Pennsylvania Act 1901-245 — SECOND CLASS CITIES, PLUMBERS, REGISTERED AND LICENSED

Act text

AN ACT

Providing for the examination, licensure and registration of persons, firms or corporations engaged or engaging in the business or work of plumbing or house drainage, and prescribing certain rules, regulations and requirements for the construction of plumbing, house drainage and cesspools, in cities of the second class, second class A and third class and imposing fines, penalties and forfeitures for violation thereof.

Section 1. Be it enacted, &c., That from and after the passage of this act, it shall not be lawful for any persons to carry on or work at the business of plumbing or house or building drainage in cities of the second, second class A, and third class of this Commonwealth until a certificate or license to engage in or work at said business shall have been granted said persons by the director of the department of public safety, or department or board or bureau of health, of such cities; nor until they have registered as such in the office of the department or board or bureau of health of said cities, as hereinafter provided.

(1 amended Jun. 15, 1939, P.L.371, No.216)

Section 2. All and every person, or persons, with three years or more practical experience, engaged or engaging in the business or work of plumbing, house and building drainage in said cities, shall apply in writing to the said director of the department of public safety, department or board or bureau of health, for such certificate or license, and in boroughs, incorporated towns, and townships of the first class, such application shall be made to the Department of Health of this Commonwealth, or such department thereof, or department or board or bureau of health as the said department shall designate; and if, after proper examination made by the department or board or bureau of health of said cities, such person or persons so applying shall be found competent, the same shall be certified to the director of the department of public safety, department or board or bureau of health in the case of cities, and to the Department of Health of this Commonwealth in the case of boroughs and incorporated towns and townships of the first class, who shall thereupon issue a certificate or license to such person or persons, which shall, for the period of one calendar year or fractional part thereof next ensuing the date of such examination, entitle him or them to engage in or work at the business of plumbing, house and building drainage. The mayor of said cities is hereby authorized to appoint a board of examiners, to consist of one member of the board or bureau of health, one plumbing inspector, and two competent plumbers in no wise connected with the city government, who shall examine all applicants for license under the provisions of this act. The Secretary of Health of the Department of Health of this Commonwealth, in the case of boroughs and incorporated towns and townships of the first class, is hereby authorized to appoint a board of examiners, to consist of such master plumbers or journeymen plumbers of ten years experience, as he may designate, who shall examine all applicants for license under the provisions of this act outside of cities. In the performance of this duty he shall divide the State into a convenient number of districts, and appoint separate boards for the several districts, or shall direct that applicants from certain districts shall submit themselves to examination by city boards in certain cities designated by him, and shall also, upon satisfactory evidence, that certain municipalities outside of cities have constituted a competent board of examiners appointed by the council of said borough, direct that the applicants be examined by such board. The said boards shall make all reasonable rules, regulations, and examinations, which shall be approved by the said director of the department or board or bureau of health in the case of cities, and by the Secretary of Health in all other cases. An examination of any one member of a firm or corporation therefor, shall be deemed sufficient. Said person or persons, firm or corporation, engaged or engaging in the business of plumbing or house or building drainage, shall pay for each examination the sum of ten dollars, and each journeyman or person engaged in the work shall pay the sum of five dollars, which sum shall be paid into the State, city or other municipal treasury. The proper officers are hereby authorized to pay to the plumbers acting on said board the sum of ten dollars per day, for each day or session thus actually employed.

The mayor of said cities is hereby authorized and required to appoint a practical plumber of at least ten years experience and not engaged or connected, directly or indirectly, with the plumbing business as plumbing inspector, whose duty it shall be to supervise, superintend, and inspect all plumbing, house and building drainage, in conformity with the provisions of this act. And the several cities are hereby authorized and required to make proper provision for the payment of the salary of the said plumbing inspector, as provided by law. Whenever the mayor of any city of the third class finds it impossible to secure as a plumbing inspector a qualified person who is not engaged in or connected with the plumbing business, he shall have the power to appoint a person who is engaged in or connected with such business, providing such person has the other qualifications herein prescribed. In such event, the mayor shall, as the occasion may arise, appoint a substitute inspector who shall supervise, superintend and inspect the work done by the regular inspector or by the firm with which he is connected in the course of their private business. Such substitute inspector shall be paid for such work reasonable compensation to be fixed by council. (Par. amended Jan. 18, 1952 (1951), P.L.2092, No.592)

In order to afford the opportunity for local administration and enforcement of this law, the council of any borough or incorporated town, or commissioners of a first class township, are hereby authorized, by appropriate municipal action providing therefor, to appoint a practical plumber not engaged or connected, directly or indirectly, with the plumbing business as plumbing inspector, whose duty it shall be to supervise, superintend and inspect all plumbing, house and building drainage, in conformity with the provisions of this act; and to make provisions for the payment of the salary of the said plumbing inspector whenever this is done by such municipality. When this is done, the matter shall be submitted to the Secretary of Health of this Commonwealth by application, setting forth the action taken, and the name of the person or persons selected as inspector, and his qualification. If the Secretary of Health is satisfied that the enforcement of the act can safely be left to the municipality under this action taken, he may commit the same to it. Should, in its administration after being thus committed, the local authorities fail in the proper administration of the law, then the Secretary of Health of this Commonwealth shall revoke such commitment upon reasonable notice and hearing, subject to this provision. In cases outside of cities, the Secretary of Health of this Commonwealth is authorized and required to appoint such number of practical plumbers who are not engaged or connected, directly or indirectly, with the plumbing business as plumbing inspectors for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, whose duty it shall be to supervise, superintend and inspect all plumbing, house and building drainage, under the provisions of this act, and to do any acts necessary for carrying this act into effect. He may, however, at his discretion and upon such terms as he may prescribe, appoint, permit or designate the plumbing inspector of any city or borough to perform these duties within a district or districts convenient. Should the Secretary of Health elect the latter, joint compensation between the several districts shall be effectuated.

