Plumbing pipes routed below footing

[Trent Tarter]

The home I inspected yesterday was built in 2001 and has the plumbing supply and drain pipes routed below the foundation footing. I know that there are better ways of doing this, however I am wanting to know if this is typically allowed by code or considered accetable.

[Jerry Peck]

plumbing supply and drain pipes routed below the foundation footing.

is typically allowed by code or considered acceptable.

Yes, with the condition that a relieving arch be designed and built into the footing. That relieving arch transfers the loads imposed above the plumbing to the footings one each side of the plumbing, placing no load on the plumbing piping.

It is a requirement - though it is seldom done unless pointed out by someone who knows.

We had quite a discussion regarding this several months ago.

[James Skinner]

You see it around here alot. Especially with slab on grade construction because of the low finished floor height. Its one of the those things, stuff doesn't flow up hill and the plumbers go where they must to get fall and exterior pipe cover.