Section 384.40. Joints and connections.  


Latest version.
  • (1) General.
    (a) Tightness. Joints and connections in the plumbing system shall be watertight and gastight as required by test or system design, whichever is greater, or as required by the adopted product standard or department approval.
    (b) Preparation of pipe ends. Pipe ends shall be prepared in accordance with the applicable pipe standard or the pipe or fitting manufacturer's instructions.
    (c) Prohibited joints and connections. Unless otherwise permitted in this chapter or ch. SPS 382 or 383 , all of the following types of joints and connections shall be prohibited:
    1. Cement or concrete joints.
    2. Mastic or hot poured bituminous joints.
    3. Elastomeric rolling o-rings between different diameter pipes.
    4. Solvent cement joints between different types of plastic pipe other than ABS and PVC in non-pressurized systems.
    5. Roll grooving of galvanized steel pipe.
    (2) ABS Plastic pipe. Joints between acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic pipe or fittings shall be installed in accordance with pars. (a) to (c) .
    (a) Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
    1. `Drain and vent systems.' Mechanical push-on joints for drain and vent systems shall conform to ASTM D3212.
    2. `Water supply systems.' Mechanical push-on joints and mechanical compression-type joints for water supply systems which use a flexible elastomeric seal shall be suitable for potable water.
    (b) Solvent cemented joints. Solvent cemented joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM D2235 and its appendix, ASTM D2661 or ASTM F628.
    1. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free of moisture.
    2. Solvent cement conforming to ASTM D2235 shall be applied to all joint surfaces and the joint shall be made while the cement is wet.
    3. Solvent cement shall be handled in accordance with ASTM F402.
    4. Solvent cement used on pipes and fittings of a water supply system shall conform to NSF 14 and shall be certified by a nationally recognized testing agency as to conforming to NSF 14. The container for the solvent cement shall bear the certification mark of the testing agency.
    (c) Threaded joints. Threaded joints shall only be used on pipes of schedule 80 or heavier. Threaded joints shall conform to ASME B1.20.1. The pipe shall be threaded with dies specifically designed for plastic pipe. Thread lubricant or tape approved for such use shall be applied to the male threads only.
    (3) Black steel pipe. Joints between black steel pipe or fittings shall be in accordance with pars. (a) to (d) .
    (a) Threaded joints. Threaded joints shall conform to ASME B1.20.1. Pipe joint compound or tape shall be used on the male threads only.
    (b) Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
    (c) Caulked joints. Caulked joints shall only be used for drain or vent piping. Caulked joints for hub and spigot piping and fittings shall be firmly packed with oakum or hemp. Molten lead shall be poured in one operation not less than one inch deep and not to extend more than 1/8 inch below the rim of the pipe, and caulked tight. Paint, varnish or other coatings may not be used on the joining material until after the joint has been tested and approved.
    1. Caulked joints for drain piping shall be used only in a vertical position.
    2. Caulked joints for vent piping may be used for piping in a vertical or horizontal position.
    (d) Welded joints. Joints between black steel pipe or fittings may be welded.
    (4) Brass pipe. Joints between brass pipe or fittings shall be in accordance with the provisions of pars. (a) to (d) .
    (a) Brazed joints. All joint surfaces to be brazed shall be cleaned bright by other than chemical means. Brazing filler metal conforming to AWS A5.8 or other approved material shall be used. The joining of water supply piping shall be made with lead-free materials. Solders and fluxes containing in excess of 0.2% lead shall not be used.
    (b) Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Mechanical push-on joints and mechanical compression type joints for water supply systems which use flexible elastomeric seals shall be suitable for potable water.
    (c) Soldered joints. All joint surfaces to be soldered shall be cleaned bright by other than chemical means. A nontoxic flux shall be applied to all joint surfaces. Solder conforming to ASTM B32 or other approved material shall be used. The joining of water supply piping shall be made with lead-free materials. Solders and fluxes containing in excess of 0.2% lead shall not be used.
    (d) Threaded joints. Threaded joints shall conform to ASME B1.20.1. Pipe joint compound or tape shall be used on the male threads only.
    (5) Cast iron pipe. Joints between cast iron pipe or fittings shall be installed in accordance with pars. (a) and (b) .
    (a) Caulked joints.
