The Chicago Plumbing Code

§ 18-29-306

Trenching, Excavation and Backfill.

§ 18-29-306.1 Support of piping.

Buried piping shall be supported throughout its entire length.

§ 18-29-306.2 Trenching and bedding.

Where trenches are excavated such that the bottom of the trench forms the bed for the pipe, solid and continuous loadbearing support shall be provided between joints. Bell holes, hub holes and coupling holes shall be provided at points where the pipe is joined. Such pipe shall not be supported on blocks to grade. In instances where the material manufacturer's installation instructions are more restrictive than those prescribed by the code, the material shall be installed in accordance with the more restrictive requirement. All such trenches and tunnels shall be kept open until the piping has been inspected, tested, and approved.

§ 18-29-306.2.1 Overexcavation.

Where trenches are excavated below the installation level of the pipe such that the bottom of the trench does not form the bed for the pipe, the trench shall be backfilled to the installation level of the bottom of the pipe with sand or fine gravel placed in layers of 6 inches (150 mm) maximum depth and such backfill shall be compacted after each placement.

§ 18-29-306.2.2 Rock removal.

Where rock is encountered in trenching, it shall be removed to a minimum of 3 inches (75 mm) below the installation level of the bottom of the pipe, and the trench shall be backfilled to the installation level of the bottom of the pipe with sand tamped in place so as to provide uniform loadbearing support for the pipe between joints. The pipe, including the joints, shall not rest on rock at any point.

§ 18-29-306.2.3 Soft loadbearing materials.

If soft materials of poor loadbearing qualities are found at the bottom of the trench, stabilizing shall be achieved by overexcavating a minimum of two pipe diameters and backfilling to the installation level of the bottom of the pipe with fine gravel, crushed stone or a concrete foundation. The concrete foundation shall be bedded with sand tamped in place so as to provide uniform loadbearing support for the pipe between joints.

§ 18-29-306.3 Backfilling.

Loose earth, free from rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble, shall be placed in the trench in 6-inch (150 mm) layers and tamped in place. The backfill under and beside the pipe shall be compacted for pipe support. Backfill shall be brought up evenly on both sides of the pipe so that the pipe remains aligned. Where the manufacturer's installation instructions are more restrictive than those prescribed by the code, the material shall be installed in accordance with the more restrictive requirement.

§ 18-29-306.4 Tunneling.

Where pipe is to be installed by tunneling, jacking or a combination of both, the pipe shall be protected from damage during installation and from subsequent uneven loading. Where earth tunnels are used, adequate supporting structures shall be provided to prevent future settling or caving.

§ 18-29-306.5 Violations - Penalties.

Any violation of Sections § 18-29-306 through § 18-29-306.4 shall be punished by a fine of $5,000.00 for the first offense, $5,000.00 and a 30-day suspension of a plumbing contractor's certificate of registration for the second offense, and $5,000.00 and a one-year suspension of a plumbing contractor's certificate of registration for a third and subsequent offense. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.

(Added Coun. J. 9-27-07, p. 9188,-- 2)