The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is the model code for plumbing systems, including water supply, sanitary drainage, venting and fixtures, published by the International Code Council.
In parking facilities, plumbing is mostly about drainage. Garage floors collect rain, snowmelt, deicing salts, oil and sediment, and that water has to leave the structure without damaging it or polluting the systems it drains to. The IPC, along with local stormwater rules, governs how.
In parking facilities
- Floor drains. Sized and spaced so that sloped floors do not pond, which protects the deck from chloride damage.
- Interceptors. Many jurisdictions require oil and sand interceptors on garage drainage before it reaches sewers or storm systems.
- Storm or sanitary. Whether garage drainage goes to the storm or sanitary system depends on local rules and whether the floor is covered.
- Freeze protection. Drain lines in open garages must be protected from freezing.
- Fixtures. Restrooms and cashier facilities, where provided.
The Parkonomics view
Ponding water is the slow enemy of a parking deck. Drain placement and floor slope deserve as much attention as the structure, because water that stays on the deck carries salt into it.
Related terms: I-Codes, Stormwater Detention, Chloride-Ion Contamination, Rainwater Harvesting