Every registered master plumber shall have a bona fide place of business in said cities, in the case of any borough, incorporated town or township of the first class, either within the said municipality or within a distance of one mile from its nearest boundary, and shall display on the front of his or their place of business a sign, "Registered Plumber," bearing the name or names of the person, firm, or corporation, in letters not less than three inches high.

Signs displayed on buildings not occupied as a bona fide place of business (other than advertisements) of any registered master plumber, firm or corporation, must not be construed to permit or allow said registered master plumber, firm or corporation to establish the same privileges or benefits as registered master plumbers, firms or corporations within the limitations of any city or municipality.

No person other than a registered master plumber, as herein provided, shall be allowed to carry on, or engage in, the business, nor shall any person or persons expose the sign of plumbing, house or building drainage, or any advertisement or display pertaining thereto (wholesale show rooms excepted), unless he or they have first secured a license or certificate and been registered in the office of the board or bureau of health of such cities, or in the case of a borough, incorporated town or township of the first class, then register with a board or bureau of health of such municipality, if any functioning, and if none such, then with the Department of Health of the Commonwealth; nor shall any person or persons other than a registered master plumber, or a registered journeyman plumber in his or their employ (registered apprentices excepted) be allowed to alter, repair, or make any connection with, any drain, soil, waste, or vent-pipe, or any pipe connected therewith, or to repair, or alter the location of any waterpipe. (Par. amended May 26, 1939, P.L.232, No.135)

Every registered master plumber, firm, or corporation shall give immediate notice of any change in his, their, or its place of business; and upon his, their, or its retirement from business shall surrender his, their, or its certificate of registry to the board or bureau of health. Every person, firm, or corporation, in registering, shall give the full name, or names, of the person, firm, or officers' names of the corporation, for which he or they shall register.

At the expiration of each calendar year said certificate or license shall be null and void. A licensed master or journeyman plumber desiring to continue in, or work at, the business of plumbing, house and building drainage for the ensuing year, shall, between the first and thirty-first days of December of each and every year, surrender the said certificate or license to the department or board or bureau of health who certified it, and re-register his, their, or its name or names, and business or home address, upon such form or forms as may, from time to time, be furnished by the several departments or board or bureau of health.

A re-examination will not be necessary for re-registration, unless the licensed master or journeyman plumber should have failed to make an application for re-registration at the specified time. The sum of one dollar shall be paid by master plumbers, firms, or corporations, and the sum of twenty-five cents by journeyman plumbers, for re-registration, which sum shall be paid into the State, city or municipal treasury, for their use. A register of all such applicants, and the license or certificates issued, shall be kept in said department, board or bureau of health, which said register shall be open to the inspection of all persons interested therein. Any person, firm, or corporation holding a license or certificate, granted by any city, borough, incorporated town or township of the first class of this Commonwealth, to engage in or work at the business of plumbing and drainage work, desiring to do plumbing or drainage work in any other city, borough, incorporated town or township of the first class than the one in which said license or certificate was granted, shall, without examination, be registered before entering upon such work: Provided, however, that such registration shall be restricted and limited to such plumbing and drainage work as he, they, or it shall have contracted for at the time of registry. On the completion of such contract or contracts the registration of such person, firm, or corporation shall be null and void, and no further permit shall be issued until he, or they, or it shall have first registered his or its name, or their names and address, as hereinbefore provided.

(2 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Section 3. From and after the passage of this act, the construction of plumbing, house drainage and cesspools shall be conducted only under and in accordance with the following rules, regulations and requirements, namely:

Plans and Specifications.

Section 4. There shall be a separate plan for each building, public or private, or any addition thereto, or alterations thereof, accompanied by specifications showing the location, size and kind of pipe, traps, closets and fixtures to be used, which plans and specifications shall be filed with the local board or bureau of health of the municipalities where same is functioning, or with the Department of Health of the Commonwealth in other cases. The said plans and specifications shall be furnished by the architect, plumber or owner, and filed by the plumber. All applications for change in plans must be made in writing. Plans filed for the correction of any complaint must designate the approximate time for the completion thereof.

(4 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Filing Plans and Specifications.

Section 5. Plumbers before commencing the construction of plumbing work in any building in the said cities, boroughs, incorporated towns and townships of the first class (except in case of repairs, which are here defined to relate to the mending of leaks in soil, vent or waste-pipes, faucets, valves and water supply pipes, and shall not be construed to admit of the replacing or installation of any fixture, such as water-closets, bath-tubs, wash-stands, sinks, refrigerator cases, soda or bar fixtures, et cetera, or the respective traps for such fixtures), shall submit to the board or bureau of health in their respective districts plans and specifications, legibly drawn in ink, on blanks to be furnished by said board or bureau. Where two or more buildings are located together and on the same street, and the plumbing work is identical in each, one plan will be sufficient. Plans will be approved or rejected within twenty-four hours after their receipt.

(5 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Duty of Owners and Plumbers in Constructing Drains, et cetera.

Section 6. It shall be the duty of every person constructing or owning any drain, soil-pipe, passage or connection, between a sewer and any ground, building, erection or place of business, and in like manner the duty of the owners of all grounds, buildings, erections, and of all parties interested therein or thereat, to cause and require that such drain, soil-pipe, passage or connection, shall be adequate for its purpose, and shall at all times allow to pass freely all material that enters or should enter the same. No change of drainage, sewerage or sewer connections of any house shall be permitted, unless notice thereof shall have been given the board or bureau of health, and assent thereto obtained in writing.

Inspection and Approval.

Section 7. Drainage, sewerage or plumbing work must not be covered or concealed in any manner until after it is inspected and approved by the board of bureau of health. Notice must be given said board or bureau, upon blanks to be furnished by it, when the work is sufficiently advanced for such inspection; when it shall be the duty of the proper officers to inspect the same within three days after receipt of said notice.

Materials of House or Building Drains.

