N.J. Admin. Code § 5:23-3.15

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 5:23-3.15 - Plumbing subcode

(a) Rules concerning the plumbing subcode adopted are as follows:

1. Pursuant to the authority of P.L. 1975, c. 217, as modified by P.L. 1996, c. 53, the Commissioner hereby adopts the Model Code of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, known as "The National Standard Plumbing Code Illustrated/2021," as the plumbing subcode for New Jersey.

i. Copies of this code may be obtained from the sponsor at: New Jersey PHCC, 189 East Bergen Place, Red Bank, NJ 07701.

2. "The National Standard Plumbing Code Illustrated/2021," including appendices, may be known, and cited as "the plumbing subcode."

(b) The following pages, chapters, sections, or appendices of the plumbing subcode shall be amended as follows:

1. The section entitled "Administration," comprising sections ADM 1.1 through ADM 1.13, is deleted in its entirety.

2. Chapter 1 of the plumbing subcode, entitled "Definitions," shall be amended as follows:

i. Delete the term and definition of "Adopting Agency."

ii. Amend the definition of "approved" as follows: delete "Sec. 3.12" and insert "5:23-3.7."

iii. Delete the definition of "Authority Having Jurisdiction" and insert the following: "Unless otherwise defined herein, or unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "authority having jurisdiction" for purposes of the plumbing subcode, shall mean the "plumbing subcode official."

iv. In the definition of "Building Classification" delete "code" and insert "subcode at 5:23-3.14."

v. In the definition of "hot water" the following shall be inserted after the first sentence: "Hot Water is potable water at a temperature of not less than 120 degrees F and not more than 140 degrees F."

vi. The term and definition of "nuisance" are deleted.

vii. In the definition of tempered water, "desired" shall be deleted. Additionally, "for its intended use, typically" shall be deleted and "of" shall be inserted.

3. Chapter 2 of the plumbing subcode, entitled "General Regulations," shall be amended as follows:

i. Section 2.5, Health and Safety, is deleted in its entirety.

ii. In Section 2.9.3, From Weakened Structure, delete "building code" and insert "building subcode."

iii. In Section 2.11, Materials Exposed Within Plenums, "Codes" shall be deleted and "subcodes" shall be inserted.

iv. In Section 2.12, Sleeves for Piping, subparagraph e, "regulations" shall be deleted and "subcode" shall be inserted.

v. In Section 2.16, Freezing or Overheating, at Item 1, "42" shall be inserted in the blank space provided. Additionally, the following shall be inserted: "Combination domestic/fire water service piping shall be installed such that the minimum earth cover is 42 inches or the top of the pipe is 12 inches below the frost depth of the locality, whichever is greater. Limited-area sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.8 of the building subcode, shall be installed such that the minimum earth cover is 42 inches." In the same section, at Item 2, "24" shall be inserted in the blank space provided. In addition, in the third line of Item 2, "6" shall be inserted in the blank space provided.

vi. Section 2.19.1, Availability of Public Water and Sewer, is amended to delete the blank and the words "feet of any property line of the premises, or other."

vii. Section 2.19.2, Private Systems, is amended to delete the words "the Health Department or other agency having jurisdiction" and substitute in lieu thereof "The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection."

viii. New Section 2.19.3, Common Systems, shall be inserted as follows:

a. Common water services shall be permitted to serve attached single-family dwellings in groups of three or more where the common water service is located within property subject to an association easement or on common property and there is a homeowners' association or other owner entity responsible for maintenance and upkeep.

b. Common building sewers shall be permitted to serve attached single-family dwellings in groups of three or more where the common sewer is located within property subject to an association easement or on common property and there is a homeowners' association or other owner entity responsible for maintenance and upkeep.

ix. Section 2.24, Toilet Facilities for Construction Workers, shall be deleted in its entirety.

x. Section 2.26.1, General, shall be amended as follows:

(1) Subsection b. shall be deleted.

(2) In subsection d, "Phase II firefighter override" shall be deleted and "firefighter emergency operation" shall be inserted.

xi. Section 2.26.2, Where Elevator Pit Drainage is Provided, shall be amended as follows:

(1) In subsection b, "Where the drainage discharge is outdoors," shall be deleted and "the" shall be capitalized.

(2) Subsection c. shall be deleted.

(3) In subsection d, "hydraulic" shall be deleted. Additionally, "or there shall be oil separation for pump operation" shall be deleted.