    1. `Drain and vent systems.' Caulked joints for hub and spigot pipe of drain and vent systems shall be firmly packed with oakum or hemp. Molten lead shall be poured in one operation not less than one inch deep and not to extend more than 1 / 8 inch below the rim of the pipe, and caulked tight. Paint, varnish or other coatings may not be used on the joining material until after the joint has been tested and approved.
    2. `Water supply systems.' Joints for bell and spigot pipe of water supply systems shall be firmly packed with treated paper rope. Molten lead shall be poured in one operation to a depth of 2 ½ inches.
    (b) Mechanical joints.
    1. `Drain and vent systems.'
    a. Mechanical push-on joints for drain and vent systems shall have gaskets which conform to ASTM C564.
    b. Mechanical sleeve joints for drain and vent systems shall have a rubber sealing sleeve conforming to ASTM C564, CISPI 310 or FM 1680. Where a stainless steel band assembly is used, the band assembly shall conform to CISPI 310 or FM 1680. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
    2. `Water supply systems.' Mechanical push-on joints and mechanical compression type joints for water supply systems shall conform to AWWA C111/A21.11. Lead tipped gaskets may not be used.
    (c) Threaded joints. Threaded joints shall conform to ASME B1.20.1. Pipe joint compound or tape shall be used on the male threads only.
    (6) CPVC plastic pipe. Joints between chlorinated polyvinyl chloride plastic pipe or fittings shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of pars. (a) to (c) .
    (a) Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Mechanical push-on type joints which use flexible elastomeric seals shall be suitable for potable water.
    (b) Solvent cemented joints. Solvent cemented joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM D2846 or ASTM F493.
    1. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free of moisture. Cleaner, primer and cement shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for use of the solvent cement.
    2. Solvent cement conforming to ASTM F493 shall be applied to all joint surfaces and the joint shall be made while the cement is wet.
    3. Solvent cement shall be handled in accordance with ASTM F402.
    4. Primer and solvent cement used on pipes and fittings of a water supply system shall conform to NSF 14 and shall be certified by a nationally recognized testing agency as to conforming to NSF 14. The containers for the primer and the solvent cement shall bear the certification mark of the testing agency.
    (c) Threaded joints. Threaded joints shall only be used on pipes of schedule 80 or heavier. Threaded joints shall conform to ASME B1.20.1. The pipe shall be threaded with dies specifically designed for plastic pipe. Thread lubricant or tape approved for such use shall be applied to the male threads only.
    (7) Concrete pipe.
    (a) Circular pipe. Joints between circular concrete pipe or fittings shall be made by use of an elastomeric seal conforming to ASTM C443 or C990.
    (b) Elliptical pipe. Joints between elliptical concrete pipe or fittings shall be made by use of materials conforming to ASTM C887 Type II or ASTM C990.
    (8) Copper pipe and tubing. Joints between copper pipe, tubing or fittings shall be installed in accordance with pars. (a) to (e) .
    (a) Brazed joints. All joint surfaces to be brazed shall be cleaned bright by other than chemical means. Brazing filler metal conforming to AWS A5.8, NSF/ANSI 61, annex G, or other approved material shall be used. The joining of water supply piping shall be made with lead-free materials.
    (b) Flared joints. Flared joints may be used on annealed tubing for water supply systems and shall be made by the use of a tool designed for that operation.
    (c) Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Mechanical push-on joints and mechanical compression type joints for water supply systems which use flexible elastomeric seals shall be suitable for potable water.
    (d) Soldered joints. All joint surfaces to be soldered shall be made in accordance with ASTM B828. Flux approved by NSF for use in potable water systems shall be applied to all joint surfaces. Solder conforming to ASTM B32, NSF/ANSI 61, annex G, or other approved material shall be used. The joining of water supply piping shall be made with lead-free materials.
    (e) Threaded joints. Threaded joints shall conform to ASME B1.20.1. Pipe joint compound or tape shall be used on the male threads only.
    (9) Ductile iron pipe.
    (a) Mechanical joints. Mechanical push-on joints and mechanical compression type joints for water supply systems shall conform to AWWA C111. Lead tipped gaskets may not be used.
    (b) Threaded joints. Threaded joints shall conform to ASME B1.20.1. Pipe joint compound or tape shall be used on the male threads only.
