City compliance issue. Berwyn, IL

[RK3640]

the city of Berwyn, Il has cited a compliance issue with braided flex supply lines on residential sinks and toilets stating that they must be converted to solid pipe. I have searched the 2005 state of Il plumbing code and well as the city of Chicago code and could not find anything referring to this issue. I've asked the city of Berwyn to provide me with some documentation and, they could not. they only told me that the city follows the 2005 Illinois state code. can anyone provide me with some professional insight on this?

 

[Gary Swart]

OK, not professional, but I recall this issue coming up a long while back. I remember it because it was the first time I had found out that some areas require solid piping to/from water heaters. Memory says it was a plumber in the Chicago area that said that solid was required there. FWIW, my area wants flex connections. Seems there are arguments on both sides. But, Rule #10 says always go with local code.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jadnashua]

FWIW, there's a difference between corrugated, flexible copper or SS used for a WH, and the plastic hoses often used for toilets and sinks. What would seem to be problematic is that on many faucets, they are integral with the thing, and you have no choice! Areas subject to earthquakes tend to require flexible connections to things like a WH along with strapping them to the wall so that they can't fall over. Not quite the same issue with a sink! Not all flexible lines are created equal, though.

 

[hj]

that is usually a requirement in union controlled areas because it is a "make work" requirement.