Materials and equipment (7.2): Plumbing

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

minimum trap seal depth: 38 mm; minimum trap seal depth
max water temperature at shower heads and tubs: 49°C; max water temperature at shower heads and tubs
max lead in solder and flux for potable water: 0.2%; max lead in solder and flux for potable water
maximum flow rate for a shower head: 7.6 LPM; maximum flow rate for a shower head

Section 7.2. lists what plumbing products must be and where each pipe material may be used. It is long and full of standard numbers. For the house exam, focus on the use limits (which pipe may go where), the fixture and trap rules, the restricted fittings, and the numbers in the miscellaneous equipment articles. The syllabus excludes the commercial items such as public water closets, trough urinals, interceptors, cast-iron water pipe and fire service mains.

General rules (7.2.1.)

In corrosive soil or water, only materials suited to those conditions may be used (OBC Div. B 7.2.1.1.).
Material once used for anything other than potable water may never go into a potable system. Other used material may be reused only if it meets the rules for new material (OBC Div. B 7.2.1.2.).
Every length of pipe and fitting must be marked, and the marking must stay visible after installation. No certification marking is treated as proof of no certification, unless there is evidence otherwise (OBC Div. B 7.2.1.3.).
"Pipe" includes tube unless stated otherwise (7.2.1.4.).
Piping in pressure sewer, forcemain or sump pump discharge use must withstand at least one and one-half times the maximum potential pressure (7.2.1.5.).
A water service pipe's working pressure rating must be at least the maximum water main pressure set by the water supply authority (7.2.1.6.).

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Fixtures and traps

Fixtures need a smooth, hard, corrosion-resistant surface (7.2.2.1.). Shower receptors must not leak through walls or floor; one shower drain may serve at most 6 shower heads; and battery shower heads (other than column showers) need at least 750 mm between adjacent heads (OBC Div. B 7.2.2.3.). Kitchen-type dishwashing and food preparation sinks may not have concealed overflows (7.2.2.4.). A lavatory without an overflow needs a centre outlet waste fitting (7.2.2.6.).

Traps (OBC Div. B 7.2.3.1.):

Rule	Value or limit
Minimum trap seal depth	38 mm
Seal must not depend on	moving parts
Lavatory, sink or laundry tray trap	cleanout plug at the lowest point, or a removable part
Bell traps and drum traps	not permitted
Bottle traps	only on laboratory sinks or fixtures with corrosion-resistant fittings
Running traps	need an accessible handhole, or a cleanout if too small

Tubular metal or plastic traps may only be used where accessible (7.2.3.3.).

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Pipe fittings

A T fitting may be used in a drainage system only to connect a vent pipe. A cross fitting is never allowed (OBC Div. B 7.2.4.1.).
No fitting may tend to intercept solids or reduce flow by more than 10 percent (7.2.4.2.).
Short-radius 90° elbows (centre-line radius less than the pipe NPS, NPS 4 or less) may join sanitary drainage pipes only to turn from horizontal to vertical in the direction of flow, where a trap arm enters a wall, or to connect trap arms under 7.5.6.3.(2) (OBC Div. B 7.2.4.3.).
Double Y, double TY, double T and double waste fittings may not be installed in a nominally horizontal soil or waste pipe (7.2.4.4.).

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Plastic pipe

Material	Key limits
Polyethylene (PE) water pipe	Series 160 or higher; only for a water service pipe (7.2.5.4.)
PVC water pipe	at least 1,100 kPa pressure rating; never in a hot water system (7.2.5.7.)
CPVC	design temperature and pressure per Table 7.2.5.8. (7.2.5.8.)
Plastic drain pipe underground	stiffness of 320 kPa or more (except the pressure pipe clauses) (7.2.5.9.)
Transition solvent cement	only to join ABS drainage to PVC drainage (7.2.5.10.)
PE-RT tube	potable water only, never drainage or venting (Table 7.2.5.15.)
Cellular core PVC	only in residential buildings allowed to be of combustible construction (7.2.5.16.)

