Materials

This chapter establishes the requirements for materials, identification, performance, and approval of components used in private sewage disposal systems.

501 — General

501.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the requirements for materials for private sewage disposal systems.

501.2 Minimum standards. Materials shall conform to the standards referenced in this code for the construction, installation, alteration or repair of private sewage disposal systems or parts thereof.

Exception: The extension, addition to or relocation ofexisting pipes with materials of like grade or quality in accordance with Sections 102.6 and 105.

502 — Identification

502.1 General. The manufacturer's mark or name and the quality of the product or identification shall be cast, embossed, stamped or indelibly marked on each length of pipe and each pipe fitting, fixture, tank, material and device used in a private sewage disposal system in accordance with the approved standard. Tanks shall indicate their capacity.

Worked example

Scenario: A manufacturer produces PVC pipe fittings for private sewage disposal systems.

Explanation: According to Section 502.1, each fitting must be permanently marked with the manufacturer's name and the quality of the product, such as 'ABC Mfg. ASTM D3034 SDR35', to demonstrate compliance with approved standards.

503 — Performance Requirements

503.1 Approved materials required. All materials, fixtures or equipment used in the installation, repair or alteration of any private sewage disposal system shall conform to the standards referenced in this code, except as otherwise approved in accordance with Section 105.

503.2 Care in installation. All materials installed in private sewage disposal systems shall be handled and installed so as to avoid damage. The quality of the material shall not be impaired.

503.3 Defective materials prohibited. Defective or damaged materials, equipment or apparatus shall not be installed or maintained.

Worked example

Scenario: An architect is specifying a new type of wastewater treatment unit for a private sewage disposal system that is not explicitly listed in the code's referenced standards.

Explanation: The architect must seek approval for this material under Section 105, as Section 503.1 mandates that all materials conform to referenced standards or be otherwise approved.

504 — Tanks

504.1 Approval. All tanks shall be of an approved type. The design of tanks shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 8. All tanks shall be designed to withstand the pressures to which they are subjected.

504.2 Precast concrete and site-constructed tanks. Precast concrete tanks shall conform to ASTM C 913. The floor and sidewalls of a site-constructed concrete tank shall be monolithic, except a construction joint is permitted in the lower 12 inches (305 mm) of the sidewalls of the tank. The construction joint shall have a keyway in the lower section of the joint. The width of the keyway shall be approximately 30 percent of the thickness ofthe sidewall with a depth equal to the width. A continuous water stop or baffle at least 56 inches (1422 mm) wide shall be set vertically in the joint, embedded one-half its width in the concrete below the joint with the remaining width in the concrete above the joint. The water stop or baffle shall be copper, neoprene, rubber or polyvinyl chloride designed for this specific purpose. Joints between the concrete septic tank and the tank cover and between the septic tank cover and manhole riser shall be tongue and groove or shiplap-type and sealed water tight using cement, mortar or bituminous compound.

504.3 Steel tanks. Steel tanks shall conform to UL 70. Any damage to the bituminous coating shall be repaired by recoating. The gage of the steel shall be in accordance with Table 504.3.

A table appears here in the adopted code. Refer to the official source for the full table.

504.4 Fiberglass tanks. Fiberglass tanks shall conform to ASTM D 4021.

504.5 Manholes. Manhole collars and extensions shall be of the same material as the tank. Manhole covers shall be of concrete, steel, cast iron or other approved material.

Worked example

Scenario: A contractor plans to install precast concrete septic tanks for a new residential development.

Explanation: The septic tanks must be of an approved type and designed to withstand all anticipated pressures, conforming to the design requirements outlined in Chapter 8 of the code, as per Section 504.1.

505 — Pipe, Joints and Connections

505.1 Pipe. Pipe for private sewage disposal systems shall have a smooth wall and conform to one of the standards listed in Table 505.1.

505.1.1 Distribution pipe. Perforated pipe for distribution systems shall conform to one of the standards listed in Table 505.1 or 505.1.1.

505.1.1 Distribution pipe. Perforated pipe for distribution systems shall conform to one of the standards listed in Table 505.1 or 505.1.1.

505.2 Joints and connection approval. Alljoints and connections shall be of an approved type.

505.3 ABS plastic pipe. Joints between acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic pipe or fittings shall be in accordance with Sections 505.3.1 and 505.3.2.

