BCAB #1351 - Glue for PVC Plumbing Pipe, Sentence 2.5.6.(3)

May 20, 1994

BCAB #1351

Re: Glue for PVC Plumbing Pipe, Sentence 2.5.6.(3)

Project Description

This appeal concerns the glue used on joints in a PVC water main.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 2.5.6.(3) of the 1992 B.C. Plumbing Code requires PVC solvent cements to conform to ASTM D2564, "Solvent Cements for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings".

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that the glue used meets the requirements of the code and supplied a copy of the label from the product which indicates compliance with ASTM D2564.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that the glue is required to be gray in colour and the glue used was clear. The official refers to Sentence 2.5.6.(1) which requires water pipe and fittings to conform to the PVC pipe standard, CAN/CSA-B137.3-M. This standard, in Clause 4.9.1., "Solvent Cement", requires the cement to conform to ASTM D2564 and be grey in colour.

Appeal Board Decision #1351

It is the determination of the Board that Clause 4.9.1. of CAN/CSA-B137.3-M is not applicable because Sentence 2.5.6.(1) of the Plumbing Code requires only PVC pipe and fittings to meet this standard. The solvent cement for PVC pipe is required by Sentence 2.5.6.(3) to conform to ASTM D2564 and this standard does not stipulate any requirements for colour.

George R. Humphrey, Chair