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RULES AND REGULATIONS

PERTAINING TO

Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe and

Fittings for Hot and Cold Water Distribution Systems

 

 

SECTION 1. AUTHORITY

These Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Arkansas State Plumbing Code are duly adopted and promulgated by the Arkansas State Board of Health pursuant to the authority expressly conferred by the laws of the State of Arkansas including, without limitation, Ark. Code Ann. § 17-38-101 et seq.

SECTION II. PURPOSE

To amend chapter 10, sections 10.1.3, 10.1.4, 10.1.5 and chapter 3, of Arkansas State Plumbing Code and establish standards for potable hot and cold water distribution systems using Cross-linked Polyethylene PEX pipe and fittings intended for installation in residential buildings, including all components supplied or specified by the manufacturer.

SECTION III. DEFINITIONS

  1. APPROVED. Acceptable to the provisions of this code or the authority having jurisdiction.

  2. AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION. In this chapter, the

    3. administrative authority or authority having jurisdiction is the State of Arkansas that administers or enforces the provisions of this chapter as adopted or amended.

  3. CROSSLINKED POLYETHYLENE PEX PIPE AND FITTINGS.

    4. Cross-linked Polyethylene PEX (SDR9) pipe and fittings shall meet ASTM F-876/F-877, and NSF standards 14, and 61. Cross-linked Polyethylene PEX pipe shall carry a pressure/temperature rating of not less than 160 psi at 73.4° F, 100 psi at 180° F. Polyethylene compound should meet or exceed cell classification 355600 as defined in ASTM D3350. In-line fittings shall have a minimum inside diameter (ID) of 80% of inside pipe diameter.

  4. PLATE or BOARD SUPPORT. A plate or wood backing that is nailed or

    5. screwed to the stud or studs to provide a rigid support for the pipe or tubing.

  5. POTABLE WATER. Potable water is water, which is satisfactory for drinking, culinary and domestic purposes, and meets the requirements of the State Department of Health.

  6. RESIDENTIAL LIVING UNITS. A dwelling place for one who makes their

    7. home in a particular place that is 4 units or less whether under a single roof or separate buildings and share common property boundaries.

  7. WATER SERVICE PIPE. The water service pipe is the pipe from the water main or other source of water supply to the building served.

  8. WATER SYSTEM. The water supply system of a building or premises consists of the water service pipe, the water distributing pipes and the necessary connecting pipes, fittings, control valves and all appurtenances in or adjacent to building or premises.

SECTION IV. RESTRICTIONS

  1. This regulation does not allow water piping to be installed within 6² of any gas appliance vents or within 12² of any recessed light fixtures.

  2. This regulation does not allow water piping when underground, and within a building perimeter to be installed under or in concrete. This piping is approved for above concrete installation only.

  3. This regulation applies only to residential living units having four (4) units or less whether under a single roof or a separate building and share common property boundaries. PEX water pipe is expressly prohibited in commercial buildings.

  4. This regulation does not allow Cross-linked Polyethylene PEX pipe or fittings to be installed for T & P discharge on water heaters.

  5. This regulation does not allow Crosslinked Polyethylene PEX pipe or fittings to be installed directly into a water heater opening.

SECTION V. MATERIALS

  1. Piping systems components shall be constructed entirely of new and unused parts and materials.

  2. Piping systems components and materials shall have been evaluated and found to be suitable for their intended usage by a testing agency recognized by the authority having jurisdiction.

  3. When requested, the manufacture shall furnish evidence acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction concerning the composition of the materials used in all components of the piping system.

  4. The construction of parts not specifically covered by this regulation shall be in accordance with reasonable concepts of safety, substantially and durability.

  5. Cutting and joining of tubing shall be done in compliance with manufacturer’s recommendation.

SECTION VI. INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION

The manufacturer shall provide complete detailed instructions, including appropriate illustrations necessary for proper installation and use of the piping system. Included in the instructions shall be statements to the effect that:

  1. Piping systems components shall be constructed entirely of new and unused parts and materials.

  1. The installation must be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and the applicable state /local plumbing codes and regulations.

  2. Precautions must be taken by the installer to ensure any exposed pipe is not damaged or abused during building construction or reconstruction by using approved protectors.

  3. Only the components provided or specified by the manufacturer as part of the piping system are to be used in the installation.

  4. Installation clearance holes for routing the pipe through studs, joists, plates, etc., shall have a diameter ½ inch greater than the outside diameter of the pipe.

  5. Each branch run of pipe intended to serve plumbing fixtures and equipment shall be securely fastened in place and included part of the pressure test.

  6. Horizontal runs shall be supported with a minimum distance of 36 inches.

  7. Vertical runs shall be supported with a minimum distance of 5 feet.

  8. Provisions shall be made to allow adequate clearance between pipe and structure (bored holes or sleeves) to allow freedom of movement due to thermal expansion and contraction.

SECTION VII. WORKING PRESSURE

This regulation applies to piping system for use with potable water system with pressure/ temperature ratings of not less than 160 psi at 73° F or 100 psi at 180 ° F.

SECTION VIII. MARKING REQUIREMENTS

(A) Each component of a piping system (tubing & fitting and manifold) shall bear a permanent marking of the following:

    1. Manufacturer’s name, trademark or symbol.

    2. Symbol of the organization making the test for compliance with the regulation.

(B) Tubing shall bear a permanent marking of the following:

    1. All Cross-linked Polyethylene tubing shall be marked with its appropriate classification as described in the definitions, Section III.

    2. ASTM & SDR number.

    3. Temperature & Pressure rating.

    4. The words potable or initials NSF-PW.

    5. The markings specified in Section VIII paragraphs A and B shall appear on the tubing at not more than 5-foot intervals.

SECTION IX. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of these regulations, or the application thereof to any person is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of these regulations which can give effect without the invalid provisions or applications, and to this end the provisions hereto are declared to be severable.

SECTION X. REPEAL

All regulations and parts of regulations in conflict with this regulation are hereby repealed.