Slide-on coupling issue

[Chuyue]

Greeting.
I failed my first plumbing rough-in inspection because I used unshielded fernco. This is what Inspector A wrote "no above ground fernco-use a shear band". He told me that I could go to homedepot and buy an expensive version with the steel shield, and use the shield since the coupling is already there. The shield is to keep the joint rigid. I did what he said (see the pic) but Inspector B came in today and told me this is not acceptable. This is what he wrote " homeowner was confused about Fernco, told him to remove it and replace with shear-band. " Can someone let me know what the shear-band is? I googled but google returned me with coupling having metal shield like what I used. Thanks.

 

[Joe the Plumber]

I think he meant for you to remove the original coupling and use an approved coupling with a "metal" wrap.

There are several companies that make these.
Fernco, Mission, Proflex, Plumbquick

 

[Sponsor]

 

[WorthFlorida]

Joe the plumber is correct. I'm not sure myself where all rubber couplings are allowed?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Fernco-Proflex-2-in-Neoprene-Shielded-Coupling-P3000-22/100372285

 

[Chuyue]

Thanks all for the reply. I actually bought one of these and only used the shield over the fernco. Seems that I have to muscle the old one out and use the new rubber. From engineering point of view, I don't see any difference between the two, but heck I will do what mr. inspector says to keep him happy...

 

[WorthFlorida]

For what ever reason, the pipes will try to slide by each other and tear the rubber. A steel band makes it much harder and a stronger coupling.

 

[Chuyue]

I get the part that metal shield keeps the joints rigid, what I don't get is that I can't just use the shield on the existing rubber coupling as the inspector A said..

For what ever reason, the pipes will try to slide by each other and tear the rubber. A steel band makes it much harder and a stronger coupling.

 

[WorthFlorida]

Plumbing Code 2018 of Maryland based on the International Plumbing Code 2018 (IPC 2018)

705.4.3 Mechanical joint coupling.
Mechanical joint couplings for hubless pipe and fittings shall consist of an elastomeric sealing sleeve and a metallic shield that comply with CISPI 310, ASTM C1277 or ASTM C1540. The elastomeric sealing sleeve shall conform to ASTM C564 or CSA B602 and shall be provided with a center stop. Mechanical joint couplings shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

 

[wwhitney]

That's the section on cast iron joints (and I think it's 705.3.3). For PVC plastic, the section would be 705.10.1.

Interestingly, that section says "Mechanical joints shall not be installed in above-ground systems, unless otherwise approved," but apparently it is common to approve fittings that comply with ASTM C1460.

https://up.codes/viewer/maryland/ipc-2018/chapter/7/sanitary-drainage#705.10

Cheers, Wayne

 

[WorthFlorida]

That's the section on cast iron joints (and I think it's 705.3.3). For PVC plastic, the section would be 705.10.1.

Interestingly, that section says "Mechanical joints shall not be installed in above-ground systems, unless otherwise approved," but apparently it is common to approve fittings that comply with ASTM C1460.

https://up.codes/viewer/maryland/ipc-2018/chapter/7/sanitary-drainage#705.10

Cheers, Wayne

Good catch, it is ASTM C1460 but it reads "Standard Specification for Shielded Transition Couplings for Use with Dissimilar DWV Pipe and Fittings Above Ground".

This is the standard that was updated in 2017.
ASTM C1461 - 08(2017)

Standard Specification for Mechanical Couplings Using Thermoplastic Elastomeric (TPE) Gaskets for Joining Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV), Sewer, Sanitary, and Storm Plumbing Systems for Above and Below Ground Use

From the abstract; 1.2 The pipe to be joined shall be of similar or dissimilar materials or size, or both.

 

[Terry]

 

[wwhitney]

It looks like the standard was changed in 2017.

I don't think C1460 is deprecated, I think C1461 is just a different standard that allows you to use the coupling both above ground or underground, rather than have to get different types for each case (C1460 above ground, C1173 underground). Here's an example of a C1461 coupling, the only one I could find:

https://www.anaco-husky.com/products/cremco/rigid-quik-couplings/

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Hader]

I really feel for Chuyue (and us).

Couldn't the worthless inspector tell him in (Plain English) what kind of 'Coupler' to use? Couldn't he just ask him for his # and share a Big-Box link?
Not counting Federal, State, or City employees, my County of 30,087 people has 11,615 employees.

 

[Chuyue]

Thanks all for the great discussion. I went to Depot and bought the one that you guys mentioned. The product description from HD says "for above ground only". I will contact the inspector to see if he'd be "happy" with it.
Now I have a much bigger problem than this coupling issue. It's about my HVAC. I'll elaborate in another thread of the AC forum. The inspector who inspects my plumbing happens to inspect my HVAC too so I will have to deal with him down the road. I don't have a good feeling about it now...

 

[Jadnashua]

Pipe misalignment is real, so the banded coupling is what is required UNLESS the pipe is fully supported, like when buried properly. While it might not tear off, I've seen my share of misaligned pipes that could result in clogging when the all-rubber joint was used inappropriately.