[Amended 9-24-2007 by Ord. No. 72-2007; 12-28-2009 by Ord. No. 78-2009; 3-22-2010 by Ord. No. 11-2010; 5-10-2010 by Ord. No. 18-2010; 8-9-2010 by Ord. No. 51-2010; 12-27-2010 by Ord. No. 106-2010]
The following sections of the International Plumbing Code, 2009 Edition, a/k/a Plumbing Code for the City of Reading, is hereby amended, revised, deleted, etc., as indicated:
A. Administration.
(1) ADM 101.1, Title, is amended to read as follows:
This code shall be known and may be cited as the "Plumbing Code of the City of Reading, Pennsylvania," hereinafter referred to as "this code."
(2) ADM 101.5, is amended to read as follows:
101.5 Jurisdiction. The jurisdiction of this code shall commence at the curbline or property line into and through the property including all lots, dwellings, etc., within the City of Reading.
Exception. The jurisdiction shall be extended to include all work performed in the street and/ or right-of-way performed by a plumber within the City of Reading.
(3) Section 103, Department of Plumbing Inspector.
(a) ADM 103.2A Plumbing Inspector, is amended to include as follows:
103.2A Plumbing Inspector. The Plumbing Inspector shall be designated as the Code Official.
(a) Eligibility. The Department of Plumbing Inspection is established under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Legislation [Par. Amended Jan. 18, 1952 (1951), PL 2092, No. 592]. The Mayor of said City is hereby authorized and required to appoint a practical plumber of at least 10 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.
(b) It shall be the duty of the City of Reading Plumbing Inspector to administer and enforce the provisions of the City of Reading Plumbing Ordinance.
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(c) The City of Reading Plumbing Inspector shall, in order to be eligible for appointment, have had not less than 10 years' practical experience as a master plumber in the City of Reading.
(d) The Plumbing Inspector or his assign shall serve as chief proctor for conducting tests and examinations for all classes of licenses herein described.
(e) Shall not engage in any activities contrary to the provision of this code, nor shall engage in any activities creating a conflict of interest.
(4) Section 104, Duties and powers of the Code Official.
(a) ADM 104.3.1 Licenses, is amended to read as follows:27
104.3.1 Licenses. All persons engaged in plumbing, heating and cooling, appliance contractor and installer and fire sprinkler contractor and installer work as defined and covered by this Part are required to be licensed and shall operate within the limitations imposed by their respective licenses. It shall be unlawful without license for any person, firm or corporation to, or cause to, install, construct, erect, alter, repair, improve, convert, move, use or maintain any plumbing system within the City.
(a) General license information. License fees for the following shall be as provided in Chapter 212, Fees:
Master plumber
Journeyman plumber
Appliance contractor plumbing
Appliance installer plumbing
Sprinkler contractor
Sprinkler installer
1. All licenses covered under this code shall be issued annually and shall expire on December 31.
2. All licenses may be renewed upon timely application. If the holder of a license fails to renew said license within a five-year period, the full fee must be paid for the years that the license was not renewed before a license shall be issued. Any holders renewing the license after the fifth consecutive year of nonrenewal shall be required to pass an examination administered by the Plumbing Board.
3. All license and examination fees must be paid to the City of Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to the issuance of said license or examination and are nonrefundable.
4. Application for an initial license of whatever class shall be made in writing and shall furnish such information as the Plumbing Board may require. License applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
5. Applicants for an initial license of whatever class shall pass with a grade of 70% an examination administered by the Plumbing Board.
(b) Qualifications for obtaining a license.
1. Master Plumber License.
All applicants for a master plumber's license shall:
A. Hold a valid journeyman plumber license.
B. Shall have been employed as a journeyman plumber by a registered master plumber for at least two years.
2. Journeyman Plumber License.
All applicants for a journeyman plumber's license shall be employed by a registered master plumber and registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Apprenticeship Training, Department of Labor. He shall have completed at least four years of approved apprenticeship training, been instructed in subjects related to the trade not less than 216 hours per year during the four-year apprenticeship and have been approved by the Local Apprenticeship Committee according to National Apprenticeship Standards, or while employed by a registered master plumber and registered with an apprenticeship training program comparable to the foregoing program, he shall have completed at least four years of approved apprenticeship training in such program, or he shall have served an apprenticeship of not less than eight years under the supervision of a registered master plumber.
