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Question
Can I use ABS pipe for underground drainage?
Yes. ABS pipe is permitted for underground drainage systems both outside and under a building. It must conform to CSA B181.1 or ASTM F628.
NPC 2020, Section 2.2.5.9Question
What temperature does my water heater need to be set to?
Storage-type service water heaters must operate at a temperature not lower than 60°C. This prevents the growth of Legionella bacteria in the hot water system.
BC 2024, Section 2.6.1.12Question
Where do I need cleanouts in the drainage system?
Cleanouts are required to allow cleaning of the entire drainage system. You need a cleanout fitting on the upstream side of every running trap, and at the bottom of every internal leader or within 3 m upstream of the bottom.
NPC 2020, Section 2.4.7.1Why plumbers use it
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Common BC Plumbing Code Questions
Real answers from the NPC 2020 and BC 2024 amendments.
Can I use ABS pipe for underground drainage in BC?+
Yes. ABS pipe is approved for underground drainage systems both outside and under a building. It must conform to CSA B181.1 or ASTM F628 for cellular core ABS. PVC pipe conforming to CSA B182.2 or ASTM F949 is also permitted underground. (NPC 2020, Section 2.2.5.9)
What are the vent pipe location rules for a fixture trap?+
Vent pipes protecting a fixture trap must be located so that the developed length of the trap arm is at least twice the pipe size (NPS), the total fall of the trap arm is no greater than its inside diameter, and the trap arm does not change direction more than 135 degrees total. (NPC 2020, Section 2.5.6.3)
Where do I need cleanouts in a drainage system?+
Cleanouts must allow cleaning of the entire drainage system. You need a cleanout fitting on the upstream side of every running trap. Internal leaders need a cleanout at the bottom or within 3 m upstream. Building sewers also require cleanouts. (NPC 2020, Section 2.4.7.1)
What temperature must a water heater be set to in BC?+
Storage-type service water heaters must operate at a temperature not lower than 60°C. Storing hot water below 60°C can lead to the growth of Legionella bacteria in the tank or delivery system. (BC 2024, Section 2.6.1.12)
Does my water heater need a pressure relief valve?+
Yes. Every storage-type service water heater must have a pressure-relief valve that opens when water pressure reaches the rated working pressure of the tank. It must also have a temperature-relief valve rated at not more than 99°C. (NPC 2020, Section 2.6.1.7)
How do I size sanitary drainage pipes?+
Add up the fixture units from all connected fixtures, then look up the maximum permitted hydraulic load in Table 2.4.10.6.-A for stacks, or Table 2.4.10.6.-C for building drains and sewers. Continuous-flow fixtures are calculated separately at 31.7 fixture units per litre per second. (NPC 2020, Section 2.4.10.6)
What is wet venting and can I use it for a bathroom group?+
Wet venting is when a vent pipe also carries wastewater from other fixtures. Yes, it is commonly used for bathroom groups. A typical setup has the toilet draining into the stack while the sink and shower wet-vent through a shared pipe. The wet vent pipe must be sized according to Table 2.5.8.1. (NPC 2020, Section 2.5.2.1)
Can fixtures drain into a vent pipe?+
Yes, but only if the fixture has a hydraulic load of 1.5 fixture units or less. No more than 2 fixtures can connect to the vent pipe, and if there are 2, they must connect through a double sanitary T fitting. The vent section acting as a wet vent must be sized per Table 2.5.8.1. (NPC 2020, Section 2.5.4.5)
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