Reading the CPVC table: the hotter the water, the lower the permitted pressure. Find the row for the maximum water temperature and read the pressure. For example, at 60°C the limit is 1,300 kPa, and at 82°C it drops to 690 kPa (Table 7.2.5.8.).

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Metal pipe

Cast-iron soil pipe and fittings may not be used in a water system (7.2.6.1.).
Welded and seamless steel pipe is generally not allowed. Galvanized steel may be used for drainage or venting above ground inside a building, but not for water distribution except in industrial buildings or to repair existing galvanized systems (OBC Div. B 7.2.6.7.).
A sheet metal leader may only be used above ground outside a building (7.2.6.9.).
Stainless steel tube may be used for water distribution but not for sewers, drainage or venting (Table 7.2.6.15.).
Lead waste pipe may not be used in a water system or as a building sewer (7.2.7.8.).

Copper tube use (Table 7.2.7.4.)

The table uses P (permitted) and N (not permitted) for each copper type and location (Table 7.2.7.4.). The patterns to remember:

Copper type	Pattern
K and L hard	everywhere except underground water distribution
K and L soft	water distribution only (underground and above ground)
M hard	above-ground water, drainage and venting only
M soft	nowhere
DWV	above-ground drainage and venting only

Copper tube may not be used for a urinal's fixture drain or the vent below the urinal's flood level rim (7.2.7.4.(3)).

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Jointing materials

Cement mortar may not be used for jointing (7.2.9.1.). Solders and fluxes with more than 0.2% lead are banned in potable water systems (OBC Div. B 7.2.9.2.).

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Miscellaneous equipment (7.2.10.)

Screws, bolts, nuts and washers that hold a water closet to its flange or floor, anchor the flange, or hold cleanout covers or floor drain grates must be corrosion-resistant (7.2.10.2.).
Removable plugs in ferrous fittings must be non-ferrous, and a screw cap or test cap may not serve as a cleanout plug (7.2.10.3.).
Maximum flow rates (Table 7.2.10.6.): private lavatory 5.7 LPM, residential kitchen 8.3 LPM, shower head 7.6 LPM.
Water to shower heads and bathtubs must be controlled by an automatic compensating valve, and the discharge temperature must not exceed 49°C (OBC Div. B 7.2.10.7.). Dishwashers and clothes washers are exempt from the 49°C limit.
Fixed shower head valves must be pressure-balanced or thermostatic-mixing, with outlet temperature or high-limit stops set to 49°C maximum (7.2.10.7B.).
On-site vent flashing minimum thicknesses include copper 0.33 mm, aluminum 0.48 mm, lead 1.73 mm and neoprene 2.89 mm (7.2.10.14.).

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Water service pipes (7.2.11.)

Water service pipe materials must meet the standards in Table 7.2.11.2.; PVC there needs a working pressure of 1,100 kPa or more. A non-metallic water service pipe needs a tracer wire (14 gauge copper or 12 gauge copper clad steel), unless the pipe is detectable without one (OBC Div. B 7.2.11.3.). Where a water service pipe is fed by more than one drinking water system, each connection needs a check valve (7.2.11.4.(1)).

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Common traps

Allowing type M copper underground. It is above ground only.
Allowing PE water pipe inside a house as distribution piping. PE is for water service only (PEX is a different material).
Using transition cement to join ABS to anything other than PVC drainage.
Reading the 49°C limit as applying to a dishwasher supply.

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
Fixtures and traps	Fixtures need a smooth, hard, corrosion-resistant surface.
Plastic pipe	Reading the CPVC table: the hotter the water, the lower the permitted pressure.
Metal pipe	The table uses P (permitted) and N (not permitted) for each copper type and location.
Jointing materials	Cement mortar may not be used for jointing.
Water service pipes (7.2.11.)	Water service pipe materials must meet the standards in; PVC there needs a working pressure of 1,100 kPa or more.

Fixtures and traps
Fixtures need a smooth, hard, corrosion-resistant surface.
Plastic pipe
Reading the CPVC table: the hotter the water, the lower the permitted pressure.
Metal pipe
The table uses P (permitted) and N (not permitted) for each copper type and location.
Jointing materials
Cement mortar may not be used for jointing.
Water service pipes (7.2.11.)
Water service pipe materials must meet the standards in; PVC there needs a working pressure of 1,100 kPa or more.

