1. A. Minimum Standards. Materials listed in this Section are applicable to more than one Chapter. Material requirements for specific systems and fixtures are noted in the specific Chapters. Materials listed in this code shall conform at least to the standards cited when used in the construction, installation, alteration, or repair of any part of a plumbing and drainage system, except that the plumbing official shall allow the extension, addition, or relocation of existing soil, waste or vent pipes with materials of like grade_(Q), as permitted by this code.
2. B. Use of Materials. Where more than one standard is listed, the material shall conform to at least one of the standards cited opposite it. Its use shall be further governed by the requirements imposed in other chapters of the code. Materials not included in the table shall be used only as provided for in §303.A of this code. Materials shall be free of manufacturing defects or damage, however occasioned, which would, or would tend to, render such materials defective, unsanitary, or otherwise improper to accomplish the purpose of this code.

3. C. Specifications for Materials. Standard specifications for general materials for plumbing installations are listed in Table 303 of this code, with specific material specifications listed elsewhere in this Part. Products conforming at least to any one of the specifications listed for a given material shall be considered acceptable.

   1. 1. Abbreviations used in Table 303 of this code, and with the specific materials as listed elsewhere in this Part refer to standards or specifications as identified below. Addresses and more information for these organizations are listed in Section 1405 of this code.

      1. AGA—American Gas Association.
      2. AHRI—Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute.
      3. ANSI—American National Standards Institute, Inc.
      4. ARI—Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (effective January 1, 2008, now AHRI)
      5. APSP—Association of Pool and Spa Professionals [formerly, National Pool and Spa Institute (NSPI)]
      6. ASME—American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
      7. ASSE—American Society of Sanitary Engineering.
      8. ASTM—American Society for Testing Materials International.
      9. AWS—American Welding Society.
      10. AWWA—American Water Works Association.
      11. CDA—Copper Development Association, Inc.
      12. CISPI—Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute.
      13. CAN/CSA—Canadian Standards Association.
      14. FHA-MPS—Federal Housing Administration - Minimum Property Standards.
      15. FMRC—Factory Mutual Research Corporation (approval standards obtained from FM Approvals, LLC)
      16. FS—Federal Specifications
      17. (obtained from the General Services Administration, Federal Supply Service, Specification Section)
      18. MSS—Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc.
      19. NFiPA—National Fire Prevention Association.
      20. NSF—NSF International.
      21. PDI—Plumbing and Drainage Institute.
      22. PPFA—Plastic Pipe & Fittings Association.
      23. PPI—Plastics Pipe Institute.
      24. PS—Product Standard
      25. (by the United States Department of Commerce and obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office)
      26. UL—Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.

   2. 2. ASTM standards are issued under fixed designations; the final number shown in Chapter 14 of this code indicates the year of original adoption, or in the case of revision, the year of last revision. "T" indicates Tentative. In the "CS" series of standards, also, the final number indicates the year of issue.

