CRC · California Residential Code
Sanitary Drainage & Building Sewers
This hub orients readers to the CRC/plumbing requirements for sanitary drainage and building sewers, citing key sections on applicability, materials, sizing, cleanouts, and required connections.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This hub covers the CRC/California plumbing rules that govern sanitary drainage systems and building sewers — how wastewater leaves fixtures, how building drains tie into on‑site or public sewers, permitted materials and joining methods, sizing, vents, cleanouts, and required tests. Chapter-level guidance for sanitary drainage is found in Chapter 7 (sanitary drainage) and the building sewer provisions in Part II (building sewers) of the plumbing adoption, including the general applicability in §701.1 and the building‑sewer requirements in §713.0 .
Key operational requirements you’ll encounter here include where a connection to a public or private sewer is required (see §713.1–§713.6), allowable materials and referenced standards for DWV piping (see §701.2 and Table 701.2), and building sewer materials and joining methods (see §715.1–§715.2) . Sizing and fixture‑unit tables, cleanout location rules, and mandatory tests for building sewers and drains are also provided in the code and appendices (sizing tables and fixture units; cleanouts §719.0; building sewer test §723.0) . Note also the clear separation required between storm and sanitary systems (storm water to sanitary sewer prohibited per §1101.3) .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRC § 713.6 High relevance — show source text
713.6 Lot. On every lot or premises hereafter connected to a public sewer, plumbing, and drainage systems or parts thereof on such lot or premises shall be connected with such public sewer.
713.7 Installation. In cities, counties, or both where the installation of building sewers is under the jurisdiction of a department other than the Authority Having Jurisdiction, the provisions of this code relating to building sewers need not apply.
Exception: Single-family dwellings and buildings or structures accessory thereto, existing and connected to an approved private sewage disposal system prior to the time of connecting the premises to the public sewer shall be permitted, where no hazard, nuisance, or insanitary condition is evidenced, and written permission has been obtained from the Authority Having Jurisdiction, remain connected to such properly maintained private sewage disposal system where there is insufficient grade or fall to permit drainage to the sewer by gravity.
714.0 Damage to Public Sewer or Private Sewage Disposal System.
714.1 Unlawful Practices. It shall be unlawful for a person to deposit, by means whatsoever, into a plumbing fixture, floor drain, interceptor, sump, receptor, or device which is
2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 175
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SANITARY DRAINAGE
connected to a drainage system, public sewer, private sewer, septic tank, or cesspool, ashes; cinders; solids; rags; flammable, poisonous, or explosive liquids or gases; oils; grease; and whatsoever that is capable of causing damage to the public sewer, private sewer, or private sewage disposal system.
714.2 Prohibited Water Discharge. No rain, surface, or subsurface water shall be connected to or discharged into a drainage system unless first approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
714.3 Prohibited Sewer Connection. No cesspool, septic tank, seepage pit, or drain field shall be connected to a public sewer or to a building sewer leading to such public
sewer.
714.4 Commercial Food Waste Disposer. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall review before approval, the installation of a commercial food waste disposer connecting to a private sewage disposal system.
714.5 Tanks. An approved type, watertight sewage or wastewater holding tank, the contents of which, due to their character, shall be periodically removed and disposed of at some approved off-site location, shall be installed where required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or the Health Officer to prevent anticipated surface or subsurface contamination or pollution, damage to the public sewer, or other hazardous or nuisance conditions.
715.0 Building Sewer Materials.
715.1 Materials. The building sewer, beginning 2 feet (610 mm) from a building or structure, shall be of such materials as prescribed in this code.
715.2 Joining Methods and Materials. Joining methods and materials shall be as prescribed in this code.
715.3 Existing Sewers. Where permitted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, trenchless methods of rehabilitation of existing building sewer and building storm sewers shall be installed in accordance with Section 715.3.1 or Section 715.3.2.
CPC § 2025 High relevance — show source text
An acceptable air supply for combustion and ventilation is necessary for the proper operation of fuel-burning appliances. A shortage of combustion air can result in incomplete combustion and the production of poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide or appliance overheating. Ventilation air provides cooling for the appliance casing and internal controls. Inadequate ventilation of the space in which an appliance is installed can result in increased surrounding temperatures that stress the appliance itself or other appliances in the vicinity.
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FORMAT OF THE UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE
Chapter 6 Water Supply and Distribution.
