, or trenches are plumbing if the systems are installed in connection with a building. The infiltration requirements of the proposed NR 151 would cause the installation of devices or methods to intentionally infiltrate precipitation on many new building sites in Wisconsin. If a designer choose to use a piping system or private onsite wastewater treatment system-style infiltration trench, that system would be considered plumbing if installed in connection with a building. Tied with the infiltration requirement is the option to use the rain water within the plumbing system, instead of infiltrating it. This water could be used for toilet or urinal flushing, irrigation, or car washing, if properly treated. Currently, DNR's draft would permit a gallon-for-gallon exchange between infiltration and use of storm water within the plumbing system. In order to allow this storm water use, the plumbing code would need revision. Currently the plumbing code requires that all fixtures be supplied with potable water. The definition of potable water in Comm 81 demands that NR 809 drinking water standards be met. These future storm water issues also answer the "why change" question. Without revisions, none of the future options in the plumbing storm water system could be adequately addressed. Another external force isn't caused by a state agency, it's a condition caused by natural and human forces on Wisconsin's groundwater supply. There are several areas in Wisconsin where contamination in the groundwater causes the water to not meet drinking water standards. Contaminants such as arsenic, nitrate/nitrite, and radium can be found naturally in groundwater at levels above drinking water standards. As with the storm water issue, the definition of potable water comes into play. Some contaminants, arsenic, for example, can be treated with reverse osmosis. During the RO process, water under high pressure is pressed against a selectively permeable membrane. The water molecules pass through the membrane and the contaminants are washed away with wastewater through the device. A large percentage of water passing through an RO is wasted to a drain. A small percentage of the water is discharged from the device as treated drinking water. RO is a process that can be used to create drinking water. However, using RO for an entire household's water supply use can be expensive and wasteful, unless there were no other choices. This reality of use conflicts with current code language in Comm 82.40(3) requiring potable water at all plumbing fixtures. Water with an excessive nitrate concentration in terms of potable water could not serve a water closet for flushing purposes. We attempt to resolve this conflict with a code revision that is safe and realistic. Wastewater reuse is an option in model codes and standards. Currently, our plumbing code doesn't permit the reuse of graywater, except through the discharge of wastewater to a POWTS or municipal treatment plant where the water is recycled back into the environment. Some of this discharged water is eventually recycled back through our wells and into our plumbing systems. With water conservation in mind, should Wisconsin address the possibility of reusing certain wastewaters? The council and S&B have been discussing the reuse issues. As the code draft nears completion, watch the WPCR for further articles. If you have concerns or would like to discuss these and other issues, contact me, 608-785-9349, ldocken@commerce.state.wi.us.   2. A few words about water
In recognition of national Drinking Water Week and National Groundwater Awareness Week, you might like to have a "taste" of a book titled Plain Talk About Drinking Water. **I'm told that I shouldn't drink my well water or that I need to boil it because my water has coliforms in it, but I'm also told that coliforms are harmless. Then I read that food poisoning can occur because of coliforms in meat. What are coliforms and what's going on?
Coliforms generally are harmless bacteria (a type of microbe) that live naturally in the intestines of humans, aiding in the functioning of the body. Water that contains coliforms is not safe to drink, however, not because of the coliforms, but because of the germs that possibly may be in well water when coliforms are found there. (Germs live in the body in the same place as the coliforms.) In fact, coliform organisms are called indicator organisms because their presence indicates the possibility of germ contamination. NOTE: A few types of coliform bacteria do act as germs and cannot be ignored. These bacterial germs, called intestinal pathogenic Escherichia (esh-uh-RIK-e-uh) coli by scientists (E. coli for short), have caused several food-borne and waterborne outbreaks of disease, with the loss of life primarily among senior citizens and children. Fortunately, such occurrences are rare. **Why are there aerators on home water faucets?
When mixed with water, tiny air bubbles from the aerator prevent the water from splashing too much. Because the water flow is less, often half the regular flow, aerators also help conserve water. *When I'm working in the yard, I'm tempted to take a drink from my garden hose. Is this safe?
