61G15-34.007. Design of Plumbing Systems

(1) Plumbing Systems are those systems within or adjacent to a building that convey fluids and gases in connection with sanitary drainage, storm drainage, specialty drainage, venting, water supply, water heating, vacuum, and compressed gases for medical and non-medical applications. Items to be considered in the design and analysis of plumbing systems are, as applicable to the particular project: load characteristics and capacities; distribution of fluids; pressure drop; instrumentation and control; performance requirements; and installation requirements.

(2) The Plumbing System(s)  shall be based on and shall reference the Florida Building Code, the Florida Fire Prevention Code, applicable standards (such as ASHRAE, ASME, ASPE, ASSE, ANSI, NFPA, etc.); or on if no other such standards are available alternative engineering sources and good engineering practice.

(3) For Mechanical Engineering Documents pertaining to Plumbing Systems exempted by the threshold requirements for mandatory use of professional engineering services established by Section 471.003(2)(h), F.S., the Engineer of Record shall determine the level of detail shown on plans for a plumbing system. All such plans shall include a disclaimer stating the Plumbing systems are exempt from professional engineering services and shall provide a clear understanding of the minimum system requirements expected to be installed by the contractor and permitted by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). In the event the Engineer of Record provides more information and direction than its minimally required, he or she shall be held responsible for the technical accuracy of the work in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and sound engineering principles.

(4) Mechanical Engineering Documents pertaining to Plumbing Systems that exceed the threshold requirements for mandatory use of professional engineers services must include the following information, if applicable to the particular project:

(a) Demonstrate and provide adequate information for the AHJ to determine compliance with codes and ordinances. These may include test methods and results or data and tabulations that are results of the design.

(b) Equipment selection schedules for each piece of plumbing equipment. All equipment must include the following information, if applicable to the particular equipment:

1. Equipment efficiencies.

2. Electrical requirements based on voltage and phase.

3. Fuel requirements.

4. Fixture flow or flushing rates.

5. Fluid flow and pressure head quantities.

6. Heat transfer capacities.

7. Motor sizes and quantities.

8. Tank capacities for storage, expansion, or compression.

9. Interceptor and separator capacities.

(c) Floor plans, site plans, and building and plumbing system sections or elevations as appropriate to provide the minimum system requirements expected to be installed by the contractor.

(d) Isometric or riser diagram with pipe sizes as follows:

1. Potable water.

2. Sanitary and vent.

3. Storm water.

4. Other fluids and gases.

(e) Piping layouts and sizing; and insulation requirements.

(f) Total or cumulative plumbing capacities as follows, either listed on the isometric or riser diagrams or in table form on the plans.

1. Total water supply fixture units and coincidental flow rate in gallons per minute.

2. Total drainage fixture units.

3. Cumulative area in square feet and coincidental flow rate in gallons per minute for each roof drain or storm drain. Total flow rate in gallons per minute for each storm water conductor discharging from the building.

(g) Design data for septic tank drain field sizing, when applicable.

(h) Portable water system design for minimizing bacteria growth (Legionella), based on heat, chemicals, or other means.

(i) Domestic hot water system design to prevent scalding, when applicable. Designs shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Design temperatures.

2. Temperature monitoring points necessary to confirm temperatures throughout the system.

3. Mixing valves or temperature-limiting devices.

(j) Design shall be in accordance with requirements for accessibility by individuals with disabilities adopted by the authority having jurisdiction.

(k) Unless included on HVAC system plans, design for fuel gas system, including piping layout and sizes; isometric or riser diagram with pipe sizes; and fuel gas capacity and pressure for each pipe section.

(l) Instrumentation and Control requirements, unless included on either Electrical or on Instrumentation and Control.

(m) Identify and locate plumbing fixtures, valves, pumps, tanks, accessories, specialties, enclosures, and such equipment.

(n) Materials for all plumbing systems shall be specified.

(o) All data needed to complete the calculations for compliance with Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation as applicable.

(p) A list, description, or details of through-penetration firestop systems as applicable.

(q) System commissioning requirements for demonstrating compliance with the Florida Building Code, Energy Conservation.

(5) No later than December 31, 2026, the Board shall review and consider amendment, modification, or repeal of this rule if review determines this rule creates barriers to entry for private business competition, is duplicative, outdated, obsolete, overly burdensome, or imposes excessive costs. Failure by the Board to act in accordance with this provision will result in the expiration of this rule on December 31, 2026.

Rulemaking Authority 471.008, 471.033(2) FS. Law Implemented 471.033 FS. History–New 11-16-94, Amended 11-13-08, 4-25-21, 11-24-21.