Plumbing is an essential part of any building, commercial or residential. Properly installed and maintained plumbing ensures the safe supply of drinking water and removal of wastewater. However, faulty plumbing can lead to contamination, leaks, flooding, structural damage, and even disease outbreaks. This is why plumbing is a heavily regulated trade, with strict codes and standards that plumbers must follow. Staying up-to-date on the latest plumbing regulations is crucial for plumbing contractors to operate legally and provide safe and reliable service.
Plumbing codes and regulations aim to protect public health and safety by setting minimum standards for design, materials, installation, and inspection. They are based on scientific principles and best practices that evolve over time as technology progresses. Periodically, plumbing codes are updated to reflect new materials, methods, and research.
The latest round of updates to the plumbing code introduces several changes that plumbing contractors must be aware of. Failing to comply with new codes could result in dangerous mistakes, legal penalties, or lost business. This article will provide an overview of the key updates in the newest plumbing code and explain their implications for professional plumbers.
Overview of Plumbing Regulations
Before diving into the newest provisions, let’s quickly review the history and purpose of plumbing regulation in the United States.
History of Plumbing Regulations
- Plumbing codes originated in the 19th century as cities struggled with cholera and typhoid outbreaks from contaminated water.
- Early plumbing codes focused on preventing sewage from infiltrating fresh water supplies.
- Over time, codes expanded to include materials standards, fire prevention, and energy efficiency.
- Today’s plumbing codes are comprehensive, addressing everything from pipe sizing to flood control.
Importance of Plumbing Regulations
- Prevent contamination and health hazards
- Ensure safe drinking water supplies
- Protect against flooding and moisture damage
- Establish minimum standards for materials, design, and workmanship
- Provide consumer protection through inspections
Types of Plumbing Regulations
There are two main model plumbing codes used as the basis for state and local plumbing codes:
- International Plumbing Code (IPC) – Published by the International Code Council (ICC) and used widely across the U.S.
- Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) – Published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and adopted in Western states.
Most jurisdictions use the IPC or UPC with state-specific amendments. Plumbers must obey the applicable plumbing code for each job site.
Latest Plumbing Regulations
Now let’s look at some of the major changes in the 2018 editions of the IPC and UPC. Compliance with the updated codes is required for permits issued after December 31, 2021.
Overview of Updates
The latest plumbing codes expand protection against Legionella bacteria, improve accommodations for disabled users, update piping materials standards, and more. Key changes include:
- Legionella prevention with tempering valves
- Increased fixture clearances in ADA bathrooms
- New standards for PEX and PVC pipes
- Changes to sizing of drainage pipes
- Grease interceptor requirements
Explanation of Key Changes
Here is more detail on some of the most significant plumbing code updates:
Legionella Prevention
- Legionella is the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia.
- It can breed in stagnant plumbing water between 77°F and 113°F.
- To reduce risk, hot water systems must be maintained outside this range.
- The updated code requires tempering valves to automatically mix hot and cold water to safer temperatures.
ADA Compliance Updates
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) establishes bathroom accessibility standards.
- The newest code increases wheelchair clearance around toilets and in shower stalls.
- Plumbers must ensure fixtures meet the revised ADA dimensions.
Pipe Material Standards
- PEX plastic pipes must now comply with ASTM F2769 standard. This ensures minimum tolerances for oxygen permeability.
- New PVC formulas with improved flexibility and impact resistance have been added to material standards.
Drainage Pipe Sizing
- Formula changed from Q = AV to Q = AVR^0.63 to better reflect drainage flow pattern.
- Results in wider minimum pipe diameters in some situations.
Impact on Plumbers
These changes for 2018 may necessitate updates to plumbing practices, including:
- Adjusting hot water temperature at outlet to avoid Legionella range
- Using tempering valves designed for Legionella prevention
- Carefully measuring ADA clearances during bathroom renovations
- Confirming pipe materials meet newest ASTM standards
- Increasing drainage pipe sizes on some projects after revised calculations
- Installing grease interceptors for new commercial kitchens
In summary, plumbers must closely review the updated code requirements and make any necessary adjustments to ensure compliance.
