Thread: Fernco Neoprene Couplings

What is your take on Fernco unshielded couplings for joining PVC DWV on new construction? Where is this approved in the IRC?

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Originally Posted by Aaron Miller

What is your take on Fernco unshielded couplings for joining PVC DWV on new construction? Where is this approved in the IRC?

2006 IRC
- R104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and equipment. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method orwork offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code. Compliance with the specific performance-based provisions of the International Codes in lieu of specific requirements of this code shall also be permitted as an alternate.

2009 and 2012
- http://www.icc-es.org/reports/pdf_fi...G/PMG-1117.pdf

JP: Thanks. I was somehow under the impression that these fittings had a tendency to deform PVC piping, especially the un-reinforced variety. Another gap in my knowledge filled . . .

Originally Posted by Aaron Miller

JP: Thanks. I was somehow under the impression that these fittings had a tendency to deform PVC piping, especially the un-reinforced variety. Another gap in my knowledge filled . . .

I've had people tell me that only the shielded ones are allowed, but I have never been able to find something that says that.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

I've had people tell me that only the shielded ones are allowed, but I have never been able to find something that says that.

Let me know if you ever stumble upon it.

Here is Illinois code on using rubber couplings to join PVC DWV pipe. Note that it says a no-hub soil pipe shielded coupling is to be used with an approved adapter fitting with a raised bead.

TITLE 77: PUBLIC HEALTH
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
SUBCHAPTER r: WATER AND SEWAGE
PART 890 ILLINOIS PLUMBING CODE
SECTION 890.330 SPECIAL JOINTS

Section 890.330 Special Joints

g) Plastic Pipe to Non-Plastic Pipe Joints. Joints between plastic pipe and non-plastic pipe shall be made only by one of the following methods:



1) Pressure piping.

A) Approved insert fittings (in accordance with Appendix A, Table A).
B) Threaded adaptors.
C) Flanges.
D) Flared fittings.

2) Non-pressure piping - Drain Waste Vent (DWV)

A) Caulked lead joints with caulked adaptors.
B) No-hub soil pipe shielded couplings with approved adaptor having a raised bead.
C) Compression type joints for hub and spigot cast iron pipe.
D) Threaded adaptors.