8.1 Approved Piping Materials by Service & Lead-Free Rules

General rules (SPS 384.30 (1))

Design must consider sizing, working pressure, temperature, material compatibility with the water or wastewater, and the installation environment. CR 26-019, effective September 1, 2026, added these handling rules:

Lead-free (SPS 384.30 (1m) and SPS 381.01 (141))

Lead-free means:

• No more than 0.2 percent lead in solder and flux.
• No more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead on the wetted surfaces of pipes, fittings and fixtures.

Weighted average = the sum, over every wetted component, of (percent lead of the component x its share of total wetted area). Use the maximum value of any range. Count coatings and liners, but exclude filter media.

Non-lead-free material may not be used to install or repair any public water system or any plumbing that provides water for human consumption. The only exception is leaded joints needed to repair cast iron pipe. Drinking water coolers have extra limits: no more than 0.2 percent lead in solder, flux or tank surfaces, and no more than 8 percent in any single wetted part.

Drain, waste and vent materials (SPS 384.30 (2) and (3))

Catch basins, interceptors and sumps must be watertight and built of precast or monolithic reinforced concrete, cast iron, coated 12-gauge steel, vitrified clay, fiberglass, plastic or other approved material. Fiberglass manholes are allowed in traffic areas only if the top section is not fiberglass. Roof drains need removable strainers and an outlet of at least 2 inches.

Water supply materials (SPS 384.30 (4))

All water supply pipe and fittings must be lead-free (no more than 0.25 percent weighted average). Plastic water pipe must be certified for potable water by an acceptable listing agency. Key footnotes:

• Type M copper may not be installed underground.
• Copper may not be used where the water's pH is 6.5 or less.
• 304 stainless may not be installed underground.
• Plastic services are installed per ASTM D2774.
• Combination fire and domestic services and mains must also meet NFPA 24.
• A local government may restrict water service materials in rights-of-way by ordinance, but only after department review.

Water piping is prohibited in contaminated soil or groundwater (solvents, fuels, organics) unless the contamination is eliminated, the pipe and joints are proven resistant, or the route avoids it. A chemical analysis may be required where contamination is suspected. Used piping that has carried anything other than potable water may never be reused for water supply.

Fittings, valves and special materials (SPS 384.30 (5) and (6))

• Fittings meet the pipe standard or Table 384.30-9. Threaded drain fittings must be the recessed drainage type. Steel and malleable iron fittings in water systems must be galvanized.
• Water service valves are rated at least 125 psig at 73.4 degrees F; distribution valves at least 100 psig at 180 degrees F.
• A valve serving 2 or more fixtures may not be a globe valve, and its open passage must be no more than one nominal size smaller than the pipe.
• Special devices: water hammer arrestors ASSE 1010; pressure-reducing valves ASSE 1003; backwater valves ASME A112.14.1 or CSA B1800; stack AAVs ASSE 1050 and branch AAVs ASSE 1051; trap primers ASSE 1018 (water-fed) and 1044 (drainage and electric); freeze-resistant wall hydrants ASSE 1019; sanitary yard hydrants ASSE 1057; push-fit fittings ASSE 1061 (only 2 inches and under, and not in T&P drain lines unless rated for 210 degrees F and 150 psig).
• Sheet lead flashing: 3 lb/sq ft site-fabricated, 2-1/2 lb/sq ft prefabricated. Sheet copper: 8 oz/sq ft for vent flashing and 10 oz/sq ft for flush tank linings.
• Copper or tubular brass traps are at least 20 gauge. Brass cleanout plugs go only in metallic piping.
• Safing must stay waterproof under 2 feet of hydrostatic head (ASTM C1306 or D4068).
• POWTS aggregate is washed stone 1/2 to 2-1/2 inches with a Mohs hardness of at least 3.