Why Plumbing Code is Necessary

Plumbing code is a term that you will often hear when you carry out repair or remodeling projects in your home. The code is a term used in many building professions, and plumbing is no different. People often believe that plumbing code is just a set or arbitrary rules for keeping the authorities happy, but nothing can be further from the truth. Plumbing code should be followed to the letter to ensure quality work, safety, and health of the residents of buildings.

A Set of Rules Constantly Under Development

You will always be subjected to a set of rules irrespective of where you live in the country. Within the plumbing profession, there are statutes and laws that specify what can and cannot be done, and they are referred to as plumbing codes, and each province or state has its own version of the same. The code is not static but evolves. While it might seem like a strange concept at first, it is important to appreciate that the adoption of new plumbing innovations, techniques, and process required a dynamic set of rules.

Plumbing Code in Focus

Professions working in the plumbing industry should be aware of the plumbing code and adhere to it in practice. Plumbing code has provisions for how the work needs to be done with regards to standards and quality. While it is useful to have a standard for professional plumbers, the greater need for plumbing code emanates from the need to maintain well being and health.

Health Effects of Poor Quality Plumbing

Poor quality plumbing is often associated with serious health consequences. Everyone understands the importance of drinking clean water, but there are other less known areas with regards to plumbing. One of the critical elements that only a few people understand is the movement of sewage and wastewater in homes. The pitching of drainpipes is critical to ensuring that hazardous water is not stagnant in plumbing fixture and there are no toxic fumes.

It is possible to contain foreign materials and waterborne diseases by installing a water filtration system, but a system installed incorrectly can be compromised. Advances in plumbing techniques and materials have introduced a variety of effective ways to improve the health standards of plumbing systems. Professional plumbers who adhere to plumbing code will be up to date with the most current best practices and innovations.

Protection from Poor Plumbing Practices

Provisions in the plumbing codes are designed to protect homeowners from the negative effects of bad plumbing. A good example is the use of underground soldered joints typically used by unethical plumbers. It is only amateurs or fraudsters that use underground soldered joints since it is cheap and fast. However, the savings are never passed to the homeowner. The plumbing code prohibits this practice since, without it, unethical plumbers would be tempted to use it to increase their profit margins.

The Bottom Line

The plumbing code is very important since it helps protect your health and that of your family as well as the structural integrity of your home. If you have any plumbing work to be done in your home, ensure that the contractor follows the plumbing code.