Government agencies create codes for homes and businesses for the health and well being of the occupants and they take these standards very seriously. If there is a code violation and the property owner fails to fix the problem, they could be prosecuted by the city attorney. You don’t need to worry, though! St. Matthew’s Plumbing is a leading source in Kentuckiana for your plumbing needs and we want to equip you with the knowledge of these codes and explain how we can keep your homes and businesses up to the latest plumbing standards.
Kentucky State Plumbing Code
A board of seven members serve a two-year term and their job is to ensure plumbing codes are up to date and enforced. The board is made up of a sanitary engineer, an employee of the United Association of Journeyman Plumbers, an employee of Kentucky Master Plumbers Association, and other knowledgeable members who work together to provide safe and sanitary plumbing systems throughout Kentucky.
The code is adopted from the basic principles and standards of the National Plumbing Code Coordinating Committee. The code regulates the construction, installation, and alteration of plumbing, fixtures and appliances, house sewers, private water sewers, and methods and materials used within Kentucky.
With the top concern being public health, consumer protection, and to ensure compliance with the codes, the Kentucky State Plumbing board:
- Reviews and approves plans for the construction of all buildings serving the public, whether publicly or privately owned.
- Issues plumbing construction permits.
- Inspects installations to assure they are up to code.
The following are a few basic principles that make up the Kentucky State Plumbing Code:
- All occupied premises should have potable (drinking) water.
- An adequate supply of water should be available with the right pressure to function properly.
- Plumbing fixtures should be designed and adjusted to use the minimum amount of water required for proper functioning and sanitation.
- Hot water heaters should be properly installed and maintained.
- Every home has to be equipped with one at least one water closet, one bathroom, one kitchen-type sink, and one bathtub/shower to meet basic sanitation and personal hygiene.
- Plumbing fixtures must be accessible and properly maintained.
The Importance Of Keeping Your Plumbing Up To Code
If you look at the bigger picture, plumbing codes are important on a grand scale. The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has protected the public’s health and safety for ninety years. They work with governments and industries around the world to implement all-inclusive plumbing and mechanical systems throughout the world. The details of plumbing construction may vary, but the basic sanitary and safety principles are necessary for everyone, everywhere.
If you don’t keep your home or business up to the latest plumbing code, bad things can happen that affect a lot of people. Poor plumbing can lead to the following problems, which can become extremely costly very fast:
- Leaky pipes can burst and cause flooding, which leads to widespread damage and costly repairs.
- Leaky pipes also create an ideal environment for mold to grow inside walls and under sinks.
- Leaks anywhere in your plumbing system can lead to advanced erosion over time. Colored water (yellow, brown, reddish) coming out of faucets can be a sign of erosion and can become expensive if left unfixed.
On the other hand, proper plumbing can have the following benefits:
- Maintaining safe potable water, which is water that is safe to drink and can be used in food preparation without the risk of health problems.
- Proper water pressure levels are maintained for proper sanitation.
- Catch leaks early to avoid mold growth, flooding, or other water damage.
An important note to keep in mind if you are looking for a new home is to remember to obtain the permits for the house you’re looking at. This way you can check to see if the home is up to code. It is always the responsibility of the homeowner to keep the house up to code. Prevent costly repairs by checking beforehand and requesting the current homeowner to make the necessary repairs.
At St. Matthew’s Plumbing, we stay up to date on all the plumbing codes so you don’t have to. By working with us, you can be at peace knowing we can solve many plumbing problems with the latest knowledge, training, and tools. Our licensed plumbers quickly respond to your residential, commercial, and emergency plumbing needs. Whatever your plumbing needs are, request service today.