If you're fairly handy, you might be tempted to do some of your plumbing work on your own. But besides it potentially costing you more money in the long run if something isn't done correctly, you could also get in trouble with your local municipality if you don't have the proper permits or your plumbing work isn't up to code.
Professional plumbing companies in Springfield Missouri are familiar with local plumbing codes. But you're considering doing any plumbing work on your own, you’ll want to know them too.
Plumbing codes are the building standards that home and business owners must make sure that their plumbing adheres to. This is in the interest of both safety and efficiency.
Not following plumbing codes can result in plumbing that is ineffective or even potentially dangerous. That’s why fines and penalties are imposed on those who violate them.
Following your local plumbing codes makes things easier and safer for everybody. What are some of the most common plumbing code violations that you can avoid by working with a professional plumber in Springfield Missouri?
Drain Pipes Not Sloped Properly
Your drain pipes are designed to remove wastewater from your home or business. They’re installed sloping downward so that the water has enough gravity behind it to flow through the pipes. The standard slope is about a quarter of an inch to 3 inches per foot of piping. If your pipes aren’t sloped enough, the water will either move slowly or stop entirely, resulting in your pipes backing up.
Lack Of Cleanouts
Cleanouts are specific areas on the sewer pipe that provide easy access to your plumbing if a problem crops up. If you have a clog somewhere really far down in your pipes, reaching it could take a lot of work.
The more cleanouts you have installed in your plumbing system, the easier it will be to access all areas of your plumbing for either you or your plumber. Not having cleanouts makes the majority of your plumbing inaccessible without significant (and potentially expensive) effort.
Plumbing Fixtures Too Close Together
Your plumbing fixtures need space. Spacing them far enough apart allows them to do their jobs without interfering with one another. If they’re too close together, it can affect drainage and create an overflow.
Improper Venting
The vents in your pipes are designed to let air in and out, which prevents the buildup of dangerous gases. If those leak into your home, it could be dangerous or even deadly. Each fixture needs to have at least one vent to ensure that doesn’t happen.
In the City of Springfield, it’s required that if you plan on tackling a plumbing problem yourself, you get a permit first. Unpermitted plumbing work can carry with it a hefty fine. And you would be required to bring in a certified professional to redo the work.
We've seen many homeowners pay significantly more in the long run than if they’d simply hired a professional plumber in Springfield, Missouri. We don’t want that to happen to you.
If you are in need of plumbing repair or installation, avoid these headaches and reach out to the professionals here at United Plumbing. We know the local plumbing codes, and you can put our expertise to work anytime you need us. Just give us a call.