Usual exam traps

Allowing type M copper underground. It is above ground only.
Allowing PE water pipe inside a house as distribution piping. PE is for water service only (PEX is a different material).
Using transition cement to join ABS to anything other than PVC drainage.
Reading the 49°C limit as applying to a dishwasher supply.

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Questions on Materials and equipment (7.2), in the exam format, every answer explained and cited to its article. Sign in to start; a free account gets the free questions.

Practice this chapter Plumbing - House calculations

Code cited in this chapter

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

OBC Div. B 7.2.1.1. Exposure of Materials
(1)Where unusual conditions exist such as excessively corrosive soil or water, only materials suited for use in such locations shall be used.
(2)Materials and equipment used in a drainage system where excessively corrosive wastes are present shall be suitable for the purpose.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.1.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.1.2. Restrictions on Re-Use
(1)Materials and equipment that have been used for a purpose other than the distribution of potable water shall not be subsequently used in a potable water system.
(2)Used materials and equipment, including fixtures, shall not be reused unless they meet the requirements of this Part for new materials and equipment and are otherwise satisfactory for their intended use.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.1.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.1.3. Identification
(1)Every length of pipe and every fitting shall
(a)have cast, stamped or indelibly marked on it the maker's name or mark and the weight or class or quality of the product, or
(b)be marked in accordance with the relevant standard.
(2)Markings required in Sentence (1) shall be visible after installation.
(3)The lack of certification markings on a product or plumbing component shall be regarded as proof, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, that no certification exists.
(4)If a component of a plumbing system is required to be certified to a standard, the certification shall be made by a testing agency accredited for that purpose by the Standards Council of Canada.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.1.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.1.4. Pipe or Piping
(1)Where the term pipe or piping and fittings is used, it shall also apply to tube or tubing and fittings unless otherwise stated.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.1.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.1.5. Withstanding Pressure
(1)Piping, fittings and joints used in pressure sewer, forcemain or sump pump discharge applications shall be capable of withstanding at least one and one-half times the maximum potential pressure.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.1.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.1.6. Working Pressure of a Water Service Pipe
(1)The working pressure rating of a water service pipe shall not be less than the maximum water main pressure at their point of connection as established by the water supply authority.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.1.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.2.1. Surface Requirements
(1)Every fixture shall have a smooth, hard, corrosion-resistant surface free of flaws and blemishes that may interfere with cleaning.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.2.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.2.3. Showers
(1)Shower receptors shall be constructed and arranged so that water cannot leak through the walls or floor. (See Note A-7.2.2.3.(1))
(2)Not more than 6 shower heads shall be served by a single shower drain.
(3)Where 2 or more shower heads are served by a shower drain, the floor shall be sloped and the drain located so that water from one head cannot flow over the area that serves another head.
(4)Except for column showers, when a battery of shower heads is installed, the horizontal distance between 2 adjacent shower heads shall be not less than 750 mm.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.2.3. in the code viewer