Chapter 6 regulates the design, material, and installation of water supply and distribution systems, including residential fire sprinklers. The water supply and distribution system is designed to achieve the correct water pressure and flow rates and avoid cross-connections. For fixtures to perform properly, an acceptable supply of potable water is essential to their operation and use. Cross-connections and backflow are ranked as the highest priority because of the long history of recognized health risks posed by cross-connections, outbreaks, or cases of waterborne disease. Piping materials and components are evaluated for their possible effect on the potable water with which they are in contact. The intent is to control the potential adverse health effects produced by indirect additives, products, and materials that come in contact with potable water. When selecting materials for water supply and distribution systems, consider water pressure, water temperature, compatibility with the water supply, durability, support, and sustainability.
In addition, this chapter regulates the design, location, materials, and installation of multipurpose and stand-alone sprinkler systems that do not include the use of antifreeze. Where systems are installed as a portion of the water distribution system under the requirements of this chapter and are not provided with a fire department connection, backflow protection for the water supply system is not required.
Chapter 7 Sanitary Drainage.
This chapter regulates the design and installation of sanitary drainage systems to ensure they will work as intended. Drainage piping should not be oversized nor undersized, and constructed of approved materials to guard against fouling, deposit of solids, clogging, and with cleanouts so arranged that the pipes may be readily cleaned. The purpose of the sanitary drainage system is to remove effluent discharged from plumbing fixtures and other equipment to an approved point of disposal, such as a public sanitary system or private sewage disposal system.
The basics of a sanitary drainage system include public and private sewage disposal; selection of materials; installation of the building drain and sewer; joining methods for pipe and fittings; drainage fixture units for sizing the drainage system; sumps and ejectors; vent sizing and length of vents; and testing.
Chapter 8 Indirect Wastes.
Chapter 8 regulates indirect waste connections that are required for plumbing fixtures and plumbing appliances dealing with food preparation, dishwashing, potable liquids, and similar equipment. An indirect connection prevents sewage from backing up into a fixture or appliance, thus providing protection against potential health hazards. The waste pipe discharges through an air gap or air break into a waste receptor or standpipe. The protection in the form of an air gap is necessary when the contamination is a potential health hazard or cross connection with the potable water system. Where there is no possibility of contaminating the potable water (nonpotable discharge), the indirect waste pipe may connect in the form of an air break.
CRC § 83.3 High relevance — show source text
FROM STACKS**|MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNITS FOR SANITARY BUILDING DRAINS AND RUNOUTS FROM STACKS| |DIAMETER
OF PIPE
(inches)|SLOPE (inches per foot)|SLOPE (inches per foot)|SLOPE (inches per foot)|SLOPE (inches per foot)| |DIAMETER
OF PIPE
(inches)|1⁄16|1⁄8|1⁄4|1⁄2| |2|–|–|21|26| |21⁄2|–|–|24|31| |3|–|20|422|502| |4|–|180|216|250| |5|–|390|480|575| |6|–|700|840|1000| |8|1400|1600|1920|2300| |10|2500|2900|3500|4200| |12|3900|4600|5600|6700| |15|7000|8300|10 000|12 000|For SI units: 1 inch = 25 mm, 1 inch per foot = 83.3 mm/m
Notes:
1 On-site sewers that serve more than one building shall be permitted to be sized according to the current standards and specifications of the administrative authority for public sewers.
2 A maximum of two water closets or two bathroom groups, except in single-family dwellings, where a maximum of three water closets or three bathroom groups shall be permitted to be installed.
