PART

Layout and
II Planning

Chapter 3: Installation
Chapter 4: Design
 CHAPTER
Installation
3

D
uring the design phases of a building construction project, one
must give attention to general plumbing code requirements
that will apply to the type of occupancy and use of the struc-
ture, as well as the type of preferred or mandated materials that are to
be used for installation purposes. Chapter 3, Installation addresses items
such as general requirements, protection of plumbing systems, materials
and standards, and water/sewer requirements.

20
20
 W a t e r a n d S e w e r R e q u i r e d    2 1

WATER AND SEWER REQUIRED You Should

IPC Chapter 4 establishes the minimum number of required plumb- Know
ing fixtures for the various group occupancies described in the IBC. The code official should
This will be discussed in further detail later in the following chapter. work with the local
The International Residential Code requires each dwelling unit in de- authority overseeing
tached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses to be provided public sewers and on-
with sanitary and bathing facilities and kitchen facilities. The point site sewage disposal
here is that where plumbing fixtures are mandated, an approved systems, such as a pub-
means of waste discharge is required to which the fixtures shall be lic utility or a health
connected. Sanitary drainage systems shall be connected to a public department when it
sewer. Where a public sewer is not available, sanitary drainage shall comes to identifying dis-
be connected to a private sewage disposal system. In most cases, charges that may be det-
both public sewer utilities and private sewage disposal systems are rimental to the disposal
regulated by state or local authorities. Where such regulations do systems. Such agencies
not exist, the provisions of the International Private Sewage Disposal may also control haz-
Code will apply where adopted locally. There is an exception that al- ardous waste disposal
lows waste water from bathing and laundry facilities to discharge to operations. l
a subsurface landscape irrigation system or to an on-site nonpotable
water reuse system. In both cases, you will want to verify that these
options, although included in the code, are acceptable to local health Code
regulations. On-site nonpotable water reuse systems will be ad- Essentials
dressed in Chapter 10.
Wastes that are dangerous or damaging to the building drain- The International Private
age system or to the public or private sewage disposal system shall Sewage Disposal Code
not be discharged into such systems. While some of those items contains provisions for
that can be detrimental or dangerous are identified in the code, it on-site sewage disposal
is good to coordinate with the authority having jurisdiction for the systems, and Chapter 14 of
public or private sewage disposal system, as well as for the handling the International Plumbing
and disposal of hazardous materials and fluids, should there be any Code contains provisions
questions. Certain wastes can be removed or captured by means of on graywater discharge to
interceptors and separators, such as greases, oils and sand, and some subsurface irrigation use.
chemical wastes can be further diluted prior to entry into the drain- Always verify local regula-
age system. tions that may apply. l
Plumbing fixtures, devices and appliances that require the use
of water for proper operation are required to be connected to the
water distribution system of the structure, which is then connected
to an approved source of water, either a public or private source.
Generally, approved water sources will be by means of a public water
utility. However, where a potable public water supply is not avail-
able, individual sources of potable water shall be used. Quite often
an individual source of potable water is a private or community well.
It is common for both public and private, or independent, potable
water sources to be regulated by agencies or departments outside of
the typical building department. For instance, many state and local
health departments oversee potable water sources for properties and
construction. These regulations will often include mandatory sup-
2 2    C h a p t e r 3 I n s t a l l a t i o n