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OBC Div. B 7.2.2.4. Concealed Overflows
(1)A dishwashing sink and a food preparation sink shall not have concealed overflows. (See Note A-7.2.2.4.(1))
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.2.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.2.6. Lavatories
(1)A lavatory that does not have an overflow shall be equipped with a centre outlet waste fitting. (See Note A-7.2.2.6.(1))
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.2.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.3.1. Traps
(1)Except as provided for in Sentence (2), traps shall
(a)have a trap seal depth of not less than 38 mm,
(b)be so designed that failure of the seal walls will cause exterior leakage, and
(c)have a water seal that does not depend on the action of moving parts. (See Note A-7.2.3.1.(1) and (3))
(2)The trap seal depth on fixtures draining to an acid waste system shall be a minimum of 50 mm.
(3)Except for a floor-mounted service sink, every trap that serves a lavatory, a sink or a laundry tray shall
(a)be provided with a cleanout plug located at the lowest point of the trap and of the same material as the trap, except that a cast iron trap shall be provided with a brass cleanout plug, or
(b)be designed so that part of the trap can be removed for cleaning purposes. (See Note A-7.2.3.1.(1) and (3))
(4)A bell trap shall not be installed in a drainage system.
(5)A drum trap shall not be installed in a drainage system.
(6)Except as permitted in Sentence (7), no bottle trap shall be used in a plumbing system.
(7)A bottle trap may be used on a laboratory sink or other fixture equipped with corrosion resistant fittings.
(8)No running trap shall be installed in a plumbing system unless an accessible handhole is provided for cleaning of the trap, and where the trap is too small to accommodate a handhole, a cleanout shall be provided.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.3.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.3.3. Tubular Traps
(1)Tubular metal or plastic traps that conform to ASME A112.18.2 / CSA B125.2, "Plumbing Waste Fittings" shall be used only in accessible locations.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.3.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.4.1. T and Cross Fittings
(1)A T fitting shall not be used in a drainage system except to connect a vent pipe.
(2)A cross fitting shall not be used in a drainage system.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.4.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.4.2. Sanitary T Fittings
(1)A double sanitary T fitting shall not be used to connect the fixture drains of two urinals where no cleanout fitting is provided above the connection.
(2)No pipe fitting, joint or connection that would tend to intercept solids or reduce the flow through a pipe by more than 10 percent shall be used in a plumbing system.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.4.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.4.3. 90° Elbows
(1)Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), 90° elbows of NPS 4 or less whose centre-line radius that is less than the NPS of the pipe shall not be used to join 2 sanitary drainage pipes.
(2)For sanitary drainage systems of NPS 4 or less, 90° elbows described in Sentence (1) shall only be permitted
(a)to change the direction of piping from horizontal to vertical, in the direction of flow,
(b)where a trap arm enters a wall, or
(c)to connect trap arms as permitted by Sentence 7.5.6.3.(2).
(3)A 90° elbow that is part of the pre-engineered wastewater heat recovery system is permitted to have a centre-line radius that is less than the size of the pipe.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.4.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.4.4. Fittings Restricted in Use
(1)No double Y, double TY, double T or double waste fitting shall be installed in a nominally horizontal soil or waste pipe.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.4.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.5.4. Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings
(1)Polyethylene water pipe, tubing and fittings shall conform to, and have a pressure rating meeting the requirements of, Series 160 or a higher series of CSA B137.1, "Polyethylene (pe) pipe, tubing and fittings for cold water pressure services."
(2)Except as permitted in Sentence 7.2.5.6.(1), polyethylene water pipe shall not be used except for a water service pipe.
(3)Butt fusion fittings for polyethylene pipe shall conform to ASTM D3261, "Standard Specification for Butt Heat Fusion Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Fittings for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe and Tubing."
