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  1. #1
    brianmiller's Avatar
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    Default Definition of a bathroom

    What is the definition of a bathroom? I inspected a home where a "bathroom" had no toilet - just a shower and a sink. Does a shower and a sink constitute a full bathroom, half bath, or quarter bath, or not a bathroom?

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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Definition of a bathroom

    Depends on what code you are referring to.

    From the IRC: (underlining and bold are mine)
    - BATHROOM GROUP. A group of fixtures, including or
    excluding a bidet, consisting of a water closet, lavatory, and
    bathtub or shower. Such fixtures are located together on the
    same floor level.

    I.e., the IRC does not recognize it as a "bathroom group" unless it has a toilet AND a sink AND a bathtub or a shower.

    From the NEC: (underlining and bold are mine)
    - Bathroom. An area including a basin with one or more of the following: a toilet, a tub, or a shower.

    I.e., the NEC does not recognize it as a "bathroom" unless there is a sink AND (one or more of the following: toilet, tub, shower).

    Keep in mind that both require A SINK as THE ESSENTIAL fixture.


    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Definition of a bathroom

    Quote Originally Posted by fritzkelly View Post
    (well there's a sink in the laundry room, it MUST be a bathroom) (maybe in a REAL emergency!)

    You are missing the requirement in the NEC for a sink AND ... then take your pick ... ... guess that is what the shower is for?

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Definition of a bathroom

    Quote Originally Posted by fritzkelly View Post
    So... the pool patio I inspected today with an outdoor shower and an outdoor sink is a BATHROOM??
    Well, maybe a MEN'S room!
    Did you write it up for NOT having a receptacle within 3 feet of the sink?

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  5. #5
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    Cool Re: Definition of a bathroom

    Bathrooms don't have sinks; they have lavatories, commonly called lavys.
    Bathrooms are for bathing, toilet rooms are for nature calls and an occasional “Praying to the Porcelain Princess.” Also, there is a difference between a pissoire and a water closet, and how many know why the English call it the ‘Loo?”.


    JP: Isn't a receptacle a sink?

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  6. #6
    Joe Funderburk's Avatar
    Joe Funderburk Guest

    Default Re: Definition of a bathroom

    Quote Originally Posted by brianmiller View Post
    What is the definition of a bathroom? I inspected a home where a "bathroom" had no toilet - just a shower and a sink. Does a shower and a sink constitute a full bathroom, half bath, or quarter bath, or not a bathroom?
    Why is this important? Is your client a linguist? Simply call it a bathroom, half-bath, or powder room.


  7. #7
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    Default Re: Definition of a bathroom

    Jerry, Didn't the word "loo" come from the times when they litterally through their waste out the window from a pot and they would holler from the window "Look out below"?


  8. #8
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    Default Re: Definition of a bathroom

    Yes Rick, some believe that the term 'gardyloo' (from the French regardez l'eau 'watch out for the water') which was shouted by medieval servants as they emptied the chamber-pots out of the upstairs windows into the street. It was a very good idea to be quite nimble when walking down the street, especially in the morning.

    For our local history buffs: The History of Plumbing - Roman and English Legacy

    Jerry McCarthy
    Building Code/ Construction Consultant

  9. #9
    john_opwin's Avatar
    john_opwin Guest

    Default Re: Definition of a bathroom

    Refer to this
    www(dot)evstudio(dot)info/2009/12/24/new-definition-of-habitable-attic-space-under-2009-irc/


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