      Table 303 General Materials
      Materials	Standards
      Plastic Materials
      Acrylics	ASTM D 788
      Nylon	ASTM D 789
      Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)	ASTM D 4894, ASTM D4895
      Plastic Cement And Solvents
      ABS-Solvent Cement	ASTM D 2235, Listed
      Joints for IPS PVC Pipe Using Solvent Cement	ASTM D 2672
      Making Solvent-Cement Joints with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe and Fittings	ASTM D 2855
      Primers for use in Solvent Cemented Joints of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings	ASTM F 656
      PVC Solvent Cement	ASTM D 2564, Listed
      Solvent Cements for Transition Joints Between Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Non-Pressure Piping Components	ASTM D 3138, see §711.D.4 of this code (Note: This is not an all-purpose solvent cement. Only to be utilized for joining a building drain to a building sewer)
      Safe Handling of Solvent Cements used for Joining Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings	ASTM F 402
      Solvent Cements for Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings	ASTM F 493
      Plastic Pipe Installation
      Electrofusion Joining Polyolefin Pipe and Fittings	ASTM F 1290, see §621.E of this code
      Heat Fusion Joining of Polyethylene Pipe and Fittings	ASTM F 2620, see §621.E of this code
      Heat Joining Polyolefin Pipe and Fittings	ASTM D 2657
      Underground Installation of Flexible Thermoplastic Sewer pipe	ASTM D 2321
      Underground Installation of Thermo-Plastic Pressure Piping	ASTM D 2774
      Valves
      Pressurized Fixture Flushing Devices (Flushometers)	ASSE 1037
      Metal Sheet
      Brass, sheet	ASTM B 248/B 248M
      Copper, sheet	ASTM B 152/B 152M
      Lead, sheet	FS QQ-L-201F(2)
      Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated Galvanized by the Hot-Dip Process	ASTM A 653/A 653M
      Miscellaneous
      Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods	AWS A 5.9/A 5.9M
      Brazing Filler Metal	AWS A 5.8/A 5.8M
      Cement Lining	AWWA C 104, ANSI A 21.4
      Cleanouts	ASME A 112.36.2M
      Coal-Tar Enamel and Tape (Protective Coating)	AWWA C 203
      Compression Gaskets for Cast Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings	ASTM C 564, CISPI HSN
      Couplings used in Cast Iron Systems	ASTM C 564 (Gasket Material Only), CISPI 310, FMRC 1680, ASTM C 1277
      Drinking Water Treatment Units Health Effects Aesthetic Effects	NSF 53, NSF 42
      Fixed Flow Restrictors	ASSE 1034
      Flexible Transition Couplings for Underground Piping Systems	ASTM C 1173
      Floor and Trench Drains	ASME A 112.6.3
      Grooved and Shouldered Type Joints	AWWA C 606
      Handheld Showers (Backflow Prevention Devices)	ASSE 1014
      Laboratory Faucet Backflow Preventers	ASSE 1035
      Liquid and Paste Fluxes for Soldering of Copper and Copper Alloy Tube	ASTM B 813
      Load Bearing, Bonded, Waterproof Membranes for Thin-Set Ceramic Tile and Dimension Stone Installation	ANSI A 118.10
      Making Copper Soldered Joints	ASTM B 828
      Plastic Toilet (Water Closet) Seats	IAPMO Z 124.5
      Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems	NSF 58
      Roof, Deck and Balcony Drains	ASME A 112.6.4
      Rubber Gaskets for Concrete Pipe and Manholes	ASTM C 443/C 443M
      Rubber Rings for Asbestos Cement Pipe	ASTM D 1869, see §313.E of this code
      Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers, Test Methods	ASTM D 395, ASTM D 412, 711.D
      Solder Metal	ASTM B 32
      Supports (Floor-Affixed) for Off-the-Floor Plumbing Fixtures for Public Use	ASME A112.6.1M
      Supports(Framing-Affixed) for Off-the-Floor Water Closets with Concealed Tanks	ASME A112.6.2
      Wall Hydrants, Frost Resistant, Automatic Draining, Anti-Backflow Type	ASSE 1019

4. D. Identification of Materials. Each length of pipe and each pipe fitting, trap, fixture and device used in a plumbing system shall be marked in accordance with the approved applicable standard to which it is manufactured.
5. E. Installation of Materials. All materials used shall be installed in strict accordance with the standards under which the materials are accepted and approved, including the appendices which are related to installation. In the absence of such installation procedures, the manufacturer's published procedures or recommendations shall be followed.

6. F. Water Piping Quality. All potable water pipes, pipe related products and materials that join or seal pipes and pipe related products shall be evaluated and listed as conforming with a national consensus product (or material) standard, ANSI/NSF Standard 61, and NSF/ANSI 372. Any solder or flux used in the installation or repair of any plumbing in a residential or nonresidential facility providing water for human consumption shall be lead free.

