Piping: joints, support, protection and testing (7.3) (Plumbing

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

max spacing of supports on vertical piping: 7.5 m; max spacing of supports on vertical piping
water test pressure on a potable system, 1 h: 1,000 kPa; water test pressure on a potable system, 1 h
air test pressure on drainage and vent piping: 35 kPa; air test pressure on drainage and vent piping
water service separation from a building sewer: 2,440 mm; water service separation from a building sewer

Section 7.3. is a numbers section. It tells you how pipes are joined, how often they are hung, how they are protected in the ground, and how hard they are tested. Unlike the house exam, the All Buildings syllabus keeps the older and heavier joint types (caulked lead, wiped, cold-caulked, stainless steel welded), thrust restraint of large water services, and the protection rule for vitrified clay. Expect calculation questions on hanger counts and test pressures.

Joints and connections

Joint	Key rule	Article
Caulked lead	cast-iron drainage or vent pipe only (or to other ferrous pipe, brass, copper, a ferrule or a trap standard); oakum and lead caulked at least 25 mm deep; no paint until tested; hub at the upstream end	7.3.2.1.
Wiped	sheet lead or lead pipe only; solder; at least 19 mm exposed each side and 10 mm thick at the thickest part	7.3.2.2.
Screwed	ends reamed to the bore; no joint cement on internal threads	7.3.2.3.
Flared	proper flaring tool; never on hard (drawn) copper	7.3.2.5.
Mechanical	elastomeric couplings held by stainless or cast-iron clamps, or in compression or groove couplings	7.3.2.6.
Cold-caulked	bell and spigot pipe only; in drainage, oakum plus compound at least 25 mm deep	7.3.2.7.
Stainless welded	ASME B31.9; butt weld fittings at least as thick as the pipe wall	7.3.2.8.

Other connection rules worth knowing:

Drainage pipe may be drilled and tapped only for a trap seal primer line, a chemical or trap seal dispenser downstream of a vacuum breaker, a saddle hub branch under 7.2.10.5., or where the pipe is thick enough or bossed for tapping. No bushing may leave a square shoulder inside (OBC Div. B 7.3.3.1.).
Extracted tees are allowed in type K and L copper water tube only, with a purpose-made tool, a branch at least one NPS smaller, a stop against penetration, and brazing with filler melting at not below 540°C (7.3.3.2.).
Cast-iron soil pipe and galvanized steel must not be welded (7.3.3.3.).
No unions with gasket seals or running thread connections downstream of a trap weir or in venting; slip joints only to connect a fixture trap to a fixture drain in an accessible location (7.3.3.4.).
Floor flanges are brass, or cast iron or plastic to match the pipe; a lead water-closet stub must extend at least 75 mm below the flange (7.3.3.8.).
Indirect connections end above the flood level rim of a directly connected fixture with an air break of at least 25 mm (7.3.3.11.).
Underground copper joints are flared, compression or brazed (BCuP), but no compression fittings underground under a building (7.3.3.12.).

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Support of piping

Supports must keep the pipe aligned and carry it and its contents, and piping, fixtures, tanks and devices are supported independently of each other (OBC Div. B 7.3.4.1., 7.3.4.2.). Copper and stainless need insulated hangers if the hanger is a different metal (7.3.4.3.).

Vertical piping is supported at its base and at the floor of alternate storeys, with supports no more than 7.5 m apart (OBC Div. B 7.3.4.4.). In a high building with 4.2 m storeys, alternate storeys would give 8.4 m, so the 7.5 m limit governs and a rest is needed at every floor.

Horizontal piping is braced against sway and thrust and spaced per Table 7.3.4.5.. A few rows to compare:

Material (selected rows)	Max spacing
Cast-iron pipe	3.0 m, plus at or next to each hub or joint
Galvanized steel, NPS 6 or larger	3.75 m
Galvanized steel, under NPS 6	2.5 m
CPVC	1.0 m

Hanger rods are at least 6 mm for NPS 2 or less, 8 mm for NPS 4 or less, and 13 mm over NPS 4; straps are 0.6 x 12 mm up to NPS 2 and 0.8 x 18 mm up to NPS 4 (OBC Div. B 7.3.4.5.). There is no strap option over NPS 4.

