Robert G. Konyndyk, Chief

Instructor Identification Number 124-005-008

Upon completing the explanation of the required backflow prevention requirements you will:

1. Understand the statute and code requirements which provide the legal requirements for backflow prevention devices.

A. Act 230, P.A. 1972, as amended

B. Act 222, P.A. 1901

C. Act 266, P.A. 1929, as amended

D. State Plumbing Code

2. Have an understanding of the organization and intent of the State Plumbing Code to address backflow preventers.

3. Understand specific requirements from the Part 7 rules related to backflow preventers.

Plumbing Code Requirements - R. Konyndyk

Act 230, P.A. 1972, as amended

The act created the Construction Code Commission and prescribed its functions; to authorize the commission to promulgate rules for each affected board; provide for statewide approval of pre-manufactured units; provide for the acceptance of new products and installation techniques; to provide for administration and enforcement of the act; and establish remedies and penalties for violations of the act.

The act allows a governmental subdivision to:

a. by ordinance, adopt a nationally recognized model code and provide enforcement, section 8

b. by ordinance, assume responsibility for administration and enforcement of the state code, section 9

Local ordinance requirements pertaining to the plumbing code must be approved by the Construction Code Commission. Prior to submission to the commission the plumbing division chief evaluates the ordinance for conformance to the criteria established in section 8 of the act.

Permit requirements are placed in the act and expanded upon in the various codes where requirements are clarified.

Act 222, P.A. 1901

This first plumbing law is still in effect except where superseded by act 266. Section 7 of Act 222, P.A. 1901 states:

"But all inspectors of plumbing so detailed designated and appointed, and all inspectors shall not be engaged directly or indirectly in the business of plumbing, during the period of their appointment, . . .

Act 266, P.A. 1929, as amended

Act 266 is the present plumbing licensing law for the installation of plumbing. Plumbing inspectors are required to be licensed the same as installers in section 4.

Backflow preventers are incorporated in the scope of plumbing as defined in section 1 of the act. The installation and repair of these devices shall only be accomplished by licensed individuals through the permit process. Permits may only be obtained by an authorized master plumber.

The plumbing law also establishes and defines the authority of the State Plumbing Board. The board in their concern for proper testing of the devices has implemented a Backflow Preventer Testing Seminar through board action. Presently, this is being conducted through the Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association.

The seminar is open to licensed master and journey plumbers, plus others who need to test back preventers at their place of employment. Upon satisfactory completion, licensed plumbers receive a state approved certificate for general testing. Other graduates receive a letter of completion, limiting testing to the premises of their current place of employment.

The State Plumbing Code

The state plumbing code consists of the BOCA National Plumbing

Code/1990 edition and the Department of Labor Construction Code

Commission General Rules, the Part 7.

The State Plumbing Code Rules are promulgated in accordance with Act 306, P.A. 1969, as amended, the Administrative Procedures Act. The administrative rules process, while taking a great deal of time, insures the system of checks and balances in rule development.

The rules are technical amendments to the national code. Technical amendments are commonly necessary to address local or state statutes and concerns which were not considered in the national code development. For example, heat exchangers in the state code are different than national requirements to address Michigan Department of Health concerns. These concerns were identified with our common backflow preventers tester training program.

The State Plumbing Code permit requirements are located in article I of the national code and installation requirements are located in article 15.

The following section outline with notes has the technical amendments in bold print. Specific information on each section will be provided during the class instruction.

WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION

P-1505.1 General

P-1505.1.1 Stop-and-waste valves prohibited

P-1505.2 Identification of potable and non-potable water

P-1505.3 Cross-connection control

P-1505.3.1 Private Water Supplies

P-1505.4 Chemicals and other substances

P-1505.5 Painting of water tanks

P-1505.6 Used piping

P-1505.7 Used water return

P-1505.8 Backflow protection

P-l505.8.l Air gap

P-1505.8.2 Backflow presenter

P-1505. 8.3 Atmospheric-type

P-1505.8.4 Barometric loop

P-1505.8.5 Pressure-type vacuum breakers

P-l505.8.6 Beverage dispensers

P-1505.9 Location of back preventers

P-1505.9 Installation of devices

P-1505.l0 Inspection of devices

P-1503.1l Protection of potable water outlets

P-1505.ll.l Protection by air gap

P-1505.ll.2 Protection by a vacuum breaker

P-1505.11.3 Protection by a reduced pressure principle backflow presenter

P-1505.12 Connections to the potable water system

P-1505.12.l Connections to boilers

P~15O5.12.2 Heat exchangers

P-1505.12.3 Connections to automatic fire sprinkler systems

P-1505.12.3.l Aboveground storage

P-1505.12.3.2 Exposed or underground storage

P-1505.12.3.3 Antifreeze solution

P-1505.12.5 Protection required for water supplies to closed recirculating systems used for heating, cooling, or combination systems

P-1505.12.6 Pressure filter protection

P-1505.12.7 Automatically regenerated water conditioners

P-1505.12.8 Deionizers and demineralizers

P-1505.12.9 Water supplies to refrigeration equipment

P-1505.12.11 Manifolded water supplies to refrigeration equipment

P-1505.12.11 Water and steam interconnections protection