   1. 1. Exception. The lead free requirement of §303.F of this code above shall not apply to:

      1. a. leaded joints necessary for the repair of existing cast iron pipes;
      2. b. pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, or fixtures, including backflow preventers, that are used exclusively for nonpotable services such as manufacturing, industrial processing, irrigation, outdoor watering, or any other uses where the water is not anticipated to be used for human consumption; or,
      3. c. toilets, bidets, urinals, fill valves, flushometer valves, tub fillers, shower valves, service saddles, or water distribution main gate valves that are 2 inches in diameter or larger.

7. G. Special Materials. The following apply to several special materials.

   1. 1. Lead. See Table 303 of this code. Sheet lead shall be not less than the following:

      1. a. For safe pans - not less than 4 pounds per square foot (psf) [19.5 kilograms/meter² (kg/m²)] coated with an asphalt paint or equivalent.
      2. b. For flashings of vent terminals - not less than 3 psf (14.6 kg/m²).
      3. c. Lead bends and lead traps shall be not less than 1/8-inch (3.18 mm) wall thickness.

      4. d. Any solder or flux which is used in the installation or repair of any plumbing in a residential or nonresidential facility providing water for human consumption shall be lead free (i.e., shall not contain more than 0.2 percent lead). Any pipe, pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, and fixture which is used in the installation or repair of any plumbing in a residential or nonresidential facility providing water for human consumption shall be lead free (i.e., shall not contain more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures.).

         1. i. Exception. The lead free requirement of Subparagraph d of this Paragraph shall not apply to:

            1. (a). leaded joints necessary for the repair of existing cast iron pipes;
            2. (b). pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, or fixtures, including backflow preventers, that are used exclusively for nonpotable services such as manufacturing, industrial processing, irrigation, outdoor watering, or any other uses where the water is not anticipated to be used for human consumption; or,
            3. (c). toilets, bidets, urinals, fill valves, flushometer valves, tub fillers, shower valves, service saddles, or water distribution main gate valves that are 2 inches in diameter or larger.

   2. 2. Copper. See Table 303 of this code. Sheet copper shall be not less than the following:

      1. a. Safe pans - 12 ounces (oz) per square foot (sq ft) (3.7 kg/m²).
      2. b. Vent terminal flashings - 8 oz per sq ft (2.4 kg/m²).

   3. 3. Caulking Ferrules. Caulking ferrules shall be manufactured from bronze, wrought copper, or brass and shall be in accordance with Table 303.G.3 of this code below.

      Table 303.G.3 Caulking Ferrules
      Pipe Size (in)	Inside Diameter (in)	Length (in)	Minimum Weight Each
      2	2 ¼	4 ½	1 lb 0 oz
      3	3 ¼	4 ½	1 lb 12 oz
      4	4 ¼	4 ½	2 lb 8 oz

   4. 4. Soldering Bushings. Soldering bushings where permitted shall be of red brass in accordance with Table 303.G.4 of this code below.

      Table 303.G.4 Soldering Bushings
      Pipe Size (In)	Minimum Weight Each
      1 1/4	6 oz
      1 1/2	8 oz
      2	14 oz
      2 1/2	1 lb 6 oz
      3	2 lb 0 oz
      4	3 lb 8 oz

   5. 5. Floor Flanges. The following applies to floor flanges.

      1. a. Floor flanges for water closets or similar fixtures shall be not less than 1/8-inch (3.18 mm) thick for brass, 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) thick and not less than 2-inch (51 mm) caulking depth for cast iron or galvanized malleable iron. Flanges shall be of the approved type. Offset closet flanges shall be prohibited, except by approval of the plumbing official. Closet screws and bolts shall be of brass.
      2. b. Flanges shall be soldered to lead bends, or shall be caulked, soldered or threaded to other metal. Plastic flanges shall be joined to plastic closet bends with the approved solvent cement.

   6. 6. Cleanouts. The following applies to cleanouts.

      1. a. Cleanouts shall have plugs of brass and shall conform to ASTM A 74. Cleanouts may also have plugs of approved nylon plastic. Plugs may have raised square or countersunk heads except countersunk head shall be used where raised heads may cause a hazard.
      2. b. Cleanout plugs with borosilicate glass systems shall be of borosilicate glass.