ply and storage volumes for private or independent potable water

You Should sources. Although the plumbing inspector may have no authority
Know over potable water sources, it is imperative that an approved potable
Definitions for consider- water source is properly identified for the intended use before grant-
ation (see Glossary): ing approval for construction. [Ref. IPC 301.3, 301.4, 302, 602.3,
•• Third-party certified 701.2 and IRC R2601.2, R2602.1]
•• Third-party
certification agency l
MATERIALS AND STANDARDS
Adherence to the IPC will result in a plumbing installation of good
quality. But, quality goes beyond the skill of the installer. Quality con-
struction depends also on materials of good quality. Both the IPC and
the IRC include a chapter that lists the various product standards for
plumbing materials that are identified in the code, and that chapter
includes a reference to the code section(s) where the use and installa-
tion of such materials are addressed. Additionally, it is important to
note that many code sections also include the applicable product or
material standards. This provides a quick and easy means for identi-
FIGURE 3-1 ICC-ES PMG mark fying the appropriate standard for products and materials.
How can you know for sure that the materials used conform to
the applicable standard identified in the code? Here is where the
Code third-party certification comes into play. Such identification is what
Essentials is most commonly referred to as a listing, that the product or mate-
rial is listed, thus providing confirmation that the product or mate-
Where there are con-
rial has been evaluated by a third-party certification agency. To better
flicts between the code,
explain what a third-party certification agency is, let’s consider the
manufacturer’s installation
ICC Evaluation Services (ICC-ES PMG) program, which is one such
instructions, referenced
agency since it pertains to plumbing, mechanical and gas materials
standards or other regula-
and products (Figure 3-1). The PMG listing mark indicates that the
tions:
product complies with applicable standards and codes, and that ongo-
• The minimum provisions
ing inspections at the manufacturer’s site are conducted to ensure
of the code apply over
that the quality of the product remains consistent.
requirements in
It is equally important that the product or material be installed
referenced standards
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the code.
and manufacturer’s
Keep in mind that there may be rare occasions where a conflict
instructions. [IPC
exists between the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the
102.8.1, 303.2]
code. The code specifically states that where conflicts occur between
• The provisions of the
the code and the manufacturer’s installation instructions, the more
code are not deemed to
restrictive provisions shall apply. As an example, consider temper-
nullify any provisions of
ature-actuated, flow reduction (TARF) devices that conform to the
local, state or federal
ASSE 1062 product standard, which is an approved standard recog-
law. [IPC 102.10] l
nized by the code. Such devices can be an effective means for reduc-
ing the possibility of injury due to exposure to hot water discharge
in excess of 120°F. However, the code clearly states that such valves
are not to be used alone as a substitute for balanced-pressure, ther-
mostatic or combination shower valves. In this case, the code prevails
regardless of what might be indicated in the manufacturer’s installa-
 P r o t e c t i o n o f t h e P l u m b i n g S y s t e m a n d S t r u c t u r e    2 3

tion instructions. [Ref. IPC 301.7, 303, 412.3, 412.7, Chapter 15

and IRC P2609, P2708.4, P2724.2, Chapter 44]

PROTECTION OF THE PLUMBING SYSTEM

AND STRUCTURE
During the installation of the plumbing system, attention must be
given to protecting both the plumbing system itself as well as the
structure. In this section we will cover some specific code require-
ments that address this. We will first consider protection of the
structural integrity of the building during the plumbing installation,
and then we will look at requirements for protection of the plumbing
components.
The code states that plumbing is to be installed with due regard
to protecting the structural integrity of the structural members.
Proper installation of the plumbing fixtures themselves is also nec-
essary for protection of floor and wall surfaces. For now, let’s focus
on the structural integrity, primarily the foundation and the framing
members.
One of the things that can undermine the foundation is the
placement of piping underground near the structural foundation,
especially when the excavation and piping are installed parallel to
the foundation. Trenches that are parallel and next to the foundation
cannot extend below the 45-degree bearing plane of the footing wall
(Figure 3-2).

EXCAVATING AND
PIPING PROHIBITED

45
LINE OF LOAD-BEARING
PIPING ACCEPTABLE DISTRIBUTION PLANE

FIGURE 3-2 Excavation in relation to footing

2 4    C h a p t e r 3 I n s t a l l a t i o n

Attention must also be given to the

End notch D necessary boring and notching of framing
D/4 maximum
members, such as vertical studs and hori-
zontal joists. For the benefit of the plumbing
installer, the IPC includes an appendix chap-
Span L ter which details the location and maximum
L/3 L/3 L/3
allowances for cutting, notching and boring
No notches permitted of wood framing members as required in the
in center L/3
D/3 maximum IBC and IRC (Figures 3-3, 3-4, 3-5 and Table
D
D/6 maximum
3-1). Boring, cutting or notching of trusses
2 in. and other engineered wood products is pro-
minimum
Boring and notching hibited except as specifically permitted by
in solid sawn lumber 2 in. minimum
beams, floor joists the manufacturer. Otherwise, a registered
D/3 maximum
and ceiling joists
design professional must consider any alter-
FIGURE 3-3 Boring and notching in solid sawn beams, floor joists
ations in the design of the engineered com-
and ceiling joists ponent. Wherever piping penetrates floors,
ceilings or walls that are required to have
fire-resistance rating, such penetrations
must be protected in accordance with the
IBC in order to maintain the fire-resistance
rating. Even where fire-resistance rating is
not required, approved sealing or caulking
Notch
25% of stud
of the annular space between the pipe and
depth maximum
Bored holes in single studs
the sides of the opening are needed in order
Maximum diameter 40% of stud depth to prevent the entrance of rodents, which
can be damaging to both the structure and
Maximum diameter 60% of stud depth
the plumbing system, besides being a health
Studs must be doubled
No more than two successive doubled studs so bored hazard.
5/8in. minimum
from edge of stud

FIGURE 3-4 Boring and notching of studs in exterior wall or

bearing interior wall

Bored holes may not be in the

same cross section as notches Minimum
5/8 in. from
edge of stud

Notch
40% of stud
depth maximum

Maximum diameter of
bored holes is 60% of
stud depth

FIGURE 3-5 Boring and notching of studs in nonbearing interior

wall
 P r o t e c t i o n o f t h e P l u m b i n g S y s t e m a n d S t r u c t u r e    2 5

