Commercial Plumbing Codes are the rules that state how to put together and maintain a commercial plumbing system properly. You will find Commercial Plumbing Codes mandatory or optional, depending on locality.
IPC Plumbing Code
The International Plumbing Code is published by the International Code Council (ICC) per the law. The ICC is a member-based non-profit organization that develops voluntary codes and consensus standards to build safe, affordable structures.
Plumbing fixtures, faucets, and fixture fittings (Chapter 4)
Flush valves for water closets shall be such that the flapper will not fall from its seat by gravity alone. Such valves shall not be less than 2 in (50 mm) in diameter, and they shall have no sharp edges or other projections that might damage the flapper seal or otherwise interfere with its operation.
Water heaters (Chapter 5)
All unvented hot water storage tanks installed after January 1, 2017, must be factory regulated to an ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15-2016 or equivalent standard for temperature accuracy and safety control features. The lowest temperature setting for gas-fired water heaters shall be 120°F (48°C). The lowest temperature setting for electric-fired water heaters shall be 140°F (60°C).
Water supply and distribution, including water meters (Chapter 6)
The plumbing code requires a potable water source to be available at all times, either from a public utility or from a private supply such as a well. The health department established the minimum requirements for potable water, which vary from state to state.
Sanitary drainage (Chapter 7)
The plumbing code requires that all wastewater generated in buildings be collected and discharged through a sanitary sewer system (which usually connects to the municipal sewage system).
Uniform Plumbing Code
The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) is the model plumbing code of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). Local governing bodies use the UPC to establish minimum requirements for plumbing systems, including water supply and distribution, waste disposal, and drainage.
UPC section 900.0 – Sizing and Capacities of Plumbing Fixtures and Fixture Fittings
Section 90.0 governs the sizing and capacities for all plumbing fixtures, including faucets, showerheads, and tub spouts. The standards apply to commercial, institutional and industrial buildings. The sizing of plumbing fixtures must be according to the minimum flow rate shown on the manufacturer’s rating plate or rating label.
UPC section 901.0 – Sanitary Drainage
The plumbing code requires a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot for drainage lines that discharge wastewater from water closets (toilets) and similar fixtures. The purpose of this standard is to prevent the accumulation of solid material in the drain line by providing for a gradual release of wastewater into the sewer system or other disposal places.
UPC section 902.0 – Vents
A venting system shall be provided for each plumbing fixture with an atmospheric vacuum breaker, unless otherwise approved by the AHJ. The vent shall extend through an exterior wall or roof to the above-grade outdoors.
UPC section 903.0 – Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
A trap is a device installed in a drain to prevent sewer gases from entering a building or structure through the plumbing system. There must be a trap in all piping that conveys waste water or sewage, except where specifically permitted by this code. All traps shall be at least 2 inches (51 mm) in diameter for all plumbing fixtures other than kitchen sinks, laundry tubs, or lavatories having an installed water supply connection with less than 15 gallons per minute (56 L/min) flow rate. Maintenance of this trap seal is imperative to prevent any backflow of sewage or other contaminants into the potable water system.
UPC section 904.0 – Indirect Waste Pipe
An indirect waste pipe is a pipe that receives waste from more than one fixture drain, either within the same room or from rooms separated by floors, walls, or partitions. An indirect waste pipe may serve more than one fixture group, provided that all fixtures are located on the same floor level and have access to an approved indirect waste receptor. The minimum size of each fixture branch shall not be less than one-half of the diameter of the main line under any conditions of loading, operation, and maintenance.
UPC section 905.0 – General Building Sewer
All buildings, structures, and portions must have a means of disposal of sewage and liquid wastes by directing the same to an approved public sewer or other approved disposal system in accordance with this chapter. The size and slope of a building sewer shall be based on the maximum flow of wastewater through the drainage system served by the building sewer, but not less than 2 inches (50 mm) in diameter nor less than ¼-inch per foot (20 mm/m) slope.
