Source for Old Code References? - InspectionNews

Bruce Ramsey · #1 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 10:13 AM

Buddy of mine has a problem with his house. The main water line has developed a leak where it passes through the foundation. The Warranty company will not pay because they claim it was not built to code because there was no sleeve in the foundation wall. Anyway, I am looking for a source for the 1994 IRC for this specific question. But I am also looking for a source for additional versions of the code so I can review and build a reference library.

Any pointers to sources to get old code?

Jerry Peck · #2 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce Ramsey

Anyway, I am looking for a source for the 1994 IRC for this specific question. But I am also looking for a source for additional versions of the code so I can review and build a reference library.

The first IRC was in 2000.

Before that you had the separate model codes. NC was, I believe under the Standard Codes from SBCCI.

You may be able to buy old editions on CD (I have the 1994 Standard Codes on floppy disk, but I think that is as far back as they go in digital format) or in books. Not sure if ICC has all previous versions of all previous model codes. ICC Product Store - Main Menu - Category Listing You will likely need to call them at 800-786-4452. You can also pick some up, hit and miss, on ebay.

From the 1994 Standard Plumbing Code.
- P304.3 PIPES THROUGH FOOTINGS OR FOUNDATION WALLS
- - A soil pipe, waste pipe, or building drain that passes under a footing or through a foundation wall shall be provided with a relieving arch, or a pipe sleeve of schedule 40 pipe shall be built into the masonry wall. Such sleeve shall be two pipe sizes greater than the pipe passing through or as may be approved in writing by the plumbing official.

Even if before the 1994 SPC went into effect ... this is from my 1991 SPC book.
- 407.3 PIPES THROUGH FOOTINGS OR FOUNDATION WALLS
- - A soil or waste pipe, or building drain passing under a footing or through a foundation wall shall be provided with a relieving arch, or there shall built into the masonry wall a pipe sleeve two pipe sizes greater than the pipe passing through or as may be approved in writing by the plumbing official.

Slightly different wording, but says the same thing.

Not to worry though, the practice of NOT providing a relieving arch or sleeve IS STILL going on in new construction - I catch it all the time.

Bruce Ramsey · #3 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 10:53 AM

Thanks for the quick response. My friend called the AHJ to find references for old code. He had to make half a dozen calls to get passed to the right person in the right cubicle but got the same answer. Required back then.

Thanks for the leads to references.

Bruce

Scott Patterson · #4 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 03:26 PM

I would want to look at that home warranty policy. Being built to Code should not make the difference if they pay or not. Do they ask that question when the take the money for the warranty? I doubt they do.

Tell your friend to put pressure on the real estate agent if it was taken out through an agent. The agent/broker in turn puts pressure on the warranty company. Might not work, but it would be worth the time to hassle the agent for not disclosing that the home had to be built to Code for the warranty to cover an item!

Jerry McCarthy · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 06:10 PM

Let’s go back to the 1989 – 1993 -1995 etc. CABO I & 2 Family Dwelling Code, “mother” to the 2000 IBC & IRC. #P-2003.5 - Pipes through footings or foundation walls: A soil or waste pipe, or building drain passing under a footing or through a foundation wall shall be provided with a relieving arch; or there shall be built into the masonry wall an iron pipe sleeve two pipe sizes greater than the pipe passing through as may be approved by the administrative authority. (daddy to the AHJ)

Warranty Companies are very slick and will basically insure almost anything until they receive the first claim. SC Court is usually the best method because even most judges, or their friends & relatives, have been stiffed by those folks.