Pipe Support Spacing Calculator
Determine support intervals per UPC/IPC requirements
Support Requirements
Maximum Support Spacing
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Number of Supports Required
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Base Support
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Mid-Span Supports
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Recommended Hanger Type
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Support requirements and notes will appear here.
Support at Changes
- Support within 12" of each fitting
- Support within 18" of valves
- Support at each change of direction
- Support at each floor penetration
- Support at base of vertical risers
- Support at top of vertical risers
Hanger Types
| Type | Application |
|---|---|
| Clevis Hanger | Horizontal suspended pipe |
| J-Hook/Wire | Light-duty, small pipe |
| Ring Hanger | Vertical pipe support |
| Riser Clamp | Vertical riser support |
| Pipe Strap | Surface-mounted pipe |
| Trapeze | Multiple parallel pipes |
Horizontal Pipe Support Spacing (UPC/IPC)
| Material | 1/2" - 1" | 1-1/4" - 2" | 2-1/2" - 3" | 4" - 8" |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | 6 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| CPVC | 3 ft | 4 ft | 4 ft | 4 ft |
| PEX | 32" | 32" | -- | -- |
| PVC | 4 ft | 4 ft | 4 ft | 4 ft |
| ABS | 4 ft | 4 ft | 4 ft | 4 ft |
| Cast Iron | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| Steel | 12 ft | 12 ft | 12 ft | 12 ft |
| Stainless | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
Vertical Pipe Support Spacing
| Material | All Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | 10 ft (every floor) | Support at base and each floor |
| CPVC | 10 ft (every floor) | Use riser clamps, allow movement |
| PEX | 4 ft | More frequent support needed |
| PVC | 4 ft | Every floor minimum |
| ABS | 4 ft | Every floor minimum |
| Cast Iron | 15 ft (every floor) | Support at each hub/joint |
| Steel | 15 ft (every floor) | Use riser clamps |
Special Considerations
Hot Water
- Allow for thermal expansion
- Use roller supports for long runs
- Expansion loops/offsets
- Guides at direction changes
Plastic Pipe
- Closer spacing required
- Continuous support preferred
- No point loading
- Wide bearing surface
Insulated Pipe
- Support outside insulation
- Insulation shields at hangers
- Prevent compression
- Maintain vapor barrier
Seismic
- Lateral bracing required
- Flexible connections
- Per ASCE 7 / local code
- Max 40 ft spacing