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.5.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.5.7. PVC Pipe and Fittings
(1)PVC water pipe, fittings and solvent cement shall
(a)conform to CSA B137.3, "Rigid Polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe and fittings for pressure applications" or CSA B137.2, "Polyvinylchloride (PVC) injection-moulded gasketed fittings for pressure applications," and
(b)a pressure rating of not less than 1,100 kPa.
(2)PVC water pipe fittings shall conform to
(a)ASTM D2466, "Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 40," or
(b)ASTM D2467, "Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80."
(3)PVC water pipe and fittings in Sentences (1) and (2) shall not be used in a hot water system.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.5.7. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.5.8. CPVC Pipe, Fittings and Solvent Cements
(1)CPVC hot and cold water pipe, fittings and solvent cements shall conform to CSA B137.6, "Chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC) pipe, tubing and fittings for hot and cold water distribution systems."
(2)The design temperature and design pressure of a CPVC piping system shall conform to Table 7.2.5.8.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.5.8. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.5.9. Plastic Pipe, Fittings and Solvent Cement Used Underground
(See Note A-7.2.5.9. to 7.2.5.11.)
(1)Plastic pipe, fittings and solvent cement used underground outside a building or under a building in a drainage system shall conform to
(a)ASTM F628, "Standard Specification for Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Schedule 40 Plastic Drain, Waste, and Vent Pipe With a Cellular Core,"
(b)CSA B181.1, "Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) drain, waste, and vent pipe and pipe fittings,"
(c)CSA B181.2, "Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC) drain, waste, and vent pipe and pipe fittings,"
(d)CSA B182.1, "Plastic drain and sewer pipe and pipe fittings,"
(e)CSA B182.2, "PSM type polyvinylchloride (PVC) sewer pipe and fittings,"
(f)CSA B182.4, "Profile polyvinylchloride (PVC) sewer pipe and fittings,"
(g)CSA B182.6, "Profile polyethylene (PE) sewer pipe and fittings for leak-proof sewer applications," or
(h)CSA B182.8, "Profile polyethylene (PE) storm sewer and drainage pipe and fittings," for Type 1 joints and non-perforated pipes,"
(i)CSA B137.2, "Polyvinylchloride (PVC) injection-moulded gasketed fittings for pressure applications", or
(j)CSA B137.3, "Rigid polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe and fittings for pressure applications".
(2)Except as permitted in Clauses (i) and (j), plastic pipe used as described in Sentence (1) shall have a stiffness equal or greater than 320 kPa.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.5.9. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.5.10. Transition Solvent Cement
(1)Solvent cement for transition joints shall conform to
(a)CSA B181.1, "Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) drain, waste, and vent pipe and pipe fittings," or
(b)CSA B181.2, "Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC) drain, waste, and vent pipe and pipe fittings."
(2)Transition solvent cement shall only be used for joining an ABS drainage system to a PVC drainage system.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.5.10. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 7.2.5.15. Plumbing Purposes[1]
Table 7.2.5.15. — Plumbing Purposes[1] Forming Part of Sentence 7.2.5.15.(2) Type of Tube | Drainage System: Aboveground inside building | Drainage System: Underground under building | Building Sewer | Venting System: Above-ground | Venting System: Underground | Potable Water System: Cold | Potable Water System: Hot | Potable Water System: Under building | Potable Water System: Outside building PE-RT | N | N | N | N | N | P | P | P | P Notes to Table 7.2.5.15.: (1) P = permitted and N = not permitted.
Open OBC Div. B Table 7.2.5.15. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.5.16. Cellular Core PVC Pipe and Fittings
(1)Cellular core PVC pipe shall
(a)conform to ASTM F3128, "Standard Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Schedule 40 Drain, Waste, and Vent Pipe with a Cellular Core," and
(b)be light grey, as specified in CSA B181.2, "Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC) drain, waste, and vent pipe and pipe fittings."
(2)Fittings and solvent cements for cellular core PVC pipe shall conform to CSA B181.2, "Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC) drain, waste, and vent pipe and pipe fittings."
(3)Cellular core PVC pipe shall only be used in a buildings of residential occupancy permitted to be of combustible construction.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.5.16. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 7.2.5.8. Maximum Permitted Pressure for CPVC Piping at Various Temperatures