UPC Section 1001.0 – Water-Supply System
Under this code, water supply systems shall be designed and installed to provide safe and adequate service. All materials used as piping, tubing, or pipe fittings shall be made of materials approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) as safe for use in potable water systems under normal operating conditions. All materials used as pipes, tubing, or pipe fittings shall have smooth interior surfaces free from scale buildup or corrosion products that would interfere with valves’ proper operation or other devices.
UPC section 1002.0 – Cross-Connections and Backflow Prevention:
It is important to prevent cross-connections between potable water supplies and nonpotable water supplies. For example, you need to make sure that backflow prevention devices are in place to prevent contamination of potable water by nonpotable water or vice versa. The UPC provides several options for preventing these types of cross-connections, including double check valves, vacuum breakers, pressure vacuum breakers, and combination vacuum breakers/backflow preventers.
ASSE Commercial Plumbing Codes
ASSE International (formerly the American Society of Sanitary Engineering) is a non-profit organization with over 30,000 members. They are a leader in providing standards for commercial plumbing. The main purpose of ASSE International is to establish codes or standards for all aspects of commercial plumbing.
ASSE 1010 water harmer arresters
ASSE 1010 is an American National Standard for water harmers. This standard provides guidelines for installing, testing, and maintaining water harmer arresters. Water hammer arresters are devices that prevent the flow of contaminated water into potable water pipes by creating a physical barrier between the pipes.
ASSE 1070 for temperature limiting valves in sinks and lavatories
ASSE 1070-2011 is an American National Standard for temperature limiting valves in sinks and lavatories. These valves limit the maximum water temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 49 degrees Celsius to reduce scalding injuries from hot water. They are mandatory in commercial buildings where temperatures exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 49 degrees Celsius above ambient air temperature. This includes most showers, tubs, kitchen sinks, and laundry tubs.
ASSE 1072 for seal protection devices
ASSE 1072 is a standard for seal protection devices. It describes the requirements for seal protection devices used on plumbing fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances. These devices are required to protect against the backflow of contaminated water into potable water systems by preventing cross-connections between the potable and non-potable water supplies.
ASSE 1016-2011 for Suction Fittings for Spas and Hot Tubs
ASSE 1016-2011 is a standard for suction fittings for spas and hot tubs. It specifies suction fittings used on spa and hot tub equipment to prevent the backflow of contaminated water into potable water systems by preventing cross-connections between the potable and non-potable water supplies.
ASME Commercial Plumbing Codes
The ASME codes were developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This organization was formed to promote the development of mechanical engineering through research, education, and the publication of standards.
ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 Plumbing Supply Fittings
This standard covers the materials, design, fabrication, assembly, and inspection of plumbing supply fittings for water distribution systems. It also provides information on testing methods for assessing the quality of welds on these products.
ASME A112.19.1/CSA B45.2 Ceramic Plumbing Fixtures
As referenced in Section 909 of the International Building Code (IBC), this standard contains requirements for the design, manufacture, and installation of vitreous plumbing fixtures for use in water supply and drainage systems.
ASME A112.19.4 Plastic Waste Pipe for Drain and Waste
As referenced in Section 909 of the International Building Code (IBC), this standard contains requirements for designing, manufacturing, and installing plastic waste pipes for drain, waste, and vent systems. The pipe shall be molded from thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene or cross-linked polyethylene, or other thermoplastic material approved by the code official having jurisdiction. The pipe shall conform to ASTM D 2661 or ASTM D 2662, as modified by Section 704 of this Standard.
ASME A112.21.1 Plastic Soil Pipe, Fittings, Primers, and Solvents
ASME A112.21.1 is a standard published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), establishing requirements for plastic pipe and fittings. The term “plastic” refers to thermoplastic materials only; the standard covers both rigid and flexible pipes and fittings. The standard covers products used for potable water supply systems, fire protection systems, and sanitary drainage systems in commercial buildings.
Summary
Commercial Plumbing Codes relate to nearly every aspect of plumbing, from the material used for the pipe to the construction and dimensions of drainage and vent piping. Without these codes, building maintenance would be extremely hard and most likely not allowed in most cities with building standards.
