Page 656 - 2018_IRC

CHAPTER 29

WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION

User notes:
About this chapter: Many plumbing fixtures require a supply of potable water. Other fixtures could be supplied with nonpotable water such
as reclaimed water. Chapter 29 covers the requirements for water distribution piping systems to and within buildings. The regulations include
the types of materials and the connection methods for such systems. This chapter regulates the assemblies, devices and methods that are
used for the prevention of backflow of contaminated or polluted water into the potable water system. Also contained in this chapter are the
design requirements for the installation of fire sprinkler systems, as such systems are connected to the potable water supply for the building.
Storm water and some liquid waste from a building can be a source of nonpotable water that can used to reduce the volume of potable water
supplied to the building. This chapter provides the requirements for storage, treatment and distribution of this resource. This chapter also reg-
ulates the piping systems for reclaimed water supplied by a wastewater treatment facility.
Code development reminder: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the IRC—Mechanical/Plumbing Code Develop-
ment Committee during the 2018 (Group A) Code Development Cycle. See explanation on page iv.

SECTION P2901
GENERAL

P2901.1 Potable water required. Potable water shall be sup-
plied to plumbing fixtures and plumbing appliances except
where treated rainwater, treated gray water or municipal
reclaimed water is supplied to water closets, urinals and trap
primers. The requirements of this section shall not be con-
strued to require signage for water closets and urinals.

P2901.2 Identification of nonpotable water systems. Where
nonpotable water systems are installed, the piping conveying
the nonpotable water shall be identified either by color mark-
ing, metal tags or tape in accordance with Sections P2901.2.1
through P2901.2.2.3. FIGURE P2901.2.1
PICTOGRAPH—DO NOT DRINK
P2901.2.1 Signage required. Nonpotable water outlets P2901.2.2 Distribution pipe labeling and marking. Non-
such as hose connections, open-ended pipes and faucets potable distribution piping shall be purple in color and shall
shall be identified with signage that reads as follows: “Non- be embossed or integrally stamped or marked with the
potable water is utilized for [application name]. CAUTION: words: “CAUTION: NONPOTABLE WATER. DO NOT
NONPOTABLE WATER. DO NOT DRINK.” The words DRINK” or the piping shall be installed with a purple iden-
shall be legibly and indelibly printed on a tag or sign con- tification tape or wrap. Pipe identification shall include the
structed of corrosion-resistant waterproof material or shall contents of the piping system and an arrow indicating the
be indelibly printed on the fixture. The letters of the words direction of flow. Hazardous piping systems shall contain
shall be not less than 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) in height and in information addressing the nature of the hazard. Pipe identi-
colors in contrast to the background on which they are fication shall be repeated at intervals not exceeding 25 feet
applied. In addition to the required wordage, the pictograph (7620 mm) and at each point where the piping passes through
shown in Figure P2901.2.1 shall appear on the required sig- a wall, floor or roof. Lettering shall be readily observable
nage. within the room or space where the piping is located.

TABLE P2901.2.2.2
SIZE OF PIPE IDENTIFICATION
PIPE DIAMETER LENGTH OF BACKGROUND COLOR FIELD SIZE OF LETTERS
(inches) (inches) (inches)
3 / to 1 / 1 8 0 . 5
4 4
1 / to 2 8 0.75
1
2
1
2 / to 6 12 1.25
2
8 to 10 2 2.5
over 10 32 3.5
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

2018 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE ® 631
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