(Hdg. amended Mar. 31, 1937,

P.L.168, No.44)

Section 8. The main drainage system of every house or building shall be separately and independently connected with the street sewer, where such sewer exists, except where two houses are built together on a lot with a frontage of thirty feet or less, when one connection with main sewer will be allowed; but there shall be a separate house drain for each house, connected by a "Y" connection in the front of such houses, at the property line, with main house sewer; or, where one building exists or is erected in the rear of another, on an interior lot, of single ownership, and no private sewer is available, or can be made for the rear building through an adjoining alley, courtyard or driveway, the house drain from the front building may be extended to the rear building, and the whole will be considered as one house or building drain. Where it is necessary to construct a private sewer to connect with sewer on adjacent street, such plans may be used as may be approved by the department of board or bureau of health, but in no case shall joint drains be laid in cellars, parallel with the street or alley.

Drains or soil pipes, laid beneath floor, must be extra heavy cast-iron pipe (as per table in section 16), with leaded and caulked joints, and carried five feet outside cellar wall. All drains or soil-pipes connected with main drain where it is above the cellar floor shall be of extra heavy cast-iron pipe, with leaded and caulked joints, or of heavy wrought-iron pipe, with screw joints properly secured, and carried five feet outside of cellar wall, and all arrangements of soil or waste pipes shall be as direct as possible. All genuine wrought-iron, wrought-steel or copperized iron pipes shall be galvanized. Changes of direction on pipes shall be made with "Y" branches, both above and below the ground, and where such pipes pass through a new foundation wall a relieving arch shall be built over it, with two inch space on either side of main pipe.

The size of the main house drain shall be determined by the total area of the buildings and paved surfaces to be drained, according to the following table, if iron pipe is used. If the pipe is terra cotta, the diameter shall be one size larger for the same amount of area drainage.

The main house drains may be decreased in diameter beyond a rain-water conductor or surface inlet by permission of the department or board or bureau of health, when the plans show that conditions are such as to warrant such decrease; but in no case shall the main house drain be less than four (4) inches in diameter.

(8 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Location of Main Trap.

Section 9. The house or building drain must be provided with a horizontal intercepting trap, placed inside the cellar wall, or as close thereto as practical, allowing for construction circumstances, and the approval of the board or bureau of health. The trap must be provided with a hand-hole, for convenience in cleaning, the cover of which must be properly fitted and made gas- and air-tight, with heavy brass screw-cap ferrule, caulked in. This class of traps shall be subject to the approval of the board or bureau of health.

(9 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Fresh Air Inlet.

Section 10. A fresh air inlet must be connected with the drain just inside of the intercepting trap. Where underground, it must be of extra heavy cast iron. Said inlet must lead to the outer air, and finish with an open grill, approved by the board or bureau of health, at a point just outside the front wall of building. The fresh air inlet must be of the same size as the drain, up to four inches.

For five and six inch drains it must not be less than four inches in diameter; for seven and eight inch drains, not less than six inches in diameter, or its equivalent; and for larger drains, not less than eight inches in diameter, or its equivalent.

(10 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Laying of House Sewers and Drains.

Section 11. House or building sewers and house or building drains must, where possible, be given an even grade to the main sewer of not less than one-quarter of an inch per foot.

(11 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Location of House Sewer.

Section 12. When main sewer is not located on street, house or building sewers must be constructed on outside of buildings, and branched into each house or building separately, and in no case will the sewer from one house or building to another be permitted to run through cellars.

(12 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Drains outside of Buildings.

Section 13. Where the ground is of sufficient solidity for a proper foundation, cylindrical terra-cotta pipe of the best quality, free from flaws, splits or cracks, perfectly burned, and well glazed over the entire inner and outer surfaces, may be used, if laid on a smooth bottom, with a special groove cut in the bottom of the trench for each hub, in order to give the pipe a solid bearing on its entire length, and the soil well rammed on each side of the pipe. The spigot and hub ends shall be connected. The space between the hub and the pipe must be thoroughly filled with cement mortar, made of equal parts of the best American natural cement and bar sand, thoroughly mixed dry, and enough water afterwards added to give the proper consistency. The mortar must be mixed in small quantities, and used as soon as made. The joints must be carefully wiped out and pointed, and all mortar that may be left inside removed, and the pipe left clean and smooth throughout, for which purpose a swab may be used. It must not be laid closer than five feet to any exterior wall of a building, or less than three and one-half feet below the surface of the ground, or when the sewer passes near a well, nor will it be allowed in bad or made ground or inside a building with or without a cellar.

(13 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Material of Sewers Between Buildings.

Section 14. Where a sewer is laid between buildings, in a passageway, alley or courtyard, at a less distance than five feet from the buildings, it must be constructed of extra heavy cast-iron pipe, for a distance corresponding to the length of the foundation of said buildings.

Floor Drains.

Section 15. Floor, french or other drains will only be permitted when it can be shown, to the satisfaction of the board or bureau of health, that their use is absolutely necessary, and arrangements made to maintain a permanent water seal in the traps, and be provided with check or back water valves where warranted.

(15 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Weight and Thickness of Cast-Iron Soil-Pipe.

Section 16. All cast-iron pipes must be sound, free from holes, and of a uniform thickness, known as "extra heavy" pipe, and corresponding fittings will be required. The pipe must be tested to fifty pounds water pressure, and marked with the maker's name.

Pipes shall weigh as follows, namely:

Two-inch pipe, five pounds per lineal foot.

Three-inch pipe, nine pounds per lineal foot.

Four-inch pipe, twelve pounds per lineal foot.

Five-inch pipe, fifteen pounds per lineal foot.

Six-inch pipe, nineteen pounds per lineal foot.

Eight-inch pipe, thirty pounds per lineal foot.

Ten-inch pipe, forty-three pounds per lineal foot.

Twelve-inch pipe, fifty-four pounds per lineal foot.

(16 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Subsoil Drains.

Section 17. Subsoil drains must discharge into a sump or receiving tank, the contents of which must be lifted and discharged into the drainage system above the cellar floor by some approved method. Where directly sewer connected, they must be cut off from the rest of the plumbing system by a brass flap-valve on the inlet to the catch-basin, and the trap on the drain from the catch-basin must be water supplied, as required for cellar drain.

Yard and Area Drains.