(4) In subsection g, "Phase II firefighter override" shall be deleted and "firefighter emergency operation" shall be inserted. Additionally, the last sentence shall be deleted.

4. Chapter 3 of the plumbing subcode, entitled "Materials," shall be amended as follows:

i. In Section 3.1.1, Minimum Standards, delete "Minimum" in the title. In the same section at items (1) and (2), delete "Section 3.12.2" and insert "5:23-3.7."

ii. In Section 3.1.2, General Requirements, at Item a, delete "at least." In the same section, delete "Section 3.12" and insert "N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.7."

iii. In Section 3.1.3, Standards Applicable to Plumbing Materials, "Section 3.12.2" shall be deleted and "N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.7" shall be inserted.

iv. In Table 3.1.3, Approved Materials, Part XI, Installation Procedures and Practices, insert: "11. Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Catch Basins: ANSI/APSN/ICC-7-2018."

v. Section 3.3.11 entitled "Septic Tanks" is deleted in its entirety.

vi. Add new section 3.4.2.1 as follows: 3.4.2.1 Combination Domestic/Fire Water Service: Water service piping for combination domestic/fire water services shall be of materials listed in Table 3.4 and shall be water pressure rated not less than 200 psig at 7373[degrees]F. Joint restraints shall comply with Section 6.3, entitled "Joint Restraint for Fire Mains" per NFPA 13.

Exception: Limited area sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.8 of the building subcode, shall be water pressure rated not less than 160 psig at 73[degrees]F.

vii. Section 3.12, Alternate Materials and Methods, shall be deleted in its entirety.

5. Chapter 5 of the plumbing subcode entitled, "Traps, Cleanouts and Backwater Valves," shall be amended as follows:

i. In Section 5.3.2, Trap seals, in Exception (2), "in accordance with 5:23-3.3 " shall be inserted after "Authority Having Jurisdiction."

ii. In Section 5.3.4, Building traps, "in accordance with 5:23-3.3 " shall be inserted after "Authority Having Jurisdiction."

iii. In Section 5.4.6, Building Drain and Building Sewer Junctions and the Property Line, in subsection b, "in accordance with the requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction" shall be deleted.

iv. In Section 5.4.10, Manholes for Large Pipes, subsection d shall be deleted.

6. Chapter 6 of the plumbing subcode, entitled "Liquid Waste Treatment Equipment," shall be amended as follows:

i. At the end of Section 6.1.1, Where Required, the following shall be inserted: "The determination of necessity shall be made by the plumbing subcode official in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.3."

ii. In Section 6.1.4.1, General, "and the Authority Having Jurisdiction" shall be deleted.

iii. Section 6.4.4, Alternate Design, is amended to add the phrase "in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.3" after the word "approval" on line 4.

7. Chapter 7 of the plumbing subcode, entitled "Plumbing Fixtures, Fixture Fittings and Plumbing Appliances," shall be amended as follows:

i. Section 7.2, Fixtures For Accessible Use, subsection a. shall be deleted and the following shall be inserted: "Plumbing fixtures for accessible use and their installation shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 11 of the building subcode (N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.14)."

ii. In Section 7.18.2, Approval, "to the Authority Having Jurisdiction" shall be deleted.

iii. In Table 7.21.1, in the second column entitled "Occupancy Group," "R-2: One- and two-family dwellings" shall be deleted and "R-3/R-5: One- and two-family dwellings" shall be inserted.

iv. In Note 1 to Table 7.21.1, Minimum Number of Required Plumbing Fixtures, delete the second sentence.

v. Section 7.5.3, Surrounding Surfaces, is amended to delete the following after "surface," "extending not less than four feet above the floor. One foot to each side of the urinal, and one foot in front of the lip of the urinal. See Figure 7.5.3.," and insert, "Refer to the International Building Code, Section 1209.2.2." This section is amended to delete Figure 7.5.3, "Protecting Surrounding Surfaces of Urinals."

vi. In Section 7.11.4, Service Sinks and Mop Receptors, b. is amended to delete the following after "surface," "at least one foot in front of the sink or receptor, at least one foot on each side, and up to a point one foot above the faucet height," and insert, "refer to the International Building Code, Section 1210.2.2."

vii. In Section 7.21.2, Occupant Load, b. "building code" shall be deleted and "building subcode" shall be inserted.

viii. In Section 7.21.9, Family and Assisted-Use Toilet Rooms, "applicable building code" shall be deleted and "building subcode" shall inserted.

ix. Section 7.23, Safety Features for Spas and Hot Tubs, shall be deleted and Section 7.23, Safety Features for Spas and Hot Tubs, shall be inserted as follows:

7.23" Safety Features for Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs.

