Does Pipe Under Walkway Need Depth of Cover?

5/29/2024

We have a scenario where the fire riser will be installed after the building is completed.

If the pipe is located below the pedestrian walkway area, is this required to comply with NFPA 13, 2022, (6.4.2.2.2 In locations where freezing is not a factor, the depth of cover shall not be less than 30 in. (750 mm) below grade to prevent mechanical damage. [24:10.4.2.2.2])?

See the attached sketch. If yes, what is the possible solution?

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9 Comments

Pete H

5/29/2024 07:33:59 am

Yes, it is underground pipe, so in my opinion, chapter 6 (and 6.4.2.2) applies.

Possible solutions: Feed the riser with pipe that goes below the foundation.

Come up in the walkway, protect the pipe from freezing with heat tracing, and feed the riser above ground.

Come underground somewhere else.

Dan Wilder

5/29/2024 08:11:47 am

Install a sleeve in the footer now and make sure to put in trace wire for the eventual excavation or install an in-building riser assembly now (if allowable or install the stub up, elbow & thrust block, and the horizontal to +/- 5' outside the building, wrap and cap for future tie in.

Just make sure to pressure test it now, the tie in and flush will be at a later date.

Casey Milhorn

5/29/2024 08:49:42 am

From a practical perspective, if you are not in an area subject to freezing, and you are installing after the building is built (assuming it's existing currently?), then I would think the pedestrian walkway prevents mechanical damage. But as others have said, if you can sleeve under the footer before it goes in, I would go that route. If you decide to install as shown in your sketch, get approval from everyone first. A sleeve the length of the walkway isn't a bad idea either, to protect it from damage while pouring the sidewalk, and protect it during any possible future sidewalk replacement or utilities that may go through here.

Streeter

5/29/2024 09:41:20 am

Just a reminder for heat tracing since it has been mentioned a couple times, NFPA requires electrical supervision of heat tracing at the alarm panel which does add cost over typical plumbing heat tracing.

Glenn Berger

5/29/2024 11:26:13 am

The pipe is still below grade such that minimum cover needs to be met.

David Cox

5/29/2024 05:14:14 pm

It should be brought through or under foundation to the interior of the building.
Your biggest enemy in this detail is movement. Sleeves and multiple direction expansion needs to be accommodated.
A walkway does not replace the requirement listed in the code.

Jack G

5/30/2024 03:38:52 am

Depending on type of pipe/ fittings the above picture would not satisfy thrust blocks at the elbows.

Jeyson Ventura

5/30/2024 07:31:11 am

When you say "fire riser" what portion of the sprinkler system are you referring to? If it's a sprinkler riser, then I don't think the section would apply.

Section 6.4.2.2.2 only applies to Private Fire Service Mains installed in accordance with NFPA 24. A Private Fire Service Main is defined the pipe and its appurtenances on private property
(1) between a source of water and the base of the system riser for water-based fire protection systems,
(2) between a source of water and inlets to foam-making systems,
(3) between a source of water and the base elbow of private hydrants or monitor nozzles, and
(4) used as fire pump suction and discharge piping,
(5) beginning at the inlet side of the check valve on a gravity or pressure tank.

Kate R

5/31/2024 10:42:08 am

Yes, you'll need to satisfy whatever minimum depth of coverage is required to prevent mechanical damage or freezing—whichever is deeper (unless freezing is not a concern).

Take a look at NFPA-2410.4.2 for protecting pipes from freezing & mechanical damage, and NFPA-24 10.4.3 for installing pipe under buildings.

To avoid issues, I'd recommend:
1. Installing service pipe under foundation/footers (at least 12" below) and then sleeve up into building
2. Sleeve through foundation walls and then sleeve up into building
3. Relocate the riser to a more accessible location (if possible)

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Does Pipe Under Walkway Need Depth of Cover?

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