Accessable Vs Readly Accessable

plumber1a

Had a discussion with a plumbing inspector the other day in regards to accessable Vs readly accessable. The code definition is; Accessible- When applied to a fixture, connection, appliance or equipment, "accessible" means having access thereto, but which may first require the removal of an access panel, door or similar obstruction. "Readily accesible" means direct access without the necessity of removing any panel, door, or similar obstruction.
I had an indirect funnel drain behind an access panel, he stated that it was not readily accessable, my feeling is that is was readlly accessible as the panel is hinged and removeing it is not necessary to gain access to. What do you think?

Ron The Plumber

It is not readily accessible if you have to open a door to get to it. Note access panel it speaks about.

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neolitic

I thought "removing" was the
pivotal word.
I don't have to remove a cabinet door
to access the cut offs.
No?

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Ron The Plumber

Interpretation on the code is a tricky one, it gets interpreted by so many, in many ways, in this case, doubt the inspector will view it as it being readily accessible. I don't see it that way myself.

Shut off valve only have to be accessible.

thom

The inspector wants it to be visible during regular operations.

bwalley

Leave the door open.

KillerToiletSpider

If it is in a place that processes or serves food that is not an option, as health code supersedes plumbing code almost everywhere that I know of.

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bwalley

Then close the door after you get the plumbing inspection.

I had to put a lock on a door that was near an electrical panel, because the elctrical inspector wanted it there to keep someone working on the panel from being hit with the door, so I put the lock on, electrical inspector gives us our final.

Then the Fire Marshal and building Inspector on the final wants to know why we had a lock on a fire door, I said because the electrical inspector wanted it, they said take it off and if the electrical inspector says anything about, have him call them, because life safety takes precedent over electrical.

KillerToiletSpider

I find it much easier to just do things right the first time.

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nhmaster3015

I think that an indirect drain needs to be visible during operation in case it splashes or overflows. Most plumbing inspectors would bag you on that. Sorry.

bwalley

If you have conflicts between the two inspectors, get them together and figure out what you have to do.

I can see both sides of the issue, one the plumbing inspector wants it to be seen in case of a back up.

The health inspector doesn't want an indirect drain that can possibly cause splashing and contaminate food products in a kitchen.

Relocate the drain out of the kichen area and that will probably make both of them happy.

Ron The Plumber

You can't win, do what the inspector tells you, plain and simple.

KillerToiletSpider

The solution would be a floor sink.

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plumber1a

Health department is not an issue in this case. I used a fixed air gap behind an access panel within the wall cavity to receive the discharge from a water heater TPR and smitty pan drain that is located in an office building restroom attic, inspector wanted them to discharge to the outside of the building, but that is not possible or praticall due to the limitations of indirect waste design requirements. Instead of arguing my point we installed the air gap outside the wall in an exposed location, but now I worry as indirect waste receptors can't be installed in restrooms per code. TPR blow offs are always a problem here in L.A. City high rise buildings, they should really come up with a standardized acceptable method, they will allow them to discharge to mop sinks with am airbreak, but we don't have one here.