* * * *
Yankee,
I agree with Chris! There's nothing in the IRC or the NEC to
address proximity, other than quality of workmanship.
The NEC DOES address "workmanlike manner" ( Art. 110.12,
`08 NEC ). Also, see Art. 110.3 - EXAMINATION,
IDENTIFICATION, INSTALLATION and USE of EQUIPMENT.
The IRC would be your applicable code ( whichever edition
you've adopted ). See Appendix AJ501.5.3.5.
Typically, you would want all conductors to be fully [ and
permanently ] separated from any and all water sources.
In your scenario, the person who installed the pex should
have installed the pex so as to keep clear of the junction
box(es) [ if possible ]. Thats hard to do if you don't
open up the wall cavities for access / install. Some type
of permanent [ non-conducting ] barrier could have been
installed, such as some mineral wool or fiberglass insulation,
or some other approved type of barrier.
One problem is that not too many people are concerned
enough these days to think outside of their own profession,
and to have & show some courtesy and consideration of the
finished product ( i.e. - is this "new" pex piping that
I'm installing, going to be safe for the homeowner / new
tenant ? ).
Sorry! Rant Time over! :-D
Did you get the answer you were seeking...
* * * *