505.3.1 Mechanicaljoints. Mechanicaljoints on drainage pipes shall be made with an elastomeric seal conforming to ASTM C 1173, ASTM D 3212 or CSA B 602. Mechanical joints shall be installed only in underground systems, except as otherwise approved. Joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. 505.3.2 Solvent cementing. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. Solvent cement conforming to ASTM D 2235 or CSA B181.1 shall be applied to all joint surfaces. The joint shall be made while the cement is wet. Joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM D 2235, ASTM D 2661, ASTM F 628 or CSA B181.1. Solvent cement joints shall be permitted above or below ground.

505.3.1 Mechanicaljoints. Mechanicaljoints on drainage pipes shall be made with an elastomeric seal conforming to ASTM C 1173, ASTM D 3212 or CSA B 602. Mechanical joints shall be installed only in underground systems, except as otherwise approved. Joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

505.3.2 Solvent cementing. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. Solvent cement conforming to ASTM D 2235 or CSA B181.1 shall be applied to all joint surfaces. The joint shall be made while the cement is wet. Joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM D 2235, ASTM D 2661, ASTM F 628 or CSA B181.1. Solvent cement joints shall be permitted above or below ground.

505.4 Asbestos-cement pipe. Joints between asbestos-cement pipe or fittings shall be made with a sleeve coupling of the same composition as the pipe and sealed with an elastomeric ring conforming to ASTM D 1869.

505.5 Coextruded composite ABS pipe and joints. Joints between coextruded composite pipe with an ABS outer layer or ABS fittings shall comply with Sections 505.5.1 and 505.5.2.

505.5.1 Mechanicaljoints. Mechanicaljoints on drainage pipe shall be made with an elastomeric seal conforming to ASTM C 1173, ASTM D 3212, or CSA B 602. Mechanical joints shall not be installed in above-ground systems, except as otherwise approved. Joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. 505.5.2 Solvent cementing. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. Solvent cement conforming to ASTM D 2235 or CSA B 181.1 shall be applied to alljoint surfaces. The joint shall be made while the cement is wet. Joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM D 2235, ASTM D 2661, ASTM F 628 or CSA B181.1. Solvent cement joints shall be permitted above or below ground.

505.5.1 Mechanicaljoints. Mechanicaljoints on drainage pipe shall be made with an elastomeric seal conforming to ASTM C 1173, ASTM D 3212, or CSA B 602. Mechanical joints shall not be installed in above-ground systems, except as otherwise approved. Joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

505.5.2 Solvent cementing. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. Solvent cement conforming to ASTM D 2235 or CSA B 181.1 shall be applied to alljoint surfaces. The joint shall be made while the cement is wet. Joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM D 2235, ASTM D 2661, ASTM F 628 or CSA B181.1. Solvent cement joints shall be permitted above or below ground.

505.6 Cast-iron pipe. Joints between cast-iron pipe or fittings shall be in accordance with Sections 505.6.1 through 505.6.3.

505.6.1 Caulkedjoints. Joints for hub and spigot pipe shall be firmly packed with oakum or hemp. Molten lead shall be poured in one operation to a depth of not less than 1 inch (25 mm). The lead shall not recede more than 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) below the rim of the hub, and shall be caulked tight. Paint, varnish or other coatings shall not be applied to the joining material until after the joint has been tested and

505.6.1 Caulkedjoints. Joints for hub and spigot pipe shall be firmly packed with oakum or hemp. Molten lead shall be poured in one operation to a depth of not less than 1 inch (25 mm). The lead shall not recede more than 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) below the rim of the hub, and shall be caulked tight. Paint, varnish or other coatings shall not be applied to the joining material until after the joint has been tested and

A table appears here in the adopted code. Refer to the official source for the full table.

approved. Lead shall be run in one pouring and shall be caulked tight. Acid-resistant rope and acidproof cement shall be permitted. 505.6.2 Mechanical compression joints. Compression gaskets for hub and spigot pipe and fittings shall conform to ASTM C 564. Gaskets shall be compressed when the pipe is fully inserted. 505.6.3 Mechanicaljoint coupling. Mechanicaljoint couplings for hubless pipe and fittings shall comply with CISPI 310 or ASTM C 1277. The elastomeric sealing sleeve shall conform to ASTM C 564 or CSA B 602 and shall be provided with a center stop. Mechanicaljoint couplings shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

approved. Lead shall be run in one pouring and shall be caulked tight. Acid-resistant rope and acidproof cement shall be permitted.