No. A standard vinyl garden hose has substances in it to keep the hose flexible. These chemicals, which get into the water as it goes through the hose, are not good for you. They are not good for animals or pets, either, so filling drinking containers for them out of a garden hose is not a good idea unless the water is allowed to run a while to flush the hose before using the water. However, one type of hose on the market is made with a "food-grade" plastic that is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and will not contaminate the water. Campers with recreational vehicles should use this type of hose when hooking up to a drinking water tap at a campsite. Check with a store that sells accessories for recreational vehicles. Even a well-flushed vinyl hose or a food-grade plastic hose can cause problems, however. The outside thread opening at the end could be covered with chemicals or germs from a previous use. Some children in Gainesville, Florida, got sick after filling water bottles from a hose that had been used to wash garbage cans. **Is tap water suitable for use in a home kidney dialysis machine?
No, not without further treatment. In a kidney dialysis machine, the water used is brought into close contact with the patient's blood. Thus, the quality requirements are far stricter than those for ordinary drinking water. Aluminum, fluoride, and chloramine (CHLOR-uh-mean) are examples of substances that are okay if found in drinking water but are not acceptable in water used for kidney dialysis. Water suppliers cannot be expected to meet these strict requirements, so the water is further treated immediately prior to use in the dialysis machine. Kidney dialysis centers are kept informed about water quality by water suppliers and are able to give advice on this matter. **What does the president of the United States drink at home and when traveling abroad?
Wherever he is, the president drinks commercial bottled water, not because of concern about the quality of tap water in the United States, but to avoid any temporary mild discomfort that may occur from variations in the quality of perfectly safe drinking water from place to place. Thus, to ensure a constant drinking water quality both here and abroad, bottled water is supplied to the president. Reprinted from Plain Talk About Drinking Water, by permission. Copyright (c)1997, American Water Works Association. To obtain this document, contact AWWA's Customer Service Group at 800-926-7337.   3. Error in POWTS pressure distribution manual
Errata sheets are available from the Safety and Buildings Division for several pages of the Pressure Distribution Component Manual for POWTS (Version 2.0). The sheets provide corrections to the formula listed in Table 1 for Network Pressure Compensation for Fittings, and to graphs 3 and 4 for Minimum Lateral Diameter Based on Orifice Spacing for 5/32" Diameter Orifices." The formula had a plus sign instead of a multiplication sign. The lines in Tables 3 and 4 were incorrectly plotted. The S&B website, http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivPublications.html, has the correction pages and the correct manual copy. Paper copies are available from S&B by contacting Roberta Ward, 608-266-8741, rward@commerce.state.wi.us. The state Document Sales unit has the correct page in the manuals they sell, http://www.doa.state.wi.us/dsas/docserv/docsales/index.asp.   4. Q&A about specific plumbing licensing situations - Who can do what, when?
For more information, contact Lynita Docken, S&B Plumbing Program Manager, 608-785-9349, ldocken@commerce.state.wi.us S&B staff get many questions about statutory licensing requirements regarding the installation of plumbing. The situations that exist concerning the interpretation of the license law are varied and numerous. There are installation activities that are commonly recognized as "plumbing," and there are related activities that affect the plumbing installation which historically have not been considered plumbing. The master plumber carries responsibility to ensure that installations are plumbing code compliant, from rough-in to finished product. When the installation includes related activities such as the insulation of piping or the plowing of the ground surface in preparation for a mound system, the master plumber has responsibility that the combination of plumbing and plumbing-related activities provide a code compliant plumbing system. Specific job site contracts may dictate which trades perform duties on that site, however all contracts must comply with the state statutes and code requirements in regards to licensure. Through the years, S&B has collected examples of what type of work requires a license, what activities have an impact on the plumbing system, and what other activities clearly do not require a licensed individual. 1. Question: Is the installation of wood backing for plumbing fixtures considered plumbing and will a licensed individual be required to install that wood backing? Also, is a plumbing license required for the installation of plumbing fixture brackets or carriers?
Answer: Backing may be installed by anyone, however licensed plumbers are required to install brackets or carriers for plumbing fixtures. 2. Question: May an unlicensed person help a plumber carry heavy or cumbersome items, like water heaters or bath modules? Is a plumbing license required to carry pipe or fixtures on a job site?
Answer: Much like a backhoe or crane helps lift heavy objects, an unlicensed person may assist the plumber with heavy or cumbersome items. A plumbing license is not required to carry or deliver pipe or fixtures to a job site. 3. Question: Many sinks or lavatories are purchased as a part of the countertop. Commercial kitchens include sinks, food waste grinders, and dishwashers that are part of the kitchen equipment bid. What are the license requirements for the installation of these types of fixtures?