Underground horizontal pipe sits on a firm, continuous base; where that is not possible it may hang from a foundation or structural slab if the hangers carry the pipe, its contents and the fill above (7.3.4.6.).

Thrust restraint (OBC Div. B 7.3.4.9.) applies to a water service pipe of NPS 4 or more: restraint at each change of direction and at all tees, plugs, caps and bends. Backing goes against undisturbed earth with the joints left accessible, concrete thrust blocks reach at least 10 MPa at 28 days, and thrust blocks may not restrain vertical pipe.

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Protection of piping

Backfill is placed and tamped to 300 mm over the pipe, free of stones, boulders, cinders and frozen earth (7.3.5.1.).
Vitrified clay less than 600 mm below a basement floor that is not at least 75 mm of concrete gets a 75 mm concrete cap (7.3.5.1A.).
Walls must not bear on pipe; pipe is protected from freezing, mechanical damage and, for internal leaders, condensation (7.3.5.2. to 7.3.5.5.).
A buried water service is kept 2,440 mm horizontally from the building drain, building sewer and any private sewage system, unless it is 500 mm above the sewer on a shelf, is a single jointless run, or the sewer is pressure tested at 345 kPa. It may cross under a sewer with 500 mm vertical separation and no joints within 2,440 mm of the crossing. Within 15 m of a sewage system or other pollution source it must be a single jointless run (OBC Div. B 7.3.5.6.).

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Testing

Test	Requirement	Article
Drainage/vent water test	at least 3 m water column on all joints, held 15 min	7.3.6.4.
Drainage/vent air test	35 kPa held 15 min, no drop	7.3.6.5.
Final test (when the CBO requests)	traps filled, smoke then 25 mm water column for 15 min	7.3.6.6.
Ball test on buried building drains and sewers	50 mm ball for NPS 3 or more, 25 mm under NPS 3	7.3.6.7.
Potable water, water test	1,000 kPa for 1 h	7.3.7.2.
Potable water, air test	700 kPa for 2 h	7.3.7.2.

External leaders are exempt from the rough-in test, and a sewer lateral extension tested with the public sewer need not be retested (7.3.6.1.). Prefabricated systems built off site get off-site tests, and the complete system gets a final test when requested. A potable water system is tested with potable water, after expelling the air (7.3.7.3.).

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Common traps

Using 7.5 m for vertical support when alternate storeys are closer; the rule is "alternate storeys, but never more than 7.5 m".
Allowing a strap on NPS 6 pipe.
Using thrust blocks on a vertical riser.
Confusing 1,000 kPa for 1 h (water) with 700 kPa for 2 h (air).
Accepting compression fittings for copper under a building slab.

Chapter review

Chapter at a glance

One line per section: the idea to carry into the exam. Then the answers that most often catch candidates out.

Chapter at a glance: the key idea in each section
Section	Key idea
Support of piping	Supports must keep the pipe aligned and carry it and its contents, and piping, fixtures, tanks and devices are supported independently of each other.
Testing	External leaders are exempt from the rough-in test, and a sewer lateral extension tested with the public sewer need not be retested.

Support of piping
Supports must keep the pipe aligned and carry it and its contents, and piping, fixtures, tanks and devices are supported independently of each other.
Testing
External leaders are exempt from the rough-in test, and a sewer lateral extension tested with the public sewer need not be retested.

Usual exam traps

Using 7.5 m for vertical support when alternate storeys are closer; the rule is "alternate storeys, but never more than 7.5 m".
Allowing a strap on NPS 6 pipe.
Using thrust blocks on a vertical riser.
Confusing 1,000 kPa for 1 h (water) with 700 kPa for 2 h (air).
Accepting compression fittings for copper under a building slab.

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Questions on Piping: joints, support, protection and testing (7.3), in the exam format, every answer explained and cited to its article. Sign in to start; a free account gets the free questions.

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Code cited in this chapter

Based on the official 2024 Building Code Compendium on ontario.ca.