3. Apprentice plumber.
Apprentice plumbers shall be employed by a registered master plumber and shall be registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Apprenticeship Training, United States Department of Labor. Apprentice plumbers shall not be permitted to install plumbing, heating or house drainage work unless under the supervision of a registered plumber.
4. Appliance contractor license.
All applicants for an appliance contractor license shall have served at least two years as a registered appliance installer.
Appliance contractors are limited to installation of the following: domestic clothes-washing machines (water connections only), water conditioners, domestic hot water heaters, garbage disposals (replacement only), icemakers, coffee urns, etc., provided there is no installation of, or modification to, the existing plumbing and drainage process. All plumbing-connected appliances shall require indirect waste piping only and shall comply with City of Reading Plumbing Code regulations.
5. Appliance installer license.
All applicants for an appliance installer license shall be in the employ of a registered appliance contractor.
6. Fire sprinkler contractor license.
All applicants for a fire sprinkler contractor license shall obtain a certificate of fitness from the Fire Marshal of the City of Reading.
7. Fire sprinkler installer license.
All applicants for a fire sprinkler installer license shall obtain a certificate from the AFSA (American Fire Sprinkler Association) or the NFSA (National Fire Sprinkler Association), and be in the employ of a licensed fire sprinkler contractor.
(c) Reciprocal license.
A reciprocal license may be issued if the applicant holds an equivalent license from a first, second, or third class city of the United States, issued by an equivalent board of examiners, whose qualifications and standards are equal to that of the City of Reading, Pennsylvania, and shall have paid the prescribed fee pursuant to a written application.
(d) Retired license.
(a) All licensees, upon retirement from business, shall surrender said license to the Code Service Division of the City of Reading, Pennsylvania. Upon written request to the Plumbing Board, a license covered under this code may be fully reinstated within a period of five years of retirement without reexamination.
(b) If the holder of a retired license wishes to reactivate a retired licensed within a five-year period, the full fee must be paid for the years that the license was retired. All requests for reactivation must be made in writing to the Plumbing Board.
(c) All persons reactivating a retired license after the fifth year of retirement shall be required to pass an examination administered by the Plumbing Board.
(e) Conditions and provisions for maintaining a license.
1. Applicant shall secure a license within 30 days of examination result notification.
2. It is prohibited for any licensee to allow the use of said license by any other person or to obtain a permit for work to be performed by an unlicensed person.
3. All persons licensed under this code shall give immediate notice of any change in address or place of business.
4. Prior to the issuance of a master plumber license, appliance contractor license or a fire sprinkler contractor license, the applicant shall submit to the Code Service Division, City of Reading, a certificate of insurance establishing that the master plumber is currently insured by a reputable insurance company acceptable to the Code Service Division, City of Reading, covering said master plumber for property damages in the amount of not less than $50,000 for any one claim, and not less than $100,000 for multiple claims arising from the same undertaking, as well as public liability insurance in the amount of not less than $100,000 from any one claim and not less than $300,000 for more than one claim arising from the same undertaking. The Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities requirements go into effect on August 31, 1993. Act 44 requires the submission to the municipality of "proof of workers' compensation insurance" or an affidavit that insurance is not required before issuing a permit. Said certificate shall be for continuous coverage unless cancelled by said insurance company, at which time, the Code Service Division, City of Reading, shall be notified in writing by said insurance company.
5. All vehicles used for plumbing work in the City shall have lettered or imprinted with letters and numbers no less than two inches high on the driver's door the plumbing license number issued by this City and preceded by the letters "MP."
6. Every appliance contractor engaged in said business of appliance contracting in the City of Reading, and using a truck in that business, shall have printed on the left side door (driver's side), the letters ACP (Appliance Contractor Plumbing) along with the permanent license number issued, and the name of the person, firm or corporation, and a legend depicting that he is a registered appliance contractor in clearly visible letters no less than two inches high.
(f) Suspension and revocation of license.
