Plumber's help needed. (it's not too interesting)

[jimAKAblue]

I have a question about the vent pipes that extend beyond the roof. In Austin, I was cited for not painting the pvc pipe which we never did in Michigan. Now, when I do a roof, I always paint the pipes and the pipe flashings because it looks good and because I believe that the paint acts as sunscreen for the pvc.

My question is: is this a IBC code, or a local code?

If it is a IBC 2006 code, can you tell me the code location or post the verbiage. If I can locate this verbiage, I can force the insurance companies to pay for the painting of the pipes. It's only $20.63 each but I'd rather put it in my pockets than leave it for the insurance companies. They are already stealing enough from their customers.

[tjbnwi]

I don't think it is an IBC code.

Check your state plumbing code. It may address the issue.

If it was a local AHJ requirement, you may find it on their web site. If so you should get paid.

Tom

[parkwest]

Could you get the the guy who "cited" you for the information you are requesting?

[Dick Seibert]

I don't know about Texas, but any plastic pipe exposed to sunlight deteriorates rapidly:

2.3.3 Exposed Piping.
Piping shall not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Exception: Vent piping through roof. Plumbing vents through roof, exposed to sunlight, shall be protected by water base synthetic latex paints.

Adequate support shall be provided where PVC piping is exposed to wind, snow, and ice loading.

2.3.4 Protection from Damage.

Piping passing through wood studs or plates shall be protected from puncture by minimum 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) thick steel plate,

Piping shall be protected from concrete form oil. [UPC 313.9]

[jimAKAblue]

That's the code I'm looking for but I've got to fit it into the code for OKC, which is the 2006 IBC. I'll keep searching in that book for something that looks like your version.

[jimAKAblue]

Could you get the the guy who "cited" you for the information you are requesting?

It was four or five years ago and it wouldn't help if I did track him down because Austin inspectors are known for pulling stuff out of their azzes.

[dgbldr]

Sorry Dick, but you're wrong. I've got a dozen pipes sticking out of the roof of my house, all Sch 40 white PVC, not painted. 20 yrs old. No deterioration whatsoever. I've seen some CPVC hot water pipes that changed color after a few years (darkened) in basements exposed to sunlight. They held pressure just fine. I investigated out of curiosity and found out that this can happen, but it doesn't affect the structural integrity of the material at all.

In Michigan I've never seen a painted vent pipe, so it's not IRC/IBC as far as I know.

[David Meiland]

A dozen???

[Kent Brobeck]

The rubber gasket on the vent flashing is the only thing I've seen deteriorate. 10-12 years and their toast.

Isn't PVC pipe and PVC trim basically the same thing?

[Johnson]

I don't know about Texas, but any plastic pipe exposed to sunlight deteriorates rapidly:

I've seen many Sch 40 pvc pipes exposed for over 20 years and no sign of deterioration or discoloring.

[Allan Edwards]

I don't know about Texas, but any plastic pipe exposed to sunlight deteriorates rapidly:

Dick

Like most things, plastic pipe performs better in Texas than it does in California. What I don't like is (1) it is ugly seeing white plastic sticking out of your roof (2) the neoprene flashing is a rubberry type material that will fail. I've never used anything except lead flashing that will last longer and blends in with the typical weathered gray shingle.

[dgbldr]

A dozen???

Yes, what do you expect in a 23,000 sf house with 18 baths? :)

Flat roof. The 6" pipes are my ridge vent. Not visible from the ground.

[hdrider_chgo]

A similar question was addressed in the June 2012 issue of JLC magazine (p.18). According to the response from a licensed plumbing contractor in California, most plumbing codes require PVC pipe to be installed to manufacturers instructions and most manufacturers suggest applying water-based paint where exposed to UV light for prolonged periods.

[jimAKAblue]

Dick

Like most things, plastic pipe performs better in Texas than it does in California. What I don't like is (1) it is ugly seeing white plastic sticking out of your roof (2) the neoprene flashing is a rubberry type material that will fail. I've never used anything except lead flashing that will last longer and blends in with the typical weathered gray shingle.

Allan, are the lead pipe flashings smooth or crinkley when your guys are done?

I've had too many complaints about the lead flashings because there are "fingerprints on them" or "they look old; did you reuse the old ones" etc. I've even had customers insist that I remove the new lead flashings and put on the 3 n 1's like their neighbors!

Also, I have observed that the lead flashings crack at the top on a regular basis. I think maybe that is occurring when the roofer or plumber folds the lead in too tight: not leaving some expansion/contraction room above the top of the pipe.

Lastly, I don't want to handle any lead products because of the EPA laws.

With that said, I will install lead, after explaining all of the above and having the customer acknowledge that their new flashings will be all crinkley. We paint them all, no matter what style.

[jimAKAblue]

I've seen many Sch 40 pvc pipes exposed for over 20 years and no sign of deterioration or discoloring.

My experience has been that the older metal pipe are nasty and the PVC is typically in excellent shape. But, since I've had to go back (in Austin) to paint pvc pipes, I'm a fast learner and ALWAYS paint them now. Besides, it looks good.