815 KAR 20:120. Water supply and distribution

      Section 1. Definitions. (1) "ASSE" means the American Society of Sanitary Engineers.

      (2) "ASTM" means the American Society for Testing Materials.

      (3) "Critical level" or "CL" means the level to which the vacuum breaker may be submerged before backflow will occur, and if the CL marking is not shown on the vacuum breaker, the bottom of the device shall be taken as the CL.

      (4) "DWV" means drain, waste and vent piping.

      (5) "NSF" means the National Sanitation Foundation.

      (6) "SDR" means standard dimensional ratio.

 

      Section 2. Quality. (1) The bacteriological and chemical quality of the water supply shall comply with the administrative regulations of the office and the Division of Water. Toxic material shall be kept out of a potable water system.

      (a) The pipe conveying, and each surface in contact with, potable water shall be constructed of nontoxic material.

      (b) A chemical or other substance that could produce either a toxic condition, taste, odor, or discoloration in a potable water system shall not be introduced into, or used in, the system.

      (c) The interior surface of a potable water tank shall not be lined, painted, or repaired with a material that will affect the taste, odor, color, or potability of the water supply if the tank is placed in, or returned to, service.

      (2) Potable water shall be accessible to a plumbing fixture that supplies water for drinking, bathing, culinary use or the processing of a medicinal, pharmaceutical, or food product.

      (3) The potable water supply system shall be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent contamination from a nonpotable liquid, solid, or gas being introduced into the potable water supply through a cross connection or other piping connection to the system.

      (4) A cross connection shall meet the requirements of this administrative regulation.

      (5) A cross connection between a private water supply and a public water supply shall not be made.

      (6) Closed water systems, protection from excess pressure.

      (a) If a single check valve is installed in a water system, a thermal expansion tank sized in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions shall be installed in the cold water supply located near the water heater.

      (b) If a backflow preventer is installed in a water system, a properly sized thermal expansion tank or other pressure relief device listed in 815 KAR 20:020 shall be installed in the water distribution system.

      (c) If a pressure reducing valve not equipped with a bypass is installed in the cold water supply line to a water heater, a thermal expansion tank shall be installed in the cold water line near the water heater.

      (7) Backflow and back siphonage protection. Protection against backflow shall be provided as required in paragraphs (a) through (l) of this subsection in order of degree of protection provided. Backflow shall include both back pressure and back siphonage.

      (a) An air gap shall provide the best level of protection in all backflow situations. The minimum required air gap shall be determined as follows:

      1. How measured. The minimum required air gap shall be measured vertically from the lowest end of a potable water outlet to the flood rim or line of the fixture or receptacle into which it discharges.

      2. Size. The minimum required air gap shall be:

      a. Twice the effective opening of a potable water outlet; or

      b. If the outlet is a distance less than three (3) times the effective opening away from a wall or similar vertical surface, three (3) times the effective opening of the outlet.

      3. The minimum required air gap shall not be less than shown in the following table - Minimum Air Gaps for Plumbing Fixtures.

MINIMUM AIR GAPS FOR PLUMBING FIXTURES
Fixture	Minimum Air Gap
	When not affected by near wall       (inches)	When affected by near wall       (inches)
Lavatories and other fixtures with effective opening not greater than 1/2 inch diameter	1	1 1/2
Sink, laundry trays, gooseneck bath faucets and other fixtures with effective openings not greater than 3/4 inch diameter	1 1/2	2 1/4
Over rim bath fillers and other fixtures with effective openings not greater than 1 inch diameter	2	3
Drinking water fountains - single orifice not greater than 7/16 (0.437) inch diameter or multiple orifices having total area of 0.150 square inches (area of circle 7/16 inch diameter)	1	1 1/2
Effective openings greater than 1 inch	2 x diameter of effective opening	3 x diameter of effective opening

 

      NOTE 1. Side walls, ribs, or similar obstructions do not affect air gaps if spaced from the inside edge of the spout opening a distance greater than three (3) times the diameter of the effective opening for a single wall, or a distance greater than four (4) times the diameter of the effective opening for two (2) intersecting walls.

