By:
Howard Massey
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Basic Plumbing Principles
Everyone who designs plumbing systems knows from experience how
important it is to follow the code exactly. Even a small mistake can
keep a plan from being approved - causing expensive delays.
Unfortunately, it's easy to make mistakes. The plumbing code isn't
like a cookbook. It doesn't explain what to do step by step.
Plumbing codes are complex regulations written to be enforced (like
a law) rather than to be understood.
But that doesn't mean you have to under- stand the code any less.
You have to follow the code exactly - every time. That's what this
manual will help you do.
This book is written for anyone who wants to avoid mistakes and
delays when preparing plans for drain, waste and vent systems in
buildings. Whether you're a plumbing engineer, plumbing designer,
plumbing contractor or plumber, I think you'll find the design
information you're looking for between the
covers of this book.
I'm going to assume that you know a little about plumbing
materials and how they're in- stalled. But that's all I'm going to
assume. Whether you're an experienced professional plumbing de-
signer, or working on your first plumbing plan, this manual will
answer your plumbing design questions.
If trying to learn the code
by reading the code itself has left you frustrated and con- fused,
don't worry. Even those who have worked with the code for years get
tripped up sometimes. I intend to explain every point in plain
language and offer examples that simplify the learning process.
If you're new to the plumbing trade and need information on basic
plumbing principles and installation practice, check the order form
at the back of this manual. Basic
Plumbing with Illustrations explains how to install plumbing
materials. Plumbers Handbook
describes what plumbing Installers need to know about the code.
Which Code Do You Need?
Before we go any further, let me identify the plumbing code I'm
talking about. It's the Uniform Plumbing Code, published by
International Planning Drain, Waste & Vent Systems Association of
Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, 5032 Alhambra Avenue, Los
Angeles, California 90032-3490.
Every plumbing designer (and every
plumber) working in the western and southwestern states should have
a copy. Building departments usually sell copies of the code they
enforce. Larger bookstores or technical bookstores also sell code
books adapted for use in their area.
There are several major plumbing codes, of course. The Uniform
Plumbing Code is the most widely used code in the United States. It
is co- sponsored by the International Association of Plumbing and
Mechanical Officials (LAPMO) and the International Conference of
Building Officials (ICBO).
Twenty-four states currently using the Uniform Plumbing Code are
Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New
Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and areas of Arizona, Colorado,
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma,
Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
The second most widely used code in the United States is the
Standard Plumbing Code, published by Southern Building Code
Congress International, Inc., 900 Montclair Road, Birmingham,
Alabama 35213-1206. It's used in fourteen southern states: Alabama,
Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina,
South Carolina, Tennessee and some parts of Delaware, Missouri,
Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia.
The remaining states have either adopted their own codes or refer
to the National Standard Plumbing Code or the Building
Officials and Code Administrators, International (BOCA). The
BOCA Basic Code is widely accepted in the northeastern states.
If your local plumbing code isn't based on the Uniform Plumbing
Code, don't be concerned. The differences between these model codes
are minor - and with each revision they become less important.
Every plumbing professional should understand how a plumbing code
becomes the local law. Here's how it works. Few cities and counties
have the resources and time required to create their own plumbing
code from scratch. Instead, most cities and counties adopt one of
the model codes published by one of the national code-writing
organizations.
Your city or county can adopt any code they want to
follow, of course. And they can make any changes they feel are
necessary when adopting that code. But once adopted, the code (with
any changes) becomes a regulation that's enforced like a law in your
city or county. That code remains in effect as adopted until it's
amended or replaced by the adoption of another code.
Note this very carefully. Even if you know that your city or
county follows the Uniform Building Code, it's not safe to assume
that they've adopted the current version that's being sold by
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
Many
jurisdictions are still en- forcing older versions of the code. And
it's common for a city or county to adopt changes or additions to
the code that apply only in that community. You can see why it's so
important to have a copy of the current code as adopted in the city
or county where you do business.
Softcover - 202 Pages
8-1/2 x 11 in.
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