Section 18. All yards, paved ramps, areas and courts must be drained and sewer connected, such as gasoline or oil service stations and buildings of similar nature or construction. Tenement-houses and lodging-houses must have the paved yards, ramps, areas and courts drained into the sewer, and under no circumstances shall surface or storm water be allowed to drain over walks or driveways. These drains, when sewer connected, must have connection not less than four inches in diameter. They should be controlled by one trap,--the leader trap, if possible.

French Subsoil, Foundation, Clear Water and Absorption Tile Drains.--Where subsoil drains are placed under the cellar floor or used to encircle the outer walls of a building, the same shall be made of open-jointed drain tile or vitrified clay pipe, and shall be effectively trapped before connecting into the building drain or building sewer, or shall connect into the storm water drain inside the storm water trap. The pipe must be laid on no less than four inches and covered with no less than six inches of crushed stone or gravel of medium size, and arrangements made to cover the stone with a material to prevent, as much as possible, sand or dirt from washing into and clogging the stone or gravel bed and cover. Where danger of basement flooding exists, they shall be protected against back-pressure by an automatic back-pressure valve, accessibly located, before entering the building sewer or drain, or they may discharge through a cellar floor drain provided with a back-water valve.

(18 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Use of old House Drains and Sewers.

Section 19. Old house drains and sewers may be used, in connection with new buildings or new plumbing, only when they are found, on examination by the board or bureau of health, to conform in all respects to the requirements governing new sewers and drains. All extensions to old house drains must be of extra heavy cast-iron pipe.

Leader Pipes.

Section 20. All buildings shall be kept provided with proper metallic leaders, for conducting water from the roofs in such manner as shall protect the walls and foundations of said building from injury. In no case shall the water from said leaders be allowed to flow upon the sidewalk, but the same shall be conducted by a pipe or pipes to the sewer. If there be no sewer in the street upon which such buildings front, then the water from said leaders shall be conducted, by proper pipe or pipes below the surface of the sidewalk, to the street gutter.

Material for Inside and Outside Leaders.

Section 21. Inside leaders must be constructed of cast-iron, galvanized, genuine wrought, steel or copperized iron pipe, with roof connections made gas and water tight. Outside leaders may be sheet metal, but they must connect with house drain by means of a cast-iron pipe extending vertically five (5) feet above grade level, where the building is located along public driveways or sidewalks. Where the building is located off building line, and not liable to be damaged, the connection shall be made with iron pipe extending at least one foot above grade level.

(21 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Trapping of Leaders.

Section 22. All leaders must be trapped with cast-iron running or P traps, so placed as to prevent freezing, and provided with hand-hole and brass screw cleanout plug. Outside traps must have cleanouts brought to grade for convenience of cleaning. Brass cleanout plugs to be caulked and made gas and water tight, as hereinbefore provided.

(22 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Use of Leaders.

Section 23. Rain water leaders must not be used as soil-, waste- or vent-pipes, nor shall such pipes be used as a leader.

Exhaust from Steam Pipes, et cetera.

Section 24. No steam exhaust, blow-off or drip pipe shall connect with a sewer or house drain, leader, soil-pipe, waste- or vent-pipe. Such pipes must discharge into a tank or condenser, from which suitable outlet to the sewer shall be made. Such condensers shall be water supplied, to help condensation and protect the sewer, and shall also be supplied with relief vent to carry off dry steam.

Diameter of Soil-Pipe.

Section 25. The smallest diameter of any soil-pipe permitted to be used shall be three-inch. The size of soil pipes must be not less than those set forth in the following tables:

Maximum Number of Fixtures Connected to--

If the building is six (6), and less than twelve (12), stories in height, the diameter shall be not less than five (5) inches; if more than twelve (12) stories, it shall be six (6) inches in diameter.

All soil-pipes must extend at least two feet above the highest window, and must not be reduced in size. Traps will not be permitted on main, vertical, soil or waste lines. Each house must have a separate line of soil and vent pipe. No soil, vent or waste line shall be constructed on the outside of a building. A two inch relief vent shall be required for first floor closets where a main vent stack of three inch or larger is in place, and fixtures are located above first floor.

Fixtures with--

One and one-quarter inch traps count as one fixture;

One and one-half inch traps count as one fixture;

Two-inch traps count as two fixtures;

Two and one-half inch traps count as three fixtures;

Three-inch traps (water-closets) count as four fixtures; Four-inch traps count as five fixtures.

(25 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Changes in Direction.

Section 26. All sewer, soil and waste pipes must be as direct as possible. Changes in direction must be made with fittings, "Y's", combination Y and eighth bends, or half "Y", or one-eighth bends. Offsets in soil or waste pipes will not be permitted when they can be avoided; nor, in any case, unless suitable provision is made to prevent accumulation of rust or other obstruction. Offsets shall be made with forty-five degree bends, or similar fittings. The use of T's or sanitary T's will be permitted on upright lines only. Saddle hubs when bolted or strapped on are prohibited.

(26 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Joints for Soil-and Waste-pipes.

Section 27. Joints in cast-iron pipes and soil and waste-pipes must be so filled with oakum and lead, and hand caulked as to make them gas-tight. Connections of lead and cast-iron pipes must be made with brass sleeve or ferrule, of the same size as the lead pipe inserted in the hub of the iron pipe, and caulked with lead. The lead pipe must be attached to the ferrule by wiped joint. Joints between lead and wrought-iron pipes must be made with brass nipple, of same size as lead pipe. The lead pipe must attached to the nipple by wiped joint. All connections of lead waste pipe must be made by means of wiped joints. All connections for brass or copper pipe (which shall be full iron pipe size and weight) shall be screw joints, properly secured. All connections for type K copper pipe shall be sweated or soldered.

(27 amended May 23, 1947, P.L.314, No.137)

Section 27.1. Waste-pipe of two inches or under may be of lead, cast-iron, brass, or copper (of full iron pipe size and weight), or type K copper pipe.

(27.1 added May 23, 1947, P.L.314, No.137)

Traps for Bath-tubs, Water-closets, et cetera.

