Piping shall be installed a minimum of ______ below the bottom of building foundations or footers, except when sleeved with an approved material.

Piping for fire service mains must be installed at a minimum depth to prevent damage from ground movements and to maintain the integrity of the water supply system. The requirement to install piping a minimum of 12 inches below the bottom of building foundations or footers is vital to ensure that the piping is adequately protected from physical stress and environmental factors such as freeze-thaw cycles or settlement.

When the piping is placed at this specified depth, it helps avoid potential issues that could arise from the structural loads of the buildings above, ensuring that the fire service mains remain functional and reliable over time. Additionally, if the piping is sleeved with an approved material, different depth requirements may apply, but the general guideline without sleeving is firmly established at 12 inches. This depth is designed to maintain a safe distance from the foundations, mitigating risks associated with potential disturbances during construction or over the lifespan of the structures above.