Frank Burdick’s Log Number: 6 a-h
Submitted by: Burdick log
Category (1,2,3): 2
Status: Closed
Estimated date to address: N/A
Q. 2.90 [6] See the
sketch of a backup system, created by Frank Burdick, and email to Ralph Welton
for 6 specific questions regarding this sketch, as follows:
Q.6a. The SSWWE CAC has
submitted a suggested "gravity fed" back up system with backflow preventer
for the new sump pumps. The CAC has
requested a "plain English" code interpretation for this sketch
because the first interpretation provided by the Building department was not
decipherable. (11/12/13)
Q.6b. Please note, as
the current FDDs are designed, this same sump crock "LID" is
the only protection preventing sanitary back ups from adjacent floor
drains from entering the sump crock and, hence, being discharged into the storm
system. Why can't it be used as a protection from reverse flow?
(11/12/13)
Q.6c. Is there a way
to modify this sketch to comply? (11/12/13)
Q.6d. Could another
sump crock be installed next to the sump pump crock in order to separately
monitor and/or shut off the flow of potential sanitary back ups from being
discharged to the storm system via the sump pump? (11/12/13)
Q.6e. Is the trap as
drawn required and, if so, will an H2O trap primer be required? (11/12/13)
Q.6f. Is the
"one paragraph" interpretation, citing code section P3302.1 Subsoil
drains, as provided by Ralph Welton, negotiable or something that can be
addressed with the State Plumbing Code Officials? (11/12/13)
Q.6g. How does Ralph Welton
interpret the phrase..." approved location..." as noted in the
above referenced Code (P3302.1)? Sump pumps were only one of the options
listed.
Q.6h. If the
"gravity fed" back up system (as shown on the CAC submitted sketch
and as noted in item 6 above) can be made to comply with applicable codes, will
all existing homes with now existing FDDs be eligible for their sump locations
to be modified so as to be equipped with a gravity fed back up system? Will the City pay ALL costs for these modifications
to these existing FDDs? (11/19/13)
A.6a – 6h. At the close of
our August 21st meeting, Mr. Frank Burdick submitted a drawing that
proposed a backup mechanism in the event of sump pump failure. This
drawing was included in the August CAC meeting summary. The core idea
was to allow for a gravity feed backup to the sanitary sewer system in case of
sump pump failure. Mr. Burdick requested the City to review the drawing
for potential code issues. The City has now completed its review and
has determined that the gravity feed backup to the sanitary sewer would be
prohibited by the Michigan Plumbing Code, Section 1103.3 which states: “Storm
water shall not be drained into sewers intended for sewage only.”
The Ann Arbor City Plumbing Code (Section 8:122) provides more specific
language that would prohibit such a gravity feedback backup connection: “Sump
pump discharges - footing drain: Discharges from sump pumps may not be
connected to the sanitary sewer. Such discharges must connect directly to the
storm sewer or be discharged in an alternative, approved manner. Such
alternative drainage shall not create a drainage nuisance, and if so, must be
handled in accordance with section 8:120 of this chapter.”
Mr. Burdick also
asked for the City to review whether or not any applicable codes could be
changed by the City to allow for a gravity feed backup. As the City’s
code is supporting a State code which would prohibit such a connection, the
City has indicated it will not ask the State to modify its Plumbing Code. (12/3/13)
There are no comments.