Are building codes necessary? Why?

In this segment we will consider what codes are for and if they are necessary.

Have you ever wondered why plumbing looks the way it does? Did you think it was just the way the plumber installed it was the reason it was so complicated? Actually the plumber is following a preset configuration practice that is known as codes. Codes help the construction industry progress from today's technology to future technology in each respective trade.

Its like this, since you are using a computer to read this you may relate. Do you remember your first computer experience? I am sure it is quite different from today. Computers today are a lot more intuitive and software is beginning to be more universal. Even if you don't know how it works you are sure somewhere there is a lot of engineers working to make it so. The more universal something becomes the more people will have access to it. We call this cross platform. Codes are the cross platform of the construction industry.

Building codes help the plumber, electrician, roofer, stucco, framing, flooring, hvac and other trades coordinate and work together so a structure can be built with integrity. Codes are reevaluated constantly and updated every two years by committee. These committees are made up of dedicated professionals who pour through thousands of documents from people who have questions or issues with respect to the current requirements. Then the most relevant issues are resolved and adopted into the code. It is a process that has helped America have some of the greatest buildings that are not only ornate but safe, energy efficient and valuable.
So, what makes them necessary? The question almost answers itself. First, why is your front door as wide as it is? Why do the steps leading up to the front door look like they do? All of these answers lie within the code. The code is the minimum you can do, you can do more. For instance, there is a minimum width of the steps or door opening. You can have a five foot door opening for your front door, yet not one less that three foot. Why? Well consider all of the furniture and appliances you need to get into your home. A door needs to be at least three foot wide... and so the code is used to require it. Imagine some poor guy who is trying to save as much money as possible puts in a two foot six door and can't get a refrigerator into the home and then sells his home to someone who doesn't realize what they have purchased and can't get one in either.

Codes protect you eventually. Training, understanding and application takes years of work. Make sure the person you hire is qualified before you let them take out your code approved plumbing and replace it with the cheapest job you can find. Most of the problems I see is you can no longer tell who is qualified until the job is done. Ask questions, do some research and be informed. Not everyone who can stop a leak is qualified to do so.

If you have any questions or comments feel free to call me and I will be glad to help you if I can. I can be reached at (408) 263-8433.

your plumber,

Cameron

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Backflow Prevention, what is it?

Ever see those big valves sticking out of the ground near the sidewalk and wonder what they are for? Have you heard of anti-siphon devices and wondered what they were talking about? Even though you may not know what they are they work relentlessly to protect the public health. These valves are installed on domestic water lines to prevent the back flowing of water into your fresh water supply.

Now, you may ask, when is it possible for water to flow backwards into the fresh waterline? Often, when there is a fire, firetrucks will pump the water from the domestic supply. If, during this time you are say, filling a swimming pool, the negative pressure will siphon the water from the pool and make its way back into the utilities water supply contaminating it. Same goes for when you are gardening and lay the hose on the ground and the water is drawn back into the water supply dirt and bacteria can contaminate the water supply.

Back flow devices and anti-siphoning devices prevent this from happening. With back flow devices if a negative flow occurs the valve "checks" or prevents the flow of water when the pressure coming into your supply is lower than the pressure already past the valve thus preventing an equalizing or back flow situation. This is usually accompanied by what is commonly called dumping. This occurs when the water is released from the relief valve it is a sign that a back flowing has attempted to occur.

Anti-siphon devices are somewhat the same although they usually are installed on landscaping supply lines and hose bibs. These prevent back flow by opening and allowing air to enter the line when a negative pressure situation occurs.

If you have any questions or comments about installing or maintaing your backflow devices feel free to call me at (408) 263-8433.

your plumber,

Cameron

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Where will you be when "the big one" hits?

Major earthquakes cause great loss of life and property. We can't predict when or where they occur, but we can prepare for the effects. One way to assure you can attend to the more important matters after a major earthquake is by installing a seismic safety shutoff valve on your gas line. These valves work in various ways by automatically shutting off the gas, in case you can't. Fire, explosions and danger from gas leaks are a major reason considering an earthquake shutoff valve may be a prudent investment for you and your building. Costs are modest and valves come in sizes from 3/4" to 6".

If you'd like more information or an estimate feel free to call me and we can make an appointment for this and other safety features for your building or home.

I can be reached at (408) 263-8433

your plumber,

Cameron

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