IAPMO 2021 Uniform Codes and Standards Update

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) published the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and the 2021 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) in March. The codes have been updated with safety provisions for the protection from legionellosis, installation of alkaline water treatment devices, and inclusion of requirements for leak detection, just to list a few. This summary addresses these changes in more detail.

Key Changes to the 2021 UPC

New Legionella Provisions

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious issue across the United StatesIAPMO’s effort to address this growing concern led to the formation of Appendix N (Impact of Water Temperature on The Potential for Scalding and Legionella Growth). The UPC Technical Committee saw the need to implement code language to understand the health and safety risks associated with legionella and scald risk exposure for single-family residential buildings. It is widely known that the higher the temperature, the lower the risk for legionella growth, but the higher the temperature, the higher the possibility for scalding. To tackle this issue, Appendix N was formed. It is the first national document to address this important issue.

Below is an example of the table that was added that gives jurisdictions the flexibility to implement a program depending on the risk. Along with the legionella risk exposure and scald potential table, the appendix contains specific provisions for disinfection, and it is written so that it can be implemented with legionella risk management systems such as ASHRAE 188 and ASHRAE Guideline 12, in accordance with the adopting jurisdiction.

Water Dispenser Requirements

417.6 Low-Pressure Water Dispenser. Beverage faucets shall comply with ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1. Low-pressure water dispensers that dispense electrically heated water and have a reservoir vented to the atmosphere shall comply with ASSE 1023. Electric devices that heat water shall comply with UL 499.

Section 417.6 adds provisions for low-pressure water dispensers, which the codes did not address. These dispensers are currently within the scope of ASME A112.18.1. However, dispensers that dispense electrical heated water and have an integral reservoir of hot water vented to atmosphere generally are already in compliance with ASSE 1023. Products covered by ASSE 1023 include, but are not limited to, under-counter-mounted water dispensing systems, freestanding plumbed systems, freestanding bottled systems, and countertop systems.

New product standards include plumbing product fixtures such as lavatories and backflow preventers.

·      Lavatory assemblies with automatic soap dispensers, faucets, or hand dryers in accordance with IAPMO IGC 127.

·       Eyewash from water heaters to comply with ASSE 1085.

·       Backflow preventers with intermediate atmospheric vent and dual check backflow preventers to comply with ASSE 1024, ASSE 1012, ASSE 1035 or ASSE 1081.

Leak Detection Devices

606.9 Leak Detection Devices. Where leak detection devices for water supply and distribution are installed, they shall comply with IAPMO IGC 115 or IAPMO IGC 349.

IAPMO has long published standards that address water-leaking detection products. Those standards are IAPMO IGC 115 and IAPMO IGC 349. These standards are used for the listing and certification of products designed to detect water leaks.

Alkaline Water Treatment Devices

611.0 Drinking Water Treatment Units.

611.1 Application. Drinking water treatment units shall comply with the applicable referenced standards in Table 611.1.

611.1.1 Alkaline Water Treatment. Alkaline water treatment devices shall comply with IAPMO IGC 322.

611.1.2 Scale Reduction Devices. Scale reduction devices shall comply with IAPMO Z601.

There is a health trend in the market for drinking alkaline water, water with a pH above 7.0.IAPMO’s goal is to make sure these products dispense alkaline water for safe consumption resulting in nondetrimental effects to health. IAPMO IGC 322 gives the output performance requirements for flow rate and oxidation reduction potential at given pH levels.

The IAPMO Z601 standard gives the performance criteria for any scale reduction device intended for tank-type and tankless water heaters as well as ion exchangers. It covers material safety, structural integrity, and various safety requirements. Products are being installed today in plumbing systems that have not been tested for scale reduction performance or safety. IAPMO Z601 fills that gap, ensuring products being installed will perform as marketed and meet minimum standard requirements for health and safety.

Table 611.1 is a new table that was added to provide the necessary standards for drinking water treatment units.

Cleanout Material Requirements

This new table for cleanout materials (Table 707.2) was created to serve as a handy reference of the listings for all products used in the field.

Key Changes to the 2021 UMC

New Geothermal Energy System Appendix

A new appendix was added to the UMC to help jurisdictions address safe installation requirements for geothermal systems. The appendix is separated into three parts for ease of use ― Part I (general), Part II (closed-loop systems), Part III (open-loop systems) and Part IV (direct exchange DX systems).

F 101.1 Applicability. Part I of this appendix shall apply to geothermal energy systems such as, but not limited to, building systems coupled with a ground-heat exchanger using water-based fluid as a heat transfer medium, submerged heat exchanger or groundwater (well). The regulations of this appendix shall govern the construction, location and installation of geothermal energy systems.

Indoor piping, fittings, and accessories that are part of the groundwater system shall be in accordance with Section F 104.4 and Chapter 12.

F 201.1 Applicability. Part II of this chapter shall apply to geothermal energy systems such as, but not limited to, building systems coupled with a closed-loop system using water-based fluid as a heat transfer medium.

F 301.1 Applicability. Part III of this appendix shall apply to geothermal energy systems such as, but not limited to, building systems coupled with a groundwater (well) or surface water open-loop using water-based fluid as a heat transfer medium. The regulations of this appendix shall govern the construction, location and installation of geothermal energy systems.

Indoor piping, fittings, and accessories that are part of the groundwater system shall be in accordance with Section F 104.4 and Chapter 12.

F 401.0 Direct Exchange (DX) Systems.

F 401.1 General. The installation and use of Direct Exchange (DX) wells shall be in accordance with the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The DX well records shall include well logs, pressure tests, and aquifer information.

To properly design a geothermal system, it is important to know the seasonal variation in the soil temperature, as well as the soil’s inherent capability to store and transmit heat, namely its heat capacity and thermal conductivity. These soil thermal properties depend on soil porosity and moisture content. Therefore, any preliminary assessment of a potential geothermal heat pump system will require knowing the soil texture and average groundwater level at the site.

Piping installed within or under a footing or foundation wall must be structurally protected from any transferred loading from the footing or foundation wall. A trench must be wide enough to allow for proper alignment of the piping system. Piping is best supported when it rests directly on the bottom of a solid, continuous trench for its entire length. Piping must not be supported intermittently by hard surfaces, such as rock or concrete as this creates “point loads” on the pipe wall.

Ventilation Air Supply and Exhaust Systems

Chapter 4 of the UMC has been revised to be up to date with the latest ASHRAE 62.1 and to provide ventilation requirements that are enforceable by any jurisdiction. It includes enforceable language for indoor air quality for residential occupancies.

Chapter 5 was also revised to be consistent with NFPA 96 for commercial exhaust systems.

Hydronics

Chapter 12 was improved with the inclusion of safety provisions for hydronic systems such as simultaneous operation, temperature reading, and tube fasteners.

The 2024 Editions are Underway

The IAPMO Standards Council has approved the development of a Committee for the 2024 UPC/UMC development cycle. Although the deadline to apply to the committees has passed, the deadline for submitting changes for the 2024 editions of these codes is Jan. 4, 2021. A tentative timeline for this code cycle can be viewed on the IAPMO Codes website.