IPC Traps, Interceptors, and Separators 3

Question 1

According to the IPC, what type of interceptor is required for dental offices?

Accepted Answer

An amalgam separator

Answer

The IPC requires dental offices to install amalgam separators to prevent mercury-containing dental amalgam waste from entering the drainage system.

Question 2

What does the IPC specify about the trap arm length between a fixture trap and its vent connection?

Accepted Answer

The maximum length depends on the trap arm pipe diameter

Answer

The IPC limits the trap arm length based on the pipe diameter — smaller pipes have shorter maximum trap arm lengths to maintain the trap seal.

Question 3

Under the IPC, when is a laundry interceptor required?

Accepted Answer

In commercial laundry facilities that may discharge lint, string, or rags

Answer

The IPC requires laundry interceptors in commercial laundry facilities where the discharge may contain lint, strings, rags, buttons, or other materials that could obstruct the drainage system.

Question 4

According to the IPC, what happens to the trap seal when a nearby fixture discharges a large volume of water rapidly?

Accepted Answer

Induced siphonage can pull the trap seal out

Answer

Rapid discharge from a nearby fixture can create negative pressure (induced siphonage) in shared drainage piping that pulls the water seal out of adjacent fixture traps.

Question 5

What does the IPC require when a building has both a food waste grinder (garbage disposal) and a grease interceptor?

Accepted Answer

The grinder discharge must bypass the grease interceptor

Answer

The IPC requires that food waste grinder (garbage disposal) discharge bypass the grease interceptor because the ground food particles would quickly fill and foul the interceptor.

IPC - International Plumbing Code Practice Test

IPC - International Plumbing Code Practice Test

IPC Traps, Interceptors, and Separators 3