(a) Water Service.
(1) The water service from a public utility shall be installed and metered in accordance with the utility company requirements, including sizing and meter requirements.
A. Water service into a building shall be of Type "K" copper from six inches inside the building wall for a minimum of twenty-five feet outside the building. The balance of the service shall be in accordance with Section 1381.03 of this Building Code.
B. The service shall be sized to accommodate the fixture load in the building and provisions for other water requirements such as automatic fire protection sprinklers, irrigation systems and systems which may require substantial quantities of water.
C. There shall be a conveniently located shut-off valve ahead of the water meter.
(2) The water supply from an on-site well to the pressure tank in the building shall be sized for the pump flow rate and shall be of conducting metal pipe for a minimum of twenty-five feet from the building wall plus six inches inside the building.
(3) All water service lines shall be installed in a manner to prevent freezing and with a minimum of four feet of cover.
(b) Water Distribution.
(1) Water distribution piping within the building shall be Type "L" or "K" copper. All below-grade or below-concrete slab piping shall be Type "K" copper. Plastic water piping is not permitted within the building without specific prior approval of the Building Inspector.
(2) Water distribution piping shall be installed in a manner and in locations where freezing of the water in the pipe cannot occur. In situations where it is impractical to avoid freezing locations, the piping shall be protected with insulation and an adequate heat supply to prevent the water in the pipe from freezing. Piping in freezing locations and the protection provided shall be approved by the Building Inspector and shall be inspected and approved prior to any concealment.
(3) Where the water service is above sixty pounds per square inch or higher gauge pressure, pressure reducing valves shall be installed to regulate the distribution pressure at an acceptable level.
(4) Water supply lines to hot water heaters, irrigation systems and other water- using equipment shall be connected from the main prior to water distribution. All branch connections shall be valved and equipped with identification tags, except where the equipment served is located within sight of the main, in which case the equipment, sprinkler or hydrant shut-off and isolation valve may serve as the branch valve.
(5) Hot and cold water piping shall be installed through one or more accessible manifolds from which branch piping to fixture groups is extended. Each fixture group branch hot and cold water valve shall be permanently identified with a metal tag or attached rigid laminated plastic.
(6) Minimum water supply pipe sizes to fixtures shall be in accordance with the Ohio Basic Building Code (Plumbing), Table 4101:2-51-37 (refer to Appendix A).
(7) Water piping shall be installed in a manner as to allow for thermal expansion and contraction and shall be isolated from the structure in a manner such as not to transmit objectionable noise.
(8) Stops or valves shall be installed in accessible locations to provide for service or replacement without affecting the water supply to other fixtures.
(9) Where water piping may be isolated, such as between two valves, adequate expansion air cushions and/or relief valves shall be installed to prevent excessive pressure buildup.
(10) Air cushions and/or shock absorbers shall be installed in the piping system to prevent water hammer and shock.
(11) Water piping shall be tested, made leak-free and checked by the Building Inspector prior to concealment or application of insulation.
(12) After opening of the supply water service valve and prior to use for consumption, all water lines shall be purged of air and flushed to remove any residue dirt or debris.
(13) Wall hydrants fitted with backflow preventers and with hose connections are required on the exterior walls of the building, such that all exterior areas can conveniently be served with garden hoses.
(Ord. 1992-101. Passed 1-14-92.)