248 CMR, § 10.05 - General Regulations

(1) Conforming with 248 CMR 10.00. Except as otherwise allowed by a variance granted by the Board under 248 CMR 3.00: General Provisions Governing the Conduct of Plumbing and Gas Fitting Work Performed in the Commonwealth, all installed plumbing shall conform to the following general requirements as outlined in 248 CMR 10.00.

(2) Pitch of Horizontal Drainage Piping.

(a) Horizontal drainage piping shall be run in straight practical alignment and at a consistent uniform pitch.

(b) Horizontal drainage piping which is three inches in diameter or smaller shall be installed with a minimum uniform pitch of 1/4 of an inch per foot.

(c) Horizontal drainage piping which is larger than three inches in diameter shall be installed with a minimum uniform pitch 1/8 of an inch per foot.

(d) Storm or sanitary drain piping may deviate from the above pitch requirements, provided the pitch produces a computed discharge velocity of not less than two feet per second. Such piping systems must be designed by a Massachusetts professional engineer.

(e) Refer to 10.15: Table 2 regarding pitch requirements for a building drain.

(3) Changes in Direction of Drainage Piping.

(a) Allowable Fittings.

1. Changes in the direction of drainage piping shall be made with the use of wyes, long sweep quarter bends, fifth, sixth, eighth or sixteenth bends, or their equivalent.

2. Quarter bends, or their equivalent may be used in soil and waste lines when the change in the direction of the flow is from the horizontal to the vertical.

3. Tees and crosses for vent fittings may be used for changes in the direction of vent piping only.

4. Short sweep fittings may be used in a branch waste line when the waste line serves only one outlet and cleanouts are provided in accordance with 248 CMR 10.08.

(4) Fittings and Connections Prohibited.

(a) Prohibited Fittings.

1. No fitting that incorporates a straight T branch shall be used as a drainage fitting.

2. No fitting or connection that has an enlargement chamber or that has a recess with a ledge or shoulder, or that incorporates a reduction in pipe area shall be used.

3. No running threads, bands or saddles shall be used in a drainage system.

4. No drainage pipe or vent piping shall be drilled, tapped, burned, or welded.

5. Fittings commonly referred to as "Sisson Joints" are prohibited.

(b) Obstruction to Flow.

1. No fitting, connection, device, or method of installation that obstructs or retards the flow of water, wastes, sewage, or air in drainage or venting systems where the obstruction results in flow resistance that is greater than the normal frictional resistance to flow shall be used unless otherwise specifically indicated elsewhere in 248 CMR 10.00.

2. The enlargement of a three-inch closet bend or stub to four inches shall not be considered an obstruction under 248 CMR 10.05(4)(b) provided that the horizontal flow line or insert is continuous without forming a ledge. See 10.05: Example 1.

10.05: Example 1 - Enlargement of a three-inch Closet Bend or Flange

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(c) Heel or Side-inlet Bends. A heel or side-inlet quarter bend shall not be used as a dry vent when the inlet is placed in a horizontal position, or any similar arrangement of pipe and fittings producing a similar effect, except when the entire fitting is part of a dry vent arrangement. See 10.05: Example 2.

10.05: Example 2 - Side-Inlet Bend

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(5) Trenching, Tunneling and Backfilling for Storm and Sanitary Systems.

(a) Trenching and Bedding.

1. Trenches shall be of enough width to permit proper installation of the pipe.

2. Where shoring is required, ample allowance shall be made in the trench's width to facilitate proper working conditions.

3. Where trenches are excavated to a grade such that the bottom of the trench forms the bed for the pipe:

a. care must be exercised to provide solid bearing between joints; and

b. bell holes shall be provided at points where the pipe is joined.

4. Where trenches are excavated below grade such that the bottom of the trench does not form the bed for the pipe, the trench shall be back-filled to grade with sand tamped in place so as to provide a uniform bearing surface for the pipe between joints.

5. Where rock is encountered in trenching:

a. The rock shall be removed to a point at least three inches below the grade line of the trench and the trench shall be backfilled to grade with sand tamped in place to provide a uniform bearing for the pipe between joints; and

b. care shall be exercised to ensure that no portion of the pipe, including its joints, rests on any portion of a rock.

6. If soft materials of poor bearing qualities are found at the bottom of the trench:

a. a concrete foundation shall be provided to ensure a firm foundation for the pipe; and

b. the concrete foundation shall be bedded with sand tamped in place to provide a uniform bearing for the pipe between joints.

c. In trenches where a firm foundation cannot be established, piping shall be properly suspended from the concrete above.

7. Where PVC or ABS is installed underground:

a. Prepare a smooth, uniformly compacted trench bottom using granular fill. Place the pipe in uniform alignment and grade with a continuous bearing on the bottom quadrant of the pipe along its entire length.

b. Using granular fill, compact and backfill around the pipe to a point at least six inches over the crown of the pipe.

c. Do not allow large stones or pieces of earth to be dropped into the trench when completing the backfilling process.

d. The requirements of 248 CMR 10.05(5)(a)7.a. through c. shall be the responsibility of the on-site licensed plumber.