      NOTE 2. Vertical walls, ribs, or similar obstructions extending from the water surface to or above the horizontal plane of the spout opening require a greater air gap if spaced closer to the nearest inside edge of spout opening than specified in NOTE 1 above. The effect of three (3) or more vertical walls or ribs has not been determined. In this case, the air gap shall be measured from the top of the wall.

      (b) A reduced pressure principle back pressure backflow preventer. A reduced pressure principle back pressure backflow preventer shall provide the best mechanical protection against backflow available and shall be considered equivalent to an air gap.

      (c) Double check valve assembly: applicable to low level of hazard back pressure backflow conditions. This device shall be a manufactured assembly consisting of two (2) independently acting check valves and including a shutoff valve at each end, and petcock and test gauge for testing the watertightness of each check valve.

      (d) Pressure type vacuum breaker: applicable to back siphonage conditions.

      (e) Atmospheric type vacuum breaker: applicable to back siphonage conditions. If applicable, an atmospheric type vacuum breaker shall be installed after the last cutoff valve on the water line. This device may operate under normal atmospheric pressure if the critical level (CL) is installed at the required height in accordance with the table in this paragraph:

CRITICAL LEVEL (CL) SETTINGS FOR ATMOSPHERIC TYPE VACUUM BREAKERS
Fixture or Equipment	Method of Installation
Aspirators, ejectors, and showers	CL at least 6 in. above flood level of receptacle
Bidets	CL at least 6 in. above flood level of receptacle
Cup beverage vending machines	CL at least 12 in. above flood level of machine
On models without built-in vacuum breakers:
Dental units		CL at least 6 in. above flood level rim of bowl.
Dishwashing machines		CL at least 6 in. above flood level of machine
Flushometers (closet & urinal)		CL at least 6 in. above top of fixture supplied
Garbage can cleaning machines		CL at least 6 in. above flood level of machine
Hose bibs (sinks or receptacles)		CL at least 6 in. above flood level of receptacle served
Hose outlets		CL at least 6 in. above highest point on hose line
Laundry machines		CL at least 6 in. above flood level of machine
Lawn sprinklers		CL at least 12 in. above highest sprinkler or discharge outlet
Steam tables		CL at least 12 in. above flood level
Tanks & vats		CL at least 6 in. above flood level rim or line

      (f) Barometric loop: applicable to back siphonage conditions. The use of a barometric loop shall not be acceptable as the primary back siphonage preventer.

      (g) Location of backflow and back siphonage preventers.

      1. A backflow and back siphonage preventer shall be in an accessible location, and accessible from within the same room as the fixture or connection it protects.

      2. A backflow device may be installed in a utility or service space.

      3. A device or air gap shall not be installed in a location subject to flooding or freezing.

      (h) Inspection of devices.

      1. A periodic inspection shall be made of each backflow and back siphonage preventer to determine if it is in proper working condition.

      2. A reduced pressure principle back pressure backflow preventer shall be tested on at least an annual basis.

      3. Records shall be kept on each inspection.

      (i) Approval of devices.

      1. Before a device for the prevention of backflow or back siphonage is installed, it shall be identified as meeting the applicable specifications as listed in the application chart included in paragraph (l) of this subsection.

      2. A device installed in a building potable water supply distribution system for protection against backflow shall be maintained in good working condition by the person responsible for the maintenance of the system.

      (j) Protection of potable water system. A potable water opening, outlet, or connection, except one (1) that serves a residential unit, shall be protected against backflow in accordance with paragraphs (a) through (l) of this subsection.

      (k) Degree of hazard. The protection required at an outlet or connection shall be determined based on the degree of hazard posed by that outlet or connection as follows:

      1. Severe hazard, if there is potential for contamination by a toxic substance or disease-causing organism;

      2. Moderate hazard, if there is potential for contamination by a nontoxic but objectionable substance; or

      3. Minor hazard, if there is potential for contamination by a generally nontoxic, nonobjectionable substance, but which may cause the consumer to question the quality of water.