Col1 TABLE C 304.3 HORIZONTAL FIXTURE BRANCHES AND STACKS Col3 Col4 Col5 DIAMETER OF
PIPE
(inches)MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNITS MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNITS MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNITS MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNITS DIAMETER OF
PIPE
(inches)HORIZONTAL FIXTURE
BRANCH1ONE STACK OF THREE
OR FEWER BRANCH
INTERVALSSTACKS WITH MORE THAN THREE BRANCH INTERVALS STACKS WITH MORE THAN THREE BRANCH INTERVALS DIAMETER OF
PIPE
(inches)HORIZONTAL FIXTURE
BRANCH1ONE STACK OF THREE
OR FEWER BRANCH
INTERVALSTOTAL FOR STACK **TOTAL AT ONE CRC § 1101.1 High relevance — show source text
1101.1 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205
1101.2 Where Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205
1101.3 Storm Water Drainage to Sanitary Sewer Prohibited . . . . . .205
1101.4 Material Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205
Table 1101.4.6 Materials for Subsoil Drainpipe and Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205
1101.5 Expansion Joints Required . . . . . .205
1101.6 Subsoil Drains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205
1101.7 Building Subdrains . . . . . . . . . . . .206
1101.8 Areaway Drains . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206
1101.9 Window Areaway Drains . . . . . . .206
1101.10 Filling Stations and Motor Vehicle Washing Establishments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206
1101.11 Paved Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206
1101.12 Roof Drainage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206
1101.13 Cleanouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
1101.14 Rainwater Sumps . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
1101.15 Traps on Storm Drains and Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
1101.16 Leaders, Conductors, and
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
1102.0 Roof Drains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
1102.1 Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
1102.2 Dome Strainers Required . . . . . . .207
1102.3 Roof Drain Flashings . . . . . . . . . .207
1103.0 Size of Leaders, Conductors,
and Storm Drains . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
1103.1 Vertical Conductors and
Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
1103.2 Size of Horizontal Storm
Drains and Sewers . . . . . . . . . . . .207
1103.3 Size of Roof Gutters . . . . . . . . . . .207
1103.4 Side Walls Draining onto a Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
Table 1103.1 Sizing Roof Drains, Leaders, and Vertical Rainwater Piping . . .208
1104.0 Values for Continuous Flow . . . . .208
1104.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208
1105.0 Controlled-Flow Roof
Drainage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208
CRC § 713.0 High relevance — show source text
Part II – Building Sewers.
713.0 Sewer Required. 713.1 Where Required. A building in which plumbing fixtures are installed and premises having drainage piping thereon shall have a connection to a public or private sewer, except as provided in Section 713.2, and Section 713.4. 713.2 Private Sewage Disposal System. Where no public sewer intended to serve a lot or premises is available in a thoroughfare or right of way abutting such lot or premises, drainage piping from a building or works shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system as approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. See Appendix H. 713.3 Public Sewer. Within the limits prescribed by Section 713.4 hereof, the rearrangement or subdivision into smaller parcels of a lot that abuts and is served by a public sewer shall not be deemed cause to permit the construction of a private sewage disposal system, and plumbing or drainage systems on a smaller parcel or parcels shall connect to the public sewer. 713.4 Public Sewer Availability. The public sewer shall be permitted to be considered as not being available where such public sewer or a building or an exterior drainage facility connected thereto is located more than 200 feet (60 960 mm) from a proposed building or exterior drainage facility on a lot or premises that abut and is served by such public sewer.
[HCD 1] For residential occupancies, the public sewer may be considered as not being available by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
713.5 Permit. No permit shall be issued for the installation, alteration, or repair of a private sewage disposal system, or part thereof, on a lot for which a connection with a public sewer is available.
713.6 Lot. On every lot or premises hereafter connected to a public sewer, plumbing, and drainage systems or parts thereof on such lot or premises shall be connected with such public sewer.
713.7 Installation. In cities, counties, or both where the installation of building sewers is under the jurisdiction of a department other than the Authority Having Jurisdiction, the provisions of this code relating to building sewers need not apply.
Exception: Single-family dwellings and buildings or structures accessory thereto, existing and connected to an approved private sewage disposal system prior to the time of connecting the premises to the public sewer shall be permitted, where no hazard, nuisance, or insanitary condition is evidenced, and written permission has been obtained from the Authority Having Jurisdiction, remain connected to such properly maintained private sewage disposal system where there is insufficient grade or fall to permit drainage to the sewer by gravity.
714.0 Damage to Public Sewer or Private Sewage Disposal System.
714.1 Unlawful Practices. It shall be unlawful for a person to deposit, by means whatsoever, into a plumbing fixture, floor drain, interceptor, sump, receptor, or device which is
2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 175
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
SANITARY DRAINAGE
connected to a drainage system, public sewer, private sewer, septic tank, or cesspool, ashes; cinders; solids; rags; flammable, poisonous, or explosive liquids or gases; oils; grease; and whatsoever that is capable of causing damage to the public sewer, private sewer, or private sewage disposal system.