7.23.1, Suction Entrapment Avoidance. Suction outlets shall be designed and installed in accordance with ANSI/PHTA/ICC-7."

8. Chapter 8 of the plumbing subcode, entitled "Hangers and Supports," shall be amended as follows:

i. In Section 8.9, Seismic Supports for Piping, "code" shall be deleted and "subcode" shall be inserted.

9. Chapter 10 of the plumbing subcode, entitled "Water Supply and Distributions," shall be amended as follows:

i. In Section 10.4.2, Interconnections, delete "with the approval of the Authority Having Jurisdiction" and insert "in accordance with the rules of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection at N.J.A.C. 7:10-10."

ii. In Section 10.4.3, Cross Connection Control, the text shall be deleted and the following shall be inserted "Potable water supplies shall be protected in accordance with the provisions of this code and where applicable the Safe Drinking Water Regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:10). The requirements of this code shall establish requirements for individual outlet protection. The requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act shall establish the requirements for containment."

iii. In Section 10.4.4b, Private Supplies, "in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:10-10.2(e)" shall be inserted after "Authority Having Jurisdiction."

iv. In Section 10.5.6e, Testing and Maintenance of Backflow Prevention Assemblies, "and repair" shall be deleted. Additionally, in the same sentence, "approved by an agency acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction" shall be deleted.

v. Section 10.5.9a, Protection from Fire Systems, Exception (4) shall be deleted and the following inserted: "(4) Where fire protection systems supplied from a potable water system include a fire department connection which is located less than 1,700 feet from a non-potable water source, the water supply shall be protected by one of the following:

(i) Reduced pressure backflow preventer assembly; or

(ii) Reduced pressure detector assembly."

vi. In Section 10.8.1, Water Pressure Booster Systems Required, "and in accordance with good practice" in the fifth and sixth lines shall be deleted.

vii. In Section 10.15.1, Hot Water Supply System, "Outlet temperature of hot water from lavatory faucets in public use facility restrooms or public toilet rooms shall be provided with a means to limit the maximum temperature to 110 degrees F." shall be inserted after the first sentence.

viii. In Section 10.20, NFPA 13D Multipurpose Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems, shall be deleted and new section 10.20, Dwelling Unit Fire Sprinkler Systems, shall be inserted, as follows: Section P2904, Dwelling Unit Fire Sprinkler Systems, of the one- and two-family dwelling subcode shall be considered part of the plumbing subcode.

10. Chapter 12 of the plumbing subcode, entitled "Vents and Venting," shall be amended as follows:

i. Section 12.5, Frost Closure, is deleted in its entirety.

ii. Section 12.8.2, Provision for Venting Future Fixtures, is deleted in its entirety.

iii. Section 12.10, Wet Venting, shall be deleted and the text of the 2015 National Plumbing Code shall be inserted:

12.10 WET VENTING

12.10.1 Single Bathroom Groups

a. An individually vented lavatory in a single bathroom group shall be permitted to serve as a wet vent for the water closet, the bathtub, or shower stall, the water closet and bathtub/shower if all of the following conditions are met.

1. The wet vent is 1-1/2" minimum pipe size if the water closet bend is 3" size, or it shall be 2" minimum pipe size if the water closet bend is 4" pipe size.

2. A horizontal branch drain serving both the lavatory and the bathtub or shower stall is 2" minimum pipe size.

3. The length of the trap arm for the bathtub or shower stall is within the limits of Table 12.8.1. If not, the bathtub or shower stall shall be individually vented.

4. The distance from the outlet of the water closet to the connection of the wet vent is within the limits established by Section 12.8.4. Otherwise, the water closet shall be individually vented.

5. A horizontal branch serving the lavatory and the bathtub or shower stall shall connect to the stack at the same level as the water closet, or it may connect to the water closet bend, or the lavatory and bathtub or shower stall may individually connect to the water closet bend.