      (l) Minimum acceptable protection. An opening or outlet shall be protected by an air gap between the opening and flood level rim if possible. The acceptable protection for various types of outlets or connections shall be as shown in the tables in this paragraph:

 

APPLICATION TABLE
TYPE AND PRESSURE	DESCRIPTION	INSTALLED AT	EXAMPLES OF INSTALLATIONS	APPLICABLE SPECIFICATIONS
Reduced pressure principle backflow preventer for high hazard cross connections	Two independent check valves with intermediate relief valve. Supplied with shut-off valves and ball-type test cocks.	All cross connections subject to backpressure or back siphonage if there is a high potential health hazard from contamination. Continuous pressure.	Main supply lines, commercial boilers, cooling towers, hospital equipment, processing tanks, laboratory equipment, waste digesters, car wash, sewage treatment, lawn sprinklers	ASSE No. 1013 AWWA C506 FCCCHR of U.S.C. CSA B.64.4 Sizes 3/4" - 10"
(A) Double check valve assembly for low hazard cross connections	Two independent check valves. Supplied with shutoff valves and ball type test cocks.	All cross connections subject to back pressure if there is a low potential health hazard or nuisance. Continuous pressure.	Main supply lines, food cookers, tanks and vats, commercial pools	NONTOXIC	ASSE No. 1015 AWWA C506 FCCCHR of U.S.C. CSA B.64.5 Sizes 3/4" - 10"
(B) Dual check valve backflow preventer for low hazard applications	Two independent check valves. Checks are re-movable for testing	Cross connections if there is a low potential health hazard and moderate flow requirements.	Post ground hydrants		ASSE No. 1024 Sizes 3/4" & 1"
(A) Backflow preventer with intermediate atmospheric vent for moderate hazard cross connections in small pipe sizes	Two independent check valves with intermediate vacuum breaker and relief valve.	Cross connections subject to back pressure or back siphonage if there is a moderate health hazard. Continuous pressure.	Boilers (small), cooling towers (small), dairy equipment residential	ASSE No. 1012 CSA B.64.3 Sizes 1/2" & 3/4"
(B) Backflow preventer for carbonated beverage machine	Two independent check valves with a vent to atmosphere	On potable water distribution lines serving beverage-dispensing equipment to prevent backflow of carbon dioxide gas and carbonated water into the water supply system.	Postmix carbonated beverage machine	ASSE 1022
(C) Laboratory faucet and double check valve with intermediate vacuum breaker in small pipe sizes for moderate to low hazard	Two independent check valves with intermediate vacuum breaker and relief vent.	Cross connection subject to back pressure or back siphonage if there is a moderate to low health hazard.	Laboratory faucets and pipe lines, barber shop and beauty parlor sinks	ASSE No. 1035       (N-LF9)
(A) Atmospheric vacuum breakers for moderate to high hazard cross connections	Single float and disc with large atmospheric port.	Cross connections not subject to backpressure or continuous pressure. Install at least 6" above fixture rim. Protection against back siphonage only.	Process tanks, dishwashers, soap dispensers, washing machines	ASSE No. 1001 ANSI.A112.1.1 CSA B.64.1.1 FCCCHR of U.S.C. Sizes 1/4" - 3"
(B) Antisiphon pressure breakers for moderate to high hazard cross connections	Spring loaded single float and disc with independent 1st check. Supplied with shutoff valves and ball type test cocks.	This valve is designed for installation in a continuous pressure potable water supply system 12" above the overflow level of the system being supplied. Protection against back siphonage only.	Laboratory equipment, cooling towers, commercial laundry machines, swimming pools, commercial plating tanks, large toilet total & urinal facilities, degreasers, photo tanks, livestock water systems, lawn sprinklers	ASSE No. 1020 CSA B.64.1.2 FCCCHR of U.S.C. Sizes 1/2" - 2"
(C) Hose connection vacuum breakers for residential and industrial hose supply outlets	Single check with atmospheric vacuum breaker vent.	Install directly on hose bibs, service sinks and wall hydrants. Not for continuous pressure.	Hose bibs, service sinks, hydrants	ASSE No. 1011 CSA B.64.2 Size 3/4" Hose

 