Section 28. Every sink, bath-tub, basin, water-closet, slop-hopper, dental cuspidor, and all outlets of chemical or experimental laboratory tables, or any fixture having a waste-pipe specified, defined herein or not, must be furnished with a trap, which shall be placed as close as practicable to the fixture that it serves, and in no case shall they be more than one foot from said fixture. The waste-pipe from one fixture must not be connected with a trap of another.

(28 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Size of Waste-Pipe.

Section 29.

Number of Traps Permitted on Various Size Waste Pipes.

If building is ten (10) or more stories in height, the vertical waste-pipe shall not be less than three (3) inches in diameter. The use of short pattern recessed drainage fittings or wrought-iron, steel or copperized pipe for waste-pipe two inches or less in diameter is prohibited.

The size of traps and waste branches, for a given fixture, shall be as follows:--

(29 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Overflow Pipes.

Section 30. Overflow pipes from fixtures must, in all cases, be connected on the inlet side of traps.

Sediment Pipes.

Section 31. Sediment pipes from kitchen boilers must not be connected on the outlet side of traps.

Setting of and Sizes of Traps.

Section 32. All traps must be well supported, and set true with respect to their water levels.

All bath-tubs shall be supplied with drum, "P" or running traps with clean-out trap-screw on floor or ceiling line. In case where an additional fixture is required in a building, and it is impossible to get revent pipe for the trap, the board or bureau of health shall designate the kind of trap to be used. This shall not be construed to allow traps without revents, in new buildings, or any one particular kind of an antisyphon trap. No trap, which depends for its seal upon the action of movable parts or submerged interior partitions, shall be allowed.

(32 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Safe and Refrigerator Waste-pipes.

Section 33. Safe or special waste-pipes must not connect directly with any part of the plumbing system. Safe or special waste-pipe must discharge over an open, water supplied, publicly placed, ordinarily used sink, placed not more than three and one-half feet above the cellar floor.

The waste from a refrigerator, soda fountain, refrigerator case, or bar fixture must be trapped with suitable traps, and must not discharge upon the ground floor, but over an ordinary properly trapped, and vented water supplied sink, as above. In no case shall the special waste-pipes discharge over a sink located in a room used for living purposes.

The branches on vertical lines must be made by "Y" fittings, and be graded with as much pitch as possible. Where there is an offset on a waste-pipe, there must be clean-outs to control the horizontal part of the pipe.

In tenement- and lodging-houses the refrigerator waste-pipes must extend above the roof, and not be larger than one and one-half inches, nor the branches less than one and one-quarter inches. Lead safes must be graded, and neatly turned over beveled strips at their edges.

Fixtures or appliances drained by safe or special waste-pipes include such fixtures as soda fountains, refrigerators, refrigerator cases, bar fixtures, ice boxes, bottle coolers, steam tables, glass washers, rinsing sinks, bain maries, air conditioning units, sprinkler system drains, house-tanks, small or portable drinking fountains, coffee urns, and sterilizers.

(33 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Material for Vent-pipes.

Section 34. All vent pipes must either be of lead, brass, loricated porcelain, enameled iron, or galvanized iron pipe.

Ventilation of Traps.

Section 35. Traps shall be protected from syphonage or air pressure by special vent-pipes. Traps should not be more than approximately 24 inches from the vertical line serving the trap, and of a size not less than the following tables:--

The branch vent-pipes shall be not less than the following sizes:--

One and one-fourth inches in diameter, for one and one-fourth inch traps.

One and one-half inches in diameter, for one and one-half inch to two and one-half inch traps.

Two inches in diameter, for three inch to four inch traps.

One-half their diameter, for traps five inches and over.

Where two (2) or more water-closets are placed side by side on a horizontal branch, the branch line shall have a relief extended as a loop vent. A pipe two (2) inches in diameter will be sufficient as a loop vent for two (2) closets. A pipe three (3) inches in diameter shall be used as a relief for three (3) or four (4) closets; and where more than four (4) closets are located on the same branch the relief shall not be less than four (4) inches in diameter. All house or building drains and soil lines on which a water-closet is located must have a three-inch main vent line. Where an additional closet is located in the cellar or basement, and within ten feet of main soil or vent line, no relief vent will be required for said closet; but where it is more than ten feet, a two inch vent line will be required as for first floor closets. Relief vent pipes for water-closets must not be less than two inches in diameter, for a length of forty feet, and not less than three inches in diameter, for more than forty feet.

Wall-Hung Water-Closets.

The three inch vent stack for a single wall-hung closet must be directly back of the closet, or have a separate two inch vent. Where two wall-hung closets are placed side by side on a horizontal branch, each must have a separate two inch vent back of each closet. Where three or more wall-hung closets are placed side by side on a horizontal branch, the branch line must have a relief extended as a loop vent. A pipe three inches in diameter shall be used as relief for three or four wall-hung water-closets, in addition to the separate two inch vent directly back of each closet. Where more than four closets are located on the same branch, the relief must be four inches in diameter, in addition to the separate two inch vent directly back of each closet.

No revent from traps under bell-traps will be required. Connections between P traps and bell-traps should be made as hereinbefore provided.

Any building having a sewer connection with a public or private sewer used for bell-trap connections or floor drainage only, a two-inch relief line must be extended to the roof of building from rear end of main drain. House or building drains, constructed for roof drainage only, will not require a relief vent.

A floor-trap for a shower shall be vented. If the number of these fixtures on a branch is two (2) or more, the waste line shall be extended as a loop vent, instead of back venting the separate traps; and when located in basement floor, they shall be provided with a removable strainer or cleanout.

Back vent pipes, from traps above the floor, must either be connected with crown of trap with ground in brass coupling, or, if connected solidly to trap, must have a ground in brass coupling at wall.

(35 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Horizontal Vent-pipes.

Section 36. Where rows of fixtures are placed in a line, ninety (90) degree fittings will be allowed. Trapped vent pipes are strictly prohibited. No vent pipe from house side of any trap shall connect with ventilation pipe, or with sewer, soil, or waste-pipe. Vent pipes from several traps may be connected together, or may be carried into main vent line above the highest fixture. Where one vertical vent line connects with another, an inverted "Y" fitting must be used. Branch vent pipes must be connected as near to crown of trap as possible.

