Material Specifications & Standards
Overview
Spartan's standards for materials used on all jobs. Techs use approved materials only — no substitutions without Production Concierge sign-off.
Core Material Standards
Supply Lines
- Braided stainless steel supply lines on all fixture connections — no chrome spiral or plastic
- Replace supply lines on water heater work as a standard practice
Pipe Materials (by application)
| Application | Approved Material |
|-------------|-----------------|
| Water supply (new install / repipe) | PEX-A or PEX-B crimp/clamp, or copper Type L |
| Water heater stub-outs | Copper minimum 6" before transitioning to PEX |
| Drain, waste, vent | PVC (Schedule 40 for above ground, SDR-35 for underground) |
| Sewer (underground) | PVC SDR-35 or approved HDPE |
| Gas lines (inside) | Black iron, CSST (must be bonded) |
| Repair connections | Fernco no-hub couplings for dissimilar pipe joining |
Fittings
- Brass fittings: approved for most applications, but monitor for dezincification in Dayton's water (chloramine treatment area)
- Brass PEX fittings in high-chloramine areas may prematurely deteriorate — document and note repipe recommendation potential
- SharkBite push-fit: approved for accessible locations only; not for concealed installations without Operations Manager approval
Softener/Water Treatment Install Materials
- Water softener before IMS filter in filtration sequences
- Check for floor drain, electrical outlet, and storage space before committing to installation
- Garage installs: add freeze-risk disclaimer to job description (warranty may be affected)
- Existing softener lines: test with 7 PSI air pressure before reusing — replace if they hold no pressure
- PEX near UV lights: strictly prohibited — UV degrades PEX rapidly
Home Protection Materials (Every Job)
- Shoe covers: worn from the van to the front door and throughout the home
- Drop cloths and floor mats: deployed before any work begins
- Cardboard runners: effective for floor protection on longer runs through the home
- Clean rags for wiping connections and work areas
Pipe Support / Strapping — Required Intervals
| Pipe Type | Horizontal | Vertical |
|-----------|-----------|---------|
| Copper | 6 ft | 10 ft |
| PEX | 32 in | 4 ft |
| PVC/CPVC | 4 ft | 4 ft |
| CSST | Per manufacturer | Per manufacturer |
Not Approved
- Galvanized pipe (new installations)
- Lead-based solder
- CPVC for new hot water supply in repiping (use PEX)
- Any material not on the current approved list (confirm with Operations Manager)
Field Note
> "Cannot have PEX right to a gas water heater." — Slack team message. This is both a code violation and a safety issue. Always transition from copper near the water heater.
Related SOPs
- Common Pipe Types & Applications
- Ohio Plumbing Code Essentials
- Quality Standards Checklist (Phase 4)