OBC Div. B 7.3.2.1. Caulked Lead Drainage Joints
(1)Caulked lead drainage joints shall not be used except for cast-iron pipe in a drainage system or venting system, or between such pipe and
(a)other ferrous pipe,
(b)brass and copper pipe,
(c)a caulking ferrule, or
(d)a trap standard.
(2)Every caulked lead drainage joint shall be firmly packed with oakum and tightly caulked with lead to a depth of not less than 25 mm.
(3)No paint, varnish or other coating shall be applied on the lead until after the joint has been tested.
(4)A length of hub and spigot pipe and pipe fittings in a drainage system shall be installed with the hub at the upstream end.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.2.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.2.2. Wiped Joints
(1)Wiped joints shall not be used except for sheet lead or lead pipe, or between such pipe and copper pipe or a ferrule.
(2)Every wiped joint in straight pipe shall
(a)be made of solder,
(b)have an exposed surface on each side of the joint at least 19 mm wide, and
(c)be not less than 10 mm thick at the thickest part.
(3)Every wiped flanged joint shall be reinforced with a lead flange that is not less than 19 mm wide.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.2.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.2.3. Screwed Joints
(1)In making a screwed joint, the ends of the pipe shall be reamed or filed out to the size of the bore and all chips and cuttings shall be removed.
(2)No pipe-joint cement or paint shall be applied to the internal threads.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.2.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.2.5. Flared Joints
(1)In making a flared joint, the pipe shall be expanded with a proper flaring tool.
(2)Flared joints shall not be used for hard (drawn) copper tube.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.2.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.2.6. Mechanical Joints
(1)Mechanical joints shall be made with compounded elastomeric couplings or rings that are held in compression by
(a)stainless steel or cast-iron clamps, or
(b)contained within a compression connection or groove- and shoulder-type mechanical couplings. (See Note A-7.3.2.6.(1))
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.2.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.2.7. Cold-Caulked Joints
(1)Cold-caulked joints shall not be used except for bell and spigot pipe in a water system, a drainage system or a venting system.
(2)The caulking compound used in cold-caulked joints shall be applied according to the manufacturer's directions.
(3)Every cold-caulked joint in a drainage system shall be firmly packed with oakum and tightly caulked with cold caulking compound to a depth of not less than 25 mm.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.2.7. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.2.8. Stainless Steel Welded Joints
(1)Stainless steel welded joints shall conform to ASME B31.9, "Building Services Piping."
(2)Butt weld pipe fittings shall be at least as thick as the wall of the pipe used.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.2.8. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.3.1. Drilled and Tapped Joints
(1)Drilled and tapped joints shall not be made in a sanitary drainage pipe or vent pipe and fittings unless suitable provision has been made for drilling and tapping.
(2)A copper water distributing pipe of NPS 1 or larger may be mechanically swaged to permit the joining of other copper pipe of equal size.
(3)A drainage pipe or fitting may be drilled or tapped
(a)to provide for the connection of a trap seal primer line,
(b)to connect a device designed to dispense germicidal or odour control chemicals or trap seal water to a floor drain downstream of a vacuum breaker or flush valve in a flush tube connected to a sanitary unit,
(c)to provide a hole for a branch connection to a drainage pipe, where the branch connection is made with a saddle hub as permitted by Article 7.2.10.5. and where the hole is drilled to provide a smooth clean hole of the required size and orientation, or
(d)to provide for the connection of pipe or fittings to metal or rigid plastic pipe and fittings where the pipe or fittings are thick enough to be threaded or are bossed for tapping.
(4)No pipe adaption shall be made by the use of a bushing that leaves a square edge or shoulder on the inside of the pipe or fitting.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.3.1. in the code viewer

