Minnesota Administrative Rules

4714.0100 BASIC PLUMBING PRINCIPLES.

This code is founded upon certain basic principles of environmental sanitation and safety through properly designed, acceptably installed, and adequately maintained plumbing systems. Some of the details of plumbing construction may vary, but the basic sanitary and safety principles desirable and necessary to protect the health of the people are the same everywhere. As interpretations may be required, and as unforeseen situations arise that are not specifically covered in this code, the 23 principles in items A to W shall be used to define the intent.

A.

All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy, or use shall be provided with a potable water supply that meets the requirements of the commissioner of health. The water supply shall not be connected with unsafe water sources nor shall it be subject to the hazards of backflow or back-siphonage.

B.

Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamination of food, water, sterile goods, and similar materials by backflow of sewage. When necessary, the fixtures, devices, or appliances shall be connected indirectly with the building drainage system.

C.

Each family dwelling unit shall have at least one water closet, one lavatory, one kitchen-type sink, and one bathtub or shower to meet the basic requirements of sanitation and personal hygiene. All other structures for habitation shall be equipped with sufficient sanitary facilities.

D.

The building sewer in every building with installed plumbing fixtures and intended for human habitation, occupancy, or use when located on premises where the Authority Having Jurisdiction has determined that a public sewer is available shall be connected to the public sewer.

E.

The building drainage system shall be designed to provide adequate circulation of air in all pipes with no danger of siphonage, aspiration, or forcing of trap seals under conditions of ordinary use.

F.

The drainage system shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to conduct the waste water with velocities that prevent fouling, deposition of solids, and clogging.

G.

The drainage system shall be provided with an adequate number of cleanouts so arranged that in case of stoppage the pipes may be readily cleaned.

H.

Where a building drainage system may be subjected to backflow of sewage, suitable provision shall be made to prevent overflow in the building.

I.

Each vent terminal shall extend to the outer air and be so installed as to minimize the possibilities of clogging and the return of foul air to the building.

J.

No substance that will clog or accentuate clogging of pipes, produce explosive mixtures, destroy the pipes or their joints, or interfere unduly with the sewage disposal process shall be allowed to enter the drainage system.

K.

The piping of the plumbing system shall be of durable material free from defective construction and designed and constructed to give satisfactory service for its reasonable expected life.

L.

The plumbing system shall be subjected to adequate tests and to inspections in a manner that will disclose all leaks and defects in the work or the material.

M.

Plumbing systems shall be maintained in a safe and serviceable condition from the standpoint of both mechanics and health.

N.

Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to preservation of the strength of structural members and prevention of damage to the walls and other surfaces through fixture usage.

O.

Plumbing fixtures shall be made of durable, smooth, nonabsorbent, and corrosion-resistant material and be free from concealed fouling surfaces.

P.

Plumbing fixtures, devices, and appurtenances shall be supplied with water in sufficient volume and at pressures adequate to enable them to function properly and without undue noise under normal conditions of use.

Q.

Plumbing fixtures shall be designed and adjusted to use the minimum quantity of water consistent with proper performance and cleaning. Hot water shall be supplied to all plumbing fixtures which normally need or require hot water for their proper use and function.

R.

All plumbing fixtures shall be installed with regard to spacing as to be accessible for their intended use and cleansing.

S.

Each fixture shall be provided with a separate, accessible, self-scouring, reliable trap placed as near to the fixture as possible.

T.

No water closet or similar fixture shall be located in a room or compartment that is not properly lighted and ventilated.

U.

If water closets or other plumbing fixtures are installed in a building where there is no public sewer available as determined by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, suitable provisions shall be made for treatment of the building sewage by methods that meet the requirements of rules administered by the Pollution Control Agency.

V.

Devices for heating and storing water shall be designed and installed to prevent all dangers from explosion and overheating.

W.

Sewage or other waste shall not be discharged into surface or subsurface water unless it first has been subjected to an acceptable form of treatment approved by the Pollution Control Agency.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 326B.43; 326B.435

History:

40 SR 71

Published Electronically:

January 25, 2016