Answer: When fixtures, such as lab sinks, are molded into countertops, or stainless steel equipment for kitchens are manufactured as homogenous and brought to the job site, they may be placed in the final location by a person without a plumbing license. The connection of these units to the drain and vent system and water distribution system must be done by licensed plumbers. Accessories such as faucets, tailpieces, traps, food waste grinders, or similar items must be installed by licensed plumbers. 4. Question: In order to validate roof warranties, many roofing contractors require that they install flashings and roof drains, even though the requirements for flashing materials and roof drains are in the plumbing code. Does the statute language require that licensed plumbers install these devices?
Answer: Even though flashing and roof drains are both addressed in the plumbing code, a flashing is not a plumbing fixture, device, or appurtenance. The main purpose of the flashing is to provide protection from precipitation entering the building. Anyone may install the flashing. A plumber must install the roof drain. Sealing around a roof drain does not require a person with a plumbing license. 5. Question: Projects in commercial buildings commonly require all piping be mounted on trapeze hangers. Sometimes these trapeze hangers are provided by the trade having the greatest need, such as the heating contractor. At other times, installation is divided among all the contractors that will use the hangers. How do these practices comply with licensing requirements?
Answer: The installation of trapeze hangers is basically a contractual item because many trades use the hangers. The plumber must still ensure that the piping is properly pitched and supported. When a hanger or bracket is installed for the sole purpose of supporting plumbing piping, a licensed plumber must install the bracket. The installation of joists, cross-pieces, or backing to support plumbing brackets or hangers may be performed by individuals without a plumbing license. 6. Question: Fittings, tubing, and pipe frequently tarnish. Sometimes employees clean them in the shop or on the job site. Must the polishing of the pipe or fittings be performed by licensed plumbers?
Answer: Anyone may polish fittings and tubing prior to or after construction to enhance the appearance. The cleaning of pipe and fittings to construct plumbing joints must be by a licensed plumber. 7. Question: Many hardware stores or wholesalers cut and thread pipe. Is this activity considered plumbing?
Answer: No, cutting and threading pipe offsite is not plumbing. 8. Question: Is a plumber's license required to weld black steel pipe and fittings for storm conductors on-site?
Answer: Yes 9. Question: Is the on-site construction of a catch basin or manhole considered plumbing?
Answer: No, however the installation of a code compliant appurtenance or appliance is the responsibility of the licensed plumber. For example, if the construction does not comply with the code requirements, the plumber must notify the masonry contractor and require correction or refuse the use of the product in the plumbing system. 10. Question: Are plumbers required to drill the holes, construct the chase, or install the sleeves for plumbing piping?
Answer: No. 11. Question: Does the construction of a trench drain included as part of a concrete pour require a licensed plumber for installation?
Answer: No. Trench drains are generally framed and poured in conjunction with the concrete floor. The licensed plumber must install the drain and trap at the end of the trench and provide that the proper pitch is maintained throughout the trench drain. If the trench drain is a pre-fabricated product, the setting of the drain requires a plumber's license. 12. Question: Are pool deck drains and scupper drains considered plumbing?
Answer: No. This is normally a closed system which discharges to the plumbing system or ground surface. A plumbing licensed is not required for this installation. 13. Question: Does demolition work require licensure as a plumber?
Answer: The removal or disconnection of the sanitary sewer and water service piping must be done by a licensed plumber to ensure the sanitary sewer and the water service are properly abandoned and capped. The plumbing code allows anyone to complete the rest of the demolition. 14. Question: Is a licensed plumber required to operate a back-hoe or dig trenches for the installation of plumbing pipe?
Answer: No. Many plumbing shops sub-contract the excavating or digging on a plumbing installation. The licensed plumber must ensure that the depth of a trench, bedding material, insulation, and proper backfill are installed to comply with the code. This would also apply to trenching done while roughing in basement work. 15. Question: Many drop-in fixtures like lavatories or kitchen sinks require that counter-tops be cut. Does this work require a plumbing license?
