Memorandum

To:           Design, Construction and Development Community 

From:   Cristina Coddington - Chief Building Official

Date:    Effective 6/4/24

Re:       Inspection Policy for Building Drainage, Water Service and Fire Lines

[6/3/24 version was redacted – This is the current/ corrected version]

The City of Missoula will be updating its inspection policy for building drainage lines, water service lines and fire lines effective June 4, 2024.  

To meet State requirements, eliminate duplicative inspection processes, and to increase inspection efficiency, the City of Missoula is providing the following inspection protocols and requirements for building drain lines, fire lines, and water service lines. This policy will ensure all elements of these systems are properly installed, tested, and inspected in accordance with the various State and local requirements and provide a consistent process across all projects in the City.

Building Drain

Building Drain. MCA 37-69-101 (3) “Drainage system” means all the piping inside the walls of the building that conveys sewage or other liquid waste outside the building to the building sewer but that does not extend more than 2 feet outside the building way. 

The plumber will obtain a permit prior to starting any work. The inspection will be called in by the licensed professional and the inspection will be performed by the Building Department. 

New Construction Underground Inspection 1 
Inspection of the inside of the building. For the plumber to make grade on the internal drainage system the plumber will stub the building drainage line 2 feet to the exterior of the foundation wall. The excavator can also stub the main drainage line into the building footprint to include the exterior cleanout for the benefit of the plumber and flow of construction, but must request inspection prior to backfill using IVR (Interactive Voice Response) on SWR permit. The plumber or excavator will install the exterior cleanout, per Public Works Manual, on the exterior of the building.  The testing of the building drainage system should meet the requirements of the adopted Uniform Plumbing Code and the manufacture’s testing procedure. All connections performed by the licensed plumber shall be under test at the time of building drain inspection.

Sewer Repair/Replacement on Existing

Excavator can perform any repairs or replacement up to the foundation exterior. Excavator shall request inspection prior to backfill using IVR (Interactive Voice Response) on SWR permit. 

Water Service Line/Fire Line

MCA 37-69-101 (7) (A) “Plumbing system” means all potable water supply and distribution pipes, plumbing fixtures and traps, drainage, and vent pipes, and building drains, including their respective joints and connections, devices, receptacles, and appurtenances within the property lines of any premises, up to 20’ beyond the building foundation line and includes potable water piping, water heaters, and vents for the premises. 

The plumber will obtain a permit prior to starting any work. The inspection will be called in by the licensed professional and the inspection will be performed by the Building Department. 

New Construction Underground Inspection 1 
The plumbing contractor will work with the excavator to install the water service line, sleeve, fire line, and trace wire inside of the building. Sectional water (4-inch and larger) line material shall be installed to the first joint beyond the footing and the plumber will test their segment of line. 

NOTE: The excavator shall install the water service line from the plumber’s stub to the main or the service stub. Alternatively, the excavator will install a single continuous water service line, equipped with sleeve and tracer wire, extending from the main or service stub directly to the foundation. Extra length will be provided to facilitate the plumber in establishing a secure connection, minimizing the need for unnecessary fittings. Either way, it is recommended that the excavator test their portion of the line. Excavators shall call for inspection prior to backfill using IVR.

New Construction Underground inspection 2
The scheduling of the second underground inspection shall not be done until the water service line and fire line are installed and connected to their respective service line valve. At this time, the plumber will call for the underground pressure test and inspection of the fire line and the water service line. This will be at underground plumbing inspection 2. 

Water Service Line Repair / Replacement 
The excavator can pull in a replacement water service line with tracer wire and a visible sleeve in the building interior, but a full-length sleeve is NOT required on a repair or replacement. If the excavator can install a full length sleeve then a sleeve will be required. If pulling in a new line and the tracer wire does not come through with the new line, it will still be approved by the City as long as an honest attempt is made to include tracer wire in the pull.

NOTE: If the water service line is installed from the corporation stop or tee the excavator shall perform a visual/static water test using working pressure to at least the curb stop. The excavator shall call or text IVR for an inspection during the leak test. If the service line is being replaced from the curb stop or meter pit to the house it is recommended that the excavator perform a visual/static water test using the working pressure. The excavator is still required to call or text IVR for an inspection prior to backfill. The excavator can install a valve onto the end of the line to perform the leak test. 

After the leak test the valve shall be cut off and the final interior connection shall be made by the plumber. The plumber will be required to perform the interior connection and pressure test the new line. The pressure test is generally to the curb stop however if the newly replaced service line only goes to the water meter, the testing can be to the meter pit.

Questions pertaining to the procedures shall be directed to the City of Missoula Building at 406.552.6630