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OBC Div. B 7.3.3.2. Extracted Tees
(1)Tees may be extracted from the wall thickness of Types K and L copper tube used in a water distribution system, provided that
(a)a tool specifically designed for the purpose is used,
(b)the branch is at least one NPS smaller than the tube in which the tee is formed,
(c)the end of the branch incorporates a means to prevent it from penetrating into the run and thereby obstructing flow, and
(d)the joint at the tee is brazed with a filler metal having a melting point not below 540°C.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.3.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.3.3. Prohibition of Welding of Pipes and Fittings
(1)Cast-iron soil pipe and fittings shall not be welded.
(2)Galvanized steel pipe and fittings shall not be welded.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.3.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.3.4. Unions and Slip Joints and (3))
(1)Except as provided in Sentence 7.4.6.3.(6), running thread and packing nut connections and unions with a gasket seal shall not be used downstream of a trap weir in a drainage system or in a venting system.
(2)Slip joints shall not be used
(a)in a venting system, or
(b)in a drainage system, except to connect a fixture trap to a fixture drain in an accessible location.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.3.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.3.8. Connection of Floor or Wall Outlet Fixtures
(1)Pedestal urinals, floor-mounted water closets or S-trap standards shall be connected to a fixture drain by a floor flange or other means of connection, except that a cast-iron trap standard may be caulked to a cast-iron pipe.
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), floor flanges shall be brass.
(3)Where cast-iron or plastic pipe is used, a floor flange of the same material is permitted to be used.
(4)Floor flanges and fixtures shall be securely set on a firm base and fastened to the floor or trap flange of the fixture.
(5)Water-closet bowls shall be securely attached to the floor flange, floor or wall carrier.
(6)Joints in a floor flange or between a fixture and the drainage system shall be sealed with a resilient, watertight and gas-tight seal.
(7)Where a lead water-closet stub is used, the length of the stub below the floor flange shall be not less than 75 mm.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.3.8. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.3.11. Indirect Connections
(1)Where a fixture or device is indirectly connected, the connections shall be made by terminating the fixture drain above the flood level rim of a directly connected fixture to form an air break.
(2)The size of the air break shall be not less than 25 mm.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.3.11. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.3.12. Copper Joints Used Underground
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), joints in copper tubes installed underground shall be made with either flared or compression fittings, or be brazed using a brazing alloy within the American Welding Society's AWS-BCuP range.
(2)Compression fittings shall not be used underground under a building.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.3.12. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.4.1. Capability of Support
(1)Piping shall be provided with support that is capable of keeping the pipe in alignment and bearing the weight of the pipe and its contents.
(2)Wall mounted fixtures shall be supported so that no strain is transmitted to the piping.
(3)Every floor or wall mounted water closet bowl shall be securely attached to the floor or wall by means of a flange and shall be stable.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.4.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.4.2. Independence of Support
(1)Piping, fixtures, tanks or devices shall be supported independently of each other.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.4.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.4.3. Insulation of Support
(1)Where a hanger or support for copper tube or brass or copper pipe is of a material other than brass or copper, it shall be suitably separated and electrically insulated from the pipe or tube to prevent galvanic action.
(2)Where a hanger or support for stainless steel pipe or tube is of a material other than stainless steel, it shall be suitably separated and electrically insulated from the pipe or tube.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.4.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.4.4. Support for Vertical Piping
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), vertical piping shall be supported at its base and at the floor level of alternate storeys by rests, each of which can bear the weight of pipe that is between it and the rest above it.
(2)The maximum spacing of supports shall be 7.5 m.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.4.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 7.3.4.5. Support for Nominally Horizontal Piping