CRC § 1101.16 High relevance — show source text
1101.16 Leaders, Conductors, and Connections. Leaders or conductors shall not be used as soil, waste, or vent pipes nor shall soil, waste, or vent pipes be used as leaders or conductors.
1101.16.1 Protection of Leaders. Leaders installed along alleyways, driveways, or other locations where exposed to damage shall be protected by metal guards, recessed into the wall, or constructed from the ferrous pipe. 1101.16.2 Combining Storm with Sanitary Drainage. The sanitary and storm drainage system of a building shall be entirely separate, except where a combined sewer is used, in which case the building storm drain shall be connected in the same horizontal plane through a single wye fitting to the combined building sewer not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) downstream from a soil stack.
1102.0 Roof Drains.
1102.1 Applications. Roof drains shall be constructed of aluminum, cast-iron, copper alloy of not more than 15 percent zinc, leaded nickel bronze, stainless steel, ABS, PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene, or nylon and shall comply with ASME A112.3.1 or ASME A112.6.4.
1102.2 Dome Strainers Required. Roof drains shall have domed strainers.
Exception: Roof drain strainers for use on sun decks, parking decks, and similar areas that are normally serviced and maintained, shall be permitted to be of the flat surface type. Such roof drain strainers shall be level with the deck.
1102.3 Roof Drain Flashings. The connection between the roof and roof drains that pass through the roof and into the interior of the building shall be made watertight by the use of proper flashing material. 1102.3.1 Lead Flashing. Where lead flashing material is used, it shall be not less than 4 pounds per square foot (lb/ft [2] ) (19 kg/m [2] ). 1102.3.2 Copper Flashing. Where copper flashing material is used, it shall be not less than 12 ounces per square foot (oz/ft [2] ) (3.7 kg/m [2] ).
1103.0 Size of Leaders, Conductors, and Storm Drains.
1103.1 Vertical Conductors and Leaders. Vertical conductors and leaders shall be sized by the maximum projected roof area and Table 1103.1.
1103.2 Size of Horizontal Storm Drains and Sewers. The size of building storm drains, or building storm sewers or their horizontal branches shall be based on the maximum projected roof or paved area to be handled and Table 1103.2.
1103.3 Size of Roof Gutters. The size of semi-circular gutters shall be based on the maximum projected roof area and Table 1103.3.
1103.4 Side Walls Draining onto a Roof. Where vertical walls project above a roof to permit storm water to drain into the roof area below, the adjacent roof area shall be permitted to be computed from Table 1103.1 as follows:
(1) For one wall – add 50 percent of the wall area to the roof area figures.
(2) For two adjacent walls of equal height – add 35 percent of the total wall areas.
2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 207
CRC § 83.3 High relevance — show source text
000|12 000|
For SI units: 1 inch = 25 mm, 1 inch per foot = 83.3 mm/m
Notes:
1 On-site sewers that serve more than one building shall be permitted to be sized according to the current standards and specifications of the administrative authority for public sewers.
2 A maximum of two water closets or two bathroom groups, except in single-family dwellings, where a maximum of three water closets or three bathroom groups shall be permitted to be installed.
Col1 TABLE C 304.3 HORIZONTAL FIXTURE BRANCHES AND STACKS Col3 Col4 Col5 DIAMETER OF
PIPE
(inches)MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNITS MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNITS MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNITS MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNITS DIAMETER OF
PIPE
(inches)HORIZONTAL FIXTURE
BRANCH1ONE STACK OF THREE
OR FEWER BRANCH
INTERVALSSTACKS WITH MORE THAN THREE BRANCH INTERVALS STACKS WITH MORE THAN THREE BRANCH INTERVALS DIAMETER OF
PIPE
(inches)HORIZONTAL FIXTURE
BRANCH1ONE STACK OF THREE
OR FEWER BRANCH
INTERVALSTOTAL FOR STACK TOTAL AT ONE BRANCH
INTERVAL11⁄2 3 4 8 2 2 6 10 24 6 21⁄2 12 20 42 9 3 202 482 722 202 4 160 240 500 90 5 360 540 1100 200 6 620 960 1900 350 8 1400 2200 3600 600 10 2500 3800 5600 1000 12 3900 6000 8400 1500 15 7000 6000 8400 1500 For SI units: 1 inch = 25 mm
Notes:
1 Does not include branches of the building drain.
2 A maximum of two water closets or bathroom groups within each branch interval or more than six water closets or bathroom groups on the stack.
than the required size for the vent serving the drainage stack. The yoke vent connection shall be permitted to be a vertical extension of the drainage stack.
