California Code of Regulations
Title 23 - Waters
Division 3 - State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards
Chapter 16 - Underground Tank Regulations
Appendix II - Suction Piping Monitoring

Suction piping (piping operating at less than atmospheric pressure) shall be monitored for the presence of air in the pipeline by observing the suction pumping system for the following indicators:

(1) The cost/quantity display wheels on the meter suction pump skip or jump during operation;

(2) The suction pump is operating, but no motor vehicle fuel is being pumped;

(3) The suction pump seems to overspeed when first turned on and then slows down as it begins to pump liquid; and

(4) A rattling sound in the suction pump and erratic flow indicating an air and liquid mixture.

If any of the above indicators are observed during testing of the suction piping system, the pipeline check valve should be inspected to determine if it is seated tightly. If there is any doubt following the inspection that the valve seats tightly, it should be repaired, replaced, or sealed off. Then the suction pumping test should be repeated and, if air is still entering the suction line, it is assumed that the pipe is leaking underground.

Written records of the daily monitoring shall be maintained at the facility site.

1. New Appendix II filed 8-9-91 as an emergency; operative 8-9-91. Text remains in effect uninterrupted pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 25299.7 (Register 92, No. 14).
2. Editorial correction of printing errors in HISTORY 1 (Register 92, No. 43).
3. Amendment filed 4-5-94; operative 5-5-94 (Register 94, No. 14).