How many call this out as a significant issue?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by jkolke1

You guys kill me....What if the home was built 30 years ago. I am a licensed plumber in Chicago and I would have explained to my client what the issue was...

And what if the house was built this year?

[Blaine Wiley]

How many have ever found a trap that failed due to the lack of visible purple primer?

I don't remember ever finding a leak at a glued trap whether there was a purple band or not, only remember finding them at the compression fitting traps. Especially the accordion style flex traps and fittings.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by bwiley

How many have ever found a trap that failed due to the lack of visible purple primer?

I don't remember ever finding a leak at a glued trap whether there was a purple band or not, only remember finding them at the compression fitting traps. Especially the accordion style flex traps and fittings.

The code calls for visible purple primer for 2 reasons:

1) Primer is required for the solvent weld to hold properly.

2) The color allows confirmation that primer was indeed applied.

That is the only reason purple primer is required...because without it you cannot easily confirm the application of primer at all.

If you've got a house full of plastic pipe, how can anyone be certain the system was solvent welded properly without confirming the presence of primer? And how could any inspector actually confirm the presence of a primer throughout the system without colored (purple) primer at all the fittings observed?

If a licensed plumber feels it's OK to violate this code requirement, what else might he have neglected to do because he feels that he knows better than the ICC? To me it's like the 13th chime of a clock...it brings everything into question.

[Marc-Andre Beauchemin]

I would not call it out. Here in Quebec I believe it is OK!
As long as there is a P-Trap and as long as it keeps gases from burping up!

It looks to me like it was well installed.
We are not code inspectors and by the way there is a great shortage of that breed around here.
Clean-outs are not obligatory on p-traps.

Hope this helps but the way I see it, If it leaks, I call it.

Beauchemin,Marc-Andre Brossard Quebec Canada.

[Jim Kolke]

I understand what you are saying but in Illinois which has the strictest code in the nation we use mechanical p traps. If you wanted to bring that up i would agree. The primer ... that would be a no for me. Just my oppinion.

[Jim Kolke]

If it was built today it would be a mechanical joint. I understand you knoe what to look at. Ive installed it for 20 years. Not trying to measure units!

[Thomas G. Valosin]

I have seen several instances when it appeared there was no purple primer. When the pipe was disassembled when the bathroom was relocated during remodeling we "opened" the glued joint. (My sons home) Yep, there was purple primer. The original plumber was contacted by the owner to do some additional work and queried him regarding the appearance of the connections. The plumber said in his opinion there was absolutely no reason to be sloppy and have purple stains all over the PVC. He takes pride in neat application of primer and glue, applying sufficient material to do the job, without slopping it all over the place. Joints were solid with no leaks. I have observed his work at several homes. No purple shows - anyplace; but all the joints are clean, solid, primed and glued. My thought is that just because you don't see purple it is not a "positive" indication the primer was not used.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

In my duties as an AHJ, I recently inspected an old home remodel and the waste system was like this. I'm requiring the plumber to smoke test or peppermint test the waste system to prove no leaks are present. He'll do it right next time I bet.