Table 7.2.5.8. — Maximum Permitted Pressure for CPVC Piping at Various Temperatures Forming Part of Sentence 7.2.5.8.(2) Maximum Temperature of Water (°C) | Maximum Permitted Pressures (kPa) 10 | 3,150 20 | 2,900 30 | 2,500 40 | 2,100 50 | 1,700 60 | 1,300 70 | 1,000 82 | 690
Open OBC Div. B Table 7.2.5.8. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.6.1. Cast-Iron Drainage and Vent Pipe and Fittings
(1)Drainage piping, vent piping and fittings made of cast iron shall conform to CSA B70, "Cast iron soil pipe, fittings, and means of joining."
(2)Cast-iron soil pipe and fittings shall not be used in a water system.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.6.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.6.7. Steel Pipe
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), welded and seamless steel pipe shall not be used in a plumbing system.
(2)Galvanized steel pipe is permitted to be used in a drainage system or a venting system above ground inside a building.
(3)Galvanized steel pipe and fittings shall not be used in a water distribution system except
(a)in buildings of industrial occupancy, or
(b)for the repair of existing galvanized steel piping systems. (See Note A-7.2.6.7.(3))
(4)Galvanized steel pipe and fittings shall conform to ASTM A53 / A53 M, "Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot Dipped, Zinc-Coated Welded and Seamless."
(5)Where galvanized steel pipe is used in a drainage system, it shall be used with drainage fittings.
(6)All steel pipe of NPS 4 and smaller shall be Schedule 40 or heavier and fittings of less than NPS 2 shall be galvanized screw fittings.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.6.7. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.6.9. Sheet Metal Leaders
(1)A sheet metal leader shall not be used except above ground outside a building.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.6.9. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 7.2.6.15. Plumbing Purposes[1]
Table 7.2.6.15. — Plumbing Purposes[1] Forming Part of Sentence 7.2.6.15.(1) Stainless Steel Pipe or Tube | Water Distribution System: Underground | Water Distribution System: Aboveground | Building Sewer | Drainage System: Underground | Drainage System: Aboveground | Venting System: Underground | Venting System: Aboveground Stainless steel pipe | P | P | P | P | P | P | P Stainless steel tube | P | P | N | N | N | N | N Notes to Table 7.2.6.15.: (1) P = Permitted and N = Not Permitted
Open OBC Div. B Table 7.2.6.15. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.7.8. Lead Waste Pipe and Fittings
(1)Lead waste pipe and fittings shall not be used in a water system or as a building sewer.
(2)When there is a change in nominal pipe size (NPS) of a lead water closet bend, the change shall be in the vertical section of the bend or made in a manner that prevents the retention of liquid in the bend.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.7.8. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 7.2.7.4. Permitted Use of Copper Tube and Pipe
Table 7.2.7.4. — Permitted Use of Copper Tube and Pipe Forming Part of Sentences 7.2.7.1.(1) and 7.2.7.4.(2) Type of Copper Tube or Pipe | Underground Water Distribution System | Above-groundWater Distribution System | Building Sewer | Underground Drainage System | Above-groundDrainage System | Underground Venting System | Above-groundVenting System K & L hard temper | N | P | P | P | P | P | P K & L soft temper | P | P | N | N | N | N | N M hard temper | N | P | N | N | P | N | P M soft temper | N | N | N | N | N | N | N DWV | N | N | N | N | P | N | P Notes to Table 7.2.7.4.: (1) P = Permitted and N = Not Permitted.
Open OBC Div. B Table 7.2.7.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.7.4. Copper Tube
(1)Copper tube shall conform to,
(a)ASTM B88, "Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube," or
(b)ASTM B306, "Standard Specification for Copper Drainage Tube (DWV)."
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), the use of copper tube shall conform to Table 7.2.7.4.
(3)Copper tube shall not be used for the fixture drain or the portion of the vent pipe below the flood level rim of a urinal.
(4)Copper tube used in a plumbing appliance shall conform to
(a)ASTM B88, "Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube," or
(b)ASTM B68 / B68 M, "Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Tube, Bright Annealed."
(5)Type K or L copper tube shall be used for the potable water side of a heat exchanger in a pre-engineered wastewater heat recovery system.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.7.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.9.1. Cement Mortar
