# Division 33: Utilities submittal deviations

> Source: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/33-utilities/
> Deviation Check - AI submittal review for General Contractors (Aliso LLC).

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

- 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

### Manufacturer or Product Substitution (default grade: 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:
- Pipe manufacturer substitutions (Hanson, CertainTeed, JM Eagle, Diamond Plastics, ISCO) where local district maintains an approved product list
- Precast manhole and structure manufacturer swaps (Oldcastle, Jensen Precast, Forterra) - concrete mix and reinforcing must still meet ASTM C478
- Fire hydrant manufacturer changes (Mueller, American Flow Control, Waterous, Kennedy) where district requires a specific brand for parts interchangeability
- Gate valve and butterfly valve manufacturer substitutions where operating nut size or end connection differs from district standard
- Fitting manufacturer changes (Tyler Union, Star, EBAA) especially for restrained joints where deflection angle ratings vary
- HDPE pipe manufacturer substitutions (Advanced Drainage Systems, CONTECH, Prinsco) where corrugation profile affects pipe stiffness

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/33-utilities/manufacturer-substitution/

### Performance Specification Gap (default grade: 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:
- **Water pipe pressure class and material:**
  - Ductile iron pipe (DIP): Class 52 is minimum for most water mains; verify class vs working pressure + surge; AWWA C151
  - PVC pressure pipe: C900 (4-12") or C905 (14"+), pressure class 150, 200, or 235; lower class than spec is a blocker
  - HDPE water main: DR (dimension ratio) rating determines pressure rating; DR 11 = 160 psi, DR 13.5 = 128 psi
- **Sewer pipe SDR (standard dimension ratio):**
  - PVC gravity sewer: SDR 26 (pipe stiffness 115 psi per ASTM D2412) or SDR 35 (pipe stiffness 46 psi); SDR 35 is weaker and only acceptable at shallower depths
  - Specify which SDR is required and verify submitted product matches
- **Reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) class:**
  - Classes III, IV, and V correspond to increasing wall thickness and 3-edge bearing strength
  - Class III is minimum for most culverts; higher traffic or deeper burial requires Class IV or V
- **Storm HDPE pipe corrugation profile** - affects ring stiffness (ADS N-12 SB vs HP Storm); spec may require smooth interior for hydraulic capacity
- **Manhole wall thickness and reinforcing** per ASTM C478 for 48" diameter; custom sizes require engineered drawings
- **Trench backfill compaction** requirement (% of ASTM D1557 Proctor) - typically 95% in paved areas, 90% in unpaved; lower compaction causes pavement settlement
- **Pipe bedding gradation** (Class B, C, or D per ASTM D2321) - affects pipe deflection under load
- **Hydraulic capacity** - Manning's n coefficient and pipe internal diameter must match hydraulic design; smooth interior HDPE has n = 0.012, corrugated has n = 0.024
- **Fire hydrant rated working pressure** and flow test GPM - must match fire flow design
- **Gate valve Cv (flow coefficient)** and operating pressure rating vs system design

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/33-utilities/performance-specification-gap/

### Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

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

Required certifications in utility submittals:
- **AWWA C900/C905** certification for PVC water distribution pipe (must be third-party certified, not just manufacturer-claimed)
- **AWWA C151** compliance for ductile iron pipe (wall thickness and coating)
- **NSF/ANSI 61** potable water contact certification - required for all pipe, fittings, valves, and coatings in contact with drinking water; absence is always a blocker for water main work
- **NSF/ANSI 372** lead-free compliance for water fittings and appurtenances
- **ASTM F679/D3034** for PVC sewer pipe (gravity); ASTM F714 for HDPE sewer
- **ASTM C76** for reinforced concrete pipe; **ASTM C507** for elliptical RCP
- **ASTM C478** for precast concrete manhole sections, risers, and cones
- **ASTM D2513** for HDPE gas distribution pipe (if site gas is included)
- **Local water/sewer district approved product list** - many districts publish lists of approved manufacturers; submittal of a non-listed product requires district approval letter
- **Hydrostatic pressure test procedure** - must cite spec-required test pressure (typically 1.5x working pressure) and duration (2 hours minimum per AWWA M23)
- **Bacteriological test and disinfection procedure** per AWWA C651 - required before any potable water main is placed in service
- **Mandrel test or pipe deflection test procedure** for flexible sewer pipe (HDPE, PVC) - tests for over-deflection after installation
- **CCTV inspection procedure** for sewer mains where specified
- **Infiltration and exfiltration test procedure** for sewer

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/33-utilities/missing-certification/

### Aesthetic Deviation (default grade: 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:
- **Manhole frame and cover pattern** - traffic-rated (AASHTO H-20) vs non-traffic-rated covers; wrong rating in traffic areas is a functional/structural deviation
- **Utility marking tape color** per APWA (American Public Works Association) color code - blue for water, green for sewer, orange for communications, red for electric; wrong color is a regulatory and safety deviation
- **Valve box color** or style where district standard specifies a particular pattern for identification
- **Fire hydrant paint color** where district requires specific color coding by flow rate (NFPA 291 color coding)

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/33-utilities/aesthetic-deviation/

### Detail or Installation Mismatch (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

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

- **Pipe bedding class** differs from spec (e.g., Class B specified, submittal shows Class D native material backfill - significant structural difference)
- **Trench width** differs from pipe OD plus required clearance (typically 12-18" each side for pipe diameter up to 24")
- **Manhole spacing** exceeds local sewer standard maximum (typically 400-500 ft for gravity sewer; more frequent access required for smaller pipes)
- **Drop manhole connection** (outside drop vs inside drop) differs from spec where elevation difference requires energy dissipation
- **Service lateral slope** below code minimum - 1/4" per foot (2%) for gravity sewer laterals
- **Pipe cover depth** - minimum cover above pipe crown varies by load condition; highway loading typically requires 2 ft minimum cover for flexible pipe
- **Thrust block sizing and location** at horizontal bends, tees, and dead ends - must resist unbalanced hydraulic force; size depends on pipe diameter, pressure, and soil bearing capacity
- **Restrained joint length** at fittings where thrust block is not used - number of restrained pipe lengths differs from design
- **Valve box placement** must be centered over valve operating nut and plumb - misalignment prevents operation with standard wrench
- **Tracer wire** continuity and access box placement for non-metallic pipe (PVC, HDPE) - required for pipe locating

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/33-utilities/detail-installation-mismatch/

### Submittal Package Incompleteness (default grade: 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:
- Pipe manufacturer data sheet with pressure class, wall thickness, and applicable AWWA/ASTM standard
- Joint gasket certification (ASTM F477 for PVC, AWWA C111 for ductile iron)
- Fitting data sheets with pressure rating and end connection details
- Precast manhole shop drawing showing wall thickness, reinforcing, step locations, and joint detail
- Fire hydrant performance data sheet with flow rate, hose and pumper connection sizes, and operating nut size
- Gate valve or butterfly valve data sheet with Cv, operating torque, and pressure rating
- NSF 61 and NSF 372 certification letter from manufacturer
- Local utility district approval letter or product list excerpt confirming the submitted product is approved
- Hydrostatic pressure test procedure citing spec requirements
- Bacteriological sampling and disinfection plan per AWWA C651 (water mains)
- Mandrel test procedure with pass/fail criteria (sewer)
- CCTV inspection plan and reporting format (sewer)
- Pipe bedding and trench backfill cross-section drawing
- Trench backfill compaction specification (test frequency, method, target %)

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Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/33-utilities/submittal-package-incompleteness/

## How Division 33 deviations are graded

- **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)