Here's a bullet-point summary of IPC code section 708.1.3 concerning the junction of building drains and building sewers:
But first, let's refresh our memories on the difference between the two.
BUILDING DRAIN. That part of the lowest piping of a drainage system that receives the discharge from soil, waste and other drainage pipes inside and that extends 30 inches (762 mm) in developed length of pipe beyond the exterior walls of the building and conveys the drainage to the building sewer.
Combined. A building drain that conveys both sewage and storm water or other drainage.
Sanitary. A building drain that conveys sewage only.
Storm. A building drain that conveys storm water or other drainage, but not sewage.
BUILDING SEWER. That part of the drainage system that extends from the end of the building drain and conveys the discharge to a public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage disposal system or other point of disposal.
Combined. A building sewer that conveys both sewage and storm water or other drainage.
Sanitary. A building sewer that conveys sewage only.
Storm. A building sewer that conveys storm water or other drainage, but not sewage.
But first, let's refresh our memories on the difference between the two.
BUILDING DRAIN. That part of the lowest piping of a drainage system that receives the discharge from soil, waste and other drainage pipes inside and that extends 30 inches (762 mm) in developed length of pipe beyond the exterior walls of the building and conveys the drainage to the building sewer.
Combined. A building drain that conveys both sewage and storm water or other drainage.
Sanitary. A building drain that conveys sewage only.
Storm. A building drain that conveys storm water or other drainage, but not sewage.
BUILDING SEWER. That part of the drainage system that extends from the end of the building drain and conveys the discharge to a public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage disposal system or other point of disposal.
Combined. A building sewer that conveys both sewage and storm water or other drainage.
Sanitary. A building sewer that conveys sewage only.
Storm. A building sewer that conveys storm water or other drainage, but not sewage.
- Code Requirement: A cleanout must be installed at the junction of the building drain and the building sewer, or within 10 feet (3048 mm) upstream of this junction.
- Location Specifics:
- The building drain ends and the building sewer begins 30 inches (762 mm) from the building's exterior wall.
- The code allows flexibility in placing cleanouts, making them accessible in areas like basements, crawl spaces, and corridors.
- Prohibition Against Water Closet Removal:
- Removing a water closet to access a cleanout is specifically prohibited.
- Water closets are typically located in confined spaces, not suitable for the safe operation of heavy-duty cleaning equipment.
- Rationale for the Prohibition:
- Safety concerns: The space constraints in water closet areas do not allow for safe use of powerful root-cutting cable machines.
- Practical concerns: If a cleanout is located such that a water closet needs to be removed for access, it defeats the purpose of the cleanout, which is to facilitate easy maintenance and clearing of blockages.
- Considerations for Cleanout Installation:
- The placement of cleanouts should be carefully considered to avoid requiring removal of fixtures like water closets.
- Cleanout locations should facilitate easy access for maintenance without risking damage to plumbing fixtures or the building structure.
- Safety and Awareness in Maintenance:
- Maintenance workers need to be aware of the possibility of encountering underground utilities like natural gas lines or electrical cables, which can sometimes penetrate sewer lines during other construction activities.
- Inadvertent damage to these utilities during sewer cleaning can lead to serious safety hazards, including potential injuries or fatalities.
