Distance from the tub drain to the vent UPC code

[Angelus]

Hi guys, need some assistance to "decipher" the UPC code used in state of WA
I think i have created a bit of a painful situation for myself because i misread the IPC/UPC code.

I have an existing tub drain connection with a 1 1/2 p-trap that continues into the 2 inch trap arm about 40 inch long in total from the drain to the vent (2 inches down to ground floor and 1 1/2 up to the attic for vent). ( see pic attached ) (the metal cylinder next to the vent is the B Vent from my furnace and water heater)

By UPC code i can have 5 ft distance from vent to drain flange if the trap arm is 2 inch wide, but only 3.5 if its 1 1/2.

My problem is that i messed up and purchased a center drain tub which makes the absolute shortest distance between the drain and the vent at around 65 inches.

Any options that won't break the bank and keep my minor plumbing permit from getting more complicated?

I was thinking about getting a different tub with a side drain but i would still need to lengthen the drain by atleast 12 more inches making it 52 inch long (which would comply with UPC 2 inch trap arm code? ).

Tubs come with 1 1/2 drain by standard and the code states 2 inch for trap arm not the p trap itself ( i assume? ).
if i am required to have a 2 inch p trap in addition to 2 inch trap arm ? Can i use a 2 inch p trap and a 1 1/2 drain adapter from the tub to the p trap ... would that still comply with code and gives me the ability to utilize 5 ft for 2 inches p trap ?

Any help is appreciated

 

[Twowaxhack]

Use a 2” trap with a 2” trap arm. Reduce the inlet of the trap to 1.5”.

 

[Angelus]

Use a 2” trap with a 2” trap arm. Reduce the inlet of the trap to 1.5”.

by UPC 60 inch is the longest distance i can do with this ?

 

[Twowaxhack]

by UPC 60 inch is the longest distance i can do with this ?

Ask for a code variance if it’s getting inspected.

If it’s not getting inspected then use a 2” trap and 2” arm.

Have a good one.

 

[Angelus]

Ask for a code variance if it’s getting inspected.

If it’s not getting inspected then use a 2” trap and 2” arm.

Have a good one.

its getting inspected, so i can just ask for code variance from the inspector on site?

 

[Twowaxhack]

its getting inspected, so i can just ask for code variance from the inspector on site?

Call and ask in advance. Explain the problem. Tell him how far you plan to exceed the developed length.

If he turns you down ask him for help with a solution. If he refuses you can go over his head to his boss or comply.

 

[Angelus]

Thank You!

 

[MicEd69]

This is the reason for the trap arm distances.



IPC allows the full dimension of the pipe for the horizontal trap arm. For a 2" pipe with a 1/4" per foot slope, they allow 8 feet. (2" divided by 1/4" = 8 feet.) UPC puts a factor of safety for their trap arm distances, hence the 5-foot limit. If the inspector isn't a nasty person, I would hope that he/she would allow a variance.

Also, you stated "By UPC code i can have 5 ft distance from vent to drain flange". The trap arm length is measured like below. So, if your "around 65" is from the actual tub drain flange centerline or edge of the drain flange, you may not have a problem after measuring it per the diagram below.

 

[Twowaxhack]

Inspectors are often failed contractors or lazy bums.

The lazy bums are easy to deal with, the failed contractors are envious A-holes.

And of course there’s the successful contractor that ages out and wants to stay in the game anyway they can without having a lot of responsibility like owning a business. Usually good dudes.

 

[Angelus]

Inspectors are often failed contractors or lazy bums.

The lazy bums are easy to deal with, the failed contractors are envious A-holes.

And of course there’s the successful contractor that ages out and wants to stay in the game anyway they can without having a lot of responsibility like owning a business. Usually good dudes.

the failed contractors are the ones i am concerned about in this situation.

 

[Angelus]

This is the reason for the trap arm distances.

View attachment 41006

IPC allows the full dimension of the pipe for the horizontal trap arm. For a 2" pipe with a 1/4" per foot slope, they allow 8 feet. (2" divided by 1/4" = 8 feet.) UPC puts a factor of safety for their trap arm distances, hence the 5-foot limit. If the inspector isn't a nasty person, I would hope that he/she would allow a variance.

Also, you stated "By UPC code i can have 5 ft distance from vent to drain flange". The trap arm length is measured like below. So, if your "around 65" is from the actual tub drain flange centerline or edge of the drain flange, you may not have a problem after measuring it per the diagram below.

View attachment 41007

unfortunately for me i live in Seattle area where every one with a little bit of power tries to exercise it fully... and in many cases indiscriminately...

 

[Twowaxhack]

unfortunately for me i live in Seattle area where every one with a little bit of power tries to exercise it fully... and in many cases indiscriminately...