6. When the bathroom group is the topmost load on a stack, a horizontal branch serving the lavatory and the bathtub or shower stall may connect to the stack below the water closet bend, or the lavatory and the bathtub, or shower stall may individually connect to the stack below the water closet bend.

12.10.2 Double Bathtubs and Lavatories

Two lavatories and two bathtubs or showers back-to-back may be installed on the same horizontal branch with a common vent for the lavatories and with no back vent for the bathtubs or shower stalls provided the wet vent is 2" in size and the lengths of the tub/shower drains conform to Table 12.8.1.

12.10.3 Multi-Story Bathroom Groups

a. On the lower floors of a stack, the waste pipe from one or two lavatories may be used as a wet vent for one or two bathtubs or showers as provided in Section 12.10.2.

b. Each water closet below the top floor shall be individually back vented.

EXCEPTION: The water closets in bathroom groups shall not be required to be back vented if the following conditions are met:

(1) The 2" waste serving the tubs/showers and lavatories connect directly into the water closet bend with a 45#[degrees]# wye tap in the direction of flow; or

(2) A special stack fitting is used that consists of a 3" or 4" closet opening and two side inlets each 2" in size and the inverts of which are above the center, and below the top of the water closet opening; and one of the 2" inlets is connected to the tub/shower drains, and the other is connected to the waste pipe from a maximum of two lavatories that are vented to a vent stack or stack vent; or

(3) In lieu of the special stack fitting of Section 12.10.3b(2) above, 4" closet bends with two 2" wye taps may be used.

12.10.4 Bathtubs and Water Closets

a. An individually vented bathtub in a single bathroom group shall be permitted to serve as a wet vent for the water closet if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The wet vent is 2" minimum size.

2. The distance from the outlet of the water closet to the connection of the wet vent is within the limits established by Section 12.8.4. Otherwise, the water closet shall be individually vented.

12.10.5 Reserved

12.10.6 Floor Drains and Floor Sinks

a. A lavatory or sink shall be permitted to serve as a wet vent for a floor drain or floor sink if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The wet vent shall be not less than 1-1/2" size for a 1 DFU lavatory or 2" for 2 DFU sink.

2. The wet vent shall be larger than 1/2 the size of the drain for the floor drain or floor sink.

3. The distance from the outlet of the floor drain or floor sink to the connection of the wet vent shall be within the limits established by Table 12.8.1.

11. Chapter 13 of the plumbing subcode, entitled "Storm Water Drainage," shall be amended as follows:

i. In Section 13.1.5, Foundation Drains, Notes a. through d. shall be deleted and the following shall be inserted: "a. Foundation drains shall be provided in accordance with the building subcode."

ii. Section 13.1.10.1, Primary Roof Drainage, shall be amended to delete the last sentence and to substitute in lieu thereof "Rainfall rates shall be applied so that the applicable rainfall rate for Burlington and Ocean counties and all counties south shall be six inches per hour and for Mercer and Monmouth counties and all counties north, the applicable rainfall rate shall be five inches per hour."

iii. Section 13.1.10.2, "Secondary Roof Drainage," shall be deleted and the following shall be inserted:

Section 13.1.10.2 Overflow Roof Drainage

Where parapet walls extend or other construction extends above the roof, creating areas where storm water would become trapped if the primary roof drainage system failed to provide sufficient drainage, an overflow roof drainage system consisting of *scuppers*, standpipes, or roof drains shall be provided. The capacity of the primary system shall not be considered in the sizing of the overflow system.

(1) Subsection b. shall be deleted and the following shall be inserted: "Where overflow drainage is provided by means of roof drains or standpipe, the overflow system shall be permitted to connect to the primary roof drainage system."

(2) Subsection c. "secondary" shall be deleted and "overflow" shall be inserted.

(3) Subsection d. shall be amended as follows: Add Table A.5 after Appendix A. and delete the second and third sentences.

iv. In Section 13.8, Sizing for Continuous or Intermittent Flows, "Section A-3 and Table A-1 in Appendix A" shall be deleted and the following shall be inserted: "5 IN/HR = 0.052 GPM/SF and 6 IN/HR = 0.062 GPM/SF."

