What is the intent of this section as it relates
to the following. During construction of a new single family residence, water supply lines were run vertically through a shallow monolithic slab and into a CMU concrete fill cell of the structure. The water lines service a cabana bath for the residence. After construction finished,
it was determined a nail had penetrated the waterline. After the homeowner moved into the dwelling, the nail
rusted out/failed causing a water leak. During the investigation it was determined that the water supply line had been installed close to the exterior of the monolithic slab. The nail which penetrated the water line either during the button up process prior to the CMU bond beam pour or while an expansion joint was secured to the slab with nails prior to pouring the concrete pool deck.
Interpretation #7443
Published January 26, 2015
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2010
- Code
- RESIDENT
- Code Description
- Residential
- Chapter
- 26
- Section
- P2603.2.1
- Topic
- Water line penetrated by a nail
Question
Answer Published 01/26/2015 at 7:02 AM
To quote the IRC Commentary P2603.2.1, "This section is
intended to minimize the possibility of drainage
and water pipe damage caused by nails, screws, or other
fasteners used to affix wall panels."
intended to minimize the possibility of drainage
and water pipe damage caused by nails, screws, or other
fasteners used to affix wall panels."
Commentary
In the situation described, it may be good practice to
attempt to locate the water lines away from the edge of the
CMU, but this is not always practical. At any rate, there
is no specific code requirement to protect piping installed
within a block wall, nor should one be inferred.