Section 330.3720  Plumbing and Heating

a)         Every existing facility shall comply with the Department's rules titled Illinois Plumbing Code.

b)         All plumbing installations and fixtures on the premises shall be of such a type and design that danger of contaminated water entering the drinking water piping by backflow or backsiphonage is eliminated.  The following standards shall be used as a guide to determine satisfactory compliance of individual fixtures: 

1)         Lavatory faucets shall discharge at least one inch above the top rim of the lavatory bowl;

2)         Faucets for bathtubs, sinks, and laundry tubs shall discharge at least two inches above the top rim of the fixture;

3)         Flush tank type toilets shall be equipped with approved antisiphon ball cocks, installed so that the effective air opening of the vacuum breaker is at least one inch above the top of the overflow tube in the toilet flush tank;

4)         Flushometer type toilets shall be equipped with approved vacuum breakers installed on the discharge side of the flush valve and at least four inches above the top of the toilet bowl;

5)         Dishwashing machines, laundry machines, urinals, and drinking fountains shall be installed so as to provide backflow protection;

6)         All fixtures having, or capable of receiving, a hose shall have a vacuum breaker located at least six inches above the highest head that normally may be placed on the unit.  The height of the antisiphon unit should be sufficient to prevent any pressure on the unit, other than atmospheric pressure, when the control valve is closed;

7)         Hot water distribution systems shall be arranged to provide hot water of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit at each hot water outlet at all times;

8)         Hot water available to residents at shower, bathing and hand-washing facilities shall not exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit; and

9)           Protective measures, including, but not limited to, installation of a mixing valve, limited access to controls, and checking water temperatures daily at various points, shall be implemented to ensure that the temperature of hot water available to residents at shower, bathing and hand-washing facilities shall not exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

c)         Areas of a nursing home used by residents of the nursing home shall be air conditioned and heated by means of operable air-conditioning and heating equipment. The areas subject to this air-conditioning and heating requirement include, without limitation, bedrooms or common areas such as sitting rooms, activity rooms, living rooms, community rooms, and dining rooms. (Section 3-202(8) of the Act)

1)         The air-conditioning system shall be capable of maintaining an ambient air temperature of between 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, pursuant to the requirements of Section 330.770(j).

2)         The facility shall be equipped with a central heating plant and have a radiator, convector, or register in each room used by residents or staff.

3)         The mechanical system shall be capable of maintaining a temperature of at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit, pursuant to the requirements of Section 330.770(j) at all times.

4)         Alternative types of heating systems, such as ground water source heat pumps, may be accepted, provided that they meet or exceed the minimum requirements of this subsection (c).

(Source:  Amended at 35 Ill. Reg. 3415, effective February 14, 2011)