Chapter 3: General Regulations

Chapter 3 lists general regulations that apply to all plumbing installations. Other chapters in the code address specific aspects of the plumbing system such as waste, vent, and water distribution, but this chapter contains common situations relevant to all installations.

Section 301 gives general requirements for installation. We are told that piping must be installed in a way that does not weaken the structural components they pass through. More specific requirements, such as size of holes that may be cut in the structure, are given elsewhere. Here we are only instructed that the installation must not cause damage to the structure during installation or subsequent use. This will come up again in sections on piping (drilling holes) and fixtures (water heater pan requirements, etc).

All fixtures having water or drains must be properly connected to the main system, which would seem to be obvious, but the code must cover all possibilities. A reference is given to standard pipe sizes and a provision against installing piping inside an elevator shaft is included. In the case of elevators, the only services allowed inside the shaft are those providing shaft drainage such as an elevator sump pump.

Section 302 covers types of waste that are damaging to the piping system. A disclaimer states the provisions are for “informational purposes” because the installer can not control what a future owner or tenant places into the system. But it should be noted that section 302.2 does prohibit drains from hazardous sources being connected to the sanitary system without provision to neutralize the hazard.

Section 303 speaks of markings and labels to show all materials used in the plumbing system meet the requirements for manufacture standards listed elsewhere in the code. These materials also must be installed by the manufacturer's recommendations.

Section 304 references the NC Building Code as it pertains to pipe penetrations. There are many references throughout the Plumbing Code to other parts of the Building Code. The North Carolina Building Code is technically one code divided into multiple parts – Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, etc. – which are all taken together as a unified whole.

We also must protect the system itself from damage and excessive wear. Pipes must be protected from corrosion, stresses, and damage from other building components. Other components of the structure must also be protected from damage caused by the installation of use of the plumbing system. Section 305 covers these factors.

Sections 306 through 309 continue the themes of proper installation and protection from damage to both the plumbing system and other components.

Section 310 and 311 presents the minimum fixture requirements and general restrictions. The tables given will be needed during the test, unless you can memorize tables. It's still a good idea to check the tables for accuracy. The code is filled with lists and tables that are valuable for the test and in everyday practice. These tables condense the code into efficient, easily referenced format.

Section 312 outlines testing and inspection requirements. This is important to understand. Failure to comply with these requirements in the field can be costly. You do not want to bust up a slab or remove walls because you failed to test or have concealed piping inspected.

Section 313 is a reference to another source – The International Energy Conservation Code. It would not hurt for you to take a look at that code, but it is something that will seldom come up. All plumbing appliances and equipment must meet this code and be certified by the manufacturer. What you need to know is that the code exists and that equipment you are installing is approved and labeled as discussed in Section 303.

Again, Section 314 references another source – the North Carolina Mechanical Code. This is a book you will want to look at along with the North Carolina Fuel Gas Code. There are many instances of linkage between the three codes. A lot of the provisions on piping in the Mechanical Code pertain to plumbing and Fuel Gas is covered under the State Plumbing License. As anyone in the trades knows the MEP trades often intersect as we have connections to each others equipment. It's a good idea to at least look over the code books of the other trades.