pzmember

ok ilplumber put forth a challange to get off of some of our hot button topics of late. and get on with new topic. this thread could technically be put under the plbg code section but im considering this a general plumbing discussion. we all know that the codes in all of our areas are the minimum requirements. when and where do you guys choose to go above and beyond the minimum for the sake of craftsmanship. example: im replacing a rotten ci stack. my code says i can tie on to the cast via a no hub band or fernco. i prefer to burn out the lead clean the hub and use a caulk ferrule to start my pvc transition. the band would be quicker and cheaper and legal but i like the permanancy of the caulk ferrule. that said lets hear your examples.

Killertoiletspider

Chicago code doesn't allow a repair in a CI stack to be repaired with PVC unless you are replacing the entire stack through the roof, nor does it allow No Hub couplings or rubber connectors. Here you would snap out a section, remove it from the closest hub, and re-install hub and spigot pipe and fittings using a Sisson fitting.

trick1

Yeah, I think I cornered the market on PVC soil pipe adapters!! I TRY to use soil pipe adapters whever possible, but sometimes it can be a little tough. I lean away from ferncos and use a stainless steel shielded clamp.

Other things that I do to exceed code is decrease my distance when spacing hangers, to make my installs a little more secure, I even go with more heavy duty hangers when possible. Usually all my DWV work in basements is hung with emlocks instead of j-hooks.

Instead of installing a pressure balanced tub and shower valve, I try to install a thermostatic mixing valve in accordance with ASTM 1017.

All of my wiring on the heating side of my business gets soderless terminals instead of looping the wire into the terminal screw.

I'm also really really picky about long sweeps or double 45's even if they aren't required for a certain type of change of direction. I'm also really picky about venting as well.

ILPlumber

I agree with your original post mjcoleman. one example of what I do is we put supports closer together than code calls for to keep the pipe very straight and permanent. I've seen a lot of weight on piping other than intended.

For example. If you are hanging across somebody's future laundry room ya might put extra supports on. Knowing they are going to have 200 lbs. of clothing hanging off of it.

Good post! Thanks for taking my challenge to heart.

U&I Plumber

As was mentioned before, instead of sweeps I try to run 45s with a 12" pup between them and wye and 1/8 bend instead of a cby, easier on the flow that way.

I will not use a pvc male adapter, I cut a sch 80 nipple in half and use it and a coupling, they don't shear off. This is especially important in underground situations.

I use only ball valves, no gates.

I use pvc primer on every joint.

When hanging abs on a post an beam, I crown the pipe with the belly up ( straight pipe is a happy pipe ) and use an extra hanger every third one running off at a 45 as a cross brace on the longer runs, also use flat blocks drilled with a coupling sitting on top as extra support at each fixture termination.

When running cast in the ditch, I use a string line between a couple stakes to sight down the pipe with to keep things straight.

Lettering is always up or out.

Wethead

Interesting that how I was taught

Marlin

I'm the only one at our shop who does that. It looks funny when I do half of something with the letters out and someone else does the other half and puts them any which way. You don't realize how much better it looks until you see it side by side.

U&I Plumber

It's old skool stuff for sure, pride in workmanship.

The code book states " In a workmanship like manner " its a shame that part of the code is not enforced, if it was we would have an elite profession again instead of the diluted mess we are dealing with today. Alot of people getting into this trade see only dollar signs, they have no respect for the work, the tools, or the masters that made you earn the knowledge.

Its funny, after 20 years I still love what I do.

Wethead

Yup, seems PRIDE has taken a back seat to what is cheap and fast

U&I Plumber

Thats also a large part of why I went back into business for myself, around these parts the big shops that had that pride are going away, they are either dying off ( Literally ) or being put under by morons that did a 4 or 5 year apprenticeship and jumped right into business. These idiots were to busy during their apprenticeships thinking about all the money they was gonna make as business owners, they never learned how to really plumb.

I will not work for an individual that knows less about my trade than
I do.

I............must...........step............down.. ............from.............soapbox