TITLE 16

Health and Safety

Building and Plumbing
CHAPTER 79. Basic Plumbing Principles

16 Del. C. Pt. VII, Ch. 79

§ 7901 Purpose.

The basic plumbing principles contained in this chapter shall act as the basis for the
formation of all detailed plumbing regulations adopted by the Division of Public Health,
local or district boards of health or city councils.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 1; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7901; 70 Del. Laws, c. 147, § 13.;

§ 7902 Principles applicable throughout State.

All plumbing installed after June 4, 1949, in any part of the State shall conform to the
basic plumbing principles provided in this chapter.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 30; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7902.;

§ 7903 Plumbing Code; adoption and enforcement.

The Division of Public Health shall adopt and enforce the most recent version of the
International Plumbing Code (IPC) within 1 calendar year of its issuance, in conformity
with the basic plumbing principles provided in this chapter. The Division of Public Health
may adopt and enforce additional plumbing regulations which shall not be in conflict with
the IPC and the basic plumbing principles set forth in this chapter.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 31; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7903; 70 Del. Laws, c. 147, § 14; 77 Del. Laws,
c. 200, § 1.;

§ 7904 Local regulations.

 Every political subdivision within the State, including county, city or municipal
governments, shall enforce the International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted or
modified by the Division of Public Health. Every political subdivision retains the right to
propose additional or modified plumbing regulations, which must be submitted in writing
to the Division of Public Health for review and approval. The Division of Public Health,
within 60 days of receiving such proposed changes or additions, shall consult with the
State Board of Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration
Examiners, and may thereafter adopt, modify or reject the proposed changes or
additions. Upon issuance of the statewide plumbing regulations every political subdivision
shall have the option of adopting and enforcing said regulations, or adopting and
enforcing the minimum standards set forth in the most recently adopted version of the
IPC.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 32; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7904; 70 Del. Laws, c. 147, §§ 15, 16, 25; 77
Del. Laws, c. 200, § 2.;

§ 7905 Additional regulations.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to limit the Division of Public Health, councils of
cities or sanitary bodies of communities from making further and additional regulations
not in conflict with this chapter.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 36; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7905; 70 Del. Laws, c. 147, § 17.;

§ 7906 Rules and regulations for installation of plumbing; registration of plumbers;

application for inspection.

(a) The Division of Public Health, in order to provide for the health of the citizens of the
State, shall adopt and promulgate suitable rules and regulations for the construction,
alteration, repair, modification or renovation of water and sewer systems and of building
and house drainage systems; shall enforce those rules and regulations; and shall make
provisions under this section and Chapter 18 of Title 24 for the punishment of any person
who violates or assists in the violation of or refuses to comply with such rules and
regulations.
 (b) Registration and licensure of plumbers and persons engaged in the practice of
plumbing in this State shall be in accordance with Chapter 18 of Title 24.

(c) No license shall be required of a person who installs his or her own plumbing work,
service or equipment in or about his or her own home that is not for sale or any part for
rent or lease, except that such person shall be required to obtain a permit from the
Division of Public Health or from the proper plumbing inspection authority. Nothing in this
paragraph shall be construed to prohibit a person from obtaining free assistance in
installing his or her own plumbing work, service or equipment in his or her own home that
is not for sale or any part for rent or lease.

(d) Property used exclusively for agricultural purposes is excluded from all provisions of
this section, except for the necessity to obtain a permit from the Division of Public Health
or from the proper plumbing inspection authority.

(e) The Division of Public Health shall issue plumbing permits and shall assess a $100
fee for each permit, except that no permit shall be required or fee assessed for the
replacement of an existing fixture, piece of equipment or related piping, including but not
limited to hot water heaters and water conditioning systems. All revenue generated shall
be retained by the Division of Public Health in order to defray costs associated with the
plumbing inspection program.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 33; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7906; 67 Del. Laws, c. 72, § 1; 70 Del. Laws, c.
147, § 18; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 71 Del. Laws, c. 185, § 4; 76 Del. Laws, c. 110, § 1; 77
Del. Laws, c. 445, § 1.;

§ 7907 Inspection and inspectors.