1. The Plumbing Board of Examiners and Standards may suspend or revoke any license issued in conformity with this code in the event said license was partially or wholly procured by or through nondisclosure, misstatement or misrepresentation, or repeated violations of this code or if a previously imposed penalty shall not have met with full compliance. "Repeated violations" is hereby defined as a minimum of three separate offenses under this code within a calendar year for which the licensee or offender has either pleaded guilty or has been found guilty by a Magisterial District Judge or other court of competent jurisdiction.
2. The Plumbing Board of Examiners, prior to invoking a suspension or revocation of a license, shall first cause to be served upon said licensee by a personal service or certified mail, a written notice of suspension or revocation of license as the case may be, setting forth in specific terms and language the nature of the repeated violations, the times thereof and places of occurrence. Said written notice shall also set forth a place, date and time where the licensee may appear at a hearing before the Board, with counsel if desired, to hear sworn testimony as to the repeated violations the licensee is alleged to have committed and for which his license is subject to suspension or revocation as the case may be.
3. Licensee or his counsel shall be permitted to examine any witness giving testimony against him as well as being given the privilege of offering testimony or other proof or exhibits as a defense or rebuttal to allegations. The hearing before the Board shall not require recordation, shall be informal in nature, and shall not occur less than 30 days nor more than 90 days from the date of service of the written notice upon the licensee. The decision of the Board shall be rendered in writing, not more than 30 days from the conclusion of the hearing and shall be served upon licensee in the same manner provided herein for service of the written notice of hearing. In the event licensee or counsel fail to appear at the place, date and time fixed for a hearing, the Board shall nevertheless convene for the purpose of hearing evidence and/or testimony in order to arrive at its determination pursuant to the within provisions. Notice of the Board's decision shall be served upon the licensee as hereinabove set for just as if he and/or his counsel had appeared at the hearing.
(b) ADM 104.5, Right of entry, is amended to read as follows:
104.5 Right of entry.
(a) Entry by Code Official. In the discharge of his duties, the Code Official or his authorized representative shall have the authority to enter, at any reasonable hour, any building, structure or premises in the jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of this code.
(b) Notice of inspection. When entry by the Code Official to any building, structure or premises has not been possible, a notice of inspection shall be issued to the property owner or representative of the owner.
(c) Rescheduling of inspections. If the owner or representative of the owner cannot be available at the proposed time, said owner or representative shall provide no less than twenty-four-hour written notice to the Code Service Division Office. Upon failure to give such written notice or upon failure to gain entry, an administrative fee as provided in Chapter 212, Fees, will be assessed the owner or representative of the owner for failing to supply written notice or to appear. For each rescheduling beyond the second rescheduling, an administrative fee as provided in Chapter 212, Fees, shall be assessed in all cases.
(d) Refusal of entry. If any owner, occupant or other person in charge of a structure subject to the provision of this code refuses, impedes, inhibits, interferes with, restricts or obstructs entry and free access to every part of the structure or premises where inspection authorized by this code is sought, the administrative authority shall promptly apply for a search or inspection warrant to a court of competent jurisdiction and shall supply all necessary affidavits and testimony to indicate that there is reasonable or probable cause to conduct an inspection. For the purposes of this section, a reasonable or probable cause to gain access for an inspection shall include without being limited to the following:
1. That the inspection of the area is part of a planned routine inspection being conducted pursuant to a systematic or concentrated code enforcement program in that portion of the City.
2. That the Code Official, after investigation or upon information received, has knowledge, information or a reasonable belief that a violation of this code or other codes and ordinances of the City exist.
3. That such entry is for the purpose of inspecting a previous notice of violation.
4. That the Code Official has received a complaint concerning a violation on or within the premises.
5. That such entry is necessary to determine if the building, structure, premises, dwelling, or dwelling units meet code standards.
(c) ADM 104.9, Administrative authority, is amended to read as follows:
104.9 Administrative authority. The administrative authority shall be the City of Reading Plumbing Inspector, and the City of Reading Plumbing Board of Standards and Examiners duly appointed by the jurisdiction and having authority to administer and enforce the provisions of this code as adopted or amended. The City of Reading Plumbing Inspector shall be the Code Official of this code.
(5) Section 106, Permits.
