If you have plans for a home plumbing project, it’s important to check and abide by your city/county plumbing codes. If you’ve ever gotten a project done and then had to go back and do it again just because it’s not up to code, you know it’s not only frustrating but time-consuming. Avoid the extra work by sticking to these general rules:
Bury your pipes deep enough
One of the most common plumbing mistakes homeowners make is not burying their pipes deep enough in the ground. Most codes have a specific depth that pipes should be buried and sometimes that depth changes depending on the type of pipe.
And always remember to call before you dig! You don’t want to accidentally hit a power line, or an unknown pipe when you’re trying to repair or install plumbing.
Choose the right parts
There’s a wide variety of pipe sizes and accessories, so before you tackle your installation or replacement, do your research. If you choose parts that don’t fit perfectly to your pipes, they won’t be water-tight and could lead to leaks. In addition, incompatible pipe parts could reduce their lifespan and likely won’t be up to code.
Properly ventilate
Though bathroom ventilation technically isn’t plumbing, it’s still part of many local plumbing codes. Without proper vents or fans, moisture may not be exhausted outside and instead, could end up in your attic and cause rot, mildew, and other issues.
Install the right shut-off valves
If you’re not an experienced plumber, the world of shut-off valves can be intimidating – there are many different styles and using the wrong one on your pipes can cause problems. For best results, call our plumbing professionals. We can help you choose the right parts for your project.
Leave enough room around the toilet
Although it may seem odd, many local codes require toilets to be a specific distance from finished walls and other bathroom appliances (like your sink). If you’re doing a thorough bathroom remodel, look into the required distance for your bathroom appliances before you install them.
Use the right pipe materials
Pipes are made from a variety of materials; most codes permit PVC and copper supply line pipes, however, it’s best to know what materials are approved for your local code. Before you buy your pipes, look into which pipe materials are best – this way, you won’t spend extra money or have to do extra work.