Standards of Practice
The International Standards of Practice for inspecting the plumbing system is located at www.nachi.org/sop.
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Observation
ABS fitting is glued to PVC.
ABS and PVC are not actually glued in the regular sense of gluing. The so-called "glue" is actually a solvent that melts the surfaces of the pipe and fitting for a few seconds. When you slide the joint together, the two surfaces blend together. The process is properly called "solvent welding". It is much the same as welding metal. One process uses heat to melt the two surfaces the other uses chemical reaction. The problem is that ABS and PVC are different materials and each requires its own solvent to melt the surfaces.
Observation
Sink and Vanity are not secure to the wall.
Observation
Hot water shutoff valve under the bath vanity is missing the handle.
Observation
Toilet is not secured to the floor.
Observation
ABS fitting is glued to PVC.
ABS and PVC are not actually glued in the regular sense of gluing. The so-called "glue" is actually a solvent that melts the surfaces of the pipe and fitting for a few seconds. When you slide the joint together, the two surfaces blend together. The process is properly called "solvent welding". It is much the same as welding metal. One process uses heat to melt the two surfaces the other uses chemical reaction. The problem is that ABS and PVC are different materials and each requires its own solvent to melt the surfaces.
The plumbing cleanout is not facing outward to allow access.
Observation
Faucet head is installed at the wrong end of the tub.
Observation
Tub faucet assembly is not secured. Tub faucet is installed on the wrong end of the tub.
Observation
Plumbing vent is not extended through the roof.
Observation
The tub shower head is not secured. The shower head is also installed on the wrong end of the tub.
Observation
Cold water line to the shower head is not secured. 3/8” thru 1” PEX shall be secured at a minimum of every 32”.
Observation
3/8” thru 1” PEX shall be secured at a minimum of every 32”.
Observation
Drain pipe is not secured using the required solvent cement (end of the pipe should be cut straight). ABS fitting is glued to PVC pipe. ABS and PVC are not actually glued in the regular sense of gluing. The so-called "glue" is actually a solvent that melts the surfaces of the pipe and fitting for a few seconds.
When you slide the joint together, the two surfaces blend together. The process is properly called "solvent welding". It is much the same as welding metal. One process uses heat to melt the two surfaces the other uses chemical reaction. The problem is that ABS and PVC are different materials and each requires its own solvent to melt the surfaces.
Observation
Plumbing vent is not extended thru the roof.
Observation
Plumbing vent is not connected.
Observation
Fiberglass utility sink is not properly secured to the wall.
Observation
ABS fitting is glued to PVC pipe. ABS and PVC are not actually glued in the regular sense of gluing. The so-called "glue" is actually a solvent that melts the surfaces of the pipe and fitting for a few seconds. When you slide the joint together, the two surfaces blend together. The process is properly called "solvent welding". It is much the same as welding metal. One process uses heat to melt the two surfaces the other uses chemical reaction. The problem is that ABS and PVC are different materials and each requires its own solvent to melt the surfaces.
Observation
Plumbing vent riser is not connected in the attic.
Observation
Plumbing vent riser is not connected in the attic.
Observation
ABS pipe is glued to PVC pipe. ABS and PVC are not actually glued in the regular sense of gluing. The so-called "glue" is actually a solvent that melts the surfaces of the pipe and fitting for a few seconds. When you slide the joint together, the two surfaces blend together. The process is properly called "solvent welding". It is much the same as welding metal. One process uses heat to melt the two surfaces the other uses chemical reaction. The problem is that ABS and PVC are different materials and each requires its own solvent to melt the surfaces.
Observation
3/8” thru 1” PEX shall be secured at a minimum of every 32”. Plumbing water lines should not be installed in unconditioned areas unless the local climate is suitable.
Observation
Plumbing water lines should not be installed in unconditioned areas unless the local climate is suitable.
Observation
The plumbing cleanout is not facing outward to allow access.
Observation
Plumbing wye is installed upside down.
Observation
ABS drain trap for washing machine has been constructed using various ABS fittings (this would not be an acceptable trap).
Observation
Water lines are secured to the dryer vent. Due to the dissimilar metals making contact this could also create corrosion to the copper water line from Electrolysis.
Observation
ABS fitting is glued to PVC. ABS and PVC are not actually glued in the regular sense of gluing. The so-called "glue" is actually a solvent that melts the surfaces of the pipe and fitting for a few seconds. When you slide the joint together, the two surfaces blend together. The process is properly called "solvent welding". It is much the same as welding metal. One process uses heat to melt the two surfaces the other uses chemical reaction. The problem is that ABS and PVC are different materials and each requires its own solvent to melt the surfaces.
Observation
PEX water lines in the crawlspace are not secured. 3/8” thru 1” PEX shall be secured at a minimum of every 32”.
Observation
Exterior Hose bib has been installed into the toilet drain line (Purpose is unknown but this would not be acceptable). Potential of untreated sewage being accessible at the hose bib.
Observation
ABS fitting is glued to PVC. ABS and PVC are not actually glued in the regular sense of gluing. The so-called "glue" is actually a solvent that melts the surfaces of the pipe and fitting for a few seconds. When you slide the joint together, the two surfaces blend together. The process is properly called "solvent welding". It is much the same as welding metal. One process uses heat to melt the two surfaces the other uses chemical reaction. The problem is that ABS and PVC are different materials and each requires its own solvent to melt the surfaces.
Observation
PEX water lines in the crawlspace are not secured. 3/8” thru 1” PEX shall be secured at a minimum of every 32”. Attached water valve appears to have no purpose and is unsecured.
