I am remodeling a commercial building that's about 80 years old. The plumbing inspector says that the lead pipes connecting the toilet, bathroom sink, and kitchen sink to an iron tee must be replaced with PVC. This is in an apartment. It does not leak and functions correctly.

Since it is in concrete it is going to be a lot of work to take it out, put in PVC, and redo the subflooring.

Where in the Plumber's codebook does it say I have to replace this? I know electricians use the NEC 2005 book - what code book do plumbers use? I am in the state of Ohio.

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Originally Posted by Ohio_Remodeler

I am remodeling a commercial building that's about 80 years old. The plumbing inspector says that the lead pipes connecting the toilet, bathroom sink, and kitchen sink to an iron tee must be replaced with PVC. This is in an apartment. It does not leak and functions correctly.

Since it is in concrete it is going to be a lot of work to take it out, put in PVC, and redo the subflooring.

Where in the Plumber's codebook does it say I have to replace this? I know electricians use the NEC 2005 book - what code book do plumbers use? I am in the state of Ohio.

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This is a judgement call by the inspector, likely made when he saw that the trap arm for the tub had been modified.

There is no accepted transition from lead to PVC, because the only acceptable lead joint is a wiped joint, which requires heat in excess of the PVC pipes rating.

I hate to break it to you, but Plumbing Inspectors have broad discretionary authority, which means 'Because I Said So' is more than enough reason to fail an inspection.

Bringing this abortion up to code may end up being costly pain in the tukas for you, but you need to remember that the Inspector also needs to be able to sleep at night, and signing something like this off would keep me awake for a very long time.

Thanks for the response. Looks like I've got some work to do.

The inspector would have likely overlooked this portion of the system if it hadn't been modified -- Although there has been a push in the field over the past five or six years to dis-allow the grandfathering in of systems that are blatently not in compliance with the prevailing adopted Plumbing Code.

It might be worth your while to pay a Plumber familiar with the expectations of your local Plumbing Inspectors to come out and give the job a once over before calling for re-inspection.

Just a thought.

I am no fan of lead plumbing, however I am a big fan of, "If it ain't broke don't fix it."
Having said that Growlers suggestion to hire a plumber to check your job and advise you is top notch. Good luck, Tom