C 501.0 Vacuum Drainage Systems. C 501.1 General. This section regulates the design and installation provisions for vacuum waste drainage systems. Plans for vacuum waste drainage systems shall be submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction for approval and shall be considered an engineered designed system. Such plans shall be prepared by a registered design professional to per
CRC § 4.0 High relevance — show source text
0|4.0| |11⁄2 Bathrooms|8.0|5.5| |2 Bathrooms|10.0|6.5| |21⁄2 Bathrooms|11.0|7.5| |3 Bathrooms|12.0|8.0| |Each Additional1⁄2 Bath|0.5|0.5| |Each Additional Bathroom|1.0|1.0| |Bathroom Group (1.6 GPF Flushometer Valve)|3.0|3.0| |Bathroom Group (3.5 GPF Flushometer Valve)|4.0|4.0|
Notes:
1 A bathroom group, for this table, consists of not more than one water closet, up to two lavatories, and either one bathtub or one shower.
2 A half-bath or powder room, for this table, consists of one water closet and one lavatory.
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APPENDIX C
Col1 TABLE C 304.2 BUILDING DRAINS AND BUILDING SEWERS1 Col3 Col4 Col5 DIAMETER
OF PIPE
(inches)MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNITS FOR SANITARY BUILDING DRAINS AND RUNOUTS FROM STACKS MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNITS FOR SANITARY BUILDING DRAINS AND RUNOUTS FROM STACKS MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNITS FOR SANITARY BUILDING DRAINS AND RUNOUTS FROM STACKS MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNITS FOR SANITARY BUILDING DRAINS AND RUNOUTS FROM STACKS DIAMETER
OF PIPE
(inches)SLOPE (inches per foot) SLOPE (inches per foot) SLOPE (inches per foot) SLOPE (inches per foot) DIAMETER
OF PIPE
(inches)1⁄16 1⁄8 1⁄4 1⁄2 2 – – 21 26 21⁄2 – – 24 31 3 – 20 422 502 4 – 180 216 250 5 – 390 480 575 6 – 700 840 1000 8 1400 1600 1920 2300 10 2500 2900 3500 4200 12 3900 4600 5600 6700 15 7000 8300 10 000 12 000 For SI units: 1 inch = 25 mm, 1 inch per foot = 83.3 mm/m
Notes:
1 On-site sewers that serve more than one building shall be permitted to be sized according to the current standards and specifications of the administrative authority for public sewers.
2 A maximum of two water closets or two bathroom groups, except in single-family dwellings, where a maximum of three water closets or three bathroom groups shall be permitted to be installed.
|Col1|TABLE C 304.3 HORIZONTAL FIXTURE
CRC § 701.2 High relevance — show source text
2(2)||||||||||||||||||||||||| |701.2(2)(a)||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |701.2(2)(b)||||||||||X||X|X|X|X|||||||||| |Table 702.1_& Footnote 10_||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |705.1.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |705.6.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |705.9.4||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |Table 707.2,_ Footnote 1_||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |710.3||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |713.4||||X||||||||||||||||||||| |717.2|||||||||||||||||||X|||||| |724.0|||||||||||||||||||X|||||| |725.0|||||||||||||||||||X|||||| |726.0|||||||||||||||||||X|||||| |727.0||||||||||X|||||||||||||||
This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.0.
2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 163
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CHAPTER 7
SANITARY DRAINAGE
Part I – Drainage Systems.
701.0 General.
701.1 Applicability. This chapter shall govern the materials, design, and installation of sanitary drainage systems and building sewers. 701.2 Drainage Piping. Materials for drainage piping shall be in accordance with one of the referenced standards in Table 701.2 except that:
(1) No galvanized wrought-iron or galvanized steel pipe shall be used underground and shall be kept not less than 6 inches (152 mm) aboveground.
(2) ABS and PVC DWV piping installations shall be installed in accordance with applicable standards referenced in Table 701.2 and the firestop protection require- ments in the California Building Code . Except for individual single-family dwelling units, materials exposed within ducts or plenums shall have a flamespread index of not more than 25 and a smoke-developed index of not more than 50, where tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Plastic piping installed in plenums shall be tested in accordance with all requirements of ASTM E84 or UL 723. Mounting methods, supports and sample sizes of materials for testing that are not specified in ASTM E84 or UL 723 shall be prohibited.
