Did you know that approximately 79% of the accidents in a home happen on stairs? There are plenty of Building Codes that are written to try and prevent this. The codes intent is to make the stairs as uniform as possible so you don’t have to think about your next step. Residential Building Code states that stair treads and risers must not differ more than 3/8″ from the shortest to the longest throughout the stair flight. The intent is so that you take the same step over and over without having to think or get tripped up. Along with the complete measurements of the stairs being written out in the code, there are also code that strictly define the way handrails are to be installed, guardrails, and landings. All of these codes are written in great detail in the IRC to help minimize the amount of accidents on stairs and the severity. The picture above was a set of stairs at Final Inspections.

One of the more dangerous plumbing mistakes is when there is a potential cross connection between the potable water supply system and nonpotable liquids, solids, or gases! This is a very serious issue that can and has caused thousands of individuals to get sick and/or die. A airgap is one of the best forms of backflow prevention. An airgap makes sure that the nonpotable water is not close enough to the water outlet that if there were a break in the water line where that the dirty water can be sucked back into the water supply system. The code P2902.3.1 in the 2021 IRC states that the airgap or space between the water outlet and the flood level rim shall not be less that twice the diameter of the effective opening of the outlet and not less than the values specified in Table P2902.3.1. Can you see the problem in the picture above?

Do you know why the code requires kitchen receptacles at the counter to not be spaced more than 48″ apart and within 24″ from the edge of counter for all counters and work surfaces more than 12″ wide (2021 IRC E3901.4.1)? The intent behind this code is so that at no point in the countertop would there be a span of more than 24″ from your toaster, coffee maker, crock pot, etc from a receptacle outlet. Measure the cords on these appliances. They don’t come with 6′ cords on them so that the cord doesn’t hang off the counter and be able to be grabbed by a young child and pull the appliance down on top of themselves. Most of these appliances come with a 2′ cord which means you can put it anywhere on your counter and still be able to plug it in. Can you see what is wrong in this picture?