(1)Cement mortar shall not be used for jointing.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.9.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.9.2. Solder and Fluxes
(1)Solders for solder joint fittings shall conform to ASTM B32, "Standard Specification for Solder Metal."
(2)Solders and fluxes having a lead content in excess of 0.2% shall not be used in a potable water system.
(3)Fluxes for soldered joints shall conform to ASTM B813, "Standard Specification for Liquid and Paste Fluxes for Soldering of Copper and Copper Alloy Tube."
(4)Brazing alloys shall conform to ANSI/AWS A5.8 M / A5.8, "Specification for Filler Metals for Brazing and Brazed Welding," BCuP range.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.9.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.10.2. Screws, Bolts, Nuts and Washers
(1)Every screw, bolt, nut and washer shall be of corrosion-resistant materials when used
(a)to connect a water closet to a floor flange,
(b)to anchor the floor flange to the floor,
(c)to anchor the water closet to the floor, or
(d)to hold cleanout covers or floor drain grates.
Open OBC Div. B 7.2.10.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 7.2.10.3. Cleanout Fittings
(1)Every plug, cap, nut or bolt that is intended to be removable from a ferrous fitting shall be of a non-ferrous material.
(2)A cleanout fitting that as a result of normal maintenance operations cannot withstand the physical stresses of removal and reinstallation or cannot ensure a gas-tight seal shall not be installed.
(3)A screw cap or test cap shall not be used as a cleanout plug or cover.
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OBC Div. B Table 7.2.10.6. Water Flow Rates from Supply Fittings
Table 7.2.10.6. — Water Flow Rates from Supply Fittings Forming Part of Sentence 7.2.10.6.(2) Supply Fittings | Maximum Water Flow Rate, LPM Private Lavatory supply fittings | 5.7 Public Lavatory supply fittings | 1.9 Kitchen supply fittings (except those in industrial, commercial or institutional kitchens) | 8.3 Shower heads | 7.6 (2.1) Sentence (2) does not apply to a fixture located in a heritage building.
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OBC Div. B 7.2.10.7. Water Temperature Control
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), water supplied to shower heads or bathtubs shall be controlled by an automatic compensating valve conforming to
(a)ASME A112.18.1 / CSA B125.1, "Plumbing Supply Fittings," or
(b)ASSE 1016 / ASME A112.1016 / CSA B125.16, "Performance Requirements for Automatic Compensating Valves for Individual Showers and Tub/Shower Combinations."
(2)The requirement in Sentence (1) is permitted to be waived where hot water supplied only to bathtubs is controlled by
(a)an automatic compensating valve conforming to CSA B125.3, "Plumbing fittings," or
(b)a temperature-limiting device conforming to ASSE 1070 / ASME A112.1070 / CSA B125.70, "Performance requirements for water temperature limiting devices."
(3)The requirement in Sentence (1) is permitted to be waived where the water is supplied by a single tempered water line controlled by an automatic compensating valve conforming to CSA B125.3, "Plumbing fittings."
(4)Except as provided in Sentences (5) and (6) and 7.2.10.7A.(1), the temperature of water discharging from a shower head or into a bathtub shall not exceed 49°C.
(5)In healthcare facilities and retirement homes, the temperature of water discharging from a shower head or into a bathtub shall
(a)not exceed 43°C, and
(b)be adjusted at the shower or bathtub controls.
(6)Sentence (4) does not apply to hot water supplied to installed dishwashers or clothes washers.
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OBC Div. B 7.2.10.7B. Showers
(1)Except as provided for in Sentences (2) and (3), all valves supplying fixed location shower heads, shall be individually pressure-balanced or thermostatic-mixing valves, conforming to ASME A112.18.1 / CSA B125.1, "Plumbing Supply Fittings."
(2)An individually pressure-balanced or thermostatic-mixing valve is not required for shower heads having a single tempered water supply that is controlled by an automatic compensating valve conforming to CSA B125.3, "Plumbing fittings."
(3)Deck-mounted, hand-held, flexible-hose spray attachments are exempt from the thermal shock requirements of Sentences (1) and (4).
(4)Pressure-balanced, thermostatic-mixing or combination pressure-balanced and thermostatic-mixing type valves shall
(a)capable of limiting thermal shock, and
(b)designed so that the outlet temperature does not exceed 49°C or equipped with high-limit stops which shall be adjusted to a maximum hot water setting of 49°C.
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OBC Div. B 7.2.10.14. Vent Pipe Flashing
(1)Flashing fabricated on-site for vent pipes shall be fabricated from