(a) [HCD 1 & HCD 2] ABS and PVC installations are limited to not more than two stories of areas of res- idential accommodation.
CPC § 2025 High relevance — show source text
Chapter 7 Sanitary Drainage.
This chapter regulates the design and installation of sanitary drainage systems to ensure they will work as intended. Drainage piping should not be oversized nor undersized, and constructed of approved materials to guard against fouling, deposit of solids, clogging, and with cleanouts so arranged that the pipes may be readily cleaned. The purpose of the sanitary drainage system is to remove effluent discharged from plumbing fixtures and other equipment to an approved point of disposal, such as a public sanitary system or private sewage disposal system.
The basics of a sanitary drainage system include public and private sewage disposal; selection of materials; installation of the building drain and sewer; joining methods for pipe and fittings; drainage fixture units for sizing the drainage system; sumps and ejectors; vent sizing and length of vents; and testing.
Chapter 8 Indirect Wastes.
Chapter 8 regulates indirect waste connections that are required for plumbing fixtures and plumbing appliances dealing with food preparation, dishwashing, potable liquids, and similar equipment. An indirect connection prevents sewage from backing up into a fixture or appliance, thus providing protection against potential health hazards. The waste pipe discharges through an air gap or air break into a waste receptor or standpipe. The protection in the form of an air gap is necessary when the contamination is a potential health hazard or cross connection with the potable water system. Where there is no possibility of contaminating the potable water (nonpotable discharge), the indirect waste pipe may connect in the form of an air break. This method is often preferred to prevent splashing. In addition, health care facilities and special wastes must be protected from contamination that may result from the connection to the drainage system. The waste must be treated to prevent any damage to the piping or sewage treatment process. Waste receptors are sized and designed to prevent splashing and allow for peak discharge conditions.
Chapter 9 Vents.
Chapter 9 regulates the material, design, and installation of vents. A vent system is a pipe or pipes installed in a drainage system that provide a flow of air to and from the system to ventilate it, provide a circulation of air to eliminate trap siphonage, and reduce back-pressure and vacuum surge. In addition, vents provide the rapid and silent flow of waste without exposing occupants of the building to any sewer gases. Proper installation of vents is crucial, as a telltale sign that there is a problem in the drain and vent system is related to the elevation of the horizontal portion of the venting. Venting is not limited to sanitary drainage systems. Venting methods are applicable to other drainage systems such as those for chemical waste, graywater waste, and clear water waste. Sizing the venting system is directly tied to the design of the drainage system. For example, the velocities in the drainage system and its peak flow rates affect the diameters in the venting system. Where the vertical distance between a fixture outlet and trap is excessive, velocities in the entire drainage system will be greater than those in the vent sizing table. All venting methods in this chapter are categorized as either dry vents or wet vents. Vent stacks, stack vents, branch vents, island vents, relief vents, and individual vents are dry vents. Wet vents (horizontal or vertical), circuit vents, combination drain and vents are versions of “wet venting” in which the vent is wetted by drainage flow.
2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE xv
CRC § 701.0 Medium relevance — show source text
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CHAPTER 7
SANITARY DRAINAGE
Part I – Drainage Systems.
701.0 General.
701.1 Applicability. This chapter shall govern the materials, design, and installation of sanitary drainage systems and building sewers. 701.2 Drainage Piping. Materials for drainage piping shall be in accordance with one of the referenced standards in Table 701.2 except that:
(1) No galvanized wrought-iron or galvanized steel pipe shall be used underground and shall be kept not less than 6 inches (152 mm) aboveground.
(2) ABS and PVC DWV piping installations shall be installed in accordance with applicable standards referenced in Table 701.2 and the firestop protection require- ments in the California Building Code . Except for individual single-family dwelling units, materials exposed within ducts or plenums shall have a flamespread index of not more than 25 and a smoke-developed index of not more than 50, where tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Plastic piping installed in plenums shall be tested in accordance with all requirements of ASTM E84 or UL 723. Mounting methods, supports and sample sizes of materials for testing that are not specified in ASTM E84 or UL 723 shall be prohibited.
(a) [HCD 1 & HCD 2] ABS and PVC installations are limited to not more than two stories of areas of res- idential accommodation.