In that case I’d probably install it and see if he puts a tape measure on it.

If he failed it, in a very calm voice within an arms reach, tell him to Go Fk himself. You think I’m kidding

 

[Angelus]

In that case I’d probably install it and see if he puts a tape measure on it.

If he failed it, in a very calm voice within an arms reach, tell him to Go Fk himself. You think I’m kidding

love the answer, unfortunately got a pregnant wife that needs the tub operational lol but i am tempted to go this way just for fks of it. All i hear is horror stories about local inspectors. No wonder nobody wants to get permits. I was the only ***** that decided to do everything by the book and now paying for it...

 

[Twowaxhack]

love the answer, unfortunately got a pregnant wife that needs the tub operational lol but i am tempted to go this way just for fks of it. All i hear is horror stories about local inspectors. No wonder nobody wants to get permits. I was the only ***** that decided to do everything by the book and now paying for it...

I hear you brother. In some jurisdictions we don’t buy permits, it’s cheaper to just pay the $100 fine than to deal with the idiots.

Covid scared most of them to death, some quit doing in person inspections but still wanted us to pay insiection fees…... Straight up clowns. I told eveyone if an inspector pulls up just everyone start coughing

Some counties here still don’t do inspections unless the property owner requests it.

 

[Angelus]

I hear you brother. In some jurisdictions we don’t buy permits, it’s cheaper to just pay the $100 fine than to deal with the idiots.

Covid scared most of them to death, some quit doing in person inspections but still wanted us to pay insiection fees…... Straight up clowns. I told eveyone if an inspector pulls up just everyone start coughing

Some counties here still don’t do inspections unless the property owner requests it.

i need to move to whereever you are... tired of local gov.

 

[Twowaxhack]

i need to move to whereever you are... tired of local gov.

It’s everywhere man. Dealing with the government is like dealing with the mafia.

They’re like robots and have little to no incentive to actually help you. Almost impossible to terminate a government workers job.

 

[Angelus]

It’s everywhere man. Dealing with the government is like dealing with the mafia.

They’re like robots and have little to no incentive to actually help you. Almost impossible to terminate a government workers job.

100% agree with you

 

[Kimdaniel620]

sasaThis is the reason for the trap arm distances.

View attachment 41006

IPC allows the full dimension of the pipe for the horizontal trap arm. For a 2" pipe with a 1/4" per foot slope, they allow 8 feet. (2" divided by 1/4" = 8 feet.) UPC puts a factor of safety for their trap arm distances, hence the 5-foot limit. If the inspector isn't a nasty person, I would hope that he/she would allow a variance.

Also, you stated "By UPC code i can have 5 ft distance from vent to drain flange". The trap arm length is measured like below. So, if your "around 65" is from the actual tub drain flange centerline or edge of the drain flange, you may not have a problem after measuring it per the diagram below.

View attachment 41007

HI . I noticed they are using a sanitary T for venting. Can you use a sanitary T? I thought we needed to use a WYE with a 45 degree elbow. I am new to plumbing so sorry if i am wrong.

This is the reason for the trap arm distances.

View attachment 41006

IPC allows the full dimension of the pipe for the horizontal trap arm. For a 2" pipe with a 1/4" per foot slope, they allow 8 feet. (2" divided by 1/4" = 8 feet.) UPC puts a factor of safety for their trap arm distances, hence the 5-foot limit. If the inspector isn't a nasty person, I would hope that he/she would allow a variance.

Also, you stated "By UPC code i can have 5 ft distance from vent to drain flange". The trap arm length is measured like below. So, if your "around 65" is from the actual tub drain flange centerline or edge of the drain flange, you may not have a problem after measuring it per the diagram below.

View attachment 41007

 

[GReynolds929]

HI . I noticed they are using a sanitary T for venting. Can you use a sanitary T? I thought we needed to use a WYE with a 45 degree elbow. I am new to plumbing so sorry if i am wrong.

SanTees are used for horizontal to vertical transitions, this is the appropriate fitting in this example. SanTees cannot be installed on vertical to horizontal transitions (on their back).

 

[MicEd69]

HI . I noticed they are using a sanitary T for venting. Can you use a sanitary T? I thought we needed to use a WYE with a 45 degree elbow. I am new to plumbing so sorry if i am wrong.

There is a HUGE debate about Sanitary tees on their backs for dry venting.

Sanitary tees are only specifically prohibited on their back for drainage piping. The purpose for that prohibition is that if used to change direction of flow from the branch, it doesn't direct the flow downstream. However, some plumbers and inspectors believe the language applies to using Sanitary tees even as a dry vent because fluids are simply flowing through the fitting, therefore it is being used in drainage piping. LOL.

One downside of using Sanitary tees for dry venting is that it does make snaking down the vent a little harder.