NC Plumbing Code - Administration

Chapter 1: Scope and Administration

Much of this chapter has moved to another book – North Carolina Administrative Code andPolicies – which should be studied in addition to the Plumbing Code. What is left is general requirements for existing structures, temporary facilities, repair, and remodeling. There is also a section on inspection and jurisdiction.

It often comes into question, “What requires a permit, and what should be inspected?” Those requirements are addressed in this section.

All new construction and additions to existing plumbing systems require a permit and inspections. Some minor repairs and replacements can be completed without a permit, but they are very limited. You can, for example, change out an existing fixture, such as a faucet or toilet, without permit or inspection. You can even replace a water heater if it is the same size and fuel source, but not if the piping needs to be rerouted – so if you are moving the heater to the other side of the laundry room or closet you need a permit.

The basic rule is – you can replace piping and appurtenances exactly as they exist, but if the system must be altered then a permit and inspection is required.

The code also touches on historical structures and new innovation. Since historical structures must remain as they were constructed for historic purposes, the code allows for replacement and repair by historic methods that may now be prohibited by code. It also allows for special engineered designs that may allow new innovations of materials and methods. In all of these special cases a great deal of latitude is given to the local code official to use discretion.

This brings up a point that runs throughout the code – local rulings and the authority of the local inspector. The local inspector is expected to interpret and arbitrate the written code along with possible local ordinances or accepted practices. There may be requirements imposed by the local health department, for example, or minimum standards for a specific type of building. Much is left to the inspectors discretion when performing inspections.

It is always a good idea to check with the local official on anything that doesn't seem clear in the code. It never hurts to ask a question.

If you are working toward your journeyman or technician license there will be less emphasis on administration and more on piping systems on the test. But it is still important to understand the laws and regulations that must be followed. If you are working toward a state contractors or “Masters” license you will need a copy of North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies. In either case there will be questions on administration.

Definitions - First Step to Understanding the Code

Ask any licensed plumber and they will tell you that the first step in learning the code and studying for your exam is LEARNING THE DEFINITIONS.

That may sound really basic, and it is, but the Plumbing Code is a legal document and therefore very precise in scope and meaning. Even the simple words like SHALL or May have important meaning in the code. The section on definitions lists the definitions that pertain to the Plumbing industry, but definitions given in other codes (mechanical, fuel gas, building, etc.) are considered to be included by reference.

When in doubt – LOOK IT UP.

It is important to understand the meanings of technical and trade terms to understand the code. Many trade specific terms are not included in the definitions, but are assumed by experience. If you are not sure of a term look it up or ask your plumber or supervisor.

Some definitions are included below, but study your code book, and look at the definition chapters in other code books. You can view all of the NC State Code Books free online at: http://codes.iccsafe.org/North%20Carolina.html

BATTERY OF FIXTURES Any group of two or more similar adjacent fixtures which

discharge into a common horizontal waste or soil branch.

INDIVIDUAL VENT Vent piping from a single fixture to a branch vent or main vent.

BRANCH VENT Vent piping from a group of fixtures to the main vent pipe.

BUILDING DRAIN That part of the lowest piping of a drainage system that receives the discharge from soil, waste and other drainage pipes and extends 10 feet beyond the exterior walls of the building and conveys the drainage to the building sewer.

DEVELOPED LENGTH Length of piping measured along its center including fittings.

COMBINED BUILDING DRAIN A building drain that conveys both sewage and storm water or other drainage.

SANITARY BUILDING DRAIN A building drain that conveys sewage only.

BUILDING STORM DRAIN A building drain that conveys storm water or other drainage, but not sewage.

DRAINAGE SYSTEM Piping within a public or private premise that conveys sewage, rainwater or other liquid wastes to a point of disposal. A drainage system does not include the mains of a public sewer system or a private or public sewage treatment or disposal plant.

TRAP WEIR The highest point of water in a trap where it begins to flow down the horizontal drain piping.

GRAVITY DRAIN A drainage system that drains by gravity into the building sewer.

INDIRECT WASTE RECEPTOR A plumbing fixture designed specifically to collect

and dispose of liquid waste from other plumbing fixtures, plumbing equipment or

appliances which are required to discharge to the drainage system through an air gap such as floor sinks, mop receptors, service sinks, and standpipe or hub drains with integral air gaps.

LABELED Equipment, devices, fixtures or materials bearing the label of an approved agency.

PIPE SIZES For code purpose this is the nominal pipe sizes available commercially. When in the code, it is instructed to "increase by one pipe size." We should presume the pipe sizes that are available. 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/4. 1 1/2 , 2, 2 1/2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

SCUPPER An opening in a wall or parapet that allows water to drain from a roof.

TOILET ROOM A room containing a water closet, and frequently, a lavatory, but not a bathtub, shower, spa or similar bathing fixture.

WATER SERVICE PIPE The piping from the water meter to the water distribution system of the building served. Water service pipe terminates 5 feet outside the foundation wall.

There are, of course, many more terms to learn. Read your code book. Google terms you are not sure of. Check the gas pipe and mechanical codes. The more comfortable you are with the common terms the easier it will be to understand the rest of the code. And if the inspector tells you that he is turning down your bathroom group because the developed length to the trap is too long and the branch tee is below the trap weir on your lavatory arm – you'll know what he's talking about.