(a) ADM 106.3 Applications for permits, is amended to read as follows:28
106.3 Applications for permits.
Application for permits shall be made by a person holding a current master plumber's license issued by the Code Service Division of the City of Reading. Each shop must a have a master plumber assigned to apply for permits from Codes Service Division for the City of Reading. There can be only one master plumber in any one shop to pull permits. All shops shall give immediate notice of any change in person holding master licensed authorized to apply for permits for that shop. Every master plumber shall be permitted to apply for/pull permits from the Codes Services Division for only one shop. A master plumber shall not be permitted to apply for/pull permits for more than one shop at any given time.
(b) ADM 106.3.1, Plans, is amended to read as follows:
106.3.1 Plans.
One or more sets of plans shall be submitted with each permit application. The plans shall contain all the engineering calculations, drawings, diagrams, and other data as required for approval. The administrative authority may also require that the plans, drawings, diagrams and calculations be designed by an engineer and/or architect licensed by the state in which the work is to be performed.
Except that the administrative authority may waive the submission of plans and other data, provided it is determined that the nature of the work covered by the permit does not require plan review to obtain code compliance.
(c) ADM 106.5.3, Permit expiration, is deleted and the section and amended to read:
106.5.3 Permit expiration. Every permit issued by the Code Official in accordance with provisions of this code shall expire and become null and void when such work authorized by the permit has not commenced within six months from the date of issuance or if such work is incomplete or abandoned for a period of 180 days after commencement of such work. In order for such work to recommence, a new permit shall be obtained. The Code Official may grant an extension of time to any permit providing the request is in writing by the permit holder and time frame does not exceed one year from the date of issuance.
(d) ADM 106.6.2, Fees schedule, is amended to read as follows: [Amended 9-12-2011 by Ord. No. 42-201129]
106.6.2 Fees schedule.
Permit and license fees shall be determined by City Council.
All tradespersons shall pay permit fees based on labor and materials as provided in Chapter 212, Fees, prior to commencing work or performing services in or upon all premises within the City based upon aggregate cost of labor and materials:
Penalties. Commencement of a project without a permit or in excess of a permit will result in a charge of 100% of usual permit fee in addition to normal fee (or doubling of the cost of the permit fee).
Administrative fee. In addition to the aforesaid fee, all tradespersons shall be required to pay an administrative fee as provided in Chapter 212, Fees, for each permit applied for and received. This fee is in addition to the above-listed permit fee.
As-built. Should it be determined that the job costs greatly differentiate from the as- built costs to save monies on the fee for the permit at the discretion of the Codes Services Division - Building/Trades, said person reserves the right to undertake any and all appropriate and applicable methods including, but not limited to, commencement of legal action to obtain the difference of the fee submitted for a permit and estimated job costs and the as-built costs.
Consultation fee. In addition to the fee for a permit as set forth herein, a fee per hour as provided in Chapter 212, Fees, shall be charged for consultation either in person or via telephone with the any Building/Trades Inspector for consultation prior to submission of plans for review and subsequent to approval of plans and issuance of permit beyond one hour total time calculated by combining time of all Building/Trades Inspector consulted on single project per above parameters.
Removal of placard. The Building Code Official, his designee or Code Official shall remove the stop-work order placard whenever the defect or defects upon which the stop-work order and placarding action were based have been eliminated and with the payment of a fee as provided in Chapter 212, Fees. Any person who conceals, covers, hides, defaces or removes a stop-work order placard without the approval of the Building Code Official shall be subject to the penalties provided by this code.
(e) ADM 106.6.3, Refunds, is amended to read as follows:
2. Is amended by deleting the word "percentage" and the brackets surrounding the phrase and by inserting in place thereof the language "80% of the permit fee, excluding the $2 administrative fee."
3. Is amended by deleting the word "percentage" and the brackets surrounding the phrase and by inserting in place thereof the language "0% (no refund shall be issued for plan review)."
(f) ADM 106.6.4, Homeowner clause, to read as follows:
106.6.4 Homeowner clause. Notwithstanding anything contrary to the provisions of this code, a permit may be issued to the qualified owner-occupant of a single-family dwelling in the City of Reading, used exclusively for the living purposes, provided that the person is the bona fide owner and that said owner will personally perform all labor in connection therewith said permit, provided there is no modification or alteration to the sanitary sewer system or effect upon or alteration of the house drainage system.