Answer: No. Anyone may cut the counter-top to prepare for the installation of a plumbing fixture. However, a plumbing license is required to place the fixture in the countertop and connect the piping serving the fixture. 16. Question: What portions of a drain tile installation around footings requires a licensed plumber to perform the installation?
Answer: The drain tile around the footings and into a sump does not require plumbing licensure. A licensed plumber must install the sump, pump, and accompanying piping. 17. Question: Preparing a site for an at-grade or mound system requires activities that may not require a plumbing license. Do any of the preparation activities require the plumbing license?
Answer: Staking of the system, cutting weeds, and plowing a site for the installation of an above ground or at-grade system is critical in the final function of the POWTS. Even though this work does not require a licensed plumber, the work must be code compliant. The licensed plumber responsible for the installation must audit the work of any other individuals preparing the site, and, if neccessary, decline the use of the site or modify the work. 18. Question: Pre-cast tanks are usually delivered to construction sites by manufacturers. Heavy cranes or trucks are used to unload and place the tanks in excavations. Does the licensed plumber need to control the equipment for this installation?
Answer: Much like backhoe operators, the operators of cranes that are placing tanks are not required to be licensed plumbers.   5. Internet licensing info
There is a state "Portal," www.wisconsin.gov, a cooperative Internet website created to serve as a first stop for electronic information from Wisconsin state government agencies. The site is in it's infancy, however one of the first goals is to provide information on licenses and permits of various kinds, including those administered by the Safety and Buildings Division. S&B has provided info for the Portal that is not duplicated on the S&B WebSite. Check it out, go to www.wisconsin.gov and choose "Licensing and Permitting" under "Quick Links." There is a link to the Portal from the S&B WebSite, www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB.   6. Classes on multipurpose piping systems
(See http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivForms.html for sample system calc sheets)
Are you interested in learning about the multipurpose piping system, which carries water to both plumbing fixtures and automatic fire sprinklers? [Defined in Comm 81.01(156)] Would you like to take a qualifying course for installation of these systems? [Requirements in Comm 5.91 (6)(b)] Safety and Building's staff will be conducting two-day trainings sessions on multipurpose piping systems during June, July, and August. Anyone may register for the classes. If you're interested in learning the basics about the multipurpose piping system, you can choose to attend the first day of the class for an overview of sizing and installation requirements. One- or two-day attendance will be optional. However, someone must attend both days if they want the class in order to qualify as a master plumber to be responsible for the installation of the system. For more information, contact Tim Joyce or Bob Samuels, S&B Plumbing Consultants.   7. More about POWTS county agents
by Roman Kaminski, S&B POWTS Program Manager, 715-345-5334, rkaminski@commerce.state.wi.us March's issue of the WPCR included an article which identified counties that have received approval from the Safety and Buildings Division to conduct certain types of private onsite wastewater treatment system plan review. There are some things I'd like you to remember about the designated agent plan review program. A county requesting approval as a designated plan review agent acknowledges that "the submission and review of plans under Comm 83.22(1) may, at the discretion of the submitter, be made to the department or the designated agent" [Comm 83.23(4)(b)]. While S&B encourages and anticipates that most plan submittals in an agent county will be to the county, submitters are also may instead submit plans to S&B. Note that designated agents can only review plans for projects that are located within their jurisdictional area. Similarly, if a revision to a plan is needed, the revision paperwork must be submitted to the office where the original plan review was conducted. In other words, if a designated agent approved a POWTS plan, any revisions must also be reviewed by the same designated agent. Counties designated as agents are free to establish whatever fee schedule they deem appropriate for the services they provide. Two additional counties have been approved:
Brown: Plan review for pre-cast, or manufactured holding tanks for one and two family dwellings; Plan review for pre-cast, or manufactured holding tanks for public or commercial facilities; Plan review for non-pressurized in-ground systems for public or commercial facilities with a design wastewater flow of 1,000 gpd or less; Plan review for pressurized inground systems that receive a design wastewater flow of 1,000 gpd or less; Plan review for mound systems that receive a design wastewater flow of 1,000 gpd or less; Plan review for at-grade systems that receive a design wastewater flow of 1,000 gpd or less.
Kewaunee: Plan review for pre-cast, or manufactured holding tanks for one and two family dwellings; Plan review for pre-cast, or manufactured holding tanks for public or commercial facilities with a design wastewater flow of 1,000 gpd or less. Email 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.