(b) Tunneling.

1. Where necessary, pipe may be installed by tunneling or jacking, or a combination of both. In such cases special care shall be exercised to protect the pipe from damage either during installation or from subsequent uneven loading.

2. Where earth tunnels are used, adequate supporting structures shall be provided to prevent future settling or caving.

3. Pipe may be installed in a larger conduit that has been jacked through unexcavated portions of the trench.

(c) Backfilling.

1. Until the crown of the pipe is covered by at least two feet of tamped earth considerable care shall be exercised in backfilling trenches.

2. Loose earth, free of rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble, shall be carefully placed in the trench in six-inch layers and tamped in place.

3. Care shall be taken to thoroughly compact the backfill under and beside the pipe to be sure that the pipe is properly supported.

4. Backfill shall be brought up evenly on both sides of the pipe so that it retains proper alignment.

(6) Structural Safety.

(a) A structural member of any building shall not be weakened or impaired by cutting, drilling or notching.

(b) Any cutting, drilling, or notching shall be completed in compliance with the local Inspector of buildings or as specified in 780 CMR: The Massachusetts State Building Code.

(7) Protection of Piping.

(a) Corrosion. Any pipe that is in contact with or that passes through or under a masonry product, concrete product or any other similar and potentially corrosive material shall be protected against external damage by application of a protective sleeve, coating, wrapping, or other means that will prevent corrosion.

(b) Freezing Prevention.

1. For water supply or drainage piping that is installed outside, under a building, exposed to the elements, in an unheated area, in an exterior wall, unconditioned space or similar areas that may be directly influenced by freezing temperatures, adequate provision shall be made to protect all pipes from freezing.

2. The protection and covering of water and waste pipes shall be the responsibility of the installing plumber.

(c) Rodent Proofing.

1. All strainer plates on drain inlets shall be designed and installed so that the diameter of the opening is no greater than or equal to V2 inch.

2. Meter boxes shall be constructed in such a manner that rodents cannot enter a building by following the water service pipe from the box into the building.

(d) Physical Damage.

1. Exposed Piping. All exposed drainage piping, vent piping, or water piping in parking garages, in residential garages, warehouses or similar type buildings must be protected against physical damage from all types of vehicles such as automobiles, carts, pallet jacks or forklifts.

2. Concealed Piping. All water, waste, and vent piping other than cast/ductile iron, or any steel located within one inch of exposed framing shall be protected by steel shielding plates of not less than 18 gauge in thickness. Plates shall extend a minimum of two inches beyond the piping.

(e) Protection against Thermal Expansion. Protection of piping shall be provided as warranted by temperature variations or physical conditions. Protection of PVC against thermal expansion shall be provided using expansion joints or loops when temperature variations exceed the piping material's coefficient of linear expansion, the length of pipe between directional changes, and the temperature differential.

(f) Non-Metallic Piping Through Firewalls or Rated Fire Separation Walls.

1. When piping passes through a rated fire separation wall or enclosure to another dwelling unit or space, the pipe shall be encased or shielded by a metal sleeve extended twenty inches on each side of the wall, floor, or ceiling. The metal sleeve shall be 18 gauge (.040 in.) or heavier.

2. The annular space between the metal sleeve and the piping shall be sealed with non-combustible fire-retardant material, alternate procedures may be used. To the extent applicable, see 780 CMR: The Massachusetts State Building Code for licensing and other requirements governing such issues.

3. The piping connections that penetrate firewalls and ceilings in one- and two-family passenger car garages located beneath dwelling units are exempt and are not required to be encased. The pipe penetrations should be sufficiently sealed by means of caulking or other approved materials to prevent the passage of smoke from space to space.

(8) Damage to the Public or Private Sewer Systems. No person shall discharge by any mean into a building drain or sewer the following matter:

(a) ashes;

(b) masonry products;

(c) textiles;

(d) paints;

(e) solvents;

(f) flammables;

(g) corrosive or explosive liquid(s);

(h) gas;

(i) oil;

(j) grease; or

(k) any product that would or could obstruct or damage a drain or sewer system.

(9) Detrimental Wastes. Waste that is detrimental to the public sewer system or to the functioning of the sewage treatment plant shall be treated and disposed of according to the requirements of the State, local or Federal authorities having jurisdiction.

(10) Sleeves. The annular space between the sleeve and a pipe that passes through an exterior wall shall be made watertight or weather tight.

(a) PVC or ABS piping which penetrate concrete floors, slabs or walls shall be provided with sleeves. Maintain an annular space of one inch between the pipe and sleeve.

(b) PVC or ABS Pipes which penetrate concrete slabs placed on grade shall also provide a sleeve. Maintain an annular space of one inch between the pipe and sleeve.