CROSS CONNECTIONS, DEGREE OF HAZARD AND ACCEPTABLE PROTECTION FOR VARIOUS PLUMBING OUTLETS AND CONNECTIONS
	Degree of Hazard					Acceptable Protection
Type of Connection							Backflow		Backsiphonage
	Severe	Moderate	Minor	Air Gap	Reduced Pressure Device		Double Check Valve Assembly	Pressure Type Vacuum Breaker		Atmospheric Type Vacuum Breaker
I. Connections subject to back pressure from:
A. Pumps, tanks, and lines handling:
1. Toxic substance	X			X	X
2. Nontoxic substance		X		X	X		X
B. Boilers
1. With chemical additives	X			X	X
2. Without chemical additives		X		X	X		X
C. Gravity due to obvious site conditions subject to:
1. Contamination by toxic substances	X			X	X
2. Contamination by nontoxic substances		X		X	X		X
II. Water outlets and connections not subject to back pressure:
A. Connection to sewer or sewage pump	X			X
B. Outlet to receptacles containing toxic substances	X			X	X			X		X
C. Outlet to receptacles containing nontoxic substances		X		X	X		X	X		X
D. Outlet into domestic water tanks			X	EACH CASE TREATED SEPARATELY
E. Flush valve toilets	X			X	X			X		X
F. Flush valve urinals		X		X	X			X		X
G. Outlets with hose attachments subject to contamination from:
1. Toxic substance	X			X	X			X		X
2. Nontoxic substance		X		X	X		X	X
H. Outlets to recirculating cooling tower
1. With chemical additives	X			X	X
2. Without chemical additives		X		X	X		X

 

      Section 3. Water Required. (1) A building equipped with a plumbing fixture and used for habitation or occupancy shall be equipped with a supply of potable water.

      (2) In a building used as a residence or a building in which people assemble or are employed, both hot and cold water shall be supplied.

 

      Section 4. Water Service. (1) The water service piping to a building shall:

      (a) Not be less than three-fourths (3/4) inch nominal pipe size; and

      (b) Be of sufficient size to permit a continuous and ample flow of water to each fixture in the building.

      (2) Except as provided in this subsection, the underground water service pipe from the main or water supply system to the water distribution system shall not be less than five (5) feet apart horizontally from the house sewer and shall be separated by undisturbed or compacted earth. The pipe may be placed in the same trench if:

      (a) The bottom of the water service pipe at all points is at least eighteen (18) inches above the top of the sewer at its highest point;

      (b) The water service pipe is placed on a solid shelf excavated at one (1) side of the common trench; and

      (c) The number of joints in the water service pipe is kept to a minimum.

 

      Section 5. Distribution. (1) The water supply shall be distributed through a piping system entirely independent of another piping system.

      (2) Piping which has been used for a purpose other than conveying potable water shall not be used for conveying potable water.

      (3) Nonpotable water may be used for flushing a water closet or urinal, if the water is piped in an independent system.

      (a) If a dual water distribution system is used, the nonpotable water supply shall be durably and adequately identified.

      (b)1. An outlet on the nonpotable water distribution system used for a drinking or domestic purpose shall be permanently posted: DANGER - UNSAFE WATER.

      2. Each branch, fitting, or valve shall be identified by the phrase - "NONPOTABLE WATER" either by a sign or brass tag that shall be permanently affixed to the pipe, fitting, or valve.

      3. The identification marking shall not be concealed and shall be maintained by the owner.

      (4) A backflow device or cross-connection control device shall be approved by the department.

      (5) A combination stop and waste valve, cock, or hydrant shall not be installed in the underground water distribution system without the installation of an approved backflow preventer.

      (6) A private water supply shall not be interconnected with a public water supply.

      (7) Water used for cooling of equipment or in another process shall not be returned to the potable water system. The water shall be discharged into a drainage system through an air gap, or used for a nonpotable purpose as referenced in this section.

      (8) Hose connections other than those intended for clothes washing machines, frost proof burial hydrants, and water heater drain valves shall be equipped with a vacuum breaker ASSE 1011 for areas not subject to freezing and a vacuum breaker ASSE 1019 for areas subject to freezing.

 

      Section 6. Water Supply to Fixtures. (1) A plumbing fixture shall be provided with a sufficient supply of water for flushing to keep them in a sanitary condition.

      (2) A water closet or pedestal urinal shall be flushed by means of an approved tank or flush valve.

      (3) The tank or valves shall furnish at least a sufficient amount of water to thoroughly cleanse the surface area of a water closet, urinal, or similar fixture.

      (4) If a water closet, urinal, or similar fixture is supplied directly from the water supply system through a flushometer or other valve, the valve shall be set above the fixture to prevent the possibility of polluting the potable water supply by back siphonage.