   7. 7. Nonmetallic Shower Pans. The following applies to non-metallic shower pans.

      1. a. Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet shall be a minimum of 0.040 inch (1.02 mm) thick, and shall meet the requirements of ASTM D 4551. Sheets shall be joined by solvent welding in accordance with the manufacturer's published recommendations.
      2. b. Non-plasticized chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) sheet shall be a minimum 0.040 inch (1.02 mm) thick and shall meet the requirements of ASTM D 4068. Sheets shall be joined by solvent welding in accordance with the manufacturer's published recommendations.
      3. c. Load bearing, bonded, waterproof membranes for thin-set ceramic tile and dimension stone installation shall meet the requirements of ANSI A 118.10 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's published recommendations.
      4. d. All shower pan material shall be permanently marked by the manufacturer so as to enable the inspecting authority to determine the acceptability of the material and its identification according to the code. This marking is to be conveniently readable to the inspector when the material is in its installed position.

8. H. Limitations of Use of Materials. The following applies to limitations on the use of certain materials.

   1. 1. Pressure-rated Plastic Pipe and Fittings for Water Service Pipe. The following applies to pressure-rated plastic pipe and fittings for water service pipe.

      1. a. In Tables 303 and 603 of this code, the 4-digit numbers listed under "Materials" column represent the ASTM identification numbers assigned to these materials by the joint ASTM-NSF-PPI committee to assist in quick, easy identification of the materials. The numbers appear as a part of the marking on the pipe and tubing. These and no others are approved.
      2. b. All plastic pipe and fittings approved in this code shall be properly marked as specified by their respective standards. All material shall be installed in accordance with the applicable ASTM standards. No materials shall be commingled within the same system except those which are specifically approved in writing in the respective standards.
      3. c. Existing metallic water service piping used for electrical grounding shall not be replaced with nonmetallic pipe or tubing until other grounding means are provided which are satisfactory to the proper administrative authority having jurisdiction.

   2. 2. Plastic Pipe and Fittings for Drain, Wastes and Vents. The following applies to plastic pipe and fittings for drain, wastes and vents.

      1. a. Installations for plumbing drainage, waste and vents both above and below ground, indirect waste and storm drains shall conform to applicable standards listed in Tables 303 and 703 of this code and in conformity with the combustible materials regulations of plumbing in fire rated assemblies, in concealed spaces, and in plenums as required by the applicable codes adopted under the authority of Act 12 of the 2005 First Extraordinary Session.
      2. b. There shall be no commingling of different materials except through proper adapters. In all cases, approved solvent cement designated for the particular material shall be used.
      3. c. Coextruded pipe with a cellular core and solid wall ABS DWV and PVC DWV plastic pipe shall be IPS Schedule 40 when used for drain, wastes and vents.
   3. 3. Stainless Steel Water Tube. Stainless steel water tube and piping shall conform to the standards listed in Table 603 of this code.

   4. 4. Plastic Pipe for Drains and Sewers. The following applies to plastic pipe for drains and sewers.

      1. a. Coextruded PVC plastic pipe shall have a pipe stiffness of 25 (PS 25) when used for storm sewers, storm drains, foundation drains, and subsoil drains.
      2. b. Coextruded PVC plastic pipe shall have a pipe stiffness of 50 (PS 50) when used for outside building sewers, storm drains, and storm sewers in accordance with §§705.A, 1101.E, 1103.C and 1103.D of this code.
   5. 5. Plastic Piping Components and Related Materials. All plastic plumbing pipes, plastic plumbing piping components and related materials shall be listed as conforming with NSF Standard 14.

Editor’s Note: The text in this Section will be effective on January 1, 2013.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 40:4(A)(7), R.S. 40:5(2)(3)(7)(9)(16)(17)(20), and R.S. 40:1299.27.1.

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health, LR 38:2807 (November 2012).