REPLACEMENT OF UNDERGROUND BUILDING SEWERS AND BUILDING DRAINS BY PIPE-BURSTING METHODS
Philadelphia Code Subcode P, § 716
in effectSECTION 716 REPLACEMENT OF UNDERGROUND BUILDING SEWERS AND BUILDING DRAINS BY PIPE-BURSTING METHODS
P-716.1 General. This section shall govern the replacement of existing building sewer and building (house) drainage piping by pipe-bursting methods and shall not extend past the curb line.
P-716.2 Applicability. The replacement of existing building sewers and building (house) drainage piping by pipe-bursting methods shall be limited to gravity drainage piping of sizes 6 inches (152 mm) in diameter and larger smaller. The replacement piping shall be of the same nominal size as the existing piping. A plumbing permit shall be issued by the Department of Licenses and Inspections for this work and the work shall be properly inspected. Proof satisfactorily to the Department shall be provided that the PA One Call and any other applicable agency has been properly notified prior to issuing a permit for this work.
P-716.3 Pre-installation inspection. The existing piping sections to be replaced shall be inspected internally by a recorded video camera survey and the existing pipe to be replaced shall be introduced with water to identify any imperfections in alignment. The survey shall include notations of the position of cleanouts and the depth of connections to the existing piping.
P-716.4 Pipe. The replacement pipe shall be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and shall have a standard dimension ratio (SDR) of 17. The pipe shall be in compliance with ASTM F714 and shall conform to the manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines for installation and use.
P-716.5 Pipe fittings. Pipe fittings to be connected to the replacement pipe shall be made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and shall be in compliance with ASTM D2683 and shall conform to the manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines for installation and use.
P-716.6 Cleanouts. Where the existing building sewer or building (house) drain did not have cleanouts meeting the requirements of this code, cleanout fittings shall be installed as required by this code.
P-716.7 Post-installation inspection. The completed replacement piping section shall be inspected internally by a recorded video camera survey and the existing pipe to be replaced shall be introduced with water to identify any imperfections in alignment that would not allow for approval of the installation. The video survey shall be reviewed and approved or disapproved by the code official prior to pressure testing of the replacement piping system.
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Source: City of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-271040Fetched: 10/27/2026