The scope of work is limited to water piping (inside only) and rain leaders only, and shall be in full compliance with the City of Reading Plumbing Code regulations.
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A permit shall be secured from the Codes Service Deptartment and approved by the Plumbing Inspector prior to commencing work, and an inspection shall be performed prior to concealment.
(6) Section 108, Violations.
(a) ADM 108.4, Penalties. Delete section and amend to include as follows:
108.4 Penalties. Any person who shall violate any provision of this code shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a summary offense, sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $500 and not exceeding $1,000 for the first two offenses, and not more than $5,000 for the third and successive offenses, plus costs and restitution, or in default of payment, to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days. One fine per month per violation shall be assessed, except that continual and uncorrected violations that pose a threat to the public and violate the same subsection of an ordinance for the same property can be assessed at one citation per five calendar days.
(b) ADM 108.7.1, Authority to condemn, is amended to include as follows:
108.7.1 Authority to condemn.
Any order or notice issued pursuant to the provisions stated in this code may be served personally upon the person, partnership or corporation to whom or to which it is addressed, or may be served by mailing the same in a sealed envelope with postage prepaid, directed, in the cast of the holder of any license, to the address furnished by him to the department of his business address and, in the case of other person, partnership or corporation, to the premises where the defects recited in such order are alleged to exist and by the posting in a conspicuous place on such premises of a copy of such notice or order. The service as above described by mailing and posting, shall be the equivalent of personal service.
If the notice of violation is not complied with within the time therein specified or within a reasonable time determined by the Code Official or his nominee, the Code Official or nominee shall cause to be instituted an appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct, or abate such alleged violation as provided herein or elsewhere according to law or to require the removal or termination of the use of any plumbing system in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction given or made pursuant thereto.
(7) Section 109, Means of Appeal.
(a) ADM 109.1A, Appeal, is amended to read as follows:31
109.1A Appeal. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Plumbing Inspector may appeal in writing within 20 days to the Plumbing Board for a review of said decision. A fee in the amount provided in Chapter 212, Fees, shall be payable for each appeal and is due at the time of submission of application for appeal. The Board Chairman shall afford the person a hearing within 20 days and shall give written notice of the time and place of said hearing.
(b) ADM 109.2A, Plumbing Board, to read as follows:
109.2A Plumbing Board. There is hereby established a Plumbing Board of Standards and Examiners whose members shall be appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council. The Plumbing Inspector shall serve as liaison officer to the Plumbing Board and attend all meetings.
(a) Membership. The Plumbing Board shall consist of seven members, of whom all shall be master plumbers. Except that, one may be from a related industry. In the event of a failure to appoint a successor after the expiration of any member's term, such member shall continue to serve until a successor(s) is duly appointed.
(b) Term of office. The appointed members of the Board shall serve for a term of six years in such a manner of original appointment that the terms of three members shall expire December 31 of year one and the terms of the other four members shall expire December 31 of year three.
(c) Meetings of the Board. The Plumbing Board shall hold its first meeting not later than 30 days after the effective date of this Part, and thereafter, the Board shall meet at such intervals as may be necessary for the performance of its duties; providing, however, that normal meeting dates shall be the second Wednesday of January, April, July, and October of each calendar year.
(d) Function of the Board. The Plumbing Board of Standards and Examiners shall make all reasonable rules and regulations pertaining to the National Standard Plumbing Code to the City of Reading Plumbing Inspector for Council's adoption. They shall make reasonable rules and regulations governing its procedures, and similarly establish standards and procedures for the qualifications, examination and licensing of master plumbers, journeyman plumbers, appliance contractors and installers and fire sprinkler installers and recommend qualified applicants for issuance of license to the Plumbing Inspector. In addition, said Board shall convene at the instance of the Board Chairman for the purpose of holding hearings concerning the suspension and/or revocation of licenses hereinafter provided. There shall be a quorum of four members in attendance in order for the Plumbing Board to conduct business.