    (10) Galvanized steel pipe. Joints between galvanized steel pipe or fittings or between galvanized steel pipe and cast iron fittings shall be installed in accordance with pars. (a) to (c) .
    (a) Threaded joints. Threaded joints shall conform to ASME B1.20.1. Pipe joint compound or tape shall be used on the male threads only.
    (b) Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Mechanical push-on joints and mechanical compression type joints for water supply systems which use flexible elastomeric seals shall be suitable for potable water.
    (c) Caulked joints. Caulked joints shall only be used for drain or vent piping. Caulked joints for hub and spigot piping and fittings shall be firmly packed with oakum or hemp. Molten lead shall be poured in one operation not less than one inch deep and not to extend more than 1 / 8 inch below the rim of the pipe, and caulked tight. Paint, varnish or other coatings may not be used on the joining material until after the joint has been tested and approved.
    1. Caulked joints for drain piping shall be used only for piping in a vertical position.
    2. Caulked joints for vent piping may be used for piping in a vertical or horizontal position.
    (11) Lead pipe. Joints between lead pipe or fittings shall be installed in accordance with pars. (a) and (b) .
    (a) Burned joints. Burned joints shall be uniformly fused together into one continuous piece. The thickness of the joint shall be at least as thick as the lead being joined. The filler metal shall be of the same material as the pipe.
    (b) Wiped joints. A wiped joint shall be full wiped, having an exposed surface on each side of the joint not less than 3/4 inch and shall be at least 3/8 inch thick at the thickest point.
    (12) PE Plastic pipe and tubing. Joints between polyethylene plastic pipe, tubing or fittings shall be in accordance with pars. (a) to (c) .
    (a) Flared joints. Flared joints shall be made by use of a tool designed for that operation. Flared joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM D3140.
    (b) Heat fusion joints. Heat fusion joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM D2657. Heat fusion joints shall be of a socket fusion type.
    1. Joint surfaces to be fused shall be clean and free of moisture.
    2. All joint surfaces shall be heated to the temperature recommended by the pipe or fitting manufacturer and joined.
    3. The joint shall be undisturbed until cool.
    (c) Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints may be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Mechanical push-on joints and mechanical compression type joints which use flexible elastomeric seals shall be suitable for potable water.
    (13) PEX plastic tubing. Joints between crosslinked polyethylene plastic pipe, tubing or fittings shall be made in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
    (14) PVC plastic pipe. Joints between polyvinyl chloride plastic pipe or fittings shall be in accordance with pars. (a) to (c) .
    (a) Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
    1. `Drain and vent systems.' Mechanical push-on joints for drain and vent systems shall conform to ASTM D3212.
    2. `Water supply systems.' Mechanical push-on joints and mechanical compression type joints for water supply systems which use flexible elastomeric seals shall be suitable for potable water.
    (b) Solvent cemented joints. Solvent cemented joints shall be made in accordance with ASTM D2855.
    1. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free of moisture. A primer conforming to ASTM F656 shall be applied to all joint surfaces.
    2. Solvent cement conforming to ASTM D2564 shall be applied to all joint surfaces and the joint shall be made while the cement is wet.
    3. Solvent cement shall be handled in accordance with ASTM F402.
    4. Primer and solvent cement used on pipes and fittings of a water supply system shall conform to NSF 14 and shall be certified by a nationally recognized testing agency as to conforming to NSF 14. The containers for the primer and the solvent cement shall bear the certification mark of the testing agency.
    (c) Threaded joints. Threaded joints shall only be used on pipes of schedule 80 or heavier. Threaded joints shall conform to ASME B1.20.1. The pipe shall be threaded with dies specifically designed for plastic pipe. Thread lubricant or tape approved for such use shall be applied to the male threads only.
    (15) Stainless steel. Joints between stainless steel pipe or fittings shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of pars. (a) to (c) .
    (a) Mechanical joints. Mechanical joints shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Mechanical push-on type joints which use flexible elastomeric seals shall be suitable for potable water.
    (b) Threaded joints. Threaded joints shall conform to ANSI B1.20.1. Pipe joint compound or tape shall be used on the male threads only.
    (c) Welded joints. Joints between stainless steel pipe or fittings may be welded.
    (16) Joints between pipe and fittings of different materials. Connections between pipes of different materials shall be made with mechanical compression type joints, installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions or as specified in pars. (a) to (e) .