Where future connections are left in the roughing of soil and waste lines, vent connections must also be provided.

(36 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Offsets on Vent Lines.

Section 37. All offsets on vent lines must be made at an angle of not less than forty-five degrees to the horizontal, unless building construction will not permit, and all lines must be connected at the bottom with a soil or waste-pipe, or the drain, in such manner as to prevent the accumulation of rust, scale or condensation.

(37 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Connections for Closet Vents.

Section 38. Rubber connections for back vents will not be permitted.

(38 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Ventilators Prohibited.

Section 39. No brick, sheet metal, or earthen ware flue, or chimney flue, shall be used as a sewer ventilator, or to ventilate any trap, drain, soil, or waste-pipe.

Soldering Nipples.

Section 40. Soldering nipples must be extra heavy brass, or brass pipe, iron pipe size.

Brass Cleanouts.

Section 41. Brass screw-caps for cleanouts must be extra heavy, not less than one-eighth of an inch thick. The screw-cap must have a solid, square or hexagonal nut, not less than one inch high. The body of clean-out ferrule must, at least, equal in weight and thickness the caulking-ferrule, for the same size pipe.

Diameter and Weight of Ferrules.

Section 42. Brass ferrules must be of best quality, bell shaped, extra heavy cast-brass; not less than four inches long, and two and one-quarter inches, three and one-half inches, and four and one-half inches in diameter, and not less than the following weights:

Diameter two and one-fourth inches, weight one pound.

Diameter three and one-half inches, weight one pound twelve ounces.

Diameter four and one-half inches, weight two pounds eight ounces.

Setting of Fixtures.

Section 43. The closet and all other fixtures, except sinks, must be set open, and free from all enclosing woodwork. In tenement-houses and lodging-houses, sinks must be entirely open, set on iron legs or brackets, without any enclosing woodwork. Iron enameled waterproof cabinets are permissible under all lavatories, and under sinks in tenement-houses and lodging-houses.

Any fixture removed from service, either to be discarded or replaced with new by any owner, must have the inspected approval of the inspection department of plumbing under whose jurisdiction it is/was at time of removal before it can be reinstalled. If, after inspection, it is found to conform with proper standard, so as not to create a potential hazard to public or private health, it may be labeled, numbered, and certificate issued for its reinstallation with no other limitations reserved. No used plumbing fixture, intended for sanitary purposes, or any that may be connected to the domestic water system of any dwelling or building, can be installed without the inspection, approval of the department of plumbing, or board or bureau of health.

(43 amended Jul. 31, 1941, P.L.603, No.252)

Closets Prohibited.

Section 44. Pan, plunger or hopper closets will not be permitted in any building. No range closet, either wet or dry, nor an evaporating system of closets, shall be constructed or allowed inside of any building.

A separate building, constructed especially for the purpose, must be provided in which such range closets shall be set.

Water-closet Connections with Soil-pipe.

Section 45. All earthenware traps must have heavy brass floor plates, soldered to the lead bends and bolted to the trap flange, or must have heavy cast-iron floor plates, caulked to cast-iron bends, and bolted to the trap flange and the joint made permanently secure and gas-tight.

(45 amended May 23, 1947, P.L.314, No.137)

Water-closets, where Located.

Section 46. Water-closets must not be located in sleeping apartments, nor in any room or compartment which has not direct communication with external air, either by window or air shaft of at least four square feet, or mechanical ventilation equivalent to six changes of air per hour.

When water-closets are located adjacent to kitchens or dining rooms, an intervening vestibule of at least three feet square must be provided.

(46 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Water-closets, how Supplied.

Section 47. No water-closets, except those placed in yards, and flush meters, volumeters or similar devices, shall be supplied directly from the supply pipes.

Section 48. All water-closets must have flushing rim-bowls.

Water-Closets to be Supplied from Flushing-tanks.

Section 49. Water-closets within buildings shall be supplied with water from special tanks or cisterns, which shall hold not less than six gallons, when full to the level of the overflow pipe, for each closet supplied, excepting automatic or siphon-tanks, which shall hold not less than five gallons for each closet supplied. A group of closets may be flushed from one tank, but water-closets on different floors must not be flushed from the same tank, except flushimeters, volumeters or similar devices. The water in said tanks must not be used for any other purpose.

Water-closets for Tenement-houses.

Section 50. In no case will the water-closet system of tenement- or lodging-houses be permitted in cellars, basements, or under side-walks.

Number of Closets Required.

Section 51. In all sewer-connected, occupied buildings, there must be at least one water-closet and one sink, and there must be additional closets so as there will never be more than fifteen persons per closet. In lodging-houses, where there are more than fifteen persons on any floor, there must be an additional water-closet on that floor for every fifteen additional persons, or fraction thereof.

(51 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Water-closet Apartments.

Section 52. In tenement-houses, lodging-houses, factories, workshops, and all public buildings (except single family homes), the entire water-closet apartments and side-walls, to a height of six inches from the floor, except at the door, must be made waterproof with asphalt, cement, tile, or other waterproof material, as approved by the board or bureau of health. In tenement-houses and lodging-houses, the water-closet and urinal apartments must have a window or windows opening into the outer air, of sufficient size, all of which shall be shown on plans, and shall be subject to the approval of the board or bureau of health. Except that tenement- or lodging-house, three stories or less in height, may have such window opening on a ventilating shaft, not less than ten square feet in area. If over three stories, then said shaft must not be less than twenty-five square feet. In all buildings, the outer partition of such apartments must extend to the ceiling, or be independently ceiled over, and these partitions must be air-tight. The outside partitions must include a window opening to outer air on the lot whereon the building is situated; or some other approved mechanical means of ventilation must be provided to change the air at least six times per hour. When necessary to properly light such apartments, the upper part of the partitions must be of glass. The interior partitions of such apartments must be dwarfed partitions.

(52 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Construction of Urinals.

