Under what conditions can a drinking fountain be installed with an indirect waste?

A drinking fountain must be directly connected to the sanitary sewer system, as per plumbing codes. This requirement ensures that any potential contaminants from the drinking fountain are properly routed and treated within the sewage system. Installing a drinking fountain with an indirect waste could lead to public health risks, as it may not adequately prevent the backflow of waste materials into the fountain or the drinking water supply. Thus, under standard plumbing codes, such installations are not permitted under any circumstances, reinforcing the necessity of protecting public health and maintaining hygiene standards.

Other options do not align with the established plumbing regulations. The notion of an easy installation does not justify compromising safety, and existing buildings must also adhere to the same hygiene standards. Lastly, local codes cannot sanction what is fundamentally unsafe and against the plumbing code guidelines.