(e) Removal of members. Any member may be removed for misconduct or neglect of duty or for other just cause by a majority vote of Council taken after the member has received 15 days' advance notice of the intent to take such vote. Failure of a member to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the Board will constitute grounds for immediate removal from the Board by City Council. Failure of a member to attend at least 50% of the regular meetings of the Board in a calendar year will constitute grounds for immediate removal from the Board by City Council. The Chairperson of the Board shall inform the City Clerk in writing when a member has failed to comply with this attendance policy. Following such notification, City Council may vote to remove the member and seek applicants to fill the vacant position.
(c) ADM 109.4, Hearing, is amended to include as follows:
109.4 Hearing. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Code Official or a notice or order issued under this code shall request in writing a hearing before the Plumbing Inspector within 10 days of receipt of the notice or order. The Plumbing Inspector shall schedule a hearing to take place within 15 days and shall give written notice of the time and place of said hearing.
B. Chapter 3, General Regulations.
(1) Section 301.9, Water closets (existing work only). No water closets may be installed to an existing unvented house drain or soil and waste drain unless all of the following conditions are present:
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(a) Provisions to be continuation of existing regulations. The provisions of this Part, as far as they are the same as those or ordinances and/or codes in force immediately prior to the enactment of this Part, are intended as a continuation of such ordinances and codes and not as new enactments. The installation marked provisions for a future vent.
(b) The outlet for the water closet will not be more than eight feet from the house drain.
(c) The invert of the branch is at least three-fourths the size of the house drain above the invert of the house drain.
(d) The branch will not be taken off the house drain within three feet of the downstream side of the soil and waste stack, nor within the eight feet of the main house trap, nor extended beyond the end of the existing house drain.
(2) Section 301.10, Full bath-basement-cellar areas. The requirements for this type installation shall be the same as for water closet additions, with the exception that the maximum distance for a bathtub or lavatory shall not exceed 12 feet from the house drain.
(3) Section 301.11, Traps and vents; traps. Anti-siphon or resealing traps for use in connection with repairs or alterations of existing buildings may be used if the combined total length of the waste line does not exceed 30 feet and enters the soil line on the same floor level at which the fixture is connected; the exception to this ruling where the total developed length is not to exceed 12 feet.
(4) Section 301.12, Handicap fixtures, is amended to include as follows:
Plumbing fixtures for the handicapped shall conform to the requirements of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Labor and Industry, Regulations for Buildings and Facilities Usable by the Physically Handicapped, Americans With Disabilities Act.
(5) Section 301.13, Cast iron, is amended to include as follows:
The use of cast iron to plastic back to cast iron is prohibited.
(6) Section 301.14, Sinks, is amended to include as follows:
All food establishments must have a three-bay sink, interceptor trap and hand sink (no exceptions any size business, small or large).
(7) Section 301.15, Toilets facilities, is amended to include as follows:
All food establishments that have table and chairs must have male and female toilet facilities (each table counts as four).
(8) Section 305, Protection of pipes and plumbing system components.
305.6.1 Sewer depth. Insert "42 inches water" and "48 inches sewer," respectively.
(9) Section 312, Inspections, is amended to include as follows:
312.1.2 For a required morning inspection, please call the Codes Services Division by 9:00 a.m. at 610-655-6312.
312.1.3 For a required afternoon inspection, please call the Codes Services Division by 1:00 p.m. at 610-655-6312.
C. Chapter 4, Fixture standards.
(1) Section 420.3, Water closet seats, is amended to read as follows:
420.3 Water closet seats. Seats for water closets shall be of smooth, nonabsorbent (white only in commercial premises) materials and be properly sized to fit the water closet bowl, and seats match color of fixture. Except in dwelling units, seats shall comply with ANSI 124.5.
D. Chapter 5, Water heaters.
(1) Section 502, Installation.
(a) Section 502.5, Water heaters, amended to read as follows:
502.5 Water heaters. All water heaters must have cement pads under them (everywhere) except if they have legs on two inches or more, pad must be installed.
E. Chapter 6, Water supply and distribution.
(1) Section 601, General.
(a) Section 601.5, Water supply to buildings, to read as follows:
601.5 Water supply to buildings. No building designed for human occupancy shall be occupied prior to the setting of the water meter as per City of Reading Water Authority regulations. Only City of Reading water can be used on any property with in the City of Reading (no wells are permitted).
