Restraints shall be provided for drain pipes at changes in direction for pipe sizes greater than what size?

Restraints for drain pipes at changes in direction are essential for preventing movement that could lead to stress on the joints or disconnection of the piping system. According to the International Plumbing Code, the requirement for providing restraints becomes pertinent for pipes of larger diameters due to the increased weight and potential for additional forces acting on these pipes, particularly at bends or changes in direction.

For pipes sized greater than 4 inches, the stresses from the hydraulic flow and the weight of the pipe itself require adequate support to ensure that the system remains secure and operational. This is particularly important in larger diameter systems, where the risk of damage or failure increases if the pipes are not restrained properly.

Thus, the requirement for restraints at changes in direction for drain pipes larger than 4 inches is specified in the code to ensure structural integrity and to minimize the risk of leaks or failures in the plumbing system.