(11) Second Hand or Previously Installed Plumbing Material. If installation of second hand or previously installed plumbing fixtures or materials complies with 248 CMR 10.00, before installation that fixture or material shall be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected.

(12) Piping in Relation to Footings.

(a) Outside of Footings. Piping which is installed outside of and below a footing shall not destroy the bearing value of the soil.

(b) Through or Under Footings, Foundations or Walls. No pipe shall be installed through or under a footing, foundation, or wall, except when a provision is made in the footing to carry the building or structural loads without transmitting such loads to the pipe.

(13) Drainage Below Sewer Level. Drainage piping which is located below the sewer shall be installed as provided in 248 CMR 10.15(9)

(14) Connections to Plumbing System Required. All plumbing fixtures, drains and appurtenances which are used to receive, or discharge liquid waste or sewage waste shall be properly connected to the sanitary or storm drainage system of the building or premises in accordance with the requirements of 248 CMR 10.00.

(15) Sewage Disposal Connections (Buildings).

Each building shall have an independent connection to a public sanitary sewer or sewage disposal system that complies with 310 CMR 15.00. The State Environmental Code, Title 5: Standard Requirements for the Siting, Construction, Inspection, Upgrade and Expansion of On-site Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems and for the Transport and Disposal of Septage.

(16) Location of Fixtures.

(a) Light and Ventilation: Plumbing fixtures shall be located in compartments, rooms, spaces or areas that are provided with mechanical ventilation and illumination that conform to 105 CMR 410.000: Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation (State Sanitary Code, Chapter II) and 780 CMR: The Massachusetts State Building Code.

(b) Improper Location: Piping, fixtures, or plumbing devices and equipment shall not be installed in a manner that will interfere with the normal operation of windows, doors, or other openings.

(17) Workmanship. Workmanship shall conform to generally accepted good practice. Particular attention shall be applied to all piping installations with regards to the alignment of piping (straight, level, and plumb).

(18) Manufacturer Instructions: The licensee shall conform to the equipment manufacturers' specific requirements in completing an installation unless those requirements conflict with or are less stringent than 248 CMR 10.00.

(19) Temporary and Emergency Uses.

(a) General. Where a new or existing building or structure is desired for use on a temporary or emergency basis but whose plumbing does not comply with 248 CMR 10.00, the Inspector may approve said use on a temporary basis so long as the following provisions are adhered to:

1. No relief shall be granted unless a plumbing permit application has been filed. In cases of emergency requiring an immediate use of a building or structure to protect public health, safety, and general welfare and where the prospective permit applicant is unable to contact the Inspector, the use shall be allowed so long as the requirements of 248 CMR 3.05(1)(a)4. are adhered to.

2. With the permit application, the applicant must submit in writing a description of the temporary or emergency use as well as the reason why compliance with 248 CMR 10.00 cannot be achieved prior to that use.

3. The uniform application for a permit to perform plumbing work must be filled out to show all areas of plumbing work which would be required for full compliance with 248 CMR 10.00, regardless of whether the applicant intends to complete that work prior to the end of the temporary use.

4. The Inspector shall not grant temporary or emergency approvals for the following:

a. A building which has no toilets or lavatories;

b. A building which is prohibited from being utilized due to an order by a building or fire official or a court of competent jurisdiction;

c. Allowing a use which has previously been denied by the Inspector and/or the Board; and

d. Any other uses which, in the opinion of the Inspector, would jeopardize public health, safety, or general welfare.

5. The Inspector shall authorize temporary, or emergency uses by issuing said authorization in writing in such format as deemed appropriate by the Inspector and shall accompany a permit to perform plumbing work to allow the applicant to achieve code compliance. Said authorization shall not be permitted for more than 60 days. Further extensions must be granted by the Board by way of the variance process.

(b) Failure to Obtain Inspector or Board Approval of a Temporary or Emergency Use.

As described in 248 CMR 10.02(27), the use of a building or structure that is not in compliance with 248 CMR 10.00 represents a significant danger to public health. Accordingly, any such building or structure whose use has not been approved by the Board or by the Inspector pursuant to 248 CMR 10.05(19) shall be deemed unsafe for occupants regardless of the nature of deficient/missing plumbing. This applies even if the violation is minor or created by a change of use not accompanied by any plumbing work. Until such issues are corrected:

1. Permits for any and all additional work shall be denied per 248 CMR 3.05(1)(b)10.g.; and

2. Inspectors shall not sign off on requests by other officials (such as building officials) regarding the safety of the building or structure for occupancy or other purposes.

(c) Additional Relief. Notwithstanding the requirements of 248 CMR 10.05, where there is a hardship or unusual circumstance not addressed in 248 CMR 10.05, the Board retains the right to issue variances as it deems appropriate pursuant to 248 CMR 3.04(2).

Notes

248 CMR, § 10.05

Amended by Mass Register Issue 1331, eff. 1/27/2017. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1442, eff. 4/30/2021. Amended by Mass Register Issue 1510, eff. 12/8/2023.