(a) The Division of Public Health shall by rules and regulations also establish a system of
inspection and supervision over all water and sewer systems, building and house
drainage systems and ventilation of the same.

(b) The Division of Public Health shall appoint such inspectors as may be necessary, at
such compensation as may be fixed by it, and shall make provision for payment of same.
 (c) All plumping inspectors must be practical plumbers with at least 10 years’ experience
and skilled and well trained in matters pertaining to plumbing and sanitation generally.

(d) All plumbing inspectors shall, as far as may be necessary for the performance of their
duties and the maintenance of the health of the citizens of the State, have the right to
enter any building or premises in the State. They shall have the right to inspect and order
the removal of any plumbing fixture, soil, drain, waste, vent pipe or pipes, cesspools,
septic tanks and privies when they, at the discretion of the inspectors, are deemed in an
unsanitary condition.

(e) A $50 inspection fee per inspection shall be assessed when the Division of Public
Health inspectors must conduct any inspection due to the permittee’s failure to comply
with applicable regulations after 3 inspections. All revenue generated shall be retained by
the Division of Public Health in order to defray costs associated with the plumbing
inspection program.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 34; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7907; 70 Del. Laws, c. 147, §§ 19, 20; 76 Del.
Laws, c. 110, § 3.;

§ 7908 Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Place of public entertainment” shall mean an establishment that accommodates

more than 100 individuals.

(2) “Plumbing” is the art of installing in buildings the pipes, fixtures and other
apparatus for bringing in the water supply and removing liquid and water-carried
wastes.

(3) “Plumbing fixtures” are receptacles intended to receive and discharge water, liquid
or water-carried wastes into a drainage system with which they are connected.

(4) “Plumbing system of a building” includes the water supply distributing pipes, the
fixtures and fixture traps, the soil, waste and vent pipes, the house drain and house
sewer, the storm water drainage, and all the devices, appurtenances and connections
of the above within or adjacent to the building.
 (5) “Public restroom” shall mean a public sanitary facility that contains more than 1
plumbing fixture.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, §§ 2-4; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7908; 69 Del. Laws, c. 419, § 2.;

§ 7909 Safe water supply.

All premises intended for human habitation or occupancy shall be provided with a supply
of pure and wholesome water.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 5; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7909.;

§ 7910 Cross connections with unsafe water supplies.

(a) Cross connections between safe and unsafe water supply distributing systems shall
not be permitted unless such connections have the written approval of the Division of
Public Health.

(b) No plumbing, fixture, construction, valves, fitting, device, apparatus or connection that
will provide a cross connection between a safe water supply and a sewage system or will
permit or make possible the back flow of sewage or waste into a water supply system
shall be installed.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, §§ 6, 7; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7910; 70 Del. Laws, c. 147, § 21.;

§ 7911 Adequate water supply.

Buildings in which water closets and other plumbing fixtures exist shall be provided with a
supply of water adequate in volume and pressure for flushing purposes.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 8; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7911.;

§ 7912 Size of pipes.

The pipes conveying water to water closets shall be of sufficient size to supply the water
at a rate required for adequate flushing without unduly reducing the pressure at other
fixtures.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 9; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7912.;

§ 7913 Hot water tanks or boilers.

Devices for heating water and storing it in boilers or hot water tanks shall be so designed
and installed as to prevent all danger of explosion and also prevent a back flow of hot
water through a meter connected with a public water supply.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 10; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7913.;

§ 7914 Separate sewer connections.

Every building intended for human habitation or occupancy on premises abutting on a

street in which there is a public sewer shall have a separate connection.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 11; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7914.;

§ 7915 Family private water closet in multiple dwellings.

In multiple dwellings provided with a house drainage system there shall be for each
family at least 1 private water closet.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 12; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7915.;

§ 7916 Plumbing fixture materials.

Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth nonabsorbent material, shall be free from
concealed fouling surfaces and shall be set free of inclosures.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 13; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7916.;

§ 7917 House drainage system.

The entire house drainage system shall be so designed, constructed and maintained as
to conduct the waste water or sewage quickly from the fixture to the place of disposal
with velocities which will guard against fouling and the deposit of solids and will prevent
clogging.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 14; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7917.;

§ 7918 Drainage pipes.