    (a) Copper to cast iron. Connections between copper pipe or tube and cast iron pipe shall be by means of either caulked joints in accordance with sub. (5) (a) or threaded fittings in accordance with sub. (5) (c) .
    (b) Copper to galvanized steel. Connections between copper pipe or tube and galvanized steel pipe shall be by use of an adapter fitting. The copper pipe shall be soldered to the adapter in accordance with sub. (8) (d) . The galvanized steel shall be threaded to the adapter in accordance with sub. (10) (a) .
    (c) Cast iron to steel or brass pipe. Connections between cast iron pipe and galvanized or black steel or brass pipe shall be by means of:
    1. Caulked joints in accordance with sub. (5) (a) ; or
    2. Threaded joints in accordance with sub. (5) (c) .
    (d) Plastic to other materials.
    1. Connections between plastic pipe and cast iron pipe shall be by means of:
    a. Caulked joints in accordance with sub. (5) (a) ; or
    b. Threaded joints in accordance with sub. (5) (c) .
    2. Except as provided in par. (f) , connections between different types of plastic pipe or between plastic pipe and other piping materials other than cast iron shall be by means of threaded joints in accordance with sub. (14) (c) .
    (e) Lead to other piping materials. Connections between lead pipe and other piping materials shall be by use of an adapter fitting conforming to s. SPS 384.30 (5) (a) . The lead pipe shall be caulked or burned to the adapter fitting in accordance with sub. (11) .
    (f) ABS plastic to PVC plastic. For solvent-cemented connections between ABS and PVC piping in non-pressurized systems, all of the following shall apply:
    1. Joint surfaces shall be clean and free of moisture.
    2. Primer conforming to ASTM F656 shall be applied to all PVC joint surfaces.
    3. Solvent conforming to ASTM D3138 shall be applied to all joint surfaces and the joint shall be made while the cement is wet.
    4. Solvent shall be handled in accordance with ASTM F402.
    (17) Connection of fixtures. Flanged fixtures which have integral traps shall be mechanically fastened to the drain piping by means of a compatible fitting. The joint between the fixture and the fitting shall be sealed with a watertight gasket or setting compound.
    (18) Connection of pipe to concrete structures. Joints between concrete structures and piping shall be made with mechanical joints in conformance with ASTM C923, ASTM C564 or as otherwise permitted by local authority. Openings for pipe connections that are installed with mechanical joints conforming to ASTM C564 shall have an inside diameter of that required for cast iron pipe in conformance with ASTM A74.
History: Cr. Register, May, 1988, No. 389 , eff. 6-1-88; am. (5) (b) 1. b., Register, September, 1992, No. 441 , eff. 10-1-92; am. (1) (a) and cr. (13m), Register, February, 1994, No. 458 , eff. 3-1-94; am. (2) (c), (3) (a), (4) (a), (c) and (d), (8) (a), (d), (9) (b), (10) (a) and (14) (c), renum. (7) to be (7) (a), cr. (7) (b); Register, December, 2000, No. 540 , eff. 1-1-01; CR 02-002 : am. (1) (c) 1. to 4., (6) (b) (intro.) and 1., (8) (d), (17) (d) 2., r. (6) (b) 4., renum. (6) (b) 5. to be (6) (b) 4., cr. (17) (f) and (19), Register April 2003 No. 568 , eff. 5-1-03; CR 08-055 : am. (2) (a) 2., (4) (b), (6) (a), (8) (c), (9) (a), (10) (b), (14) (a) 2. and (15) (a), r. (12) and (16), renum. (13), (13m) and (17) to (19) to be (12), (13) and (16) to (18) and am. (12) (c) Register February 2009 No. 638 , eff. 3-1-09; correction to renumbering of (13) to (18) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 1. , Stats., Register February 2009 No. 638 ; CR 10-064 : am. (5) (c), (6) (c), (8) (e) Register December 2010 No. 660 , eff. 1-1-11; correction in (1) (c), (16) (e) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7. , Stats., Register December 2011 No. 672 ; CR 13-062 : am. (8) (a), (d) Register February 2014 No. 698 , eff. 3-1-14.

Note

The testing requirements for tightness are in s. SPS 382.21 . Microsoft Windows NT 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1