The Chicago Plumbing Code

§ 18-29-305

Protection of Pipes and Plumbing System Components.

§ 18-29-305.1 Corrosion.

Pipes passing through walls and floors made of cinder, concrete, or other corrosive material shall be protected against external corrosion by a protective sheathing or wrapping or other means that will withstand any reaction from lime and acid of concrete, cinder or other corrosive material. Sheathing or wrapping shall allow for expansion and contraction of piping to prevent any rubbing action and shall be comparable with fire stops where these are required by provisions of Titles 13 and 15. Minimum wall thickness of material shall be 0.025 inches (0.64 mm).

§ 18-29-305.2 Breakage.

All pipes passing under or through walls shall be protected from breakage. All metal pipes passing through or in contact with walls and floors made of concrete or other corrosive material shall be protected against external corrosion.

§ 18-29-305.3 Stress and strain.

Piping in a plumbing system shall be installed so as to prevent strains and stresses that exceed the structural strength of the pipe. Where necessary, provisions shall be made to protect piping from damage resulting from expansion, contraction and structural settlement.

§ 18-29-305.4 Sleeves.

Annular spaces between sleeves and pipes shall be filled or tightly caulked in an approved manner. Annular spaces between sleeves and pipes in fire-resistance-rated assemblies shall be treated in accordance with Section 15-8-570.

§ 18-29-305.5 Pipes through or under footings or foundation walls.

Any pipe that passes under a footing or through a foundation wall shall be provided with a relieving arch. Alternatively, a pipe sleeve may be built into the foundation wall. Such sleeve shall be two pipe sizes greater than the pipe passing through the wall.

§ 18-29-305.6 Freezing.

A water, soil vent or waste pipe shall not be installed outside of a building, in attics or crawl spaces, nor concealed in outside walls or in any other place subjected to freezing temperature, unless adequate provision is made to protect it from freezing by insulation or heat or both. Water service pipe shall be installed not less than 60 inches (1525 mm) below grade.

§ 18-29-305.6.1 Sewer depth.

The building sewers shall be installed with a minimum of 36 inches (915 mm) of cover.

(Amend Coun. J. 3-27-02, p. 82090,�� 3)

§ 18-29-305.6.2 Water main depth.

Building water mains shall have a minimum ground cover of 60 inches (1525 mm).

§ 18-29-305.7 Waterproofing of openings.

Joints at the roof around vent pipes shall be made water tight by the use of lead, copper, galvanized steel, or other approved flashing material compatible with the pipe material and roof system. Exterior wall openings shall be made water tight.

§ 18-29-305.8 Protection against physical damage.

In concealed locations where piping other than cast-iron or galvanized steel is installed through holes or notches in studs, joists, rafters or similar members less than 1 1/2 inches (40 mm) from the nearest edge of the member, the pipe shall be protected by shield plates. Protective shield plates shall be a minimum of 1/16 inches (1.6 mm) thick steel, shall cover the area of the pipe where the member is notched or bored, and shall extend a minimum of 2 inches (50 mm) above sole plates and below top plates.

§ 18-29-305.9 Protection of components of plumbing system.

Components of a plumbing system installed along alleyways, driveways, parking garages or other locations exposed to damage shall be recessed into the wall or otherwise protected in an approved manner.