      (5) The fixture shall have a vacuum breaker.

      (6) A plumbing fixture, device or appurtenance shall be installed in a manner that shall prevent a possibility of a cross connection between the potable water supply system, drainage system, or other water system.

 

      Section 7. Connections to Boilers. (1) A potable water connection to a boiler feed water system in which a boiler water conditioning chemical is introduced shall be made through an air gap, or provided with a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer located in the potable water line before the point where a chemical is introduced.

      (2) A boiler shall be equipped with a check valve in the cold water supply to the boiler.

 

      Section 8. Water Supply to Drinking Fountains. The orifice of a drinking fountain shall be provided with a protective cowl to prevent contamination of the potable water supply system.

 

      Section 9. Sizing of Water Supply Piping. (1)(a) The minimum size water service from the property line to the water heater shall be three-fourths (3/4) inch.

      (b)The hot and cold water piping shall extend three-fourths (3/4) inch in size to the first fixture branch.

      (c) More than three (3), one-half (1/2) inch fixture branches shall not be supplied from a one-half (1/2) inch pipe.

      (2)(a) The schedule in this subsection shall be used for sizing the water supply piping to a fixture.

      (b) The branch pipe to a fixture shall terminate not more than thirty (30) inches from the point of connection to the fixture and shall be brought to the floor or wall adjacent to the fixture.

      (c) A concealed water branch pipe shall not be less than one-half (1/2) inch nominal pipe size.

Fixture Branches	Nominal Pipe Size (Inches)
Bath tubs	1/2
Combination sink and tray	1/2
Cuspidor	1/2
Drinking fountain	1/2
Dishwasher (domestic)	1/2
Kitchen sink (res.)	1/2
Kitchen sink (com.)	1/2 or 3/4 as required
Lavatory	1/2
Laundry tray	1/2
Sinks (service, slop)	1/2
Sinks flushing rim	3/4
Urinal (flush tank)	1/2
Urinal (direct flush type)	1/2 or 3/4 as required
Water closet (tank type)	1/2
Water closet (flush valve type)	1
Hot water boilers	3/4
Hose bibs	1/2
Wall hydrant	1/2
Domestic clothes washer	1/2
Shower (single head)	3/4

 

      (3) Water hammer. In a building supply system in which a device or appurtenance is installed utilizing a quick acting valve that causes noise due to water hammer, a protective device, including an air chamber or approved mechanical shock absorber, shall be installed as close as possible to the quick acting valve causing the water hammer.

      (a) If a mechanical shock absorber is installed, the absorber shall be in an accessible place.

      (b) If a mechanical device is used, the manufacturer's specifications shall be followed as to location and method of installation.

 

      Section 10. Water Supply Pipes and Fittings, Materials. (1) Water supply piping for a potable water system shall be as follows:

      (a) Galvanized wrought iron;

      (b) Galvanized steel;

      (c) Brass;

      (d)Types K, L, and M copper;

      (e) Cast iron;

      (f) Types R-K, R-L, and R-M brass tubing;

      (g) Fusion welded copper tubing produced and labeled as ASTM B-447-2002 and ASTM B-251;

      (h) DWV welded brass tubing produced and labeled as ASTM B587;

      (i) Seamless stainless steel tubing, Grade H, produced and labeled as ASTM A268/268M;

      (j) Filament-wound reinforced thermosetting resin pipe produced and labeled as ASTM D-2996 (red thread for cold water use and silver and green thread for hot and cold);

      (k) Polyethylene (PE) plastic pipe produced and labeled as ASTM D2239 or ASTM F-714;

      (l) Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe produced and labeled as ASTM F-876 for cold water and ASTM F-877 for hot or cold water applications;

      (m) Cross-linked Polyethylene/Aluminum/Cross-linked Polyethylene (Pex-Al-Pex) pipe produced and labeled as ASTM F-1281;

      (n) Polyethylene/Aluminum/Polyethylene (Pe-Al-Pe) pipe produced and labeled as ASTM F-1282;

      (o) Copper tubing size PE produced and labeled as ASTM D-2737 for water service, if installed with compression couplings;

      (p) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic pipe produced and labeled as ASTM D1785;

