block walls

[tbonebanjo]

I have a job with block walls, the architect is giving me a hard time about chases. What is the concensus regarding installation of piping within hollow core block? Is it allowed (IPC)? Does it have to be installed as the wall goes up? Do metallic pipes need to be coated?

Thanks

 

[PEDARRIN2]

It is allowed in Ohio - where the IPC is used.

When you say "hard time about chases" are you meaning places where the piping goes from floor to floor or are you talking about the area behind a wall hung fixture where the drainage, vent, and water piping is installed.

The former is a lot simpler than the latter. If you mean the latter, I would push back on the architect about the chases or go with floor mount fixtures.

It can be done, but it is a pain for the block installer. The piping will be stubbed up so there are no joints within the block, then the block installer has to slip his block(s) down over the pipe to the level he is at.

I have also seen them cut/chip out a portion of the block (if the block is installed first) and then repair the block - not a very pretty installation.

If the piping is for water, it will be insulated. If it is for sanitary - you don't have to coat it.

 

[TrippL]

It can be done but not recommended. If you have a couple of fixtures here and there, not a big deal. However when you are talking a large number of fixtures (over 10-20), it becomes a real issue for the installer/contractor.

Also, more importantly, is there physical room for everything that is going in the block? Not only piping. Are there wall mounted fixtures with floor mounted carriers? If so, a chase is required to have room for the carrier.

Explain this to the architect. A responsible architect will agree to providing adequate space if this means a better quality design. Make sure you know how much space is required and inform or rather (provide consult)for the architect. Your job is to tell the architect what is required for certain fixtures and configurations. If something won't work, it won't work. If it can, it can. If it is not ideal, it's not ideal. Know the difference and be clear in communicating it. Quality designs do not have piping routed in block, but it is allowed and possible.