Accessible fixture valves

[Sifu]

IRC requires fixtures to have valves with access. What is the general opinion of the valves being in a crawlspace? It is "access" but needing to leave the building to get to them, and then crawl to find them doesn't seem to meet the intent of "access" to me.

 

[ICE]

IRC requires fixtures to have valves with access. What is the general opinion of the valves being in a crawlspace? It is "access" but needing to leave the building to get to them, and then crawl to find them doesn't seem to meet the intent of "access" to me.

I run into this when a floor furnace is abandoned and there is now a closet or attic furnace installed. The argument that I get to allow this is that the gas valve is accessible so there is no violation. My determination is that valves have leaked and pipe seldom does. I also contend that if nobody knows that there is a valve, it is hardly accessible. The same goes for junction boxes in attics. If they, and the cable, are buried in insulation, what's the point.

But then again, you said fixtures so maybe it's angle stops you wonder about. And besides that I don't enforce the IRC plumbing or gas, if the IRC has gas.

 

[globe trekker]

Sifu,

While the intent to provide "ready access" (RE: 2006 IRC, Section P2903.9.3)

is there, the actual wording is not. It can be interpreted either way, however,

if a contractor or homeowner is asking you if the valve needs to be "readily

accessible" to pass the inspection, then I would say that it does indeed to

need to be readily accessible. The intent is to be able to shut off the fixture

quickly (if needed), and not have to go search for one.

Maybe others have a different viewpoint!

.

 

[mtlogcabin]

ACCESS (TO). That which enables a device, appliance or equipment to be reached by ready access or by a means that first requires the removal or movement of a panel, door or similar obstruction (see also "Ready access").

READY ACCESS. That which enables a fixture, appliance or equipment to be directly reached without requiring the removal or movement of any panel, door or similar obstruction and without the use of a portable ladder, step stool or similar device.

For plumbing the IRC only requires waste receptors to have ready access

For gas, all drips and G2420.5.2 (409.5.2) Vented decorative appliances and room heaters.

Shutoff valves for vented decorative appliances , room heaters and decorative appliances for installation in vented fireplaces shall be permitted to be installed in an area remote from the appliances where such valves are provided with ready access

ICE

I believe the UMC and UPC have similar requirements that valves be plugged or capped when not connected to an appliance

"the entire system shall be inspected to determine that there are no open fittings or ends and that all valves at unused outlets are closed and plugged or capped".