Ohio Plumbing Code Essentials
Overview
This card summarizes the Ohio plumbing code requirements most frequently encountered by Spartan technicians in the Dayton market. It is not a substitute for the full Ohio Plumbing Code — it is a field-ready reference for the most common decisions techs face on jobs. ## Who This Applies To
All Spartan service and install technicians. ## Drain Line Requirements
- Minimum slope: 1/4" per foot toward the drain (Ohio plumbing code; also confirmed in Spartan knowledge test)
- Minimum vent pipe: 2" diameter for most applications
- Trap arm maximum distance varies by pipe size; standard 1. 5" trap arm max 42"
- Clean-out access required on sewer lines — Spartan standard: stub cleanout outside grade level on all sewer replacements (even if not in original estimate, install it and adjust invoice)
> Field practice (Slack): "Even if not explicitly included in the initial estimate, a cleanout is installed during sewer line replacement jobs. The field team stubs the cleanout up outside and informs the office to adjust the invoice accordingly. "
## Water Heater Code Requirements (Dayton Market)
- Expansion tanks: Montgomery County now requires expansion tanks AND a check at the meter (code change effective March 2024). Verify requirements in other jurisdictions with Production Concierge. - T&P relief valve required; drain line must terminate within 6" of floor or to outside
- Seismic strapping: not universally required in Ohio but confirm with local jurisdiction
- CO test required after all gas water heater installs (see CO Testing After Water Heater Install SOP)
> Field note (Slack): "Montgomery County now requires expansion tanks and checks at the meter — this is a new requirement as of March 2024. "
## PEX Restrictions
- PEX cannot be directly connected to gas water heaters — heat from the unit will melt the pipe. Always use a copper stub-out or approved transition. - PEX must not be installed in locations with direct UV light exposure (e. g. , near UV water filtration lights) — material degrades rapidly. - PEX can be used in most concealed locations; SharkBite fittings in concealed locations require Operations Manager approval. > Field note (Slack): "PEX piping should not be directly connected to gas water heaters due to the risk of the pipe melting from the heat. This highlights a potential safety hazard and code violation. "
## Sewer and Drain Code
- PVC SDR-35 most common for Dayton-area sewer work
- Storm drains must NOT be connected to sanitary sewer — verify before tying in
- Right-of-way permit may be required for sewer work in city limits; Montgomery County typically requires permit only if sewer tap is replaced
- Some counties require isometric drawings with permit applications — sales/service department provides these
## Permit Triggers (Common)
the Production Concierge is the designated point of contact for permit questions at Spartan. | Work Type | Permit Required? |
|-----------|-----------------|
| Water heater replacement | Usually yes — confirm by jurisdiction |
| Sewer line replacement | Yes (plus right-of-way if applicable) |
| Repiping | Yes |
| Gas line work | Yes |
| Drain cleaning / snaking | No |
| Like-for-like fixture swap | No |
| Excavation (sidewalk cut) | Yes — engineering dept permit required |
## Water Softener Code
- Discharge lines cannot run through trailer walls — not to code
- Floor drain required for proper installation in most configurations
- Electrical outlet and storage space required before quoting
## Related SOPs
- Permit Application & Requirements
- CO Testing After Water Heater Install
- Common Pipe Types & Applications
- Permit & Inspection Certification