Table 7.3.4.5. — Support for Nominally Horizontal Piping Forming Part of Sentence 7.3.4.5.(2) Piping Material | Maximum Horizontal Spacing of Supports, m | Additional Support Conditions ABS or PVC plastic pipe | 1.2 | At the end of branches or fixture drains and at changes in direction and elevation ABS or PVC plastic trap arm or fixture drain pipe > 1 m long | n/a | As close as possible to the trap Cast-iron pipe | 3.0 | At or adjacent to each hub or joint Cast-iron pipe with mechanical joints that is ≤ 300 mm long between adjacent fittings | 1.0 | None Copper tube or copper and brass pipe, hard temper with diameter > NPS 1 | 3.0 | None Copper tube or copper and brass pipe, hard temper with diameter ≤ NPS 1 | 2.5 | None Copper tube, soft temper | 2.5 | None CPVC pipe | 1.0 | None Galvanized iron or steel pipe with diameter ≥ NPS 6 | 3.75 | None Galvanized iron or steel pipe with diameter < NPS 6 | 2.5 | None Lead pipe | Throughout length of pipe | None PE/AL/PE composite pipe | 1.0 | None PEX/AL/PEX composite pipe | 1.0 | None PEX plastic pipe | 0.8 | None PE-RT tube | 0.8 | None PP-R plastic pipe | 1.0 | At the end of branches and at changes in direction and elevation Stainless steel pipe with diameter ≥ NPS 1 | 3.0 | None Stainless steel pipe with diameter < NPS 1 | 2.5 | None Stainless steel tube with diameter ≥ NPS 1 | 3.0 | None Stainless steel tube with diameter < NPS 1 | 2.5 | None
Open OBC Div. B Table 7.3.4.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.4.5. Support for Horizontal Piping
(1)Nominally horizontal piping that is inside a building shall be braced to prevent swaying and buckling and to control the effects of thrust.
(2)Nominally horizontal piping shall be supported as stated in Table 2.3.4.5.
(3)Where PVC, CPVC or ABS plastic pipe is installed,
(a)the pipe shall be aligned without added strain on the piping,
(b)the pipe shall not be bent or pulled into position after being welded or joined, and
(c)hangers shall not compress, cut or abrade the pipe.
(4)Where PEX, PE-RT, PP-R, PE/AL/PE or PEX/AL/PEX plastic pipe or tube is installed, hangers shall not compress, cut or abrade the pipe.
(5)Where hangers are used to support nominally horizontal piping, the hangers shall be
(a)supported by metal rods of not less than
(i)6 mm diam to support piping of NPS 2 or less,
(ii)8 mm diam to support piping of NPS 4 or less, and
(iii)13 mm diam to support piping over NPS 4, or
(b)solid or perforated metal straps not less than
(i)0.6 mm thick and 12 mm wide to support piping of NPS 2 or less, and
(ii)0.8 mm thick and 18 mm wide to support piping of NPS 4 or less.
(6)Where a hanger is attached to concrete or masonry, it shall be fastened by metal or expansion-type plugs that are inserted or built into the concrete or masonry.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.4.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.4.6. Support for Underground Horizontal Piping
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), nominally horizontal piping that is underground shall be supported on a base that is firm and continuous under the whole of the pipe. (See Note A-7.3.4.6.(1))
(2)Nominally horizontal piping installed underground that is not supported as described in Sentence (1) may be installed using hangers fixed to a foundation or structural slab provided that the hangers are capable of
(a)keeping the pipe in alignment, and
(b)supporting the weight of
(i)the pipe,
(ii)its contents, and
(iii)the fill over the pipe.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.4.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.4.9. Thrust Restraint of Water Service Pipes
(1)Pipe clamps and tie-rods, thrust blocks, locked mechanical or push-on joints, mechanical joints utilizing set screw retainer glands, or other suitable means of thrust restraint shall be provided at each change of direction of a water service pipe NPS 4 or more and at all tees, plugs, caps and bends.
(2)Backing for underground water service pipes shall be placed
(a)between undisturbed earth and the fitting to be restrained and shall be of sufficient bearing area to provide adequate resistance to the thrust to be encountered, and
(b)so that the joints will be accessible for inspection and repair.
(3)Concrete thrust blocks shall have a minimum compressive strength of not less than 10 MPa after 28 days.
(4)Thrust blocks shall not be used to restrain vertical pipe.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.4.9. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.5.1. Protection of Piping
(1)Where piping is installed underground, the backfill shall be carefully placed and tamped to a height of 300 mm over the top of the pipe and shall be free of stones, boulders, cinders and frozen earth. (See Note A-7.3.5.1.(1))
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.5.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.5.1A. Protection of Non-Metallic Pipe
(1)Where vitrified clay is located less than 600 mm below a basement floor and the floor is constructed of other than 75 mm or more of concrete, the pipe shall be protected by a 75 mm layer of concrete installed above the pipe.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.5.1A. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.5.2. Isolation from Loads
(1)Where piping passes through or under a wall, it shall be installed so that the wall does not bear on the pipe.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.5.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.5.5. Protection from Condensation
(1)Piping used as an internal leader, which may be subject to condensation, shall be installed in a manner that limits the risk of damage to the building due to condensation.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.5.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.5.6. Spatial Separation
(1)Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), a buried water service pipe shall be separated from the building drain, building sewer and a private sewage disposal system, by not less than 2,440 mm measured horizontally, of undisturbed or compacted earth.
(2)The water service pipe may be closer than 2,440 mm or be placed in the same trench with the building drain or building sewer if,
(a)the following conditions are met:
