Masons address all plumbing embeds the same as they would if they were installing it into standard CMU.
1 It is the plumber’s responsibility to completely protect the copper pipe within the block wall to prevent destructive corrosion to the pipe from occurring.
2 The stretcher block middle face shell was cut out to increase the opening which allows the block to slide over the 90° hose bibb. Alternatively, an Omni Block corner block could have been used.
3 For additional support, placing the vertical hose bibb piping in the slab where an interior partition wall is called for allows for the pipe to be secured to the interior partition wall.
4 The detail shows where to ideally install a sleeve where an interior partition wall is called for. This technique can be used for gas lines, freon lines, main water, virtually anything that needs to enter the building from the exterior. All then can be run vertically to the overhead space within the interior partition wall.
5 Communicating the location of the sleeves is first marked on the slab.
6 The detail shows ideally where a sleeve should occur vertically in the block wall. Notching the bottom or the top of a block makes for the cleanest installation.
7 Up to 4” vertical waste vents are accommodated by using the corner block units.
8 The detail shows that waste vents require that a mason alternatively places the Omni Block corner units over the vent.
9 The schematic provides the dimensioning within the block wall for the proper placement of typical under the sink piping.
Complete plumbing detailing and installation techniques are found in the Construction Manual, specifically pages 7 – 10.
As an option where feasible, it is advantageous for the plumbing “stack” to be placed interior to the avove grade block wall and the below grade stem (foundation) walls for the following reasons:
- The plumber does not need to bust into the stem wall;
- The mason does not need to cut block around the plumbing contained within the wall;
- The kitchen or vanity cabinet should be made with a 3″ false back for simple installation;
- The plumber can more easily professionally finish out the water lines and P trap inside the cabinet.
- The plumbing is within the interior of the building greatly reducing the possibility of any of the pipes freezing.