248 CMR, § 10.04 - Testing and Safety

(1) Survey. Prior to the commencement of work, all portions of existing systems that will be directly affected by proposed plumbing work shall be surveyed by the licensed plumber to insure the existing systems are adequate to support the proposed work.

(2) Testing and Inspections of the Plumbing System. All testing shall adhere to the manufacturer's testing requirements of the materials being tested.

(a) Testing and Inspection of Rough Plumbing. Prior to requesting an inspection of rough plumbing, the licensee shall choose one of the testing methods listed in 248 CMR 10.04 to ensure the safe and proper functionality of the installed plumbing system. All testing shall be performed in accordance with product manufacturer instructions. Exception: The testing of plumbing systems in manufactured and modular buildings shall be accomplished by performing a non-destructive test and without removal of walls or other pre-fabricated building components. The Inspector may require the permit holder or other licensee employed by the permit holder to be on site, with 248 CMR 10.00.

1. Methods of Testing the Drainage and Vent System.

a. Water Test. A water test shall be applied to the drainage system either 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 and the system filled with water to point of overflow. 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. When testing successive sections, at least the upper ten feet of the next preceding section shall be tested, so that no joint or pipe in the building (except the uppermost ten feet of the system) shall have been submitted to a test that utilizes less than a ten-foot head of water. The water shall be kept in the system or in the portion under test for at least 15 minutes before the inspection starts: the system shall then be tight at all points.

b. Air Test. An air test shall be performed by attaching an air compressor testing apparatus to any suitable opening, and, after closing all other inlets and outlets to the system, forcing air into the system, until there is a uniform gauge pressure of five PSIG or enough pressure to balance a column of mercury ten inches in height. This pressure shall be held without introduction of additional air for a period of at least fifteen minutes. The gauge used for this test shall be calibrated in increments no greater than ¹/₁₀ of a pound.

d. Peppermint Test. A peppermint test shall only be used and performed on the concealed piping within existing buildings or structures. The test shall be applied by creating a liquid mixture with the appropriate amount of oil of peppermint and hot water. The mixture shall be poured down a main stack. The stack opening shall then be sealed. The individual who has handled the oil of peppermint or the peppermint mixture shall not enter the building until the test has been completed. The presence of the aroma of the oil of peppermint may potentially be present on the individual who created the mixture and will compromise the building environment under test and observation.

e. Smoke Test. A smoke test shall be performed by obtaining smoke injector equipment designed for the purpose of producing and introducing a heavy volume of smoke. Smoke injector testing equipment utilizes several methods for producing adequate smoke conditions for testing; manufacturers' recommendations shall be observed. The discharge hose from the smoke injector equipment shall be extended to and through a smoke test cap or plug and all voids encompassing the hose shall be sealed with putty or another similar compound. When the entire system or portion thereof is charged with smoke, air pressure equal to U2 water column shall be applied. Defects, failures, and leaks in the piping system will be revealed by plumes of smoke that will discharge through them.

2. Methods of Testing the Water Distribution and Supply System. Upon completion of a section or of the entire water supply system when roughed, it shall be tested and proved tight under a pressure not less than 125 pounds per square inch. Water used for tests shall be obtained from a potable supply source. Air or other inert gases may be used for testing.

(b) Testing and Inspection of Finish Plumbing. When work is ready for inspection, notice shall be given to the Inspector as required by 248 CMR 3.05(3)(d)1. within five days after the plumbing work is complete.

(c) Within two working days after receipt of such notice, the Inspector shall proceed with the inspection and examine the work with the water turned on to the fixtures. The Inspector may require the permit holder or other licensee employed by the permit holder to be on site, with 248 CMR 10.00.

(d) If the installation is found in compliance with 248 CMR an Inspection approval tag shall be issued by the Inspector.

(e) Grease Interceptors. Interceptors must be isolated from the drainage system prior to rough or final inspection. The interceptor must not be subjected to air, water, or any other type of pressure test.

(3) Defects.

(a) Should inspection of the permitted plumbing work disclose any defects or violations of 248 CMR the permit holder shall be required to remedy the violations and defects, without delay, and notify the inspector for a repeat inspection of the installation.

(b) If the licensee holding a permit for work in a building turns the water on and fails to properly notify the Inspector as required, or neglects to remedy any defects or violations disclosed by the Inspector shall not be granted any further permits until the defects have been rectified and/or the final inspection has been performed.

(4) Repairs and Alterations.

(a) Deviations from the provisions of 248 CMR may be permitted in existing buildings or where plumbing installations are to be altered, repaired, or renovated. The deviations shall be determined and agreed upon by the permit holder and the inspector prior to the installation. The deviations may be allowed provided they are found to be necessary and conform to the scope and intent of 248 CMR 10.00.

(b) Whenever compliance with the provisions of 248 CMR 10.00 fails to eliminate or alleviate a nuisance that may involve health or safety hazards, the Inspector shall notify the owner or the owner's agent in writing regarding the violations and the proper procedures necessary to become compliant. 248 CMR 10.04 shall not be deemed as an allowance to permit waivers from the material provisions of 248 CMR 10.06 or the fixture requirements of 248 CMR 10.10(15).

(5) Defective Plumbing.

(a) Whenever there is reason to believe that the plumbing system of any building has become defective, it shall be subjected to test and/or inspection. The Inspector shall notify the owner or the owner's agent in writing regarding the defective plumbing and the proper procedures necessary to become compliant.

(b) Whenever the work subject to a permit complies with the provisions of 248 CMR 3.00 through 10.00, but the Inspector notes other existing plumbing or gas fitting that may cause a health or safety hazard, the Inspector shall notify the owner or the owner's agent in writing regarding the violations and the proper procedures necessary to become compliant.

(6) Demolition and Removal.

(a) When a fixture that is connected to the plumbing system is to be permanently removed, a permit for the work shall be secured. All plumbing connections to that fixture shall be made water and gas tight.

(b) Insofar as they are pertinent, the provisions of 248 CMR 10.04(6)(a) shall also apply when a building, structure, dwelling or tenant space is to be demolished.

Notes

248 CMR, § 10.04

Amended by Mass Register Issue 1331, eff. 1/27/2017. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1510, eff. 12/8/2023.