clearance for building cabinet over a floor drain?

[Kiddo]

Hi I have an unusual situation. We have a small area next to our water heater where we'd like to build a closet. The problem is that there is a floor drain right under that spot. So I'm wondering, first, would I violate code if I built the closet there hanging over the drain, and then if not, what kind of clearance would be required over that drain? Like how low could that closet hang? I'm thinking like 6-8 inches makes sense, but I'm no expert on code at all.

thanks!

~Keith

[Kiddo]

I've Googled and looked through whatever kinds of related code I could find and what I gather is that the drain must remain "accessible for maintenance." But unlike other places in the code there are no specifics. Should I just go off of that? I'll just leave enough room to operate a snake if it gets clogged. Can't think of anything more involved than that. The drain is only there because of the water heater, nothing else.

[havasu]

If you own the house, just leave enough access for ventilation and maintenance. Just keep in mind that if or when the house is sold, an inspector may ask you to remove it entirely.

[Z16chevelleguy]

The code isn't completley silent on the location of a floor drain.
UPC 1000.6 floor drain traps ( I do not know what code is enforced where you live)
Floor drains shall be connected into a trap so constructed that it can be readily cleaned and of size to serve efficiently the purpose for which it is intended. The drain inlet shall be so located that it is at all times in full view.

To be readily cleaned I would think of it as be the same as a cleanout (UPC 707.8 & 707.9) which requires it to be readily accessible and 2 inches or less in size shall be installed that there is clearance of not less than 12 inches in front of the cleanout.

I do think this drain will most likely never clog but you may want to consider making the cabinet with a removable piece so access for cleaning was available.

[Kiddo]

Thanks for the input. I'm not too worried about an inspector asking that the closet be removed. It will be built into a "closet-sized" dead space, that would be accessed from the other side of the wall. The drain is located right on the edge of that space, so I'd like to just build the closet off the floor enough to service the drain once a year (i.e. refill what's evaporated out of the trap). From the utility room, there will still be plenty of room in front of the drain for access - that won't change. From your replies and from what I've read Googling, I should just plan to build the floor of that closet 12" or so above the drain to make sure there's no question about access. I think I'll post a quick sketch, since it's not the easiest to describe....

[Kiddo]

Here's a sketch. Not sure if the back wall to the closet would end up right next to the drain as in the sketch or over it a little, but you get the idea. If I was home right now I would have measured that for sure.


proposed_closet by kdo463, on Flickr

[Z16chevelleguy]

As an inspector I would have no problem allowing a floor drain next to the wall. Have you considered making the back wall of the closet 1 1/2 inches instead of 3 1/2 inches?. You would gain 2 inches and not compromise the size of the closet.