Plumbing: Preventing Retrofit Roadblocks
April 16, 2013
One of the most challenging issues facing maintenance and engineering managers planning restroom upgrades involves building codes. The last few years have seen the development of a range of new plumbing products.
As a result, it is common to find local inspectors and code officials who are not familiar with a product or might feel it is inappropriate to use it in a particular application. Even when the International Plumbing Code and state-adopted plumbing codes permit the use of a particular device, some local jurisdictions might not.
To minimize code-compliance issues — even when drawings already have been approved — managers should meet with code officials in order to detail the steps they are planning to take in the upgrade program, as well as their reasons for taking these steps.
Frequently, managers and code officials can resolve issues with little or no modification to the planned construction. By taking this approach, managers can resolve issues before construction begins, avoiding both acceptance delays and costly modifications.
ADA compliance presents another common challenge facing restroom upgrades. Managers need to review all construction drawings carefully to ensure they comply with ADA requirements. Even then, issues can arise, due to construction conflicts or contractors who do not follow the letter of the design.
Managers can minimize conflicts by selecting a contractor who fully understands ADA requirements, and by closely monitoring the contractor's performance. The sooner managers and contractors identify potential ADA issues, the easier it will be to resolve them.
Next
Read next on FacilitiesNet
