Understanding Commercial Plumbing Codes & Regulations

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Plumbing codes are established to guarantee public health and safety by ensuring plumbing done in homes, public places, or businesses attains the minimum standard. Commercial plumbing systems have a set of standards and regulations highlighting the correct way to install and maintain them. Different plumbing codes set standards for commercial systems’ construction, design, installation, repair, and alteration.

Depending on your city or state, some or all of these regulations can be compulsory or optional. If you have a commercial plumbing project, you need to hire a local plumbing professional who understands the various codes to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

Here are some codes and regulations for commercial plumbing that you need to be aware of.

International Plumbing Code

The International Plumbing Code (IPC) sets standard requirements for plumbing components and systems to safeguard the health, life, and safety of the public and building occupants. IPC is published by a non-profit organization called the International Code Council (ICC). This code contains performance-related and prescriptive provisions on:

Plumbing Faucets, Fixtures & Fittings

Chapter 4 of the regulations highlights that flush valves installed in water closets are not supposed to fall from their original state due to the influence of gravity. They should be at least 50mm (2 inches) in diameter and have blunt edges to avoid interfering with the flapper seal’s operations or damaging it.

Water Heaters

Chapter 5 of the IPC contains regulations on the safety of water heating and storage units. It orders factory regulation of every unvented hot water storage tank installed after 1st January 2017 to either an ASHRAE/ANSI standard 15-2016 or its equivalent standard to maintain safety features and temperature accuracy. Additionally, the lowest temperature setting for gas water heaters is 48 degrees Celsius or 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Electric water heaters shall maintain a low of 60 degrees Celsius or 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Water Distribution & Supply

Chapter 6 of the plumbing code regulates water supply and distribution. It requires the availability of a potable water source at all times from a private water supply like a well or a public utility. However, the minimum potable water requirements vary from one state to another.

Sanitary Drainage

Chapter 7 of the IPC covers piping systems and methods used to get rid of water that has served a purpose, such as bathing, flushing water closets, equipment discharges, and culinary activities. It states that such state water be collected and transferred through a sewer system that connects to the larger municipal sewage system.

Uniform Plumbing Code

The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) aims to reduce public risk by outlining specific design standards, materials, maintenance, and workmanship of various plumbing systems. It covers the following areas:

Capacities and Sizing of Plumbing Fixtures & Fittings

These aspects are contained in Section 90.0 of the UPC. It highlights the minimum standards to apply for all plumbing fixtures, including tub spouts, faucets, and showerheads. The fixture sizing should be according to the minimum flow rate indicated on the rating label or by the manufacturer.

Vents

Regulations on venting systems are provided under UPC Section 902.0. It states that each plumbing fixture containing an atmospheric vacuum breaker shall be provided with a venting system unless AHJ approves otherwise. Also, the vent extends through the roof or exterior wall to the above-grade outdoors.

Sanitary Drainage

The UPC Section 901. 0 plumbing code requires drainage lines discharging wastewater from toilets and similar fixtures to have a minimum slope measuring ¼ inch per foot. This prevents solid material from accumulating in the drain line to cause slow release of water into disposal areas and sewer systems.

Indirect Waste Pipe

An indirect waste pipe does not directly connect with the drainage system but connects to one or more fixtures in the same room or room divided by floors or partitions. The fixtures are connected to a drainage system to transfer wastewater. According to UPC Section 904.0, each fixture shall have a diameter of at least one-half of the main line when conducting maintenance, operation, and loading.

Traps, Interceptors & Separators

A trap is installed in drains to prevent sewer gases from penetrating buildings through the plumbing system. A trap is a mandatory feature for all piping conveying sewage or wastewater, except for a few permitted under this code.

The UPC Section 903.0 also specifies a diameter of 51mm or 21 inches for all traps other than those for kitchen sinks and lavatories. The two have an installed water connection supplying less than 56L/min flow rate. Regular maintenance of trap seals is recommended to prevent the backflow of contaminants, such as sewage, into the potable water system.

ASSE Plumbing Codes

ASSE stands for the American Society of Sanitary Engineering. It is an organization that provides plumbing standards for:

Water Hammer Arrestors

ASSE Code 1010 provides guidelines for testing, installing, and maintaining water hammer arrestors. These devices create a physical barrier between plumbing pipes to protect against the flow of sewage into potable water pipes.

Seal Protection Devices

ASSE 1072 outlines the standards for seal protection devices used on plumbing appliances, appurtenances, and fixtures. They prevent sewage backflow into potable systems by acting as a barrier between non-potable and potable water supplies.

Temperature Limiting Valves in Lavatories & Sinks

The ASSE 1070-2011 Code states valves shall limit a maximum water temperature of 49 degrees Celsius or 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding injuries from very hot water. Valves are mandatory in commercial structures where temperatures surpass the indicated degrees in laundry tubs, tubs, shows, and kitchen sinks.

ASME Plumbing Codes

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) promotes mechanical engineering development through education, research, and publishing regulations for:

Ceramic Plumbing Fixtures

The regulation on ceramic plumbing fixtures is referenced in Section 909 of the International Building Code (IBC). It outlines manufacture, installation, and manufacture requirements for vitreous plumbing fixtures used in drainage systems and water supply.

Plumbing Supply Fittings

The plumbing code for supply fittings outlines the design, materials, assembly, fabrication, and inspection of fittings for water distribution channels. It also highlights the recommended methods of testing the weld quality of the products.

Plastic Waste Pipe for Drain & Waste

This standard outlines requirements for installing, designing, and manufacturing plastic waste pipes for vent, drain, and waste systems. The pipe is molded from a thermoplastic material such as cross-linked polyethylene, or any other resin approved by the code.

Plastic Soil Pipe, Primers, Fittings & Solvents

The term plastic is used to refer to thermoplastics only. The regulation guides flexible and rigid fittings pipes and products used for fire protection, potable water supply, and sanitary drainage systems in commercial structures.