Pipes must be protected from breakage when passing under or through what?

Pipes must be protected from breakage when passing through walls because walls often contain structural components, fasteners, and potentially damaging materials. When pipes are installed within or passing through walls, they can experience stress, impact, or pressure that may lead to breakage if not adequately protected.

Protection methods can include using sleeves, insulators, or other materials to shield the pipes from the structural elements of the wall. Additionally, walls can shift or settle over time, which could further increase the risk of damage to unprotected pipes.

Protecting pipes in areas like floors, ceilings, or ground surfaces is essential, but the specific challenges posed by walls—such as tight spaces and potential interference from other installations—make proper protection in this area particularly critical for maintaining the integrity of the plumbing system.