Observation
ABS fittings are glued to PVC. ABS and PVC are not actually glued in the regular sense of gluing. The so-called "glue" is actually a solvent that melts the surfaces of the pipe and fitting for a few seconds. When you slide the joint together, the two surfaces blend together. The process is properly called "solvent welding". It is much the same as welding metal. One process uses heat to melt the two surfaces the other uses chemical reaction. The problem is that ABS and PVC are different materials and each requires its own solvent to melt the surfaces.
Observation
ABS fittings are glued to PVC. ABS and PVC are not actually glued in the regular sense of gluing. The so-called "glue" is actually a solvent that melts the surfaces of the pipe and fitting for a few seconds. When you slide the joint together, the two surfaces blend together. The process is properly called "solvent welding". It is much the same as welding metal. One process uses heat to melt the two surfaces the other uses chemical reaction. The problem is that ABS and PVC are different materials and each requires its own solvent to melt the surfaces. There is a substantial sag in this drain line as well.
Observation
PEX water lines in the crawlspace are not secured. 3/8” thru 1” PEX shall be secured at a minimum of every 32”. PEX water line is unterminated.
Protection
Drainage and water pipe damage could be caused by nails, screws, and other fasteners.
In locations where piping is installed through holes or notches in wooden studs, rafters, joists or other members less than 1 and 1/4 inches from the nearest edge of the member, the pipe must be protected by steel shield plates. A shield plate should extend at least 2 inches above or below the sole or top wall plates.
Exterior Wall Location
In cold climates, water, soil or waste pipes should not be installed outside of a house, in exterior walls, in attics, or crawlspaces, or in another other place subjected to freezing temperature unless some provisions are made to protect it from freezing by insulation or heat.
Hose Bibb
In cold climates, a hose bibb at the exterior wall can be protected from freezing temperatures by installing a freezeproof hose bibb, where the valve seat extends into the heated portion of the exterior wall.
Pipe Support
The maximum spacing of pipe support for PVC piping material is 4 feet horizontally and 10 feet vertically.
The maximum spacing of pipe support for copper piping material is 12 feet horizontally and 10 feet vertically.
The maximum spacing of pipe support for Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe, 1 inch and smaller, is 32 inches horizontally and 10 feet vertically.
Shutoff Valves
A shutoff valve must be installed at each appliance.
Shutoff valves must be accessible and located in concealed areas. They must be located in the same room as the appliance. They must be located within 6 feet of the appliance and located upstream of the union fitting or quick connect device.
Connections
Between the shutoff valve and an appliance, a union fitting must be installed to provide a means of disconnecting the piping.
CCST
Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) is observed in the garage. CSST piping systems must be installed in accordance with the terms of their approval, the conditions of listing, the manufacturer’s instructions, and the IRC.
CSST is a flexible, stainless steel pipe used to supply natural gas and propane in residential and commercial buildings. It is often coated with a yellow or black plastic coating. CSST should NOT be confused with flexible gas appliance connectors that join an appliance the gas supply line of a house.
CSST is safe when properly installed.
Supports
Piping shall be supported with hooks, straps, bands, brackets, hangers, or structural components located at intervals so as to prevent or damp out excessive vibration. The piping shall be anchored to prevent undue strains on connected appliances and shall not be supported by other piping. Spacing of supports for CSST should be in accordance with the CSST manufacturer’s instructions, which may be anywhere from 4 to 8 feet intervals.
Labeling of CSST
The CSST piping should be labeled "Gas". It is not.
CSST Location
Where passing through an exterior wall, the piping should be protected against corrosion. Where piping is encased in a protective pipe sleeve, the annular space between the piping and the sleeve shall be sealed.
CSST piping must not be installed in or through a duct, clothes chute, chimney or gas vent.
Concealed pipe shall not be located in solid partitions and solid walls, unless installed in a chase or casing. CSST piping must be protected against penetration by fasteners by shield plates where the piping is concealed within the wood-framed wall.
Bonding of CSST
In relation to bonding in the IRC G2411, CSST shall be bonded to the electrical service grounding electrode system or, where provided, the lightening protection electrode system.
- A bonding jumper shall connect to a metallic pipe, pipe fitting, or CCST fitting.
- The bonding jumper shall be not smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent.
- The length of the bonding jumper between the connection to a has piping system and the connection to a grounding electrode system shall not exceed 75 feet (22,860 mm).
- NFPA 70 is the standard for bonding connections.
OBSERVATION
The CSST piping is not properly installed for several reasons, including the following:
CSST is inadequately supported, particularly in the garage and furnace room.
CSST is not protected from physical damage in the garage. CSST piping installed above ground shall be securely supported and located where it will be protected by physical damage.
OBSERVATION
The CSST piping is not properly bonded at the garage.
OBSERVATION
The piping should be labeled "Gas". It is not labeled properly in the garage and furnace room.
Hot Water Tank Elevation
Appliances with an ignition course must be elevated so that the point of ignition is at least 18 inches above the floor in hazardous locations and garages. The exception is for appliances listed as flammable-vapor-ignition resistant or FVIR. Rooms or spaces that are not part of the living space of a house and that are directly open to the garage through openings are considered part of the garage.
Some flammable liquids give off vapors that are denser than air and tend to collect near the floor. This prohibits most appliances, like gas dryers and water heater tanks, from being installed on the floor of a garage.
OBSERVATION: Tank on Garage Floor
The hot water tank does not have a FVIR system; and therefore, it needs to be raised at least 18 inches above the garage floor.
Water Heater Tank Elevation
Appliances, including water heater tanks, located in a garage or carport must be protected from being hit by a car. If the appliance is not protected, it has to be raised at least 6 feet above the floor.
OBSERVATION: Tank on Garage Floor
The hot water tank does not have a FVIR system; and therefore, it needs to be raised at least 18 inches above the garage floor.
