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Does code require a water shut-off valve at bathtubs?

Sunday, May 23, 2021

A shut-off valve is not required at the water supply pipes to a bathtub, according to the Residenital Edition of the Florida Building Code (FBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC P2903.9.3). We rarely see a shut-off valve at bathroom tubs, except that older homes that have had a previous problem with supply pipes in the wall may have shut-off valves behind a wall access panel.

    And anyone with a newer house with PEX piping may also have a bathtub shut-off at the manifold. A manifold is a central water distribution box, similar in concept to an electric panel, in that it has two rows of shut off valves, each of which connects to a pipe that goes directly to a specific plumbing fixture only. Plumbers call it a “home run” system.

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Here’s links to a collection of our blog posts about SHUT-OFF VALVES: 

How do I find the main water shut off valve for my house?

How do I shut off the main water service in a mobile/manufactured home?

• Where do I find the main water shut-off valve for my condominium?

• Does a home inspector locate the main water shut-off valve?

• Does a home inspector check and test shut-off valves? 

Does a water heater need a shut-off valve?

• Does code require a water shut-off valve at toilets?

• Does code require a water shut-off valve at sinks?

• Does code require a water shut-off valve at showers?

Does code require a water shut-off valve for dishwashers?

Which plumbing fixtures require water shut off valves in a home? 

Does a refrigerator water supply line require a shutoff valve behind it?

Is it alright to have a shut-off valve on both the hot and cold water pipes at a water heater?

• Is a shut off valve in-line on a supply line to a plumbing fixture acceptable? 

Is a shut-off valve required at the cold water inlet to a mobile home water heater?

• What is the average life expectancy of plumbing fixture water shut-off valves? 

 Is a sink or toilet shut-off valve behind an access panel approved by code?

Visit our PLUMBING page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.

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