505.6.2 Mechanical compression joints. Compression gaskets for hub and spigot pipe and fittings shall conform to ASTM C 564. Gaskets shall be compressed when the pipe is fully inserted.

505.6.3 Mechanicaljoint coupling. Mechanicaljoint couplings for hubless pipe and fittings shall comply with CISPI 310 or ASTM C 1277. The elastomeric sealing sleeve shall conform to ASTM C 564 or CSA B 602 and shall be provided with a center stop. Mechanicaljoint couplings shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

505.7 Concrete pipe. Joints between concrete pipe or fittings shall be made by the use of an elastomeric seal conforming to ASTMC 443, ASTMC 1173, CSAA257.3MorCSAB602.

505.8 Copper or copper-alloy tubing or pipe. Joints between copper or copper-alloy tubing, pipe or fittings shall be in accordance with Sections 505.8.1 and 505.8.2.

505.8.1 Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. 505.8.2 Soldered joints. Solder joints shall be made in accordance with the methods of ASTM B 828. All cut ends shall be reamed to the full inside diameter of the tube end. All joint surfaces shall be cleaned. A flux conforming to ASTM B 813 shall be applied. The joint shall be soldered with a solder conforming to ASTM B 32.

505.8.1 Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

505.8.2 Soldered joints. Solder joints shall be made in accordance with the methods of ASTM B 828. All cut ends shall be reamed to the full inside diameter of the tube end. All joint surfaces shall be cleaned. A flux conforming to ASTM B 813 shall be applied. The joint shall be soldered with a solder conforming to ASTM B 32.

505.9 Polyethylene plastic pipe and tubing. Joints between polyethylene plastic pipe and tubing or fittings shall be in accordance with Sections 505.9.1 and 505.9.2.

505.9.1 Heat-fusion joints. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. Alljoint surfaces shall be heated to melting temperature and joined. The joint shall be undisturbed until cool. Joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM D 2657. 505.9.2 Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

505.9.1 Heat-fusion joints. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. Alljoint surfaces shall be heated to melting temperature and joined. The joint shall be undisturbed until cool. Joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM D 2657.

505.9.2 Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

505.10 PVC plastic pipe. Joints between polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic pipe and fittings shall be in accordance with Sections 505.10.1 and 505.10.2.

505.10.1 Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints shall be made with an elastomeric seal conforming to ASTM C 1173, ASTM D 3212 or CSA B602. Mechanicaljoints shall not be installed in above-ground systems, except as otherwise approved. Joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. 505.10.2 Solvent cementing. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. A purple primer that conforms to ASTM F 656 shall be applied. Solvent cement not purple in color and conforming to ASTM D 2564, CSA B137.3, CSA B181.2 or CSA B182.1 shall be applied to alljoint surfaces. Thejoint shall be made while the cement is wet, and shall be in accordance with ASTM D 2855. Solvent cement joints shall be permitted above or below ground.

505.10.1 Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints shall be made with an elastomeric seal conforming to ASTM C 1173, ASTM D 3212 or CSA B602. Mechanicaljoints shall not be installed in above-ground systems, except as otherwise approved. Joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

505.10.2 Solvent cementing. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. A purple primer that conforms to ASTM F 656 shall be applied. Solvent cement not purple in color and conforming to ASTM D 2564, CSA B137.3, CSA B181.2 or CSA B182.1 shall be applied to alljoint surfaces. Thejoint shall be made while the cement is wet, and shall be in accordance with ASTM D 2855. Solvent cement joints shall be permitted above or below ground.

505.11 Coextruded composite PVC pipe. Joints between coextruded composite pipe with a PVC outer layer or PVC fittings shall comply with Sections 505.11.1 and 505.11.2.