12. Chapter 15 of the plumbing subcode, entitled "Tests and Maintenance" is amended as follows:

i. Add new Section 15.6.1 as follows: 15.6.1 Combination Domestic/Fire Water Service Systems: Piping for combination domestic/fire water services systems shall be pressure tested to not less than 200 psig and shall maintain that pressure without loss for 2 hours.

ii. Add new Section 15.6.1.1 as follows: 15.6.1.1 Leakage: The following provisions shall apply to buried pipe in all combination domestic/fire water service systems, except for limited sprinkler systems:

(1) The amount of leakage at the joints shall be no greater than 2 qt/hr (1.89 L/hr) per 100 joints or gaskets, regardless of pipe diameter.

(2) The amount of leakage in accordance with (1) above shall be permitted to be increased in increments of 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) per inch valve diameter per hour for each metal seated valve that isolates the test section.

(3) The amount of leakage in buried piping shall be measured at the test pressure specified by pumping from a calibrated container.

iii. Add new Section 15.9 as follows: 15.9 Flushing of Piping: Lead-in connections to system risers and fire service mains from the water supply to the system riser (excluding limited systems) shall be flushed completely before connection is made to sprinkler piping. The flushing operation shall be continued for a sufficient amount of time to ensure that the system is thoroughly cleaned. The minimum rate of flow shall be not less than one of the following:

(1) The hydraulically calculated water demand rate of the system, including any hose requirements.

(2) The flow that is necessary to provide a velocity of 10 ft/sec (3.1 m/sec).

(3) The maximum flow rate available to the system under fire conditions.

13. Chapter 16 of the plumbing subcode, entitled "Regulations Governing Individual Sewage Disposal Systems for Homes and Other Establishments Where Public Sewer Systems Are Not Available," shall be deleted and the following shall be inserted:

i. "16.1 General. On-site sewage disposal systems are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environmental Protection and the county or local boards of health, as applicable."

ii. "16.1.7 Abandoned Disposal Systems. When an existing building is being demolished and the existing sewage disposal system is abandoned or an existing sewage disposal system is being abandoned and a connection is being made to the public sewer systems, the plumbing subcode official shall ensure that the existing abandoned tank is disconnected from the building, pumped out, and filled with gravel, stones, or soil material. Sewage disposal systems that are abandoned without an associated hookup to a public sewer system are to be inspected by the health department having jurisdiction."

14. Chapter 17 of the plumbing subcode entitled, "Potable Water Supply Systems," shall be deleted and the following shall be inserted:

i. "17.1 General. On-site water supply systems are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environmental Protection and county or local boards of health, as applicable."

15. Chapter 18 of the plumbing subcode, entitled Referenced Standards, shall be amended as follows:

i. In Section 18.2, Standards Organizations, insert the following: " Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (Formally APSP--The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals), 2111 Eisenhower Avenue, Ste. 500, Alexandria, VA 22314, tel: 703-838-0083, fax: 703-549-0493," and "International Code Council, Inc., 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, 6th Floor, Washington D.C. 20001, tel: 888-422-7233."

16. Appendix A of the plumbing subcode, entitled "Sizing Storm Drainage Systems," shall be deleted in its entirety.

17. Appendix E of the plumbing subcode, entitled "Special Design Plumbing Systems," shall be amended as follows:

i. Section E.9.3, Rainfall Rates, shall be deleted and the following shall be inserted: "Rainfall rates shall be applied so that the applicable rainfall rates for Burlington and Ocean counties and all counties south, shall be six (6) inches per hour; for Mercer and Monmouth counties and all counties north, the applicable rainfall rate shall be five (5) inches per hour."

ii. Section E.9.4, Secondary Roof Drainage, shall be deleted.

18. Appendix G, entitled "We-Stand Excerpts," shall not be adopted as part of the plumbing subcode. Appendix G may be used as a reference standard for special design plumbing systems in accordance with Appendix E.

19. Appendix L, entitled "Tiny Houses," shall be adopted as part of this subcode.

(c) A newly installed automatic lawn sprinkler system, where such systems are not prohibited by local ordinance, shall be equipped with an automatic rain sensor device or switch that will override the irrigation cycle of the automatic lawn sprinkler system when rainfall of more than one-half inch has occurred.

N.J. Admin. Code § 5:23-3.15

Amended by 48 N.J.R. 43(a), effective 1/4/2016

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 303(a), effective 1/16/2018

Amended by 51 N.J.R. 1399(a), effective 9/3/2019

Amended by 54 N.J.R. 1793(a), effective 9/19/2022

Administrative Change, 55 N.J.R. 2322(b), effective 10/25/2023