Re: PIPING IN COMMON TRENCH
Rick,
"2006 IRC P2904.4.1 Water and sewer OK in same trench if both materials approved for use in the building."
My 2006 IRC puts it in P2904.4.2 Water Service Installation.
"Water-service pipe is permitted to be located in the same trench with a building sewer provided such sewer (refers to sewer pipe only; not water) is constructed of materials listed for underground use within a building in Section P3002.1 (Table P3002..1(2))"
When adopting the IRC; the above should be deleted; and the more restrictive requirement that follows in P2904.4.2, should be enforced;
" The water-service pipe shall be separated from the building sewer by a minimum of 5 feet, measured horizontally, of undisturbed (delete "or compacted") earth or placed on a SOLID ledge at least 12 inches above and to one side of the hightest point in the sewer line."
Building sewer line leaks are inevitable; and because water-service lines (especially PVC) will also experience leaks; allowing them in the same trench will guarantee an eventual contamination of the water supply system.
However, to answer your question; if the sewer service material, meets the requirements of P3002.1; yes, the incompetent installer, that is installing it can put the water-service line, in the same trench with the sewer.
Uncle Bob