505.11.1 Mechanicaljoints. Mechanicaljoints on drainage pipe shall be made with an elastomeric seal conforming to ASTM D 3212. Mechanical joints shall not be installed in above-ground systems, except as otherwise approved. Joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. 505.11.2 Solvent cementing. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. A purple primer that conforms to ASTM F 656 shall be applied. Solvent cement not purple in color and conforming to ASTM D 2564, CSA B137.3, CSA B181.2 or CSA B 182.1 shall be applied to alljointsurfaces. Thejoint shall be made while the cement is wet, and shall be in accordance with ASTM D 2855. Solvent cement joints shall be permitted above or below ground.

505.11.1 Mechanicaljoints. Mechanicaljoints on drainage pipe shall be made with an elastomeric seal conforming to ASTM D 3212. Mechanical joints shall not be installed in above-ground systems, except as otherwise approved. Joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.

505.11.2 Solvent cementing. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free from moisture. A purple primer that conforms to ASTM F 656 shall be applied. Solvent cement not purple in color and conforming to ASTM D 2564, CSA B137.3, CSA B181.2 or CSA B 182.1 shall be applied to alljointsurfaces. Thejoint shall be made while the cement is wet, and shall be in accordance with ASTM D 2855. Solvent cement joints shall be permitted above or below ground.

505.12 Vitrified clay pipe. Joints between vitrified clay pipe or fittings shall be made by the use of an elastomeric seal conforming to ASTM C 425, ASTM C 1173 or CANICSA B602.

505.13 Different piping materials. Joints between different piping materials shall be made with a mechanical joint of the compression or mechanical-sealing type conforming to ASTM C 1173, ASTM C 1460 or ASTM C 1461. Connectors or adapters shall be approved for the application and such joints shall have an elastomeric seal conforming to ASTM C 425, ASTM C 443, ASTM C 564, ASTM C 1440, ASTM D 1869, ASTM F 477, CSA A257.3M or CSA B602 or as required in Sections 505.13.1 and 505.13.2. Joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

505.13.1 Copper or copper-alloy tubing to cast-iron hub pipe. Joints between copper or copper-alloy tubing and cast-iron hub pipe shall be made with a brass ferrule or compression joint. The copper or copper-alloy tubing shall be soldered to the ferrule in an approved manner, and the fer-rule shall bejoined to the cast-iron hub by a caulkedjoint or a mechanical compression joint. 505.13.2 Plastic pipe or tubing to other piping material. Joints between different grades of plastic pipe or between plastic pipe and other piping material shall be made with an approved adapter fitting. Joints between plastic pipe and cast-iron hub pipe shall be made by a caulked joint or a mechanical compression joint.

505.13.1 Copper or copper-alloy tubing to cast-iron hub pipe. Joints between copper or copper-alloy tubing and cast-iron hub pipe shall be made with a brass ferrule or compression joint. The copper or copper-alloy tubing shall be soldered to the ferrule in an approved manner, and the fer-rule shall bejoined to the cast-iron hub by a caulkedjoint or a mechanical compression joint.

505.13.2 Plastic pipe or tubing to other piping material. Joints between different grades of plastic pipe or between plastic pipe and other piping material shall be made with an approved adapter fitting. Joints between plastic pipe and cast-iron hub pipe shall be made by a caulked joint or a mechanical compression joint.

505.14 Pipe installation. Pipe shall be installed in accordance with the International Plumbing Code.

506 — Prohibited Joints and Connections

506.1 General. The following types ofjoints and connections shall be prohibited:

Cement or concrete joints.
Mastic or hot-pour bituminous joints.
Joints made with fittings not approved for the specific installation.
Joints between different diameter pipes made with elastomeric rolling O-rings.
Solvent-cement joints between different types of plastic pipe.

Frequently asked questions

What type of identification is required on private sewage disposal system components?

Each pipe, fitting, fixture, tank, material, and device must be indelibly marked with the manufacturer's name or mark and the product's quality or identification, conforming to approved standards.

Do all materials for private sewage disposal systems need to be approved?

Yes, all materials, fixtures, or equipment used for installation, repair, or alteration of a private sewage disposal system must conform to the standards referenced in this code, unless otherwise approved by Section 105.

What are the general requirements for pipes used in private sewage disposal systems?

Pipes must have a smooth wall and comply with one of the standards listed in Table 505.1 of the code.