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Minnesota Plumbing Code frequently asked questions

Drainage system

Q:  Section 603.4.8 of the code requires that sizing of drain lines serving backflow devices must be in accordance with manufacturer's flow charts. How do we size a drain for a 4-inch backflow device based on the manufacturer's discharge rate such as a reduced pressure principle backflow assembly (RPZ)?

  • A:  A discharge rate for a 4-inch RPZ device is approximately 550 to 600 GPM at 55 psi from a manufacturer's flow chart table. It is reasonable to calculate the device discharge rate as intermittent flow under Table 702.2(2). Our calculation is based on the manufacturer's rate of approximately 600 GPM divided by 30 GPM and multiply by 6 DFUs totally 120 DFUs which is a 4-inch size drain line. The minimum drainage line size for 600 GPM discharge rate from a 4-inch backflow device is 4-inch trap and drain. Please consult with your plumbing designer and manufacturer for additional information.

Fixtures

Q:  Can stainless steel sinks or urinal fixtures be fabricated on-site by licensed individuals without being listed to a standard?

  • A:  No. Stainless steel fixtures including the urinals, commercial kitchen sinks, lavatories, or any other plumbing fixtures must meet the requirements of the commercial stainless steel standard ASME A112.19.3 listed in Chapter 17 of the 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code (see Sections 401.1 and 420.1). Compliance with the standard ensures that it consistently constructed of durable, smooth, bowl depth as it relates to minimum thickness of steel, and free from concealed fouling surfaces.

Q:  Are nonwater urinals allowed? 

  • A:  The code Section 412.1.1 allows for the installation of nonwater urinals if the design and installation meet the following requirements:

    • The fixture construction is listed and meet ASME Standard A112.19.19.

    • The vent pipe opening must not be below the weir of the trap of the nonwater urinal (Section 1002.4).

    • Traps must not be of a code prohibited design (Section 1004.1).

    • Where a nonwater urinal is installed, a water supplied fixture must be installed upstream of the nonwater urinal at the end of the drainage branch. This will provide a periodic source of flushing of the nonwater urinal drain and help minimize premature failure due to build-ups of waste.

    • A barrier liquid sealant (such as nonpetroleum) must be provided to maintain a trap seal.

    • Nonwater urinals must be cleaned and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions after installation. The owner must ensure the urinals are cleaned and maintained in accordance with this requirement.

    • Installation must also be proven gastight and watertight by a final installation pressure test of 1-inch water column for a minimum of 15 minutes (Section 712.5).

Q:  What is the minimum number of required plumbing fixtures for constructing a single-family home? 

  • A:  The Minnesota Residential Code and the Minnesota Plumbing Code require at least one flushing toilet, one lavatory, one kitchen sink and one bathtub or shower for basic sanitation and human habitation. Fixtures must be provided with an approved and adequate supply of potable running water piped to meet the requirements of the plumbing code. Hot water must be provided for bathing, cooking, laundry and washing purposes. These requirements apply to homes constructed anywhere in the state, including areas that have not adopted the Minnesota State Building Code. 

Q:  Can a homeowner install a composting toilet inside their home? 

  • A:  No. A home must have a flushing toilet that meets the requirements of the plumbing code. A composting toilet is not a code-approved plumbing fixture and may not be installed in a home or any building. Sewage, human excrement and other liquid waste must be disposed through an approved drainage system installed and maintained in accordance with the code. 

Q:  What is required to install a pedicure spa tub in a salon?

  • A:  A pedicure spa tub is considered a plumbing fixture that must meet the requirements of the code. Pedicure spa tubs must be directly connected to the drainage system, be drained by gravity, be trapped and vented like any other plumbing fixture. To prevent the spread of diseases through water retention in the components of the pedicure spa tub between users, the code requires each spa tub meet the general requirements and water retention requirements of ANSI/ASME Standard A112.19.7. Fixture faucet and fittings with integral backflow prevention must meet ASME Standard A112.18.1-2005 and the listing requirements, or additional code-approved backflow protection for high hazard must be met to protect the potable water supply.

Floor drains

Q:  I have floor drains that are emergency or only needed to protect the fixtures and do not receive discharges from any indirect waste piping, do I still need to vent each one of the floor drains?

  • A:  Only floor drains located in restrooms, under emergency shower/eyewash equipment, or in laundry rooms are considered emergency floor drains. Emergency floor drains may not serve as a receptor (see Section 207.0). Emergency floor drains and tell-tale floor drains do not need an individual vent if installed within 25 feet of a vented branch or main. Each such drain may not be used as waste receptors (see Section 1002.1 and 1002.2).

Materials and support

Q:  Are dishwashers drainage systems still required to be supported since it is not specific in the 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code?

  • A:  Yes. All piping and fixtures must be adequately supported. See Chapter 4714, Sections 312.2, 313.5, and the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Q:  Do galvanized steel pipe need be cut groove method or can the steel pipe be rolled groove under the 2015 code?

  • A:  All grooving of galvanized pipe must be the cut groove method. Rolled groove method causes obstruction of flow of water and waste, which subjects the piping to undue wear and erosion and must not be utilized (see Chapter 4714, Section 310.5).

Water conditioning

Q:  The footnote of Table 611.4 says the sizing for residential water softeners for more than four bathroom groups requires the softener be engineered for the specific installation. Does this mean, we have to hire a Minnesota-licensed professional engineer to design the water softeners?

  • A:  Our agency  will continue to accept plumbing construction plans and specifications prepared by the master plumber that designed and installed their systems as permitted within the limitation prescribed in MS 326.02, or plumbing plans designed by a Minnesota-licensed professional engineer.

Venting

Q:  I am designing a cabin with one bathroom group and a kitchenette sink. I have a 4-inch building sewer. Can I install just one 3-inch full-size vent through the roof to meet code?

  • A:  Yes, the 3-inch full-size vent is acceptable for this design. Although the design of the building sewer is 4-inch, the required building sewer for one bathroom group and a kitchenette sink is actually 3-inch in size as determined in Table 703.2. Therefore, your cross sectional area of the 3-inch vent is equal to the required 3-inch building drain, and meets the requirement of this section.