(i)the bottom of the water service pipe at all points is at least 500 mm above the top of the building drain or building sewer, and
(ii)when in a common trench with the building drain or building sewer, the water service pipe is placed on a shelf at one side of the common trench,
(b)the water service pipe is constructed of a single run of pipe with no joints or fittings between the street line or source of supply on the property and the inside face of the building, or
(c)the building drain or building sewer is constructed of piping which is pressure tested in accordance with Subsection 7.3.7. at 345 kPa.
(3)A buried water service pipe may pass under a building drain or building sewer if,
(a)a vertical separation of not less than 500 mm is provided between the invert of the building drain or building sewer and the crown of the water service pipe,
(b)adequate structural support is provided for the building drain or building sewer to prevent excessive deflection of joints and settling, and
(c)the length of the water service pipe is located so that there are no joints within 2,440 mm measured horizontally from the intersection with the building drain or building sewer.
(4)A buried water service pipe shall be constructed of a single run of pipe with no joints or fittings between the street line or source of supply on the property and the inside face of the building if the water service pipe is less than 15 m from,
(a)a private sewage disposal system, or
(b)a source of pollution other than a private sewage disposal system.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.5.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.6.4. Water Pressure Tests
(1)A water pressure test shall consist in applying a water column of at least 3 m to all joints.
(2)In making a water pressure test,
(a)every opening except the highest shall be tightly closed with a testing plug or a screw cap, and
(b)the system or the section shall be kept filled with water for 15 min.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.6.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.6.5. Air Pressure Tests
(1)Air pressure tests shall be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for the piping materials, and.
(a)air shall be forced into the system until a gauge pressure of 35 kPa is created, and
(b)this pressure shall be maintained for at least 15 min without a drop in pressure. (See Note A-7.3.6.5.(1))
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.6.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.6.6. Final Tests
(1)Where a final test is made,
(a)every trap shall be filled with water,
(b)the bottom of the system being tested shall terminate at the building trap, test plug or cap,
(c)except as provided in Sentence (2), smoke from smoke-generating machines shall be forced into the system,
(d)when the smoke appears from all roof terminals they shall be closed, and
(e)a pressure equivalent to a 25 mm water column shall be maintained for 15 min without the addition of more smoke.
(2)The smoke referred to in Clauses (1)(c) and (d) is permitted to be omitted provided the roof terminals are closed and the system is subjected to an air pressure equivalent to a 25 mm water column maintained for 15 min without the addition of more air.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.6.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.6.7. Ball Tests
(1)Where a ball test is made, a hard ball dense enough not to float shall be rolled through the pipe.
(2)The diameter of the ball shall be not less than
(a)50 mm where the size of the pipe is NPS 3 or more, or
(b)25 mm where the size of the pipe is less than NPS 3.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.6.7. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.7.2. Pressure Tests of Potable Water Systems
(1)Every potable water system shall be capable of
(a)withstanding without leakage a water pressure that is at least 1,000 kPa for at least 1 h, or
(b)withstanding for at least 2 h without a drop in pressure an air pressure that is at least 700 kPa.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.7.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.6.1. Tests and Inspection of Drainage or Venting Systems
(1)Except in the case of an external leader, after a section of drainage system or a venting system has been roughed in, and before any fixture is installed or piping is covered, a water or an air test shall be conducted.
(2)After every fixture is installed and before any part of the drainage system or venting system is placed in operation, a final test shall be carried out when requested by the chief building official.
(3)Where a prefabricated system is assembled off the building site in such a manner that it cannot be inspected and tested on site, off-site inspections and tests shall be conducted.
(4)Where a prefabricated system is installed as part of a drainage system or venting system, all other plumbing work shall be tested and inspected and a final test shall be carried out on the complete system when requested.
(5)A ball test shall be carried out on a sanitary building drain, sanitary building sewer, storm building drain and a storm building sewer buried underground.
(6)A sewer lateral extension need not be tested and inspected if the sewer lateral extension was constructed, tested and inspected at the time of the installation of the public sewer.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.6.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.3.7.3. Water Pressure Tests
(1)Where a water pressure test is made, all air shall be expelled from the system before fixture control valves or faucets are closed.
(2)Potable water shall be used to test a potable water system.
Open OBC Div. B 7.3.7.3. in the code viewer