The insured lives in a single-family home in Austin, Texas. While hanging a shelf on the wall in one of the bathrooms, the owner drilled right through the metal stud, directly into a plumbing pipe, causing water damage to the wall and to the carpeting on the floor. (Yes, you heard that correctly, carpeting…in the bathroom!) Should there have been some type of pipe protection near the stud? And, does code even allow carpeting in a bathroom? Notable Timestamps

[ 00:08 ] - The scenario involves a homeowner drilling into a metal stud and puncturing a plumbing pipe, causing water damage to the wall and bathroom carpet.

[ 01:15 ] - The hosts discuss home "deal breakers" and vintage advertisements.

[ 05:39 ] - PLRB's Building Code Address Report confirms Austin enforces the 2021 IRC and 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

[ 06:09 ] - Under the 2021 UPC, pipes within one inch of a metal stud must be protected by at least 18-gauge steel nail plates extending beyond the pipe's diameter to prevent drill punctures.

[ 09:28 ] - The IRC clarifies that permits are not required for finish work such as carpeting.

[ 09:56 ] - Code limits absorbent materials only at the actual tub or shower floor surface. In other words, carpet elsewhere in the bathroom is only prohibited by common sense and not by model building codes.

[ 11:25 ] - While model codes allow bathroom carpeting, local ordinances may impose stricter sanitary rules, so adjusters should always verify municipal amendments before reaching conclusions.

[ 13:52 ] - Ruth summarizes the key points of this episode.

Your PLRB Resources

Address Report https://members.plrb.org/building-codes

What's New on the Building Codes Address Report? https://members.plrb.org/documents/whats-new-on-the-building-codes-address-report?query=address%20report

Ask a Code Question https://members.plrb.org/building-codes/ask-building-code-questions

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The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

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Carpet in the Bathroom? I Hope That's Against Code!