Underground Fire Service

[FireFreak08]

NFPA 13 states you cannot run Fire Service mains below a building unless precautions are taken. I'm a bit confused at this.

I have a situation where the only water supply is on the opposite side of the building and the only way to get the service into the water service entrance room is from underground. This means I would have to run the pipe below the building for approx 60 feet, then rise up through my backflow/checks. Can I do this?

Would I need a post indicator valve on the side of service before it goes below the building? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cdafd]

I would not approve it

There must be a way to get the water there, is it a matter of cost to run around the building??

Can't move the riser to the other side?

Make a dog house on the side where the water is??

Go into the building on the side the water is and run the supply overhead to the riser??

 

[cdafd]

from nfpa 24::


the normal accpted practice is not more than five feet into the building:::

Chapter 10 Underground Piping


10.6 Protection Against Damage.

10.6.1 Pipe shall not be run under buildings.



10.6.2 Where pipe must be run under buildings, special precautions shall be taken, including the following:


(1)
Arching the foundation walls over the pipe


(2)
Running pipe in covered trenches


(3)
Providing valves to isolate sections of pipe under buildings





10.6.3 Fire service mains shall be permitted to enter the building adjacent to the foundation.


10.6.3.1 Where fire service mains enter the building adjacent to the foundation, the requirements of 10.6.2(2) and 10.6.2(3) shall not apply.




10.6.4* Where adjacent structures or physical conditions make it impractical to locate risers immediately inside an exterior wall, such risers shall be permitted to be located to minimize underground piping under the building.


A.10.6.4

A.10.6.4 It is not the intent of this provision to prohibit piping from passing under or through the foundation. Best practices are to locate risers to minimize the run of pipe below the building.


10.6.4.1 Where risers are located according to 10.6.4, the requirements of 10.6.2(2) and 10.6.2(3) shall not apply.




10.6.5* Pipe joints shall not be located under foundation footings.

 

[TravisMack]

Can you bring the pipe in on the side of the building where the supply is, then run overhead to your riser room? I have had to do this on multiple occasions.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com

 

[Ridermike]

Unless the backflow preventor is installed at the entrance, the piping run overhead will have to be approved potable water pipe, unless the water utility allows.