Master Plumbers April FAQs: Do you know the answers?

Every day the technical advice team at Master Plumbers answer calls from plumbers out in the field on a whole range of topics. Questions can range from interpreting standards to problems a plumber might be facing on a job to questions about licensing and registration.

Below are three of the most common questions that have come up this month. How many did you know the answer to?

Q: When a property is being demolished or removed, do sanitary drains need to be removed and replaced in PVC if they have previously been relined?

A: According to AS/NZS3500.2:2021, Clause 3.16.1, the following applies to the use of existing sanitary drains up to the point of connection:

• Mortar-jointed vitrified clay, mortar-jointed concrete, asbestos cement and fibre-reinforced cement pipes shall not be re-used unless they have been renovated using a structural plastics liner in accordance with Clause 3.16.3
• Drains constructed of other materials shall not be re-used unless they have been verified for conformance in accordance with the relevant clauses of the standard and tested in accordance with Section 15 (testing of sanitary plumbing and drainage installations) and found to be satisfactory.

Q: Is there a maximum distance you can run a PTR drain line off a hot water service?

A: The short answer to this question is yes!

AS/NZS 3500.4, Clause 5.11. outlines the standards for PTR drains including size, material, lengths, and changes of directions greater than 45° you can have in a PTR drain. Check out the specifics to be sure.

Lengths and changes of direction:

Q: I’m installing a fire hose reel, is there a certain clearance there must be around the outside of the hose reel?

A: All standards needed to install a fire hose reel can be found AS 2441. Clause 11 explains that you must have 100mm clearance around the outside of the hose reel when surface mounted, in a cabinet, recess or cavity.

These are just a sample of the variety of questions the team receives each and everyday. Access to the Master Plumbers Technical Advice team is just one of the many benefits that Master Plumbers (Victoria) members receive along with access to specialists in IR, HR, Health and Safety, as well as a range of discount and support from our commercial partners. For more information, please check out Plumber.com.au

Please note: The information above is based on the Australian standards. Please check with your local regulator and authorities for variations.