TABLE 3-1 Boring and notching limits for wood beams, joists, rafters and studs
converted to inches
Code
Sawn lumber beams, floor joists, Approximate notch and hole
ceiling joists and rafters limitations in inches
Essentials
Nominal size Approximate depth ‘D’ D/3 D/4 D/6 Appendix C in the IPC
2x4 3 ½ in. 1 /16
3 7
/8 ½ contains provisions regard-
2x6 5 ½ in. 1 13/16 1 3/ 8 15
/16 ing notching, boring and
2x8 7 ¼ in. 2 /8
3
1 /16
13
1 /16
3 cutting wood framing
2 x 10 9 ¼ in. 3 /16
1
2 /16
5
1½ members which are consis-
2 x 12 11 ¼ in. 3¾ 2 13/16 1 7/ 8 tent with the International
Building Code (IBC) and
Wood studs 60% 40% 25%
the International Residential
2x4 3 ½ in. 2 1/ 8 1 3/ 8 7
/8
Code (IRC) and are pro-
2x6 5 ½ in. 3 5/16 2 3/16 1 3/ 8 vided to the user of the
IPC for a matter of con-
Consideration must also be given to protection of the piping venience. One must still
system itself. This mainly involves providing proper support of the look to the IBC and IRC
piping and installing safeguards to protect the piping from damage for notching, boring and
once it is installed. Let’s first address support and protection of pip- cutting limitations as they
ing buried below grade. apply to other materials,
When installing a piping installation in a trench, the entire such as cold-formed steel
length of the piping must be supported, including the fittings. This and engineered wood
is not merely to maintain proper slope of the piping, but to protect products. l
the joints of the pipe and fittings from sagging, which can result
in failure of the joint. The IPC provides some basic guidelines for
maintaining solid and continuous support along the bottom of the
trench with clean, smooth backfill material. Where material must be
added to bring the bottom of the trench to the appropriate level to
support the installation, sand
or fine gravel shall be placed
in adequately compacted lay-
ers not to exceed 6 inches in
depth. When backfilling to
cover the installation, clean fill
shall be placed and tamped in FILL
maximum 6-inch layers to a
depth of 12 inches before com-
pleting the fill process (Figure CLEAN FILL, TAMPED 6"
3-6). Always follow the manu-
facturer’s installation instruc-
CLEAN FILL, TAMPED 6"
tions first and foremost, which
may be more restrictive than
the code provisions.
COMPACTED SAND OR
CLEAN EARTH 6" FINE GRAVEL

FIGURE 3-6 Underground piping placement

2 6    C h a p t e r 3 I n s t a l l a t i o n

Support is also necessary for piping installed above grade, and

this applies to both horizontal and vertical piping installations. It’s
not just the type and weight of the piping material that matters,
but also the weight and velocity of the contents within the piping.
Piping of 4 inches or larger must be secured at changes of direction
greater than 45 degrees to prevent swaying. Table 308.5 provides
both horizontal and vertical spacing intervals for support of various
piping and tubing material (Table 3-2). The hangers must also be of
approved material that is properly attached to the building construc-
tion to support the installation. Here too, it is important to follow
the manufacturer’s installation instructions for the piping or tubing
and the hanger.
TABLE 3-2 Hanger spacing
Maximum horizontal Maximum vertical
Piping material spacing (feet) Spacing (feet)
ABS pipe 4 10a
Cast-iron pipe 5b 15b
Copper tubing 6a 10
(11/4” or smaller)
Copper tubing 10
(11/2” or smaller) 10
2.67
PEX 10b
(32 inches)
PVC 4 10b
ᵃ The maximum horizontal spacing of cast-iron pipe hangers shall be increased to 10 feet where
10-foot lengths of pipe are installed.
ᵇ For sizes 2 inches and smaller, a guide shall be installed midway between required vertical
supports. Such guides shall prevent pipe movement in a direction perpendicular to the axis of
the pipe.

Properly supporting the pipe whether underground or sus-

pended above ground will prevent imposed stresses and strains
on the joints. Such strains may also occur where the pipe passes
through a foundation. A pri-
mary way to protect the pipe
is to install a pipe sleeve in the
foundation through which the
pipe can pass. The pipe sleeve
PIPE SLEEVE
is to be two-pipe sizes larger
than the pipe passing through
P 2 PIPE SIZES LARGER THAN P
(e.g., a 4-inch pipe will require
a minimum 6-inch sleeve)
CAULKING REQUIRED (Figure 3-7). Where the pipe
extends through a foundation
from within the structure to
the exterior, the opening must
be sealed to prevent water and
FIGURE 3-7 Foundation pipe sleeve moisture intrusion.