The San Antonio Plumbing Code: What is It and Where Do I Find It?
If you’re about to make plumbing repairs or additions to your home, then you need to read these answers to the most common questions about the San Antonio plumbing code.
Let’s start with the definition of a plumbing code and why it’s important.
What is a Plumbing Code?
A plumbing code is the set of regulations and guidelines by which the repair, installation, and inspection of plumbing must be followed. These regulations are imposed by local cities, counties, and states.
Each local authority, including San Antonio, has its own set of codes to accommodate the unique needs of its area. At the state level, Texas currently has adopted the Uniform Plumbing Code and the International Plumbing Code, updated every three years.
Why is the Plumbing Code Important?
Plumbing is the system that manages a home’s potable (drinkable) water and wastewater. By having enforceable codes, San Antonio is better able to protect the public health and safety of its residents.
Where Can I Find My City’s Plumbing Code?
There are 4 easy ways to find your city’s plumbing code, regardless of where you live:
- Your city’s town hall (or municipal building)
- The city or state’s government page
- Your local library
- Contact your plumber
San Antonio’s plumbing-related code can be found here.
Be patient in finding what you need; it’s a long document that reads like it was written by lawyers (it was!). Ask someone in San Antonio’s Development Services Department for help.
PRO TIP: Don’t rely on your state’s plumbing code for a final answer on your project. Make sure you look at your city’s code to make sure it isn’t stricter in your specific area.
What is in the San Antonio Plumbing Code?
All plumbing codes, such as San Antonio’s, cover the repair, installation, and inspection of potable and wastewater plumbing in the home, school, or workplace. Included are rules and regulations for proper water heaters, backflow prevention, water pipe sizing, drainage systems, and much more.
In particular, plumbing codes like those for San Antonio focus on proper ventilation. Every plumbing-related pipe in your home needs to be vented. Without ventilation, toxic gasses will seep into the home. This can be deadly.
What are Common Violations of the San Antonio Plumbing Code?
- Incorrect drainpipe slope. Gravity is what pulls water toward or away from your home. Your drainpipes should have a 1/8 inch per foot pitch (downward from your home’s foundation) for pipes that are 3″ or larger in diameter. Variances are allowed in some cases.
- Too few cleanouts. A cleanout is the access to your sewer line (and other areas of your plumbing system).
- Poorly placed cleanouts. It’s no go to you if a cleanout is placed in an area that can’t be accessed. It also can’t be placed near food, medical areas, or electrical boxes.
- The wrong fittings. A plumbing fitting is the part that connects a pipe to another part or pipe.The flow of water is impeded when the wrong fitting is used.
- Too little space around your toilet. This one is common with DIYers and careless remodelers. The minimum distance required between a finished wall and the toilet is 15 inches.
Final Thoughts
A plumbing code is a difficult read. Even so, it’s an incredibly important set of regulations you need to understand if you’re handling a plumbing repair, addition, or remodel.
If it seems overwhelming, don’t worry San Antonio. You have plenty of resources at your disposal.
Hiring a professional, certified plumber can keep you from making costly (and even dangerous) missteps. They can also keep you from getting into trouble with your local government and neighbors.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help with the plumbing codes in your area.
1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.