Understanding the Latest Plumbing Regulations
To avoid running afoul of the law, plumbers must thoroughly understand the details and intent behind the newest plumbing code revisions. Let’s explore the changes in more depth.
Detailed Explanation of Updates
Here is a more comprehensive look at the recent plumbing code changes:
Legionella Prevention
The updated plumbing code takes a proactive approach to reducing cases of Legionnaires’ disease from plumbing systems. The key requirements are:
- Hot water heaters must be set to at least 140°F to kill Legionella bacteria.
- Fixtures used by children, seniors, or disabled individuals require tempering valves to reduce scald risk from hot water.
- Tempering valves must be set to ensure outlet temperatures do not reach Legionella growth range (77°F – 113°F).
- Dead legs where water stagnates must be minimized through recirculation or flushing.
- Stagnant water systems must be flushed at least weekly.
ADA Clearances
The revised ADA standards increase the clear floor space around toilets and in standard roll-in shower stalls:
- Wheelchair turning space around toilets is now 60 inches (up from 56 inches).
- Standard shower stalls must have at least 60 inches entryway clear space (up from 59 inches).
See official guidelines for all revised ADA bathroom dimensions.
Pipe Material Standards
PEX pipes must now meet ASTM F2769 standards, which include:
- Oxygen permeability of no more than 0.10 perm-inch to prevent oxidation and degradation.
- Minimum 100 psi pressure rating at 180°F.
- Quality testing for ultraviolet light resistance.
PVC formulations meeting ASTM D1785 and ASTM D2665 standards have been added, allowing more flexible, impact-resistant PVC pipes.
Drainage Pipe Sizing
The drainage pipe sizing formula has been updated to better match real-world drainage patterns:
- Old formula: Q = AV (Flow rate = Area x Velocity)
- New formula: Q = AVR^0.63
- Results in wider minimum pipe diameters in some situations
Plumbers must perform new drainage calculations and possibly increase pipe diameters to meet code.
Compliance Requirements
To comply with the newest plumbing code, contractors must:
- Obtain permits and pass inspections for all plumbing work.
- Follow the revised regulations when installing pipes, fixtures, valves, and other equipment.
- Use only approved materials that meet the updated standards.
- Correctly size drainage pipes using the new flow rate formula.
- Maintain hot water systems to prevent Legionella growth.
- Provide ADA-compliant clearances for fixtures per the new dimensions.
- Make any necessary retrofits to existing plumbing systems.
Plumbing work must match the updated code requirements, even if the building predates the changes.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Plumbers who fail to follow the newest codes risk:
- Suspension or revocation of contractor’s license – Plumbing licenses depend on staying up-to-date with codes.
- Fines – Penalties for code violations are typically $500 to $1000 per offense.
- Permit rejection – Work won’t be approved if submitted plans don’t meet code.
- Cease and desist orders – Unpermitted or non-compliant work must be halted and corrected.
- Civil lawsuits – Property owners may sue for damages from improper plumbing.
- Criminal charges – Egregious or willful violations can result in misdemeanor charges.
Overall, compliance is critical for plumbers’ reputation, livelihood, and legal standing.
Benefits of Compliance with Plumbing Regulations
Beyond just avoiding penalties, there are excellent reasons for plumbers to keep up with plumbing codes.
Importance of Compliance
Compliance with plumbing codes provides:
- Protection for public health and safety – Codes prevent contamination and injuries.
- Assurance of quality work – Codes establish baseline standards for materials and installation.
- Accessibility – Compliance ensures plumbing accommodates all users.
- Peace of mind – Homeowners can feel confident in code-compliant plumbing.
- Fair market practices – A level playing field is maintained when all contractors follow the same rules.
Benefits for Plumbing Contractors
For individual plumbing professionals, compliance offers:
- Active, renewable contractor’s license – Required for legal operation.
- Qualification for plumbing permits – Can bid on permitted jobs.
- Competitive bids – Law-abiding contractors have a pricing advantage over unlicensed plumbers.
- Access to inspectors – Can have work reviewed and approved.
- Protection from lawsuits – Following codes is the best legal defense against negligence claims.
