Question

The IPC requires that building sewer sized __________" and larger have manholes instead of cleanouts.

a: 4
b: 6
c: 8
d: 10

Answer 1

The IPC mandates that building sewers 8 inches in diameter or larger must have manholes; smaller sewers can use cleanouts for maintenance, aligning with infrastructure needs reflected in economies of scale.

Step-by-step explanation:

The IPC requires that building sewers sized 8 inches and larger have manholes instead of cleanouts. Smaller sewers, such as a 4-inch pipe, are typically allowed to use cleanouts for maintenance and access. The use of manholes in larger sewers, such as an 8-inch pipe or a 16-inch pipe, facilitates easier access for inspection, maintenance, and repair due to their larger size and the increased complexity of managing wastewater flow. This requirement helps to ensure that larger sewer systems operate efficiently and are maintainable over time, thus reflecting the economies of scale in the chemical and construction industries as larger pipes necessitate more substantial infrastructure for proper servicing.