How can I be sure the pipe I am using will meet the building code in my area?

Here is a recent email conversation I had with a customer concerning the use of schedule 40 two inch plumbing pvc pipe and the building code in his area.

Customer Comment: I have been researching central vacs for new construction (2,400 sq ft).  I certainly see the convenience and benefits offered by your custom adapters and plumbing PVC; however, will building inspectors look kindly on non-standard vac pipe?  In other words, how likely is it that I plumb my central vac system with SCH 40 pipe and the new home doesn't pass the home inspection as a result?  Any insight you can provide would be greatly appreciated.   CRAIG

Hi, Craig.
Thanks for your inquiry.  If you would like, let me know the city and state in which you live and we will get back with you tomorrow on the building codes in your particular city.
...We have been installing in Florida for over 25 years, and we have had no problems with plumbing pvc and code here.  Actually, we have had problems with vacuum pipe not meeting code.  Some of the cities we deal with require steel tubing. We can do the research for you and help put your mind at ease...RENEE

HI Renee-
Thank you for the reply!  I live in Racine, Wisconsin.  I would greatly
appreciate you looking into my local building codes.  I wouldn't even know
where to start on my own. CRAIG

I really wanted to help Craig out and so I did a little research and found this wonderful site that lists contact information for building departments in the major metropolitan areas in the country.  (Here is the link:   http://www.reedfirstsource.com/codes/index.asp )  We then called and spoke directly with a building inspector in Racine, Wisconsin.  He informed us that there is no building code in Wisconsin regarding pipe used in central vacuum systems.  I was happy to email Craig this morning with that inspector's name and phone number.  I also let Craig know that he could use schedule 40 2" plumbing pipe.  If you are wondering about the code in your area, use the link above and find out for yourself.  At Central Vacuum Stores we are all about more information and we love helping our customers in their search for reliable information.

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