Which piping materials require sleeving according to building codes?

The requirement for sleeving is specifically associated with hydronic pipes that pass through masonry or concrete. This is due to the potential for expansion and contraction of the piping materials, especially under varying temperatures, and the need to protect them from the abrasive nature of concrete and masonry. Sleeving provides a protective barrier that prevents the pipe from being damaged due to friction or chemical reactions with the surrounding material.

When hydronic pipes are installed directly in concrete or masonry, they can be subjected to physical stress, which can lead to cracks or other forms of damage over time. The sleeve allows the pipe to move slightly while keeping it protected, ensuring that the integrity of both the pipe and the surrounding structure is maintained.

Other piping materials like PVC, metal, or PEX may have specific installation requirements or best practices but do not have the same universal sleeving requirement as hydronic piping in these types of installations. Each piping material has particular characteristics and applications, but the sleeving requirement for hydronic pipes through masonry or concrete addresses safety and longevity issues that are uniquely pertinent to them.