Registered Plumbers and Electrician Meeting Minutes

June 11, 2009

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Walter Slouthour of Land & Sea Services announced that his firm will be taking care of the sewer lateral connection inspections.  He introduced his other employees, Bob Dayhoff, who will be doing most of the inspection work and Janelle Slouthour, administrator.  Craig Zack of KPI Technology was present to describe the intent of the rules and regulations.  Ann Thomas from Adams County was also present to discuss financial assistance from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that would be available to qualified residents.

 

Wilbur stressed the following points before taking questions:

 

*        Scheduling, please call 8-4pm to schedule in plenty of time for inspection.

 

*        Land & Sea Services will observe lateral installation, and observe air test on installed line and then witness backfill

 

*        Inspections to be based on UCC code and adopted Rules and Regulations

o       Much of  this information should have been received and is available on the web

 

*        Review of handout materials

o       When penetrating foundation wall, pipe needs to be sleeved

o       Bathrooms in basements must have check valve installed

 

*        Venting – must be a determination whether house is properly vented

o       Chart of minimum venting is included in this packet

*        All gray water must be hooked up to new sewer system.

*        Hookup fees must be paid before sewer lateral construction begins.

*        Check off list will be used for inspections with final determination of approved or not approved.

 

Anne Thomas explained that grant will only pay dollar amount of lowest of three bidders but that residents are free to use any contractor they wish and pay for any extra work they may need.  Plumbers will be paid only in full when work is completed.

 

Craig Zack explained need for good installation of homeowner laterals to reduce future inflow and infiltration and also advised that letter will likely be notified to connect in mid August.


 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

  1. Will there be a waiver for traps?
    Traps are to be installed for protection of residents and older homes may not have adequate protection against back up from sewer gases.  Traps are required.
  2. What is to be done with remaining septic tanks?
    The septic tanks, gray water wells, etc. must all be decommissioned by filling in or being crushed. There should be no open pit or holes remaining that could be potentially dangerous.  Inspectors will verify that they are out of service.

Contact the Township or KPI for special situations such as where septic tank is below a concrete floor.

 

  1. How are installers supposed to hook into existing cast iron piping?

Installers may need to be creative depending on each individual circumstances but generally connections can be made to outside piping with a Fernco fitting as long as there is a smooth transition with no lips on inside of pipe.

 

  1. What about instances where septic is run in back but the gray water goes out the front?

All wastewater must be tied into the new sewer system.  The gray water must be piped in with the other sewer wastewater even if this requires internal plumbing changes.

 

  1. What about existing piping for sand mounds?

Per the rules and regulations, existing piping can be used as long as it can be demonstrated to be air tight.  SDR 35 sewer pipe, as specified, should be used to sewer connection point.

 

  1. What will be the fees for inspection?

There will be a $60 fee charged for the UCC inspection of the laterals but there will not be a separate fee for inspection of decommissioning of existing on lot system.

 

  1. Will installers be allowed to install lateral now and come back later to make connection to new sewer system line?

As long as homeowner pays the tapping fee, an inspection can take place.

 

  1. What pressure is to be maintained in the sewer laterals for the air test?

Three psi for three minutes.

 


 

  1. Can installers use PVC Schedule 40 for traps?

Yes, Schedule 40 traps are permissible.

 

  1. What are the requirements for backfilling?

Inspector will check during inspection.  Bedding must be 1B stone and installed prior to inspection.  The entire ditch must be compacted properly.  The inspector will not advise contractor how to do it but rather make sure that it is done to proper standards at inspection and will observe ditch walls.

 

  1. Will the CDBG funding pay for piping inside the house or just outside?

The grant will help the lowest income people first and pay for the tapping fees.  The funding may be prorated for others who qualify with higher incomes.  Installers are advised to give estimates for entire job costs.

 

  1. What is the time limit for bids for the CDBG funding?

There is not a specific date for receipt of bids but that the sooner they get in the better.  Bids are expected to be received before mid July.

 

  1. What is the tapping fee?

The tapping fee is $4000 per EDU.

 

  1. Will any homes require the use of grinder pumps?

Nearly all homes are expected to get service to the first floor at a minimum but there may be some unanticipated grinder pumps that may be required.

 

  1. Does the pipe sleeve need to be 2 sizes larger than sewer pipe?

Yes, the pipe sleeve or arch must be installed in the foundation two sizes larger than the pipe diameter for new penetrations.

 

  1. Are pipes to be installed below frost zone?

Pipes must be installed a minimum of 32” below ground and backfilled.

 

  1. What are the minimum slope requirements?

2% is specified but inspectors will work with installers on some slopes for long flat runs where this may not be possible.

 

  1. How deep are the laterals and main?

Laterals were installed with first floor service in mind but that elevation may vary.  Installers may contact KPI for a better idea.

 

  1. How should installers keep SDR pipe together while it is under air pressure?

Installers are responsible for ensuring that joints and piping are held in place for the air testing.