2012 Plumbing Codes

2012 Plumbing Codes International Plumbing Code Uniform Plumbing Code David McCarthy, P.E. City of Phoenix

Overview Phoenix Plumbing Code history 2012 Plumbing Codes Code adoption process Code amendments Code differences Making the process work Questions and answers

Phoenix Plumbing Code History Prior to September 1, 1991 The Phoenix Construction Code was a stand alone document which was created by the City of Phoenix. The document was periodically amended with no specific cycle. Effective September 1, 1991 1988 Uniform Plumbing Code with amendments Effective July 1, 1992 1991 Uniform Plumbing Code with amendments

Plumbing Code History cont. Effective January 1, 1996 1994 Uniform Plumbing Code with amendments Effective March 12, 1999 State of Arizona Plumbing Code – based on 1994 UPC with amendments Effective July 1, 2005 State of Arizona Plumbing Code – based on 1994 UPC with State amendments

Plumbing Code History cont. Effective July 1, 2007 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code with amendments 2006 International Fuel Gas Code with amendments Effective July 1, 2013 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code with amendments 2012 International Plumbing Code with amendments 2012 International Fuel Gas Code with amendments

2012 Plumbing Codes Overview The International Plumbing Code (IPC) and the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) cover the initial design of plumbing systems through the installation and construction phases, and into the maintenance of operating systems Fuel-gas appliances and systems are addressed in the 2012 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

2012 Plumbing Codes Applicants have the choice to use the 2012 IPC or 2012 UPC The 2012 IPC is a performance-based code The 2012 UPC is a prescriptive code Both codes cover similar topics There are also differences How did we get here?

Code Adoption Process City staff committee researches and prepares recommendations Obtain input from stakeholders Staff and public recommendations presented to DAB Technical Subcommittee DAB Subcommittee presents recommendations to full DAB committee City Council Subcommittee review City Council for final adoption vote

Code Adoption Process Staff committee completed a chapter comparison between the two codes and received input from City departments, industry and the public Staff made a presentation to DAB Technical Subcommittee with recommendation to adopt the 2012 UPC DAB Technical Subcommittee heard testimony and moved recommendation to full DAB for vote Full DAB committee deadlocked and moved recommendation to City Council subcommittee City Council Subcommittee voted to adopt IPC City Council directed adoption of both codes

2012 Plumbing Codes Next staff challenge , review both codes Determine if amendments required Should codes remain distinct? What is the same and different? Mixing of codes allowed? How will it affect review and inspections? What about licensing?

Code Amendments Once a decision was made on the codes, amendments were made to adapt the code to local conditions and existing ordinances Staff and public submitted IPC and UPC amendments for consideration Amendments were available for public viewing on our website with written reasons behind each change All amendments were passed through the code adoption process

Typical Code Proposal

2012 Common Amendments Minimum plumbing fixture calculation Drinking fountains and water dispensers Backflow prevention devices Installation of low slope sewers Trap seal protection Grease interceptors Rainwater drainage systems

Minimum Plumbing Fixtures UPC Table 422.1, IPC Table 403.1 Tables from IBC, IPC, and UPC all match Deleted requirements for service sinks Use 15 occupants as threshold for separate restrooms, 50 in Group B and M Urinal substitution back to 50%

Drinking Fountains UPC 415.2, IPC 410.3 Tables from IBC, IPC, and UPC all match Drinking fountains not required for occupant load of 50 or less in all occupancies Defined water dispensers and water coolers In occupancies where drinking fountains are required, water dispensers may be substituted for not more than 50% of the required number of drinking fountains

Backflow Prevention UPC 603, IPC 608 Backflow prevention device access, clearance and aboveground requirements Occupancies that require secondary backflow prevention devices

Low Slope Sewers UPC 718.1, IPC 704.1 Exception: The Authority Having Jurisdiction may approve a lessor slope for building sewers in lieu of a sewage ejector or pumping station when a registered engineer or architect certifies the building sewer design and its installation, and when the building owner agrees in writing under notary to accept the lessor slope. Certification of the building sewer shall meet the special inspection requirements of the Phoenix Building Construction Code

Trap Seal Protection UPC 1007.1, IPC 1002.4 Exception: Trap seal primer valves are not required when an alternative device is provided to prevent evaporation of the liquid seal. Barrier type floor drain devices used to prevent evaporation shall conform to ASSE 1072, be accessible for maintenance and installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. A source of water for filling of traps shall be located in the vicinity of the plumbing fixture

Grease Interceptors UPC 1014, IPC 1003 Grease traps and interceptors are regulated by Water Services Department Environmental Services Division so codes need to match Definitions Where devices are required List of approved devices Food waste disposal and dishwasher requirements Capacity and sizing of devices

Rainwater Drainage Systems UPC Ch. 11, IPC Ch. 11 Scupper location and sizing criteria Rainfall rate of 3 inches per hour Secondary drains Prohibition on combined systems Food waste disposal and dishwasher requirements Capacity and sizing of devices

Other Amendments UPC Chapter 12 Fuel Gas Piping was reserved due to possible conflicts with the 2012 International Fuel Gas Code Sizing tables are the same

Code Differences Water heater requirements Domestic water supply sizing Sanitary drain pipe sizing and slopes Dishwashing sink indirect versus direct Venting options allowed, air admittance valves Cleanouts for rainwater drain systems Provisions for alternate water systems Appendices To be determined…..

Mixing of Codes Permit applicant is asked to identify the code used for plumbing design Review and inspection are then completed using the code referenced on the plan In certain cases it may be impractical to use different techniques such as pipe sizing or venting Specific items can be judged on a case-by-case basis by plan review and/or inspections

How Do We Make It Work? City and design community work together towards solutions through open dialogue and concentrating on what works Continuous education for staff, designers and installers City licensing to incorporate both codes Bottom line is to insure safe and sanitary systems

Questions? David McCarthy Mechanical Plans Engineer (602) 534-2734 david.mccarthy@phoenix.gov Mike Long Inspections Field Supervisor (602) 501-1206 mike.long@phoenix.gov