How to Keep Up with Plumbing Codes and Standards: Navigating the Compliance Maze

In the plumbing industry, staying on top of codes and standards can be like finding your way through a vast labyrinth that can change at any turn—but if you know what to look for as you go, you’ll never get lost. In this article we hope to give you an overview of the landscape with inside perspectives from a plumbing manufacturer, along with compliance tips and resources. It’s a map of sorts, so your team won’t be surprised or stranded when codes change, or new technology becomes standard.

The Difference Between a Code and a Standard

Plumbing codes and standards serve distinct purposes in ensuring the safety and efficiency of plumbing systems. The key difference is that plumbing codes are legally enforceable regulations that dictate the minimum requirements for plumbing design and installation. In contrast, plumbing standards provide detailed guidelines and specifications to help manufacturers achieve those requirements. 

Take a commercial kitchen as an example. A restaurant installed a grease interceptor but failed to confirm that the manufacturer’s product had the proper certification or met the appropriate product standards. Because it did not meet those standard requirements, it didn’t comply with the local plumbing code, which was based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). The code required a specific size and flow rate for interceptors based on the kitchen's capacity, but the installed unit was undersized, leading to frequent blockages and backups. This code violation occurred because the installer followed the manufacturer's standards for the product but overlooked the more stringent, location-specific code requirements, showing the critical need to align both product standards and local plumbing codes. 

In general, plumbers only have to worry about the installation aspect while equipment designers face a higher bar. All new plumbing products are required to undergo rigorous testing to show compliance with key standards, like those written by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM),or other standard writing organizations. 

Types of Plumbing Codes and Their Differences

Plumbing codes vary between residential and commercial installations and are generally adopted at the state or local level. The US plumbing industry primarily follows two major codes: the UPC and the International Plumbing Code (IPC). Both codes, which prioritize health and safety, are updated on a three-year cycle. 

Different regions follow one or the other. Thirty-seven states, Puerto Rico and Guam use the IPC; the remaining states either use UPC or have their own code.

UPC

The UPC, developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), is widely used in the western states and emphasizes public health and safety through stringent guidelines. 

IAPMO utilizes a Technical Committee comprised of industry professionals to hear code change proposals and the committee uses their deep knowledge and experience to further improve the plumbing code each cycle.

IPC

The IPC, crafted by the International Code Council (ICC), is more prevalent in the eastern and central regions of the country and is known for its flexibility and adaptability to local needs. There are exceptions to the geographical divide. Arizona, for example, follows the IPC, unlike most of its western neighbors.

Anyone can submit a code change proposal. The entire industry comes together to make edits to the code with multiple meetings occurring over the three-year period before publication.

It's worth attending a code hearing if you ever get the opportunity. It is an opportunity to see many manufacturers, code officials, plumbers, etc. come together to protect public health and safety. 

The key to success is knowing which code governs each job you work on. Understanding these codes and being able to apply them is vital for pro plumbers to remain compliant and competitive.

4 Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Navigating the intricate maze of plumbing codes and standards is no small feat. Potential compliance challenges lurk in almost every job. Let’s take a look at four major issues that can impact your plumbing business, along with practical ways you can stay on the right side of the code.

1. Shifting requirements

Plumbing codes and standards are diverse and constantly evolving to accommodate new technologies, environmental considerations such as water conservation, and new safety mandates. Local jurisdictions often adopt amended versions, creating a complicated environment. This can leave even the most seasoned professionals feeling like they're apprentices again. For instance, the introduction of new water conservation standards can require plumbers to make major adjustments to their work.

The key to navigating these nuances between national and local plumbing codes is understanding the specific requirements of your local jurisdiction. For example, a plumbing contractor working in a state that has adopted both the UPC and the IPC, along with additional city or county provisions, must carefully reconcile differences to ensure compliance. Collaborating with local code officials can clarify these discrepancies. Staying informed through regular training and industry updates is crucial to avoid falling behind as well.

Trade Associations

Trade associations act as both a compass and a lighthouse when you’re navigating the challenging environment of codes and standards. Professional associations give you access to learning and networking through webinars, conferences, workshops and training seminars. Many of them cover industry trends and compliance updates. Classes are not just for apprentices either. Plumbers of all experience levels can attend workshops and courses that cover updates to plumbing codes and standards.  

For example, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) offers in-person training programs for both apprentices and experienced plumbers. Learning opportunities like these help you understand and apply new codes and standards effectively, and they’re usually free. 

Trade associations also offer a networking forum for plumbers to connect, exchange ideas and learn from each other's experiences, including wins and losses in the ever-changing compliance landscape.

2. Resource Constraints

Many plumbing businesses operate with tight margins, making it hard to allocate time and money for compliance research and training. But this can lead to costly mistakes. Missing a crucial update to backflow prevention standards, for instance, can result in a hefty fine that sets smaller businesses back. Investing in compliance tools and resources, even on a tight budget, can save money in the long run.

Industry Publications and Resources

Engaging with industry nonprofits like PHCC through their publications and websites gives you updates and ongoing insights into compliance changes. For example, the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) provides certification courses and publishes valuable resources like the “Plumbing Engineering Design Handbook.”

3. Lack of Awareness

What you don’t know can cost you. For some professionals, plumbing codes can be as elusive as finding and fixing a pinhole leak in a huge, dark space. A lack of understanding often leads to costly non-compliance. 

Take the case of a plumbing business that installed PVC pipes for a drain line, relying on the old standard of using regular PVC cement without knowing a new code mandated stronger joints for waste lines. This oversight resulted in an expensive rework. The plumber had to disassemble and redo the pipe connections with the correct solvent cement. 

Staying current on plumbing code changes prevents such errors, saving your business time, labor and materials. Regular training sessions and consultations with experts can illuminate these blind spots too.

Online Education

Online training platforms offer state-approved continuing education courses that plumbers can complete at their own pace, ensuring they meet state-specific licensing requirements. The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) offers a comprehensive plumbing curriculum that features online courses and aligns with US Department of Labor standards. You can also look to manufacturer e-newsletters and blogs for valuable updates and insights into plumbing product compliance.

4. New Tools, New Rules

The rapid pace of technological advancement presents both opportunities and challenges. With global competition, the US plumbing industry is undergoing major technology changes. New materials, designs or functionalities are emerging almost every month of the year as innovation accelerates. Aligning product development with evolving code requirements can be difficult, as codes don’t always keep pace with innovation.

Products like RWC's SharkBite push-to-connect fittings, which meet both UPC and IPC standards, offer innovative solutions with a simple, easy installation process to ensure compliance. One plumbing business that did not follow manufacturer installation instructions and incorrectly installed push fittings faced leaks and customer dissatisfaction. Making sure your staff and coworkers are well-trained in using new equipment and tools will prevent these kinds of issues and enhance efficiency along with service quality.