- Reputation for quality – Gaining certifications related to the code signals expertise.
Benefits for Consumers
Consumers also reap advantages from plumbers staying current on codes:
- Assurance of safety – Confidence that plumbing will not jeopardize health.
- Compliance with disability laws – Accessible fixtures suited to special needs.
- Professional workmanship – Higher likelihood of clean, leak-free, long-lasting plumbing service.
- Resource for questions – plumbers well-versed in code can explain its health and safety purposes.
- Accountability – Recourse through licenses and permits if work is faulty.
Challenges of Compliance with Plumbing Regulations
Despite its importance, compliance with frequently changing plumbing codes also poses some difficulties.
Challenges for Plumbers
Plumbing contractors may struggle with:
- Cost of training and materials – Learning new codes and installing upgraded materials requires an investment.
- Communication with inspectors – Some jurisdictions enforce new codes more strictly than others.
- Chargeback repairs – Bringing old plumbing retroactively up to code can mean expensive changes.
- Keeping current – Hard to constantly stay on top of evolving codes.
- Misinformation – Conflicting interpretations of vague or complex code provisions.
Overcoming Challenges
Plumbers can overcome these obstacles by:
- Scheduling annual continuing education for code updates.
- Joining groups like the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) for access to resources and experts.
- Maintaining open communication with code inspectors.
- Reviewing code changes well in advance of implementation dates.
- Investing in updated tools and materials incrementally.
- Asking inspectors for advisory direction on ambiguous code clauses.
- Hiring additional staff to handle retroactive chargeback workload.
- Offering maintenance inspections to identify required upgrades proactively.
With proper planning and resource allocation, plumbers can integrate new regulations smoothly into their regular workflow.
Future of Plumbing Regulations
Plumbing codes are continually evolving. Staying abreast of upcoming changes allows contractors to prepare for the future.
Predictions for Future Code Revisions
Based on current trends, potential areas for future plumbing code upgrades include:
- Reducing Legionella risk further by monitoring water temperatures digitally.
- Expanding access for aging populations through more ADA revisions.
- Mandating grease interceptors for additional types of businesses.
- Allowing more sustainable plumbing materials like recycled plastic pipes.
- Requiring smart home technology like leak detectors and remote shut-off valves.
- Incorporating more climate resilience measures such as elevation of outdoor equipment.
Impact of Technology
Advances in technology will shape many future plumbing code changes. For example:
- Smart sensors could monitor water usage to identify leaks faster. Leak detection systems may eventually become required.
- BIM, VR, and other modeling tools will improve design and permit approvals. Training in these programs may be necessary.
- Efficiency standards will likely continue rising. Plumbers may need to stay aware of ENERGY STAR ratings and similar emerging guidelines.
Importance of Staying Up-To-Date
To get ahead of future codes revisions, plumbers should:
- Review proposals for upcoming code changes and provide input during public comment periods.
- Follow plumbing research and pilot programs testing potential new techniques.
- Experiment with smart home plumbing gadgets to understand their capabilities and limitations.
- Monitor water usage benchmarking policies in your region.
- generally stay abreast of new technologies applicable to plumbing.
Conclusion
Regular plumbing code updates protect public health by establishing safety and accessibility standards that evolve along with technology and construction materials. Compliance with the latest plumbing regulations ensures professional, legal, quality work.
Plumbers who make an effort to stay up-to-date on code changes will benefit from active licenses, satisfied customers, avoided penalties, and a reputation for high-quality service. While new materials and training requirements can pose challenges, plumbers can overcome these obstacles through continuing education, communication with inspectors, and careful planning.
With sensible preparation, plumbers can integrate revised plumbing codes seamlessly into their standard practices. Homeowners will appreciate contractors who proactively comply with updates and keep homes safe, accessible, and resilient. Knowledge of the codes also allows plumbers to educate the public on the meaning behind plumbing rules.
In our increasingly technology-driven world, plumbing regulations will continue advancing to prevent disease, reduce hazards, and accommodate accessibility needs. Savvy plumbing professionals who stay up-to-date on the latest codes position themselves for success as they work to protect the health of the communities they serve.