(b) Section 601.6, Emergency domestic water supply, to read as follows:
601.6 Emergency domestic water supply.
(a) Building agents requesting emergency water supply shall first comply the Bill 53, City of Reading Water Authority regulations, enacted December 31, 1975, or updated version stating:
No consumer, excepting with the written consent of the City of Reading Water Authority, previously obtained, will be allowed to furnish water to other persons or to suffer such other persons to take it themselves; provided, however, that water may be supplied without such written consent in order temporarily to relieve consumers having frozen or broken water pipes, or whose supply may be cut off by similar emergencies.
(b) An emergency water supply serving a distressed building shall be protected against backflow or back-siphonage by two spring-activated check valves or equal. Emergency piping shall consist of rigid steel, at 150 psi and 160° working conditions. Emergency service shall be connected to a source made available by the City of Reading Water Authority.
(2) Section 603, Water service.
(a) Section 603.1.1, Water service piping, to read as follows: [Amended 3-23-2015 by Ord. No. 14-2015]
603.1.1 Water service piping. Water service pipe to point of entrance to the building shall be made of brass pipe, copper tube, type K minimum with flare fitting, cast iron water pipe or galvanized steel pipe (no plastic piping for water service or meter setup). All threaded ferrous pipe and fittings shall be galvanized or cement-lined and when used underground in corrosive soil or filled ground, shall be coal-tar enamel coated and threaded joints shall be coated and wrapped when installed. No curb or meter box for water service shall be located in any driveway or ramp area.
(a) PEX or plastic water type piping may be installed consistent with the provisions of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and the Building and Trades Department Guidelines for the installation of PEX or plastic type piping which are attached as Exhibit 3
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to this section.
(3) Section 605, Materials, joints and connections.
(a) Section 605.3A, Water service pipe. Insert:
605.3A Water service pipe. Only type L copper or galvanized pipe may be used in existing buildings. CPVC, type L copper pipe can be used on new construction.
F. Chapter 7, Sanitary drainage piping.
(1) Section 702.1, Soil and waste piping aboveground in buildings, is amended to read as follows:
702.1 Soil and waste piping aboveground in buildings. All soil and waste piping aboveground in buildings shall be of brass pipe, copper pipe, copper tube DWV weight or heavier, cast iron soil pipe, galvanized steel pipe, ABS or PVC DWV plastic pipe, schedule 40 minimum.
(2) Section 702.2, Underground building sanitary drains, is amended to read as follows:
702.2 Underground building sanitary drains. All underground building drains shall be cast iron soil pipe, or PVC DWV plastic pipe, schedule 40 minimum. All PVC-type piping shall be laid in six-inch minimum sand or screening bed and covered with twelve-inch minimum screening or sand. No-hub piping shall not be used underground
(3) Section 702.3, Building sanitary sewer (private property mains), is amended to read as follows:
702.3 Building sanitary sewer (private property mains). Sewer pipe material shall be cast iron, concrete; ABS or PVC, schedule 40 minimum. Joints underground shall be watertight and rustproof.
G. Chapter 9, Vent piping.
(1) Section 901.
(a) Section 901.7, Aboveground, to read as follows:
901.7 Aboveground. Vent piping aboveground in buildings shall be of brass pipe, copper pipe, copper tube DWV weight or heavier, cast iron soil pipe, galvanized steel pipe, or PVC DWV plastic pipe, schedule 40 minimum.
(b) Section 901.8, Underground, to read as follows:
901.8 Underground. All underground vent piping shall be cast iron soil pipe, hard temper copper tube type DWV or heavier, or PVC plastic pipe, schedule 40 minimum. All PVC type piping shall be laid in six-inch minimum sand or screening bed and covered with twelve-inch minimum screening or sand. No-hub piping shall not be used underground.
(2) Section 904, Vent terminals.
(a) Section 904.1, Extensions through roofs, is amended to read as follows:
904.1 Extensions through roofs. Extensions of vent pipes through a roof shall be terminated at least 12 inches above it. Where a roof is used for other than weather protection, the vent extensions shall run at least seven feet above the roof.
