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PREFACE

Significant changes in the plumbing industry, as well as in manufacturing technology, had become so commanding that a radically new approach to the design and installation of plumbing systems seemed an imperative. The reply to that imperative was the International Plumbing Code, a document emphasizing prescriptive and performance-related provisions.

As a follow-up to the International Plumbing Code, we offer a companion document, the International Plumbing Code Commentary. The basic appeal of the Commentary is thus: it provides in a small package and at reasonable cost thorough coverage of many issues likely to be dealt with when using the International Plumbing Code-and then supplements that coverage with historical and technical background. Reference lists, information sources and bibliographies are also included.

Throughout all of this, strenuous effort has been made to keep the vast quantity of material accessible and its method of presentation useful. With a comprehensive yet concise summary of each section, the Commentary provides a convenient reference for plumbing regulations. In the chapters that follow, discussions focus on the full meaning and implications of the code text. Guidelines suggest the most effective method of application, and the consequences of not adhering to the code text. Illustrations are provided to aid understanding; they do not necessarily illustrate the only methods of achieving code compliance.

The format of the Commentary includes the full text of each section, table and figure in the code, followed immediately by the commentary applicable to that text. Each section's narrative includes a statement of its objective and intent, and usually includes a discussion about why the requirement commands the conditions set forth. Code text and commentary text are easily distinguished from each other. All code text is shown as it appears in the International Plumbing Code, and all commentary is indented below the code text and begins with the symbol.

Readers should note that the Commentary is to be used in conjunction with the International Plumbing Code and not as a substitute for the code. TheCommentary is advisory only; the code official alone possesses the authority and responsibility for interpreting the code.

Comments and recommendations are encouraged, for through your input, we can improve future editions. Please direct your comments to the Codes and Standards Development Department at the Chicago District Office.