Distance from Wall to Edge of Wall Hung Sink

[rosegamble]

Hello All,

I could have sworn there was a portion of the code that mandated a wall-hung sink must be 4" from edge of sink to edge of adjacent wall. I checked ADA, ANSI 117.1, IPC, IRC, and IBC (2018 and 2021 versions). Does anyone else remember this?

Thanks!

 

[arwat23]

In California, we have a section of building code (CBC 11B-606.6) that requires lavatories (not sinks) to be located so that the centerline of the lav is 18" minimum off the adjacent wall. I don't see that requirement in ADAS or ICC A117.1.

 

[steveray]

15" is min centerline....IPC and ANSI

 

[Mr. Inspector]

2018 IPC section 405.3.1

 

[Yikes]

Per posts #3 and 4, whether or not it is an accessible sink, IPC 405.3.1 requires at least 15" from centerline of fixture to face of adjacent side wall - see excerpt below.

If it is an accessible sink ADA Standards 606.2 requires a min. 30" clear width space under the lavatory. It does not say that the 30" space must be centered on the bowl or faucet or drain. If the sink is set in an alcove deeper than 24", then the width increazes to 36"

Per post #2, accessible lavs in California must have at least 18" from centerline of fixture to face of adjacent side wall (CBC 11B-606.6).

405.3.1 Water Closets, Urinals, Lavatories and Bidets​

A water closet, urinal, lavatory or bidet shall not be set closer than 15 inches (381 mm) from its center to any side wall, partition, vanity or other obstruction. Where partitions or other obstructions do not separate adjacent water closets, urinals, or bidets, the fixtures shall not be set closer than 30 inches (762 mm) center to center between adjacent fixtures or adjacent water closets, urinals, or bidets. There shall be not less than a 21-inch (533 mm) clearance in front of a water closet, urinal, lavatory or bidet to any wall, fixture or door. Water closet compartments shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in width and not less than 60 inches (1524 mm) in depth for floor-mounted water closets and not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in width and 56 inches (1422 mm) in depth for wall-hung water closets.
Exception: An accessible children's water closet shall be set not closer than 12 inches (305 mm) from its center to the required partition or to the wall on one side.

 

[rosegamble]

Thank you, everyone. Yes, I am familiar with the various rules regarding centerlines of sinks/lavatories to walls. But I thought there was some code somewhere that had an additional rule which mandated 4" minimum of clearance between the edge of a wall hung sink to the adjacent wall. The thought being that if you had a 32" wide wall hung sink for example you not only have to ensure the centerline requirements are met but also have to ensure it wasn't directly abutting the wall (but rather held off 4"). Anyone?

 

[rosegamble]

Maybe I found it? 2006 IRC R307.1 requires the 4" number in the location referenced above. The reason is so you can reach around it to clean the sides. I could have sworn this was in a more recent code, though.

 

[SCBO1]

I'm not aware of the 4-inch distance requirement, I think the distance is coming from a wheelchair forward approach and the wall hung sink being centered.

4-inches along a wall for protruding objects might be where that's coming from, but that's a guess.

 

[Paul Sweet]

This appears to be from the days when the 15" distance to CL only applied to WCs and urinals. The 2006 IPC has the 15" distance for lavatories. It looks like the 4" edge distance disappeared in the 2009 IRC, but the 15" distance to CL for lavatories first appeared in section 2705.1 of the 2009 IRC.

 

[Mech]

This is part of Figure 7.3.2 Minimum Fixture Clearances (for other than accessible applications) from the 2018 and 2021 National Standard Plumbing Code.

 

[Yikes]

I'd never heard of the "National Standard Plumbing Code", but I see it has been adopted by New Jersey. Has anyone else adopted it?

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

I'd never heard of the "National Standard Plumbing Code", but I see it has been adopted by New Jersey. Has anyone else adopted it?

It's IAPMO. California uses it -- I didn't know anyone else did.

Looks like "National Standard Plumbing Code" is a new name for the Uniform Plumbing Code, and there are a number of states that have adopted it or where some jurisdictions have adopted it.

Your State Plumbing Code - IPC or UPC

Today we have two dominant model plumbing codes in the United States. What version has your state adopted? Your inspector should know.

garynsmith.net

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Correction: The National Standard Plumbing Code does NOT appear to be a new name for the Uniform Plumbing Code. IAPMO has a 2024 UPC and a 2024 NSPC.

Codes & Standards | IAPMO

IAPMO ANSI- and SCC-accredited codes and standards provide innovative solutions for the protection of the public’s health, safety, and welfare around the world.

www.iapmo.org

National Standard Plumbing Code | IAPMO

The National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) is designed to ensure the proper installation of plumbing systems, providing a modern code to protect health and promote safety.

www.iapmo.org

Color me confused.

 

[Paul Sweet]

From the second link above:
"In 2017, IAPMO and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) executed an agreement transferring ownership of the NSPC to IAPMO."