 The drainage pipes shall be so designed and constructed as to be proof, for a reasonable
life of the building, against leakage of water or drain air due to defective materials,
imperfect connections, corrosions, settlements, vibrations of the ground or building,
temperature changes, freezing or other causes.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 15; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7918.;

§ 7919 Cleanouts in drainage systems.

The drainage system shall be provided with an adequate number of cleanouts so

arranged that in case of stoppage the pipes may be readily accessible.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 16; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7919.;

§ 7920 Fixture traps.

Each fixture or combination fixture shall be provided with a separate, accessible, self-
scouring, reliable, water-sealed trap placed as near to the fixture as possible.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 17; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7920.;

§ 7921 Adequate air circulation.

The house drainage system shall be so designed that there will be an adequate
circulation of air in all pipes and no danger of siphonage, aspiration or forcing of trap
seals under conditions of ordinary use.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 18; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7921.;

§ 7922 Roof terminals, soil or waste stacks.

The soil stack shall extend full size upward through the roof and have a free opening, the
roof terminal being so located that there will be no danger of air passing from it to any
window and no danger of clogging of the pipe by the frost or by articles being thrown into
it or of roof water draining into it.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 19; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7922.;

§ 7923 Water or air pressure test.

 The plumbing system shall be subjected to a water or air pressure test and to a final test
in such manner as to disclose all leaks and imperfections in the work.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 20; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7923.;

§ 7924 Substances entering house drainage system.

No substance which will clog the pipes, produce explosive mixtures or destroy the pipes
or their joints shall be allowed to enter the house drainage system.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 21; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7924.;

§ 7925 Connections with refrigerators.

Refrigerators, ice boxes or receptacles for storing food shall not be connected directly
with the drainage system.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 22; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7925.;

§ 7926 Light and ventilation.

No water closet or urinal shall be located in a room or compartment which is not properly
lighted and ventilated to the outer air.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 23; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7926.;

§ 7927 Private sewage treatment and disposal system.

If water closets or other plumbing fixtures exist in buildings where there is no sewer
within reasonable distance, suitable provision shall be made for the disposing of the
house sewage by some method of sewage treatment and disposal satisfactory to the
health authority having jurisdiction.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 24; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7927.;

§ 7928 Back flow of sewage.

Where a house drainage system may be subjected to back flow of sewage suitable
provision shall be made to prevent its overflow in the building.
47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 25; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7928.;

§ 7929 Storm water.

Storm water from roofs and paved areas, yards, courts and courtyards shall be drained
into a storm water sewerage system or a combined sewerage system, but not into a
sanitary sewerage system intended for sewage only. Inside roof leaders, downspouts
and storm water house drains shall be designed and constructed as are other drainage
pipes.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 26; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7929.;

§ 7930 Privy vaults.

Privy vaults or cesspools shall not be permitted on premises accessible to a public

sewer.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 27; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7930.;

§ 7931 Private water supply.

Dug wells or other sources of private water supply shall not be permitted on premises
accessible to a public water supply unless the private water supply has been approved in
writing by the Division of Public Health.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 28; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7931; 70 Del. Laws, c. 147, § 22.;

§ 7932 Sanitary maintenance.

Plumbing systems shall be maintained in a sanitary condition.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 29; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7932.;

§ 7933 Public accommodations.

In any place of public entertainment required by a state, county or municipal law, rule or
regulation to have a public restroom, water closets and urinals shall be provided for men
and women in accordance with the minimum number of plumbing facilities required under
the 1993 National Plumbing Code promulgated by the Building Officials and Code
 Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), Table P-1204.1, Building Use Groups A-1, A-2,
A-3 and A-5.

69 Del. Laws, c. 419, § 1.;

§ 7934 Penalties.

Whoever violates or assists in the violation of this chapter or any order, code or
regulation issued under this chapter shall be, for each offense, fined not less than $25
nor more than $100 or imprisoned not more than 60 days, or both.

47 Del. Laws, c. 184, § 38; 16 Del. C. 1953, § 7933; 69 Del. Laws, c. 419, § 1.;

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