Illinois Plumbing Code Practice

How long should unused sections of water service or distribution piping be to be considered as "dead ends"?

1. 4 feet

2. 2 feet

3. 6 feet

4. 8 feet

The correct answer is: 2 feet

The correct answer is that unused sections of water service or distribution piping must be 2 feet or more to be classified as "dead ends." In the context of plumbing systems, a dead-end is a section of piping that does not have any outlets or connections at the end and can lead to issues such as stagnant water, which might affect water quality and promote corrosion. A length of 2 feet provides a clear threshold that identifies a section as a dead end, allowing plumbers and contractors to ensure proper system design and maintenance. This specification helps to promote better water circulation and reduces the likelihood of problems associated with stagnant water. While other lengths may be considered for various applications, regulations often dictate that 2 feet is the minimum acceptable length for classifying piping as a dead end in order to address potential health and safety concerns adequately.