The Chicago Plumbing Code

§ 18-29-308

Piping Support.

§ 18-29-308.1 General.

All plumbing piping shall be supported in accordance with this section.

§ 18-29-308.2 Deliberately omitted.

§ 18-29-308.3 Materials.

Hangers, anchors and supports shall support the piping and the contents of the piping. Hangers and strapping material shall be of approved material that will not promote galvanic action.

§ 18-29-308.4 Structural attachment.

Hangers and anchors shall be attached to the building construction in an approved manner.

§ 18-29-308.5 Interval of support.

Pipe shall be supported in accordance with Table § 18-29-308.5.

Table § 18-29-308.5

Hanger Spacing

Piping Material

Maximum Horizontal Spacing (feet)

Maximum Vertical Spacing (feet)

Brass pipe

10

15

Cast-iron pipe a

5

15

Copper or copper-alloy pipe

12

10

Copper or copper-alloy tubing, 1 1/4-inch diameter and smaller

6

10

Copper or copper- alloy tubing, 1 1/2-inch diameter and larger

10

10

PVC pipe

4

4

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm

a The maximum horizontal spacing of cast-iron pipe hangers shall be increased to 10 feet where 10-foot lengths of pipe are installed.

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

§ 18-29-308.6 Sway bracing.

Rigid support sway bracing shall be provided at changes in direction greater than 45 degrees (0.79 rad) for pipe sizes 6 inches (150 mm) and larger.

§ 18-29-308.7 Anchorage.

Anchorage shall be provided to restrain drainage piping from axial movement.

§ 18-29-308.7.1 Location.

For pipe sizes greater than 4 inches (100 mm), restraints shall be provided for drain pipes at all changes in direction and at all changes in diameter greater than two pipe sizes. Braces, blocks, rodding and other suitable methods as specified by coupling manufacturer shall be utilized.

§ 18-29-308.8 Expansion joint fittings.

Expansion joint fittings shall be used only where necessary to provide for expansion and contraction of the pipes. Expansion joint fittings shall be of the typical material suitable for use with the type of piping in which such fittings are installed.

§ 18-29-308.8.1 Vertical expansion.

In buildings more than 150 ft (45.75 m) in height, all vertical lines of piping shall be provided with swing sections or traverse joints or other device which shall absorb the strains or stresses due to the expansion and contraction or vibration of the vertical pipe lines.

§ 18-29-308.9 Stacks.

Bases of stacks shall be supported by concrete, brick laid in cement mortar, or metal brackets attached to the building or by other approved methods.

§ 18-29-308.10 Parallel water distribution systems.

Piping bundles for manifold systems shall be supported in accordance with Table § 18-29-308.5. Support at changes in direction shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. Hot and cold water piping shall not be grouped in the same bundle.