BCAB #1446 - Water Pipe Sizing for Apartment Building, Sentence 6.3.4.(4), B.C. Plumbing Code

August 20, 1997

BCAB #1446

Re: Water Pipe Sizing for Apartment Building, Sentence 6.3.4.(4), B.C. Plumbing Code

Project Description

This appeal concerns the design of the water distribution system for a strata title apartment building.

Reason for Appeal

The size of water service and water distribution pipes is determined in conformance with Article 6.3.4. Sentence 6.3.4.(2) refers to Table 6.3.A. for the size of pipes supplying fixtures or devices. Sentences 6.3.4.(3) and (4) refer to Table 6.3.C. for the size of water service and distribution pipes for single family dwellings and duplexes.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that, for the purposes of water pipe sizing, an apartment or other multi-family building is just a collection of single family dwellings. It should therefore be permissible to size the water piping within each apartment suite according to Table 6.3.C. Where the water service lines from two apartment suites combine, the water service lines (upstream back to the point of water source) should be sized on the criteria set out in Tables I and II under Appendix A-6.3.

Building Official's Position

The plumbing official maintains that Sentences 6.3.4.(3) and (4) are exceptions to the general provisions of Article 6.3.4. and can be applied only to stand alone single family dwellings, duplexes, and side by side townhouses where each unit is supplied by an individual water service from outside the building.

Appeal Board Decision #1446

It is the determination of the Board that water piping for individual apartment suites must be sized in accordance with Sentences 6.3.4.(1) and (2) and Table 6.3.A. The exemptions in Sentences 6.3.4.(3) and (4) do not apply.

George R. Humphrey, Chair