Section 53. All urinals must be constructed of materials impervious to moisture and that will not corrode under the action of urine. The floor and walls of urinal apartments must be lined with similar non-absorbent and non-corrosive material.

Commercial or Experimental Installations.

(Hdg. added Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Section 53-A. Drainage installations for chemical manufacturing, laboratories, processing or other liquids used for commercial or experimental purposes, that are subject to attack the materials hereinbefore specified for ordinary use, such as gray cast-iron, wrought-steel or copperized iron, lead, copper or brass waste-pipes are required, and subject to submit to such rules and specifications for other kinds of materials, as the local or State Board or bureau of health may require. In no case shall the materials used for this class of installation be less in quality or acid-resistance and strength than cast-iron, containing fourteen and one-quarter (14 1/4) per centum to fourteen and three-quarters (14 3/4) per centum silicon and not more than nine-tenths (0.9) per centum carbon, and have sufficient strength to permit all joints to be caulked with molded lead, in the same manner as other soil pipe hereinbefore provided. Outlets are a potential danger and must be trapped and vented when left either for convenience or future connection. No sanitary connection will be allowed to connect with an acid drain.

(53-A added Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Urinal Platforms.

Section 54. (54 repealed Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Section 55. (55 repealed Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Section 56. All water-closets and other fixtures must be provided with a sufficient supply of water for flushing, to keep them in a proper and cleanly condition.

Flush Pipes.

Section 57. (57 repealed Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Lining for Closet and Urinal Cisterns.

Section 58. (58 repealed Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Fixtures Prohibited.

Section 59. Wooden wash-trays, sinks or bath-tubs are prohibited (except sinks in commercial or manufacturing establishments handling acids or other liquids that are subject to attack or destroy fixtures, as hereinbefore specified) inside of buildings. Such fixtures must be constructed of non-absorbent material. Cement or artificial stone tubs will be permitted, when approved by the board or bureau of health.

No fixture having a water connection, either to or from any direct or indirect line of sewer or waste or vent-pipe, the construction of which will in any way create a potential cross connection between the fresh water for drinking or domestic purposes and the sewer, will be permitted.

(59 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Yard Water-closets.

Section 60. Water-closets when located in yard must be so arranged as to be conveniently and adequately flushed, and the water-supply pipes and traps protected from freezing by being placed in a hopper-pit at least four feet below the surface of the ground, the walls of which pit shall be constructed of hard burned brick or stone, laid in cement mortar, or of concrete. The walls for pit, where one (1) closet is installed, may be four (4) inches in thickness; or salt-glazed sewer-pipe, thirty-six (36) inches in diameter, may be used.

Where pit is for more than one (1) closet, the walls shall be nine (9) inches in thickness. The soil-pipe and traps used inside pit must be extra heavy cast-iron, and the trap to have hand-hole for cleanout purposes, with cleanout caulked in. If the closet is located in the rear of a soil- or vent-pipe, the drain on which it is located shall be vented with a four-inch pipe, carried above roof of closet, away from any opening or window. All outside closets shall be of the tank pattern. The water to be supplied to tank through an automatic seat-action valve. The waste from valve may be permitted to discharge on cement floor of pit, which shall be provided with four-inch trap and strainer. The enclosure of yard water-closets shall be ventilated by slatted openings, and there shall be a trap-door of sufficient size to permit of convenient access to the hopper-pit.

(60 amended May 14, 1909, P.L.840, No.657)

Cesspools and Privy Vaults.

Section 61. No privy vault, or cesspool for sewage, shall hereafter be constructed in any part of the city, where a sewer is at all accessible, which shall be determined by the department or board or bureau of health; nor shall it be lawful to continue a privy vault or cesspool on any lot, piece, or parcel of ground abutting on or contiguous to any public sewer, within the city limits. The department or board or bureau of health shall have the power to issue notice, giving at least three months' time to discontinue the use of any cesspool and have it cleaned and filled up. No connection for any cesspool or privy vault shall be made with any sewer; nor shall any water-closet or house drain empty into a cesspool or privy vault.

(61 amended May 14, 1909, P.L.840, No.657)

In Districts where no Sewer exists.

Section 62. In rural districts, or districts where no sewer exists, privy vaults shall not be located within two feet of party or street line, nor within twenty feet of any building. Before any privy vault shall be constructed, application for permission therefor shall be made to the department or board or bureau of health; and such privy vault shall have nine-inch walls, constructed of hard burned brick, or stone, laid in cement mortar, or of concrete, with bottom and sides cemented so as to be water-tight; size to be not less than four feet in diameter and six feet deep.

(62 amended May 14, 1909, P.L.840, No.657)

Material and Workmanship.

Section 63. All material used in the work of plumbing and drainage must be of good quality and free from defects. The work must be executed in a thorough and workmanlike manner.

No Person allow Name to be Used.

Section 64. No person, firm or corporation, carrying on the business of plumbing and house drainage, shall allow his or their name to be used by any person, directly or indirectly, either to obtain a permit or permits or to do any work under his or their license.

Terms Used.

Section 65. The term "private sewer" is applied to main sewers that are not constructed by and under the supervision of the department of public works.

The term "house-sewer" is applied to that part of the main drain or sewer extending from a point five feet outside of the outer wall of a building, vault or area to its connection with public sewer, private sewer or cesspool.

The term "house drain" is applied to that part of the main horizontal drain and its branches inside the walls of the building, vault or area, and extending to and connecting with the house sewer.

The term "soil-pipe" is applied to any vertical line of pipe extending through the roof, receiving the discharge of one or more water-closets, with or without other fixtures.

The term "waste-pipe" is applied to any pipe receiving the discharge from any fixtures except water-closet.

The term "vent-pipe" is applied to any pipe, extending through the roof, provided to ventilate the system of piping, and to prevent trap syphonage and back pressure.

The term "plumbing fixtures" are receptacles intended to receive and discharge any liquid water or water carried wastes into a drainage system or treatment works with which they are connected.