(a)copper sheet not less than 0.33 mm thick,
(b)aluminum sheet not less than 0.48 mm thick,
(c)alloyed zinc sheet not less than 0.35 mm thick,
(d)lead sheet not less than 1.73 mm thick,
(e)galvanized steel sheet not less than 0.33 mm thick, or
(f)polychloroprene (neoprene) not less than 2.89 mm thick.
(2)Prefabricated flashing for vent pipes shall conform to CSA B272, "Prefabricated Self-Sealing Roof Vent Flashings." (See Article 7.5.6.5. for location of vent pipe terminals.)
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OBC Div. B Table 7.2.11.2. Water Service Pipe and Fire Service Main Materials
Table 7.2.11.2. Water Service Pipe and Fire Service Main Materials Forming Part of Sentence 7.2.11.2.(1) Material | Standard | Limitations Polyethylene pipe and fittings | Conform to Series 160 or a higher series of CSA B137.1, "Polyethylene (PE) Pipe, tubing and fittings for cold water pressure services" | N/A Crosslinked polyethylene pressure pipe or tube and fittings | Conform to CSA B137.5, "Crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing systems for pressure applications" | N/A PVC pipe and fittings | Conform to CSA B137.3, "Rigid polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe and fittings for pressure applications", or certified to CSA B137.2, "Polyvinylchloride (PVC) injection-moulded gasketed fittings for pressure applications" | Pipe and fittings must have a rated working pressure of 1,100 kPa or more CPVC pipe and fittings | Conform to CSA B137.6, "Chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC) pipe, tubing and fittings for hot and cold water distribution systems" | The design temperature and pressure shall conform to the requirements of the CSA B137.6, "Chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC) pipe, tubing and fittings for hot and cold water distribution systems" Cast-iron water pipe | Conform to ANSI/AWWA C151 / A21.51, "Ductile-Iron Pipe, Centrifugally Cast" | Pipe shall have a cement-mortar lining conforming to ANSI/AWWA C104 / A21.4, "Cement-Mortar Lining for Ductile-Iron Pipe and Fittings" Iron fittings for cast-iron or ductile-iron water pipes | Conform to ANSI/AWWA C110 / A21.10, "Ductile-Iron and Gray-Iron Fittings" | Pipe shall have a cement-mortar lining conforming to ANSI/AWWA C104 / A21.4, "Cement-Mortar Lining for Ductile-Iron Pipe and Fittings" Rubber gasket joints for cast-iron and ductile-iron water pipes | Conform to ANSI/AWWA C111 / A21.11, "Rubber Gasket Joints for Ductile-Iron Pressure Pipe and Fittings" | N/A Screwed cast-iron water fittings | Conform to ASME B16.4, "Gray Iron Threaded Fittings: Classes 125 and 250" | Screwed cast-iron water fittings shall be cement-mortar lined or galvanized Type K soft copper tube | Certified to ASTM B88, "Standard Specification for Seamless Copper Water Tube" | N/A Solder-joint fittings for copper water systems | Conform to ASME B16.18, "Cast Copper Alloy Solder Joint Pressure Fittings", or conform to ASME B16.22, "Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy Solder-Joint Pressure Fittings" | Solder-joint fittings not made by casting or the wrought process shall conform to the applicable requirements of ASME B16.18, "Cast Copper Alloy Solder-Joint Pressure Fittings" Flared-joint fittings for copper water systems | Conform to ASME B16.26, "Cast Copper Alloy Fittings for Flared Copper Tubes" | Flared-joint fittings not made by casting shall conform to ASME B16.26, "Cast Copper Alloy Fittings for Flared Copper Tubes" PE/AL/PE pipe and fittings | Conform to CSA B137.9, "Polyethylene/aluminum/polyethylene (PE-AL-PE) composite pressure-pipe systems" | N/A PEX/AL/PEX pipe and fittings | Conform to CSA B137.10, "Crosslinked polyethylene/aluminum/crosslinked polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) composite pressure-pipe systems" | N/A
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OBC Div. B 7.2.11.3. Tracer Wire
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), every non-metallic water service pipe or fire service main shall have attached to
(a)a 14 gauge TW solid copper light coloured plastic coated tracer wire, or
(b)a 12 gauge copper clad steel light coloured plastic coated tracer wire.
(2)Where a water service pipe or fire service main is detectable without the tracer wire referenced in Sentence (1), the tracer wire may be omitted.
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OBC Div. B 7.2.11.4. Required Check Valve
(1)Where a water service pipe is supplied with water by more than one drinking water system, a check valve shall be installed at each connection with a drinking water system.
(2)Where a fire service main is supplied with water by more than one source, a check valve shall be installed at each connection with a source of water.
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