International Residential Code (IRC) Plumbing Practice Test

The requirement for connecting water distribution and drainage systems to a public water supply or sewer system is primarily dependent on the availability of such systems. When a public water supply or sewer is accessible to a building, the code mandates that the plumbing systems must be connected to these services. This is to ensure that the building has a safe and reliable source of potable water and proper wastewater disposal, which are critical for public health and sanitation.

In scenarios where a public system is not readily available, alternative systems may be permitted, but if the public utilities are accessible, they take precedence. This ensures consistency with health and safety standards outlined in the International Residential Code, which aims to prevent contamination and promote effective waste management.

The other conditions, such as needing to connect "whenever required," indicate a lack of context since not all situations necessitate mandatory connection independent of availability. Similarly, "if approved" does not specifically address the core requirement based on availability, and "if financially feasible" focuses on economic considerations rather than compliance with health regulations. Therefore, the condition of availability is essential in enforcing these connections effectively.