      (q) Chlorinated Polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic pipe produced and labeled as ASTM D2846;

      (r) Schedule 80 chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic pipe shall meet ASTM F441;

      (s) Schedule 80 chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic solvent fittings shall meet ASTM F439;

      (t) Schedule 80 chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic threaded fittings shall meet ASTM F437;

      (u) Schedule 80 chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic pipe and fittings shall be installed using primer meeting ASTM F656 and solvent cement meeting ASTM F493;

      (v) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) standard dimensional ratio (SDR) 21 and (SDR) 26 pipe produced and labeled as ASTM D-2241-05;

      (w) Fusion welded polypropylene pipe products measuring one-half (1/2) inch to eighteen (18) inches in diameter which meet NSF Standards 61 and 14, and ASTM F2389, shall be approved. These pipe products shall be tested for compliance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions;

      (x) Fusion welded high density polyethylene pipe products which meet NSF Standards 61 and 14, and ASTM F3035 and F714, shall be approved for underground use. These pipe products shall be tested for compliance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions; or

      (y) Push-fit fitting systems which meet the ASSE Standard 1061. These systems are approved for above-ground use only using pipe sizes up to two (2) inches.

      (2) A plastic pipe or fitting shall bear the NSF seal of approval.

      (3) Polybutylene pipe utilizing an insert fitting of brass or copper shall use a copper clamping ring.

      (4) A polybutylene hot and cold water connector to a lavatory, sink, or water closet shall be produced and labeled as ASTM D3309, and polybutylene plastic pipe shall be produced and labeled as ASTM 2662 for a cold water application.

      (5) A fitting shall be brass, copper, approved plastic, galvanized cast iron, or galvanized malleable iron. Piping or a fitting that has been used for another purpose shall not be used for the water distribution system.

      (6) Each joint in the water supply system shall be made of a screw, solder, or plastic joint. A cast iron water pipe joint may be caulked, screwed, or machine drawn.

      (7) If Type M copper pipe, Type R-M brass tubing, standard high frequency welded tubing or stainless steel tubing is placed within a concrete floor or passes through a concrete floor, it shall be wrapped with an approved material to permit expansion or contraction.

      (8) Polyethylene or PVC shall not be used below ground under a house or building. If a chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) joint or connection is installed below ground under a house or building, the water distribution system shall be tested to at least 100 pounds per square inch before backfilling. The applicable requirements of 815 KAR 20:060 and 815 KAR 20:073 shall be met.

      (9) Joints between copper tubing and galvanized steel pipe. The joint between ferrous piping and copper or copper-alloy piping shall be made with a dielectric fitting or other insulating fitting to prevent electrolysis.

 

      Section 11. Temperature and Pressure Control Devices for Shower Installations. A temperature or pressure balance device to prevent a sudden unanticipated change in water temperature shall be installed to serve each shower compartment and shower-bath combination.

 

      Section 12. Water Supply Control. (1) A main shutoff valve shall be provided near the curb, in or near the meter box or property line on the water service pipe. In addition, a main supply control valve shall be placed inside a foundation wall. The main supply control valve shall be a full port valve and be accessible from within the occupied space and provided with a drip or drain valve. A pit or similar type installation shall not be used for a potable water supply shutoff valve.

      (2) A pressure or gravity tank shall have its supply line valved at or near its source.

      (3) A family unit in a two (2) family or multifamily dwelling shall have the unit controlled by an arrangement of shutoff valves which will permit the unit to be shutoff without interfering with the cold water supply to another family unit or portion of the building.

      (4) In a building other than a dwelling, a shutoff valve shall be installed to permit the water supply to the equipment to be isolated without interference with the supply to other equipment.

      (5) A fixture or group of bath fixtures shall be valved and a lawn sprinkler opening shall be valved. In residential construction, each fixture, except a bathtub or shower, shall be valved individually or as a group of fixtures.

      (6) A group of fixtures or a fixture group shall include two (2) or more fixtures adjacent to or near each other in the same room or back-to-back on a common wall.

      (7) The cold water branch to a hot water storage tank or water heater shall be provided with a shutoff valve located near the equipment and serving this equipment. In residential dwellings, the shutoff valve shall be placed within three (3) feet of the water heater and be accessible from the accessible side of the water heater.

