All installations of services shall comply with the following:
(A) All services shall be constructed by a licensed plumber at the owner’s expense.
(B) Services three inches in diameter and less shall be “Type K” copper. All services larger than three inches in diameter, shall be ductile iron.
(C) All taps two inches in diameter or smaller shall be made with the use of a corporation stop designed for tapping under pressure.
(D) The maximum size corporation stop that can be tapped directly into the main must be approved by city staff prior to work commencing, and the use of a restraining saddle may be required.
(E) All taps greater than two inches in size must be made with the use of an approved tapping sleeve and valve.
(F) All corporation stops must have clear openings of the same diameter as the pipe with which they are placed and be of a make and pattern approved by the Public Works Department.
(G) All curb stops one inch and larger shall be of a manufacturer and model approved by the Public Works Department.
(H) All services must be placed not less than seven feet below finished grade; and each service two inches in diameter and smaller shall have a Minneapolis pattern base curb stop fitted with a stop box set in the right-of-way one foot from the property line at finished grade or proposed sidewalk.
(I) The stop box used shall have a Minneapolis base and be of a design approved by the Public Works Department. Stop boxes on curb stops one and one-fourth inch diameter and smaller shall have an unobstructed opening of one and one-half inch diameter. Curb stops one and one-half inch diameter and larger shall have an unobstructed opening of a minimum size as the service pipe. All stop boxes shall be fitted with a cover approved by the Public Works Department. Every service pipe must have a shut-off valve placed adjacent to and on the street side of the meter which must be kept in working order at all times so that the water may be shut off by the occupant of the premises. There shall also be a valve placed on the outlet side of the water meter, not more than one foot from the meter so that the meter can be taken out or replaced without draining the plumbing system of the building. All valves shall have a clear opening the size of the inside diameter of the pipe on which it is installed.
(J) The minimum size water service allowed shall be one inch.
(K) Plumbers shall leave all new water services shut off at the curb stop after completing the testing. Curb stops are to remain off until a water meter has been installed.
(L) Cross-connection control.
(1) The purpose of a cross-connection control program is to protect the health of water customers and the potable municipal water supply.
(2) Cross-connections between the Columbia Heights municipal water system and other systems or equipment are prohibited, except when and where, as approved by the City of Columbia Heights, suitable backflow prevention devices are installed, tested and maintained to ensure proper operation on a continuing basis.
(3) All property owners will provide access upon notice from the City of Columbia Heights for the purpose of performing a cross-connection control survey.
(a) The results of the survey will identify any deficiencies in cross-connection protection and property owners will be required to make the required repairs within 90 days of being notified. After completion of repairs the property owner must allow the city, or its agents, to reenter the property for the purpose of reinspection. All repairs, installation or alterations to existing plumbing will require a plumbing permit to be issued by the City of Columbia Heights.
(4) A backflow prevention device is to be owned, tested and maintained in working condition by the customer/owner of the premises being served.
(5) Installation, maintenance and testing of backflow preventers shall be according to the most recent Minnesota Plumbing Code revision.
(a) Testing must be performed by a state certified backflow tester. All internal maintenance to the device must be performed by a state certified backflow prevention rebuilder. Test results shall be furnished to the city. The city’s annual fee for administering a backflow preventer testing program shall be as established by City Council resolution from time to time.
(b) A person who is recognized by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry as a backflow prevention tester or backflow prevention rebuilder is considered qualified by the City of Columbia Heights to test backflow preventers and certify them to be functional.
(6) Failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall be cause to discontinue water service in accordance with Division 19 - Section A. The City of Columbia Heights may also apply surcharges to utility bills in lieu of water shutoffs at its discretion and determination of the risk posed by non-compliance.
(Ord. 1227, passed 8-26-91; Am. Ord. 1677, passed 4-25-22)
Penalty, see § 4.319