If the water service piping is made of plastic, which accessory is mandatory for proper installation?

For the installation of plastic water service piping, the use of insulated copper tracer wire is mandatory. This requirement stems from the fact that plastic piping, unlike metallic options, lacks inherent conductivity. As a result, tracer wire is essential for locating the piping underground. It allows for accurate detection using above-ground locating devices, which is critical for maintenance, repair, or in the event of construction activities that could impact the buried infrastructure.

The use of insulated copper tracer wire ensures that it remains protected from environmental conditions while providing a reliable method for tracing the conduit of the plastic pipe. This aspect is particularly important in areas where accidental excavation can lead to damage of the water service line, as knowing the exact location of the line helps prevent such occurrences.

In contrast, while steel reinforcement, flexible joints, and weather-resistant coatings might serve various roles in plumbing applications, they are not specifically mandated for the installation of plastic water service piping the way tracer wire is. Therefore, the requirement for insulated copper tracer wire ensures both safety and compliance in the plumbing installation process.