The term "safe or special waste pipe" is supplied to any waste pipe receiving the discharge from any fixtures or drainage appliance, with or without water supply, not connected directly with the drainage system.

The term "dwelling" applies to any building which is designed for, or occupied in whole or in part as, the home, residence or sleeping place of one or more persons, either permanently or transiently.

The term "one family dwelling"--A separate building designed for or occupied exclusively by one family.

The term "two family dwelling" (duplex)--A separate building designated for, or occupied exclusively by, two families, one above the other, or an interior accessible door or passage way.

The term "tenement-house" is any house or building, or portion thereof, which is intended or designated to be occupied as a home or residence for three or more families living in separate apartments, and doing their cooking upon the premises.

(65 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Section 66. Whenever it shall come to the knowledge of the department or board or bureau of health, or complaint in writing shall be made by any citizen, that the plumbing or drainage in any building has become a nuisance, or is contrary to the provisions and requirements of this act or the ordinances of the city, or is of faulty construction and liable to breed disease or endanger the health of the occupants, or upon the request of any owner or occupant, of any building fitted with plumbing or drainage prior to the passage of this act, then the department or board or bureau of health shall direct the proper officer to examine the plumbing or drainage in any such building, and the said officer shall make a drawing of the plan of said plumbing, drainage, and sewer and ventilating shaft connections. He shall report his findings, in writing, to the department or board or bureau of health, and suggest such changes as are necessary to make the same conform to the rules governing such matters.

The department or board or bureau of health shall thereupon notify the owner or agent of any such building of the changes which are necessary to be made in said plumbing or drainage. Said changes shall be made within the time fixed by the department or board or bureau of health; and, upon refusal or neglect to obey such orders, the department or board or bureau of health shall institute legal proceedings to have such changes made and said nuisance abated, by action before a justice of the peace or court of record; in which said action the owner or agent of said building may show in defence, that the plumbing or drainage was not a nuisance, or was not of faulty construction or out of repair, and, in case of a building constructed subsequent to the passage of this act, said plumbing or drainage was not contrary to the provisions and requirements of this act or the ordinances of the city.

(66 amended May 14, 1909, P.L.840, No.657)

Compiler's Note: Section 28 of Act 207 of 2004 provided that any and all references in any other law to a "district justice" or "justice of the peace" shall be deemed to be references to a magisterial district judge.

First Inspection.

Section 67. When drain, soil, waste, vent, and other pipes in the building, connected or to be connected with the sewer, have been placed in position, a preliminary water or air test of the same shall be applied, in presence of the plumbing inspector of the board or bureau of health. A maximum of a five inch column of mercury held for a period of twenty minutes is prescribed when tests are made with air.

(67 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Final Test.

Section 68. When the work has been completed, a final notice shall be filed with the board or bureau of health in the district issuing the permit, when a final test shall be made, in presence of said plumbing inspector, with and by the use of such water connections as are connected to each respective fixture; when, if found satisfactory, a certificate of approval of the work will be issued; but no such plumbing or drainage work or system shall be used until said test has been made and certificate issued.

(68 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Section 69. When work is ready for inspection the plumbing contractor shall make such arrangements as will enable the proper officer to reach all parts of the building easily and readily, and also have present the proper apparatus and appliances for making said tests, and furnish such assistance as may be necessary to a proper application of the same.

Section 70. In case of any dispute or difference of opinion existing between the department or board or bureau of health and any person, firm or corporation, as aforesaid, regarding the construction of plumbing, house or building drainage or cesspools, the same shall be submitted by either party to the director of the department of public safety, or the presiding officer of the department or board or bureau of health, together with the two plumbers of the examining board who are in no wise connected with the city or municipal government, who shall pass upon the same, and whose findings therein, after hearing, shall be final and conclusive upon all parties.

(70 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Section 71. Any person or persons who shall fail to comply with any of the provisions of this act, regarding the procuring of a license or certificate to engage in or work at the business of plumbing, house or building drainage, shall be liable, upon conviction for a first offense, to a fine of not less than ten dollars ($10.00), nor exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00), for each and every day he or they shall engage in or work at said business without first having obtained said certificate or license, and for a second offense in a like manner to a fine of not less than twenty dollars ($20.00), nor exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00), for each and every day, and for a third offense to a like fine as for a second offense, or to imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding thirty days, or both, in the discretion of the alderman, justice of the peace or magistrate, together with costs of prosecution in each case; and any person or persons who shall violate any of the rules, regulations, or requirements set forth in this act, regarding the construction, reconstruction or testing of plumbing, house and building drainage, or cesspools, or water connections to private or public fixtures or equipment, shall be liable, upon conviction, for a first offense, to a fine of not less than ten dollars ($10.00), nor more than fifty dollars ($50.00), and for a second offense to a fine of not less than twenty dollars ($20.00), nor exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00), and for a third offense to a like fine as for a second offense, or to imprisonment in the county jail for a period not exceeding thirty days, or both, at the discretion of the alderman, justice of the peace or magistrate, together with cost of prosecution in each case.

All prosecutions for violations of this act shall be, by summary proceedings, brought in the name and for the use of the municipality or the Commonwealth, as the case may be, within or against which the alleged offense is committed, before any alderman, police magistrate, or justice of the peace in the county wherein the offense is alleged to have been committed. All fines and penalties shall be paid to the treasurer of the municipality to apply to general fund, or to the Commonwealth for the use of the Department of Health, as the case may be. In default of the payment of any fine or penalty imposed by any alderman, police magistrate, or justice of the peace, under the provisions of this act, the person or persons so offending shall be committed to the jail, workhouse, or other penal institution of the county for a period not exceeding thirty days: Provided, however, That in the case of third offense, such period, not exceeding thirty days, may be added to the sentence of imprisonment.

(71 amended Mar. 31, 1937, P.L.168, No.44)

Compiler's Note: Section 28 of Act 207 of 2004 provided that any and all references in any other law to a "district justice" or "justice of the peace" shall be deemed to be references to a magisterial district judge.

Section 72. All acts or parts of acts inconsistent with the provisions of this act or supplied thereby, are hereby repealed.