 

      Section 13. Water Supply Protection. A concealed water pipe, storage tank, cistern, or other exposed pipe or tank subject to freezing temperatures shall be protected against freezing. A water service shall be installed at least thirty (30) inches in depth.

 

      Section 14. Temperature and Pressure Relief Devices for Water Heaters. (1) A temperature and pressure relief device shall:

      (a) Be installed on each water heater on the hot water side not more than three (3) inches from the top of the heater;

      (b) If a marked opening is provided on the water heater by the manufacturer for the temperature and pressure relief device, be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendation; and

      (c) Be of a type approved by the office in accordance with this administrative regulation and 815 KAR 20:020.

      (2)(a) If a water heater is installed in a location that has a floor drain, the discharge from the relief device shall be piped to within two (2) inches of the floor.

      (b) If a water heater is installed in a location that does not have a floor drain, the discharge from the relief device shall be piped to the outside of the building with an ell turned down and piped to within four (4) inches of the surface of the ground.

      (c) The relief device may discharge through an air gap to a sump basin, service sink, open receptacle or other point of discharge in which equivalent safety shall be provided as approved by the Division of Plumbing.

      (3) A relief device shall be installed on a pneumatic water system.

 

      Section 15. Protection of a Private Water Supply or Source. A private water supply or source shall be protected from pollution. Approval shall be obtained from the Division of Plumbing prior to using the private water supply or source.

 

      Section 16. Domestic Solar Water Heaters. A domestic solar water heater may have a "single wall heat exchanger" if the following conditions are met:

      (1) The solar panel and the water heater exchanger use a nontoxic liquid such as propylene glycol or an equivalent;

      (2) The heat exchanger is pretested by the manufacturer to 450 pounds per square inch;

      (3) The water heater has a warning label advising that a nontoxic heat exchanger fluid shall be used at all times; and

      (4) A pressure relief valve is installed at the highest point in the solar panel.

 

      Section 17. Domestic Water Heater Preheating Device. (1) A domestic water heater preheating device may be used and connected with the high pressure line from the compressor of a domestic home air conditioner or heat pump water heater.

      (2) Double wall heat-exchangers with two (2) separate thicknesses separating the heat exchange fluid (other than potable water) from the potable water supply shall be provided.

      (3) The water inlet to the heat exchange vessel shall be provided with a check valve. There shall be provided adjacent to, and at the outlet side of the check valve, an approved pressure relief valve set to relieve at five (5) pounds per square inch above the maximum water pressure at the point of installation, if the heat exchange units contain more than twenty (20) pounds of refrigerants. This device shall be equipped with a temperature limit control that would actuate a pump that would circulate hot water from the water heater through the preheater device.

      (4) Condensate drain water shall be piped in accordance to the State Plumbing Code and it shall not be permitted to drain into crawl space, or into a sewer or vent stack, or be installed in an area subject to freezing. If a drain is not available or if a drain is located above the vent, a condensate pump shall be utilized.

 

      Section 18. Tanks and Vats below Rim Supply. A tank or vat with potable water supply below the rim shall be subject to the following requirements:

      (1) If a potable water outlet terminates below the rim of a tank or vat and the tank or vat has an overflow of diameter not less than given in the table in this subsection, the overflow pipe shall be provided with an air gap as close to the tank as possible;

Sizes of Overflow Pipes for Water Supply Tanks
Maximum capacity of water supply line to tank	Diameter of Overflow pipe (inches ID)	Maximum capacity of water supply line to tank	Diameter of overflow pipe (inches ID)
0- 50 gpm	2	400- 700 gpm	5
50-150 gpm	2 1/2	700-1000 gpm	6
150-200 gpm	3	Over 1000 gpm	8

 

      (2) The potable water outlet to the tank or vat shall terminate at a distance not less than one and one-half (1 1/2) times the height to which water can rise in the tank above the top of the overflow. This level shall be established at the maximum flow rate of the supply to the tank or vat, and with all outlets, except the air gap overflow outlet, closed; and

      (3) The distance from the outlet to the high water level shall be measured from the critical point of the potable water supply outlet.

