Interpretation #7691

Published December 15, 2015

Original Request

Code Version: 2014
Code: PLUMBING
Code Description
Chapter
Section: SECTION 708 CLEANOUTS
Topic: P Trap cleanout

Question

Is it the intent of Section 708.7 Minimum Size to require the cleanout which is part of a p-trap assembly to comply with Exception #1 which states "?P? trap connections with slip joints or ground joint connections, or stack cleanouts that are not more than one pipe diameter smaller than the drain served, shall be permitted."? Or is the cleanout in the p-trap assembly designed solely to evacuate only the p-trap and not to be used as the piping system cleanout?

Answer Published 12/15/2015 at 3:53 AM

No, in order to comply with this code section the trap must

be removable to allow rodding.

Commentary

The cleanout in the trap assembly is only intended for cleaning out the trap. The trap itself must be removable (i.e. slip joint connection) in order to use the open waste arm as an access point for cleaning out the system.