Plumbing Systems & Piping

Mech/Elec

Pipe Materials & Joining

MaterialUseJoin Method
Copper L/MDomestic waterSoft solder (lead-free, 230°C)
Copper K/LMed. gas, high-tempSilver braze (>600°C)
Black iron / galv.Gas, hydronicNPT threaded (1:16 taper)
ABS (B181.1)DWVSolvent weld + purple primer
PVC Sch 40 (B181.2)Underground drain/stormPrimer + solvent cement
PEX (B137.5)Hot/cold distributionCrimp / ProPEX / push-fit
Cast iron no-hubStacks near sanctuaryCoupling @ 60 in-lb (6.8 N·m)
Grooved (Victaulic)Mech rooms, fire prot.Roll-groove, 50–60 ft-lb

Pressure Testing

SystemPressureHold
DWV — water3 m head min.15 min
DWV — air35 kPa (5 psi)15 min
Domestic water1.5× working or 100 psi2 hrs
Gas (CSA B149.1)15 psig (~100 kPa)15 min

Pipe Support Spacing

PipeHorizontalVertical
Copper ½"–1"1.8 m
Copper 1¼"+3.0 m
ABS1.2 m1.8 m
Cast iron1.5 mEvery joint + base

Slopes & Underground

ItemValue
Min. slope ≤ 3" pipe1:50 (2%)
Min. slope ≥ 4" pipe1:100 (1%)
Bedding depth150 mm compacted granular
Backfill lifts200 mm w/ mech. compaction
WC rough-in (centre)305 mm from finished wall
Vent above roof (min.)150 mm
Vent from window/intake≥ 900 mm

Trap Arm Max Lengths (OBC 7.2.5.3)

1½" trap arm1,500 mm max
3" trap arm3,600 mm max

Barrier-Free / AODA

FixtureRequirement
WC seat height430–460 mm
WC clear floor space≥ 1,500 mm
Grab bar — side840 mm long, 840–920 mm AFF
Grab bar — rear610 mm long
Lavatory rim (max)865 mm
Knee clearance (min.)685 mm
Drinking fountain spout≤ 915 mm (accessible unit)

Church-Specific

Code References

Safety — Do Not Forget

Pro Tips