 

      Section 19. Water Distribution for Fan Coil Units. (1) If a domestic water heater is used for heating purposes through a fan coil medium, its temperature shall not exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

      (2) It shall utilize not less than three-fourths (3/4) inch piping and its run shall not exceed 140 feet between the water heater and the heating unit.

      (3) The applicable requirements established in 815 KAR 20:070 shall be met.

 

      Section 20. Fire Protection Systems. A fire protection system using water from the potable water distribution system shall be equipped with two (2) check valves, one (1) of which may be an alarm check valve.

 

      Section 21. Water Distribution and Connections to Mobile Homes. (1) An adequate and safe water supply shall be provided to each mobile home.

      (2) All materials, including the pipe or fitting used for a connection, shall conform with the State Plumbing Code.

      (3) An individual water connection shall be provided at an appropriate location for each mobile home space.

      (a) The connection shall consist of a riser terminating at least four (4) inches above the ground with two and three-fourths (2 3/4) inch valve outlets with screw connection, one (1) for the mobile home water system and the other for lawn watering and fire control.

      (b) The ground surface around the riser pipe shall be graded to divert surface drainage.

      (c) The riser pipe shall be encased in an eight (8) inch vitrified clay pipe or an equivalent with the intervening space filled with an insulating material to protect it from freezing.

      (d) An insulated cover shall be provided which shall encase both valve outlets but not prevent connection to the mobile home during freezing weather.

      (e) A shutoff valve may be placed below the frost depth on the water service line, but this valve shall not be a stop-and-waste cock.

 

      Section 22. Conservation of water shall comply with the standards established in 815 KAR 20:070. (1 Ky.R. 485; eff. 3-12-75; Am. 2 Ky.R. 457; eff. 4-14-76; 3 Ky.R. 450; eff. 1-5-77; 4 Ky.R. 190; 425; eff. 5-3-78; Recodified from 401 KAR 1:090, 7-5-78; 5 Ky.R. 163; eff. 10-4-78; 7 Ky.R. 513; eff. 1-7-81; 647; 849; eff. 6-3-81; 9 Ky.R. 49; eff. 8-11-82; 1242; eff. 6-1-83; 10 Ky.R. 1013; eff. 3-31-84; 11 Ky.R. 74; eff. 8-7-84; 802; 1259; eff. 2-12-85; 12 Ky.R. 436; eff. 11-12-85; 1667; eff. 5-6-86; 13 Ky.R. 1656; eff. 4-14-87; 14 Ky.R. 636; eff. 11-6-87; 1135; eff. 1-4-88; 15 Ky.R. 605; 974; eff. 9-28-88; 16 Ky.R. 904; eff. 1-12-90; 2767; 17 Ky.R. 1100; eff. 8-22-90; 2269; eff. 3-13-91; 18 Ky.R. 2894; eff. 5-1-92; 19 Ky.R. 816; eff. 11-9-92; 2113; eff. 7-12-93; 20 Ky.R. 3119; eff. 7-7-94; 21 Ky.R. 1967; eff. 3-22-93; 22 Ky.R. 800; eff. 12-7-95; 23 Ky.R. 1757; 2739; eff. 1-9-97; 24 Ky.R. 2465; eff. 7-13-98; 25 Ky.R. 1187; eff. 2-18-99; 2961; 26 Ky.R. 388; eff. 8-16-99; 27 Ky.R. 2244; 2801; eff. 3-22-2001; 29 Ky.R. 1392; 1812; eff. 1-16-2003; 32 Ky.R. 369; 660; eff. 11-4-05; 2371; 33 Ky.R. 411; eff. 9-1-06; 3266; 4174; eff. 7-6-07; 35 Ky.R. 2601; 36 Ky.R. 93; eff. 7-29-2009; 39 Ky.R. 2210; eff. 8-2-2013.)

Notation

      RELATES TO: KRS 318.010, 318.130, 318.150, 318.165, 318.200

      STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 198B.040(10), 318.130

      NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 318.130 requires the department, after review by the State Plumbing Code Committee, to promulgate an administrative regulation establishing the Kentucky State Plumbing Code regulating plumbing, including the methods and materials that may be used in Kentucky. This administrative regulation establishes the types of piping and pipe sizes required for a potable water supply system and the methods to be used to protect and control the water supply system and requires the manufacturer's specification number of the material accepted in those installations to be identified and published.