Boiler Pipes in the wall

Tim_17

I had a plumbing company install the boiler in my home. Last week I had a leak in a pipe and they came out to fix it. The pipe that needed repairing was only set back off the edge of the face 1/2 inch and a drywall screw was drove into it. I know that there is a code for wiring of a set back of 3/4 inch and there is a code for plumbing, not sure of the set back,but they are telling me this runs under the mechanical code that has no rules for these pipes. can anyone tell me if they are correct? Our what is the code for boiler pipes in the walls. Thank you for your time.

DIY Homeowner

YMMV

Your milage may vary, but in my juristiction, pipes that serve a heating system are not governed by plumbing code.

Paul Pollets

UMC

The Uniform Mechanical Code calls for nail plates when piping systems are vulnerable to nails or screws.

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Boiler Guy

I agree

with Paul. However "common sense" would dictate protecting the piping too ... OR ... maybe it was a legit mistake?!

scrook_2

UMC

is mostly adopted in the west, where are you? Your state code may/may not require protection too. Certaintly nail plates are to be desired, regardless.

Bruce_6

nail plates

may be required, but its rare to see them around here.

I have even fixed leaks that had protection with nail plates, the HO couldn't get a screw into a stud, so they got out the trusty ole drill bits!! they sure get a nice surprize when they get an 1/8 inch stream of water coming from their wall!

the now make nail plates for steel stud buildings, EXTRA ExTRA thick, and darn near impossible to get a drill bit through! they are made for protecting against the self drilling sheet rock screws!

Joel_3

set back

There really can't be a set back sometimes we run 2.5" pipe in a wall it fills almost the entire cavity. Common sense says you will have a studplate though, but yes I've seen these get drilled right through. nothing is going to stop someone with a nail gun who is determined enough

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hr

It sounds like

the screw hit the pipe next to a stud, not where the pipe goes through the plate or stud??

If so, it's hard, maybe impossible, to protect the entire length of pipe. Ideally, in outside walls, you want the pipes close to the sheetrocked surface with insulation behind them. This makes the pipe vunerable from screws that "miss the studs"

To a shreetrock screw a copper pipes "feels" just like a wood stud!

It's the screws that hit a pipe and don't immediatly leak that will haunt you

I use Tube talons to hold the tube at least 1/2" from any stud. But ocassionally you get nailed

hot rod

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Tim_17

Thanks

Thanks to everyone who responded to this post. I live in Michigan and do not know what our codes are for mechanicle, I agree that there are times when the pipes need to be closer to the drywall for particular reasons, but I agree that their should be some type of common sense that dictates that these pipes should be protucted. I feel that the liability falls on the plumber that did not protect this pipe form the drywaller, and any drywaller that drills threw a protection plate should be held responsible for their actions. At this time I've requested that the plumber review their bill of $233 and to adjust it acording to their negligaince. I appreciate everyones help in this subject and will let you know the outcome.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

It's the screws that hit a pipe and don't immediatly leak that will haunt you

How about a lag bolt from a deck rim joist that is keeping the connection alive through the wire it pierced?

Was removing a deck for replacement and lady of the house comes screaming out, "All the lights went out--what did you do?" I looked at the lag bolt I'd just removed, saw a big pit from an electrical arc and called myself lucky!