technical
Sinks, drains and all things plumbing
Tile installers have set tile and associated trim shapes in bathrooms and kitchens, both residentially and commercially, for many years. In earlier times, there was a distinct line between the work and responsibilities of the tile professional and those of the plumber. But today that line is becoming somewhat blurred, especially in some parts of the country.
The goal of this article is to assist the seasoned tile installer by providing information that will help him or her make educated decisions about his or her tile work and who does the plumbing work. But it is especially focused on the tile installer who is new to the industry.
Uniform plumbing code origins
In 1928, the city of Los Angeles adopted the first version of a uniform plumbing code developed by the Los Angeles City Plumbing Inspectors Association (LACPIA). Through the efforts of this group, the first edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) was officially adopted in 1945 by the Western Plumbing Officials Association, which in 1966 changed its name to the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) as it is known today. The UPC continues to be reviewed and updated by the committee every three years.
The UPC is a national standard of the plumbing industry, similar in structure to the ANSI standards in the tile industry, which provides minimum standards for safe plumbing function. However, this is where the process becomes blurred. Local jurisdictions such as cities, towns, boroughs, townships, or counties have the responsibility to review and legally adopt the UPC for its given area. However, these municipalities have the right to adopt the entire code or any part or parts of the UPC. This selective system brings confusion to the tile industry since one area’s adopted code can vary significantly from that of the neighboring community.
For instance, one county may require that a flood test be conducted on a newly-constructed shower receptor while the adjacent county does not require a flood test. Additionally, some areas may have an adopted code in place, but may opt to not enforce the ordinance.
In some areas of the country, the simple replacement of the shower control cartridge must be completed by a registered master plumber and requires a city-issued permit.
This local code is an example of “who can do what” as listed in the local and state documents as opposed to the national technical code book. Across the United States, each jurisdiction sets its own specific professional requirements for a registered plumber and his or her duties. As you can see, it is imperative that the tile installer knows and follows the rules and guidelines for the area where the work is being done.
Here’s an example of who is and who is not permitted to make plumbing connections according to the Detroit City Plumbing Code Section 111.2, which states, “As provided for in Section 41(4) of the State Plumbing Act, being MCL 338.3551(4), it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business, or to act in the capacity, of a plumbing contractor within the corporate limits of the City of Detroit without first obtaining a Certificate of Registration from the Building, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department.”
A shower receptor using the TCNA B422 bonded waterproof membrane and integrated bonding flange drain installed by the tile installer in an area not requiring inspection.
What do tile installers say?
Extreme caution can be a good strategy. Lee Callewaert of Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc. said, “I am not responsible for anything outside my trade.”
But Woody Sanders of DW Sanders Tile & Stone Contracting, Inc. noted the responsibilities of tile installers are changing. When installing a water in- water out shower receptor, such as a TCNA Handbook B415, the plumber installs the clamping ring drain body. Sanders said, “We screw the drain adapter into the clamping ring and then glue the linear drain to the adapter. Other than that, we make no plumbing connections.”
A B415 water in – water out shower receptor shows the shower pan membrane being flood tested to assure a watertight installation. This test is enforced in some areas and not in others.
Dave Gobis, the retired consultant, former Director of the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), and tile contractor, said, “How things go depends greatly on your jurisdiction. Here [Gobis’ local county in Wisconsin], you can’t pull a permit unless you are licensed. Simple things like changing a faucet, cartridge, or garbage disposal requires a permit and fee. Codes vary somewhat in different jurisdictions. If I cross the county line, they have several unique codes. Enforcement also varies widely from non-existent to unbearable. Knowing your market area is a must.”
This is an example of a failed shower that did not require a plumbing inspection prior to the tilework being completed. The installer did not provide the required sloped fill under the membrane, causing the stagnant water along the walls and subsequent failure.
A consensus statement of several tile installers from around the country said that as part of a remodeling project, the tile installer can remove and reinstall a sink or toilet if the existing plumbing connection can be used. However, if the project requires the existing piping to be cut and/or moved, a registered master plumber must do the work. Here again, the guidelines and permissions granted can vary greatly in various locations.
GPTP sinks
As technology advances in the tile industry, we see innovative uses for new products on the market. Enter gauged porcelain tile and gauged porcelain tile panels (GPTP) that cover much larger areas than conventional tile products. Adapt this product creatively, and a new aspect of tilework is created in the form of custom-made sinks. For the most part, these sinks use a custom-fabricated foam base that is formed to the exact shape and size of the sink or by using an ANSI A118.18, Foam Core Backer Board constructed to meet the desired size and shape.When this newly-adapted technology is combined with the skills and talents of an artistic tile installer, the results can be gorgeous. Unfortunately, these sinks do not meet the existing plumbing code testing requirements. The process of a sink being code-compliant includes testing to an established standard and since these sinks are considered one-offs, getting them tested is virtually impossible.
Additionally, many of these custom-made sinks do not incorporate an overflow to accommodate a clogged drain. But in some areas, the plumbing code has relaxed due to the popularity of glass vessel sinks that also do not have an overflow. Interestingly, overflow drains are not always required for bathroom sinks. Some jurisdictions require an overflow drain while others do not. Always check the local code for clarification.
This beautiful single channel linear drain bathroom sink that incorporates the use of gauged porcelain tile panels provides an elegant look. Image courtesy of Chris Rachel.
Be careful when taking on a new job by knowing what the local plumbing code will and will not allow you to complete. Follow the code in your area and eliminate the possibility of hefty fines for violations.