(3) Section 917. Delete entire section and amend to read as follows:
(a) Section 917.1, Air admittance valves, is amended to read as follows:
917.1 Air admittance valves. The use of any automatic plumbing vent is hereby prohibited, as said vent does not provide circulation of air throughout the sanitary system, and is contrary to the basic principles of the model plumbing code.
H. Chapter 10, Building traps.
(1) Section 1002.1, Fixture traps, is amended to read as follows:
1002.1 Fixture traps. Every building designed for human occupancy shall have at least one four-inch basement floor drain installed. Floor drains shall have a minimum water seal of two inches and shall be provided with removal strainers. The floor drain shall be so constructed that it can be readily cleaned, and the drain inlet shall be easily accessible at all times. Floor drains subject to backflow shall be protected by a backwater valve. Floor drains shall be of a size to serve efficiently the purpose for which they are intended. Any floor drain subject to evaporation, proper maintenance of deep seal traps shall be applied or a trap primer shall be used.
(2) Section 1002.6, Building traps, is amended to read as follows:
1002.6 Building traps. The building house sewer shall be provided with an approved manufactured horizontal trap made of cast iron which shall be set at curbline where possible, which shall be provided with a fresh air inlet on the house side, and a cleanout on the sewer side, both extended to finish grade level and fitted with adjustable boxes if placed in ground, slip type if placed in concrete, having place, with brass screws. The building's house trap shall not be installed in any driveway or ramp area.
I. Chapter 11, Storm drainage piping.
(1) Section 1103.1, Building Storm Sewer/Main Trap, is amended to include as follows:
No building storm sewer where a house trap is required shall be located in any driveway or ramp area.
(2) Section 1104.4, Interior conductors, to read as follows:
1104.4 Interior conductors. Interior conductors installed aboveground in buildings shall be of aluminum DWV pipe, brass pipe, copper tube DWV weight or heavier, cast iron soil pipe, galvanized steel pipe or ABS or PVC DWV plastic pipe, schedule 40 minimum.
(3) Section 1104.5, Underground building storm drains, to read as follows:
1104.5 Underground building storm drains. All underground storm drains shall be cast iron soil pipe or PVC DWV plastic pipe, schedule 40 minimum. All PVC type piping shall be laid in six-inch minimum sand or screening bed and covered with twelve-inch minimum screening or sand. No-hub piping shall not be used underground.
(4) Section 1104.6, Building storm sewer, to read as follows:
1104.6 Building storm sewer. The building storm sewer shall be of: cast iron soil pipe, concrete, type DWV, or PVC schedule 40 minimum.
(5) Section 1111.2, Subsoil drain, to read as follows:
1111.2 Subsoil drain. Subsoil drain shall be solid pipe only, no flex allowed.
J. Chapter 14, entitled "Regulations Governing Individual Sewage Disposal Systems for Homes and Other Establishments Where Public Sewage Systems Are Not Available," to include as follows:
Chapter 14
Regulations Governing Individual Sewage Disposal Systems for Homes and Other Establishments Where Public Sewage Systems Are Not Available
Regulations Governing Individual Sewage Disposal Systems for Homes and Other Establishments Where Public Sewage Systems Are Not Available
The provisions and requirements for individual sewage disposal systems shall be in accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations enforced by the City Engineer, Reading, Pennsylvania. Plans for any individual sewage disposal system shall have the approval of the City Engineer, Reading, Pennsylvania, prior to commencing construction of any building within the jurisdiction of this code.
26. Editor's Note: See Part 9, International Plumbing Code.
27. Editor's Note: Amended during codification (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Part 2).
28. Editor's Note: Original Subsection A(5)(a), ADM 106.4 Process of Obtaining Licenses and Permits, which immediately preceded this subsection, was repealed during codification (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Part 2).
29. Editor's Note: Amended during codification (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Part 2).
30. Editor's Note: See Part 9, International Plumbing Code.
31. Editor's Note: Amended during codification (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Part 2).
32. Editor's Note: Original Subsection B(1), Section 301.8, Existing work, which immediately preceded this subsection, was repealed during codification (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Part 2).
33. Editor's Note: Exhibit 3 is on file in the City offices.