Division 33: Utilities submittal deviations

Division 33 covers underground utility systems installed as part of site construction: water distribution, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, site gas, and utility structures. Common CSI sections submitted for review:

Common Division 33 CSI sections

Division 33 Utilities spec sections frequently submitted for review:

Representative Division 33 CSI MasterFormat sections

Section	Title
33 01 00	Operation and Maintenance of Utilities
33 05 00	Common Work Results for Utilities (trench, bedding, backfill)
33 10 00	Water Utilities
33 11 00	Water Utility Distribution Piping (DIP, PVC C900/C905, HDPE)
33 12 00	Water Utility Distribution Equipment (hydrants, valves, meters)
33 13 00	Disinfecting Water Utility Piping
33 30 00	Sanitary Sewerage Utilities
33 31 00	Sanitary Utility Sewer Piping (PVC SDR, HDPE, VCP)
33 34 00	Sanitary Sewerage Force Mains
33 40 00	Storm Drainage Utilities
33 41 00	Storm Utility Drainage Piping (RCP, HDPE ADS, CMP)
33 42 00	Culverts
33 44 00	Storm Utility Drainage Structures (manholes, inlets, junction boxes)
33 50 00	Fuel Distribution Utilities
33 71 00	Electrical Utility Transmission and Distribution (conduit, ductbank)
33 81 00	Communications Utilities (conduit, innerduct)

The six deviation categories in Division 33 Utilities

Every issue Deviation Check flags maps to one of six categories. Here is how each appears in Division 33 Utilities submittals, with the full guide one click away.

Manufacturer or Product Substitution

Blocker The submittal proposes a different manufacturer or product than the spec names, without an approved or-equal or substitution request.

Utility specs often name specific manufacturers or approved product lists maintained by the local utility district. Look for:

Manufacturer or Product Substitution in Division 33 Utilities submittals →

Performance Specification Gap

Blocker A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires.

Key performance parameters in utility submittals:

Performance Specification Gap in Division 33 Utilities submittals →

Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation

Fix and Resubmit A required listing, test report, certification, or compliance document is absent from the submittal package.

Required certifications in utility submittals:

Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation in Division 33 Utilities submittals →

Aesthetic Deviation

Fix and Resubmit A visible attribute (color, finish, texture, profile) differs from the spec or the architect-approved sample.

Less common in underground utilities but applies to:

Aesthetic Deviation in Division 33 Utilities submittals →

Detail or Installation Mismatch

Fix and Resubmit The submitted detail, dimension, anchorage, or installation method differs from what the spec or drawings require.

Detail or Installation Mismatch in Division 33 Utilities submittals →

Submittal Package Incompleteness

Fix and Resubmit A required submittal element (cut sheet, schedule, calculation, sample) is missing, leaving the package unreviewable as submitted.

Commonly required items in Div 33 specs:

Submittal Package Incompleteness in Division 33 Utilities submittals →

How Division 33 deviations are graded

Each finding is graded Blocker, Fix and Resubmit, or Note. Division 33 escalation rules:

• Missing NSF/ANSI 61 certification for potable water pipe, fittings, or coatings: Always BLOCKER (drinking water health code; legal prohibition on unapproved materials in contact with potable water)
• Missing NSF/ANSI 372 lead-free compliance for water fittings: Always BLOCKER (Safe Drinking Water Act requirement since 2014)
• Pipe pressure class below system working pressure plus surge allowance: Always BLOCKER (pipe rupture risk; water main failures cause property damage and service outages)
• Missing local utility district approval or approved product list confirmation: BLOCKER (district will not allow connection or accept the system)
• RCP class lower than spec for given cover depth and traffic loading: BLOCKER (pipe crushing under load)
• Sewer pipe SDR higher (weaker) than spec at depths where soil and traffic loads exceed SDR 35 capacity: BLOCKER if burial depth plus traffic load exceeds SDR 35 deflection limit (consult AWWA M45), FIX_AND_RESUBMIT if shallow burial only
• Missing AWWA C900/C905 or C151 certification for water main pipe: BLOCKER (cannot confirm pressure rating without third-party certification)
• Manhole cover not traffic-rated in vehicle traffic area: BLOCKER (safety - cover failure under vehicle)
• Bedding gradation outside Class B spec in flexible pipe installation: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (affects long-term pipe deflection and joint integrity)
• Trench backfill compaction below spec in paved areas: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (pavement settlement over utility trench is a common and costly defect)
• Missing pressure or bacteriological test procedure for water main: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (required before system activation; can be supplied prior to construction without delaying work)
• Missing CCTV inspection procedure for sewer where specified: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT
• APWA utility marking tape wrong color: NOTE_ONLY (safety issue but easily corrected during installation)
• Missing tracer wire details for non-metallic pipe: FIX_AND_RESUBMIT (locating problem after installation is costly)

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Explore all 23 CSI divisions, the submittal glossary, or the review guides.