(b) [OSHPD 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5] ABS and PVC installations are not allowed.
(3) No vitrified clay pipe or fittings shall be used aboveground or where pressurized by a pump or ejector. They shall be kept not less than 12 inches (305 mm) belowground.
(4) Copper or copper alloy tube for drainage and vent piping shall have a weight of not less than that of copper or copper alloy drainage tube type DWV.
(5) Stainless steel 304 pipe and fittings shall not be installed underground and shall be kept not less than 6 inches (152 mm) aboveground.
(6) Cast-iron soil pipe and fittings and the stainless steel couplings used to join these products shall be listed and tested in accordance with standards referenced in Table 701.2. Such pipe and fittings shall be marked with the country of origin, manufacturer’s name or registered trademark as defined in the product standards, the third party certifier’s mark, and the class of the pipe or fitting. 701.3 Drainage Fittings. Materials for drainage fittings shall comply with the applicable standards referenced in Table 701.2 of the same diameter as the piping served, and such fittings shall be compatible with the type of pipe used.
CRC § 1.4 Medium relevance — show source text
1.4, 705.3.3| |ASTM C4-2004 (R2018)|Standard Specification for Clay Drain Tile and Perforated Clay
Drain Tile|Piping|Table 1101.4.6| |ASTM C425-2021|Standard Specification for Compression Joints for Vitrified
Clay Pipe and Fittings|Joints|705.8.1| |ASTM C564-2020a|Standard Specification for Rubber Gaskets for Cast Iron Soil
Pipe and Fittings|Joints|705.2.2| |ASTM C700-2018|Standard Specification for Vitrified Clay Pipe, Extra Strength,
Standard Strength, and Perforated|Piping|Table 701.2,
Table 1101.4.6| |ASTM C1053-2000 (R2015)|Standard Specification for Borosilicate Glass Pipe and Fittings
for Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) Applications|Piping|811.2| |ASTM C1173-2018|Standard Specification for Flexible Transition Couplings for
Underground Piping Systems|Fittings|705.10| |ASTM C1277-2020|Standard Specification for Shielded Couplings Joining Hubless
Cast Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings|Fixtures|301.2.4, 705.2.2| |ASTM C1460-2021|Standard Specification for Shielded Transition Couplings for
Use With Dissimilar DWV Pipe and Fittings Above Ground|Joints|705.10| |ASTM C1461-2021|Standard Specification for Mechanical Couplings Using Ther-
moplastic Elastomeric (TPE) Gaskets for Joining Drain, Waste,
and Vent (DWV), Sewer, Sanitary, and Storm Plumbing Sys-
tems for Above and Below Ground Use|Joints|705.10|340 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
REFERENCED STANDARDS
TABLE 1701.1 (continued) REFERENCED STANDARDS
STANDARD NUMBER STANDARD TITLE APPLICATION REFERENCED
SECTIONASTM C1540-2020 Standard Specification for Heavy-Duty Shielded Couplings
Joining Hubless Cast Iron Soil Pipe and FittingsJoints 705.2.2 ASTM C1563-2008
(R2021)Standard Test Method for Gaskets for Use in Connection with
Hub and Spigot Cast Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings for Sanitary
Drain, Waste, Vent, and Storm Piping ApplicationsJoints 705.2.2 ASTM C1822-2021 Standard Specification for Insulating Covers on Accessible
Lavatory PipingMiscellaneous 403.3 ASTM D1253-2014 Standard Test Method for Residual Chlorine in Water Miscellaneous 1506.10.6, 1603.4.1 ASTM D1785-2021a Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic
Pipe, Schedules 40, 80, and 120Piping Table 604.1, Table
701.
Frequently asked questions
When must a building be connected to a public sewer?
A building with plumbing fixtures on the premises must connect to an available public or approved private sewer; the building‑sewer requirements and availability rules are specified in §713.0–§713.6 .
What materials and standards apply to sanitary drainage and building sewers?
Materials and fittings for drainage and building sewers must comply with the referenced standards (Table 701.2) and the material‑use rules in §701.2; building sewer materials and joining methods are further addressed in §715.1–§715.3 and related referenced standards .
Can storm water be discharged into the sanitary sewer?
No — storm water drainage must be handled separately and may not be drained into sewers intended for sanitary drainage; see §1101.3 for the prohibition and related storm‑drain rules .
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