Public Health Plumbing Program
Installing your new waterline
> Before you get started:
Follow the procedures in the "How Do I Get a Homeowner's Permit?" section. You must also check with your water supplier to find out what the water pressure is in your area. If the water pressure is more than 80 pounds, you will need to get a pressure reducing valve.
Approved materials for outside waterline
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PVC, PE, copper, PEX, PEX-AL-PEX or PE-AL-PE materials may be used for cold water supply piping outside of a structure. The pipe must have a minimum working pressure of 160 pounds.
When you are digging the trench for your new waterline, be sure the waterline will be at least two feet underground.
Approved materials for inside waterline
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The types of material for pipe allowed for your inside waterline include: CPVC, copper, brass, PEX, PEX-AL-PEX, galvanized malleable iron, galvanized wrought iron and galvanized steel. These materials may be used for water distribution systems inside a structure. Both the hot and the cold water distribution piping inside the structure shall be of the same material.
Measuring for and laying inside line
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Use the charts in water supply fixture units (WSFU) and minimum fixture branch pipe sizes for the purpose of sizing the water system. Figure out the number of units for your fixtures. You want to make sure that each fixture is going to receive enough water pressure. Don't forget to size the hot waterline separately from the cold waterline. If your pipe needs to be supported, be sure to do so using the manufacturer's specification. If your project includes a shower or a shower/ tub combination, you have to put in anti-scald valves. Install nail plates where piping is within 1-1/2 inches of the edge of framing members.
A backflow occurs when an unwanted substance gets into your drinking water while drinking water is being held in your pipes. A "cross connection" is a connection between your water and a possible source of contamination. If your project includes a sprinkler, a boiler or fire suppression system, you will need to have backflow protection. For systems outside of your building, call your water supplier for information. For systems inside the building contact the plumbing inspector for your area at 206-684-8417 between 7:30 and 8:30 AM Monday through Friday. All hose bibbs must have a vacuum breaker or anti-siphon valve on them.
Hose bibbs must have a frost free shut-off valve or a shut-off valve in a warm wall. All piping exposed to cold weather must be protected. Disconnect hoses from faucets during cold weather.
If you are installing a dishwasher or a clothes washer, you must install a shock arrestor on the water lines. This is to protect the appliance from hydraulic shock.
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