BCAB #1480 - Plastic Pipe for Water Service, Sentence 7.2.5.7.(1)

April 21, 1999

BCAB #1480

Re: Plastic Pipe for Water Service, Sentence 7.2.5.7.(1)

Project Description

This appeal deals with the use of rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe as a combined sprinkler and water service supply line to an elementary school.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 7.2.5.7.(1) requires PVC water pipe, fittings and solvent cement to conform to CSA B137.3, "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe for Pressure Applications."

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that the pipe they propose to use conforms to CSA B137.3 and as this is specifically permitted by Sentence 7.2.5.7.(1) they should be allowed to use it for this project.

Building Official's Position

The building official contends that section 12, subsection (5) of the District's building bylaw prohibits the use of non-metallic piping anywhere outside the perimeter of a building foundation. This bylaw requirement is supported by an independent consulting engineer's report on the problems of using plastic pipe in this particular municipality.

Appeal Board Decision #1480

Plastic water pipe conforming to CSA B137.3 is clearly permitted, by Sentence 7.2.5.7.(1), to be used for water service pipe supplying water to a building. However, a bylaw of the municipality appears to limit water service pipe to metallic only and the Appeal Board has no jurisdiction over municipal bylaws.

George R. Humphrey, Chair