Making sure your home’s pipes are up to code—how I do it

- Agreed on steel wool—mice will chew right through if it’s not packed solid, and it rusts out fast.
- Copper mesh is my go-to for rodent proofing, but I always back it with fire caulk for code and to keep inspectors happy.
- Seen too many jobs where someone used regular foam and got dinged on inspection. If it’s not fire-rated, you’re asking for a headache later.
- Mineral wool’s good, but it can be tough to fit in tight spots—sometimes I’ll use a combo of mesh and caulk if I’m in a pinch.
- Quick fixes almost always come back to bite you... I’ve had to open up finished walls just to redo a bad seal around a pipe. Not fun.