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Interpretation #8129

Original Request

  • Date: June 08, 2018
  • Requested By: Sam Garber CFC 057709
  • Requester E-Mail: sam@samcoplumbing.com
  • Code Version: 2017
  • Code: RESIDENT
  • Code Description:
  • Chapter:
  • Section: P2903.5
  • Topic: Water Hammer Arrestors

  • Question: Was the purpose of this change in wording (taking out the quick closing valve requirement) to remove the mandatory requirement of water Hammer arrestors on washer boxes, ice maker boxes and dishwasher connections in residential construction.

Answer on 06/08/2018 at 12:16 PM

Yes – but some background may be useful. Please see the attached commentary.

Commentary:

The change in wording in P2903.5 actually occurred more than ten years ago during the 2009 I-Code development cycle (the base code for the 2010 FBC.) Prior to that time, requirements for water hammer arrestors were identical in both the IPC (604.9) and the IRC (P2903.5.) At the code hearings in 2006, identical code changes were proposed for both the IPC and the IRC, striking the mandatory requirement for water hammer arrestors “where quick-closing valves are utilized.” (The proponent’s reasoning was that requiring water hammer protection in all cases was overly-restrictive.) The IRC committee approved the change; the IPC committee did not. The resulting conflict between the two codes has sowed confusion among designers, installers, and code officials ever since. However, during the 2018 I-Code cycle, the mandatory “quick-closing valve” language was reinstated in the IRC, restoring consistency between the IRC and the IPC. It is possible that Florida will incorporate the new language into the next (7th Edition) Florida Building Code, clarifying that “water hammer arrestors shall be required where quick-closing valves are utilized”, in both the plumbing and the residential codes.