To put it as simply as possible, plumbing codes help ensure the proper performance of plumbing systems. That’s it. By doing so the codes make for more efficient systems while safeguarding the health and safety of the public.
The codes themselves can get pretty complex, which is a good reason to always go with a professional plumber for any kind of plumbing work. But out of ignorance, accident, corner-cutting or downright fraud, people install plumbing systems that are not up to code all the time. Here’s a brief gallery of the most common residential plumbing code violations.