Title
Discuss testing requirements applicable to residential construction per the International Residential Code (IRC).
Summary
This item was requested by Councilmember Brad Marshall. As noted below, the applicable code was adopted in late 2012. Among the changes effective upon the adoption of this update was to prohibit air testing methods of plastic piping to detect for leaks in the drain, waste and vent (DWV) system in residential applications in favor of water testing only. All other applications and code versions, including the International Plumbing Code (IPC) had already prohibited air testing. A summary and explanation of the code evolution is attached and is derived from the International Residential Code. The IRC is a model code published by the International Code Council (ICC) and was adopted as the standard building code for residential construction in Texas cities in 2001.
According to the summary of significant changes to the 2012 edition from the previous editions, "the IRC prohibited the testing of plastic water piping with air but did not specifically prohibit air testing of plastic DWV piping...the consensus in the industry is that plastic piping systems should not be tested with air, even at low pressures. The Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association, the appropriate American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) standards, and most manufacturers of plastic pipe warn against testing plastic pipe with air because it is a life-safety hazard. Compared to water, compressed air can release significantly greater amounts of energy if there is a failure in the piping system, with the potential for causing serious injury." A common pipe manufacturer for material used in the area utilizes warning notices referenced on the attached sheet, W-1 through W-3.
Generally, it is City policy to stay relatively current and consistent with the adoption and application of building codes that govern construction in Pflugerville, such as the IRC. By development agree...
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