Taken from the Online Editions of the UPC & UMC Answers & Analysis
SUBJECT: Installation of Above Ground Piping
SECTION: 1210.3 (2024 UPC)
Question:
Are there certain clearance requirements for gas piping installed near attic egress?
Comment: I recently hired a plumber to run a gas line in my attic to a kitchen wall so I could install a new gas range. He ran the gas line about 2-3 feet above the attic deck boards and right at the top of my access ladder. Now in order to get into the attic, I need to step over the gas line, which isn’t easy, and I’ve almost fallen down the ladder a few times. Is this against plumbing code?
Answer:
The code may not specifically address this situation. The code does state:
308.0 Improper Location. 308.1 General. Piping, fixtures, or equipment shall not be so located as to interfere with the normal use thereof or with the normal operation and use of windows, doors, or other required facilities.
309.4 Installation Practices. Plumbing systems shall be installed in a workmanlike manner which is in accordance with this code, applicable standards, and the manufacturer’s installation instructions. All materials shall be installed so as not to adversely affect the systems and equipment or the structure of the building, and in compliance with all laws and other provisions of this code. All plumbing systems shall be in accordance with construction documents approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
You may need to consult with the AHJ and local building code.
SUBJECT: Approved Fittings
SECTION: Table 1002.2 (2024 UPC)
Question:
Would a Hubless Cast Iron 1/4-bend be acceptable to be used as a drainage fitting?
Comment: The last part of section 706.1 says that “other approved fittings of equivalent sweep.” Per the illustrated code book figure 706.1B, a Hubless Cast Iron 1/4-bend has a bigger sweep that an equivalent size PVC/ABS Long Sweep.
Answer:
The hubless 1/4-bend (Fitting No. 1 in 706.1b) is intended for horizontal to vertical applications only. The hubless short sweep (Fitting No. 2 in 706.1b) may be used anywhere.
SUBJECT: Environmental, Class 1, and Class 2 Air Ducts.
SECTION: 502.2.1 (2024 UMC)
Question:
Table 403.7 of the 2024 UMC classifies parking garage exhaust as Class 2. Does the termination of Class 2 exhaust, including parking garages, need to comply with 502.2.1?
Answer:
Yes. Since, table 403.7 classifies parking garage exhaust as Air Class 2, parking garages will need to comply with 2024 UMC section 502.2.1.
Unless the exception in footnote 3 of Table 403.7 applies to the installation: “(3) Exhaust shall not be required where two or more sides compose walls that are at least 50 percent open to the outside.” Once a determination of class 2 is established, section 502.2.1 location of termination would apply.
SUBJECT: Interior Installations for Exhaust Duct Systems
SECTION: 510.7 (2024 UMC)
Question:
In a multi-story high-rise building, is the grease duct required to be fire-wrapped if the grease duct does not penetrate the floor or a fire-rated barrier?
Answer:
Yes, the grease duct is required to be fire-wrapped. Section 510.7 of the 2021 Uniform Mechanical Code specifies that in buildings more than one story in height, or in one-story buildings where the roof or ceiling assembly is required to have a fire resistance rating, the ducts must be enclosed in a continuous enclosure. These are two separate conditions within one section and both must be complied with.
Section 510.7.1 of the 2021 UMC states that “buildings less than four stories in height shall have an enclosure with a fire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.” Additionally section 510.7.2 states that “buildings four stories or more in height shall have an enclosure with a fire resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.” There are no qualifiers to these code provisions for assembly ratings or grease duct routing.
Grease is highly flammable and the duct conveying it should always be treated conservatively. The consequences are too high not to construct grease duct with safety first and foremost.
Last modified: December 4, 2024