What’s new in the 2018 IPC
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) continues to show it is green as it expands its trenchless technology coverage to include the replacement of underground building drains. Pipe bursting as it is commonly referred to, involves the replacement of an old pipeline with a same or larger diameter pipe in a process that destroys the original pipe as the new one is installed. The pipe bursting tool, which is pulled through the sewer by a winch or rod, is located at an upstream opening, forces its way through existing pipe materials by fragmenting the old pipe and compressing the broken pieces into the soil as it progresses from one end to the other.
In developed countries, many post WWII utility lines are at the end of their service life, while at the same time a large percentage of the world’s population between one and two billion people have substandard sanitation and no regular source of clean drinking water.
In the United States, the topic of failing infrastructure has become a regular theme in the media. The problem is sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), caused by inflow and infiltration, which occurs when ground water and other surface drainage enter and inundate sanitary sewer systems. These terms and what they imply are steadily gaining awareness across America and around the world.
The rehabilitation and replacement of an aging sewer infrastructure with the least amount of impact on the consumer is a good thing. This pipe replacement process utilizes HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) seamless piping which is joint-free and prevents root intrusion. A sewer camera is used to do a video inspection to insure that the pipe replacement was done correctly and that the proper grade (slope) of the pipe is obtained.
Let’s take a closer look at section 716 and its requirements. Section 716.2 allows the replacement of building sewer pipe by pipe bursting methods to a maximum of six inches and shall be no less than the same size as the existing piping. Section 716.3 requires the existing piping sections that are to be replaced to be inspected internally by a recorded video camera survey. The survey shall include notations of the position of the cleanouts and the depth of the connections to the existing piping. Section 716.4 requires the replacement piping to be of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and shall have a standard diameter ratio (SDR) of 17 in compliance with ASTM F 714. The pipe fittings to be connected to the replacement piping shall be of extra high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and shall be in compliance with ASTM D2683. Where the existing building sewer or building drain did not previously have cleanouts, the requirements of this code will require cleanout fittings be installed. The completed replacement piping section shall be inspected internally by a recorded video camera survey and then be reviewed and approved by the code official prior to pressure testing of the replacement piping system. The test shall be in accordance with Section 312 of the IPC.
The expanded requirements will give contractors and engineers the necessary tools to do the job while still being environmental friendly, and ” GREEN ” by reducing negative impacts to property and infrastructures. They will eliminate cost associated with the replacement of landscaping, trees, driveways, sidewalks, patios and more. The environmental benefits of Trenchless Technology will be attractive to those jurisdictions that will be adopting the 2018 International Plumbing Code. Current research shows that CO2 emissions are reduced when trenchless methods are used versus open-cut. This translates to a direct-cost benefit for cities that are facing carbon taxation.”
Yes, trenchless technology saves time, money and minimizes restoration cost. The IPC again leads the way with new innovative technology.