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Why You Insist Learn Plumbing Code Basics

Why You Insist Learn Plumbing Code Basics

When you want to know about plumbing code basics, you should refer to goverment. There is a National Uniform Plumbing Code that must be followed by all plumbing systems. This is aside from the local codes, which are considered stricter.

This is why it is always important to have a licensed professional plumber to do all new and renovation installations for your plumbing.

These codes include not only the way that the plumbing should be done, but also the materials that must be used. Let’s take a look at some basics.

Venting

One of the common priorities of plumbing codes has to do with venting. This is because drainpipes that are not properly vented will become sluggish and can even cause toxic fumes to enter your home. In this aspect, the code specifies that:

  • There should be ample spacing of fixtures;
  • Correct pipe sizes for vents, drains, and supply lines must be used;
  • Correct piping materials must be used;
  • Proper water valves should be installed to effectively control water pressure;
  • Place protective plates over pipes;
  • Use fire caulking around pipes; and
  • Installation of pipes should not weaken the structure so reinforcement joists are recommended

Other Code Basics

Aside from the focus on venting, there are other plumbing code basics that inspectors keep a careful eye on. This will include

  • Slope of the drainpipes should be at least a quarter of an inch for every running foot;
  • Vent pipes should slope an eighth of an inch per foot, but some jurisdictions may allow level vents;
  • Purple primer should be used when joining PVC piping material to immediately identified if the pipes have been primed;
  • The right fittings should be used for drains, closet bend, and other similar portions of the plumbing system to allow wastewater to flow smoothly. Each fixture has a specific fitting requirement;
  • Bore holes through joists instead of cutting notches to avoid weakening it. The holes must be of different level to allow the pipe to slope;
  • Cleanouts must be installed at different points to allow for easy use of auger when the drain clogs. Installing a cleanout whenever a drain line is tapped would be best;
  • Leak test should be done once the drain lines are assembled;
  • Access panels should be installed to prevent valves, cleanouts, compression pipe fittings, and fixture controls from being covered;
  • The correct type of transition fittings should be used when changing piping materials;
  • Old gate valves should be replaced to meet plumbing codes;
  • Water hammer arresters may be necessary for certain appliances, while supply pipes may require cushioning;
  • Individual stop valves are required aside from the main shutoff valve;
  • Approved straps or clamps must be used to secure pipes and install more supports than necessary to ensure safety;
  • Branch pipes of water distribution pipes should be ½-inch for most fixtures and ¾-inch for water heaters. The supply tubes should be ½-inch for lines to fixtures and 3/8-inch for everything else;
  • The minimum drainpipe size depends on the number of fixtures that will connect to it. The pipe cannot be less than 3 inches if a toilet is connected to it; and
  • The trap size for the bathroom sink is 1 ¼-inch, 2 inches for showers and floor drains, and 1 ½-inch for everything else.

As you can see, the basics are already a bit complicated, which is why it is important to hire the services of licensed professional plumbers such as www.riversideplumbing.biz to handle all your plumbing needs.

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