When using plastic or nonconductive piping for water service, what must be installed adjacent to the piping?

The installation of insulated copper tracer wire adjacent to nonconductive piping is essential for several reasons. First, because plastic and nonconductive materials do not conduct electricity, they lack the ability to be located using standard electrical detection methods. This can pose challenges when performing maintenance or repairs, as underground plumbing systems can become difficult to find.

Tracer wire provides a reliable means of locating the piping after it has been buried. When installed alongside the nonconductive pipe, the tracer wire allows for electronic signal transmission, making it possible to use locating equipment to pinpoint the exact location of the piping. This is particularly important for avoiding accidental damage during excavation work, ensuring that utilities can be maintained safely and effectively.

Other options, such as metal conduits or ground wires, do not serve the same purpose in this context. Metal conduit, while conductive, does not facilitate the location of plastic piping, and ground wires pertain more to electrical safety rather than to the nonconductive piping scenario. Plastic marker tape, though it may be used to mark the location of utilities, lacks the dynamic tracing capabilities provided by insulated copper tracer wire. Thus, the installation of copper tracer wire is the most suitable and practical choice for ensuring that plastic water service lines can be detected and accessed safely