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Our codes are designated as “American National Standards” by the American National Standards Institute and are compatible with all other building codes.
UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE
The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) reflects IAPMO’s experience and dedicated focus on plumbing systems and water efficiency
A global leader in water conservation and plumbing quality for nearly a century
The Uniform Plumbing Code is the product of that expertise.
IAPMO, founded in 1926, protects the public health and safety by working in concert with government and industry to implement comprehensive plumbing and mechanical systems around the world.
The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) reflects IAPMO’s experience and dedicated focus on plumbing systems and water efficiency
- Plumbing is not an afterthought at IAPMO. Every IAPMO employee and member is focused exclusively on plumbing and mechanical applications.
- Since 1926, IAPMO has established itself as a technical expert on plumbing and mechanical issues. The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) is a product of that expertise.
- IAPMO has developed WE-Stand, the Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard, which is the only American National Standard focused solely on water efficiency.
IAPMO
Benefits of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
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Choices |
In a home rule state like Texas, having choices provides municipalities with the option of choosing |
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Leading Edge Advantage |
Progressive municipalities and jurisdictions seeking to be on the leading edge of sustainable initiatives will find an invaluable ally in IAPMO and the Uniform Plumbing Code |
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Support Resources |
Supporting material available include:
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Clear and Concise Mandatory Requirements |
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) includes many performance based provisions rather than providing clear and concise mandatory requirements. This results in misinterpretation of the codes intent and requirement. |
The UPC is easy to use and incorporates the latest science
- The 2021 UPC includes a new Peak Water Demand Calculator for efficiently sizing plumbing systems in accordance with today’s lower flow rates for plumbing fixtures and appliances. This innovative advancement calculates expected peak flow rates in modern residential buildings of all sizes, resulting in savings on water, energy, and material costs. Based on statistical data and sound probability models, it represents the first significant update in the sizing of plumbing systems since the 1940s. The IPC offers no such innovation.
- The UPC is a “turn-key” resource for the plumbing industry - one code book covers all different types of installations (commercial buildings, homes, etc.).
The IPC requires six code books to cover the same amount of installation types - at four times the cost. The plumbing industry prefers one book to six.
- The UPC is published utilizing IAPMO’s proven “turn-key” philosophy, placing as much of the necessary information concerning installations as possible in one codebook. This philosophy eliminates the problems and confusion caused by the use of multiple codes to install or inspect the plumbing provisions of a single installation or system.
- Many municipalities across the country adopt and use the UPC as their plumbing code, including the cities of Los Angeles, Houston, Minneapolis, Seattle and Portland.
IAPMO is focused on supporting the plumbing industry including programs for training the workforce of tomorrow
- IAPMO is recognized around the world for its efforts to help develop a robust, skilled plumbing workforce. We work closely with nationwide institutions and stakeholders to strengthen the plumbing trades and to establish personnel certification criteria and train the multiple layers.
Key provisions of the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code and changes from the 2021 edition include:
- New provisions for tile-able shower receptors and kits
- Provision for temperature-actuated, flow reduction devices for individual fittings
- New provisions for all-gender facilities, including fixture count, privacy compartments, and partitions
- New requirements for water supply and distribution manifolds
- Updated provisions for hot-water recirculating systems
- New provisions for private well water tanks
- Updated provisions for appliance condensate drains when serving more than one appliance and connecting to a common indirect waste pipe
- Updated minimum water quality provisions for onsite treated nonpotable water systems, nonpotable water devices and systems, for harvested rainwater systems
- Update water supply fixture unit (WSFU) and drainage fixture unit (DFU) values for bathroom groups in Appendix C;
- New Appendix O providing minimum non-sewered sanitation systems
- New Appendix P providing minimum qualifications for inspectors, examiners, service technicians, installers, and administrators relating to systems addressed in the UPC
- New Appendix Q addressing plumbing requirements for indoor horticultural facilities
- New Appendix R providing minimum plumbing system requirements for tiny houses
- New Appendix S with provisions pertaining to onsite stormwater treatment systems
The UPC reflects IAPMO’s leadership on the most pressing issues facing our industry
- IAPMO is the only code agency to volunteer our technical expertise towards the development of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems. Our involvement provided needed plumbing system and component towards the development of this important standard.
- IAPMO is the only code development organization to convene a Legionella Task Group, which was assembled to develop comprehensive code change proposals that are included in the 2021 UPC.
- The Uniform Plumbing Code is the only Plumbing Code Developed as an American National Standard
- The UPC is the only plumbing code developed using IAPMO’s ANSI-accredited consensus development procedures. ANSI accreditation signifies that the procedures used to develop the code meet the highest requirements for openness, balance, consensus and due process.
- ANSI has further recognized IAPMO with Audited Designator status, indicating confidence in the IAPMO’s consensus process that develops the UPC as well as our other codes and standards. IAPMO is one of only six out of hundreds of US based standards development organizations, and the only one in the plumbing industry, to be awarded this status.
ICC’s codes add costs to the construction of homes and buildings
- A 2018 independent study examined the cost difference between the 2015 and 2018 International Codes.
- By requiring each tenant space to have a main shutoff valve, the ICC International Plumbing Code 2021 will require a far more expensive plumbing installation than the Uniform Plumbing Code.
The UPC is representative of the industry’s expertise and is supported by industry
- The UPC is developed by a diverse team of professionals from all aspects of the industry (commercial, residential, sales, consumers, manufacturers, along with union and non-union representatives). Changes are made with a consensus of a 2/3 majority – creating a product that industry can stand behind.
- Changes to the IPC are ultimately decided by a simple majority vote of a single constituency. Regardless of who a single interest may represent (e.g. architects, plumbers, regulators, environmentalists, etc.), having a process that only allows one constituency to make the final decision is unfair and does not produce the best product for the industry.
- The 2021 UPC is supported by the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the United Association (UA), and World Plumbing Council.
IAPMO works to provide water and sanitation to those in need
- IAPMO is passionate about increasing access to water and sanitation in the USA and worldwide. Through our IWSH Foundation we work with our members and partners to provide these services to vulnerable populations, including most recently on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico and in Nome, Texas.
INTEGRITY
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The Uniform Plumbing Code is a consensus document written by representatives from industry, inspectors, plumbers and engineers.
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Our codes are developed through a rigorous process that meet the industry’s “gold standard” for openness, balance, consensus and due process.
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IAPMO provides resources for water safety and efficiency.
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IAPMO provides technical expertise for disinfection methods to remove pathogenic microorganisms that are identified health hazards in any water system.
Why The Uniform Plumbing Code® Over the International Plumbing Code (IPC)?
The IPC was not developed via the ANSI consensus procedure.
The IPC is not a standalone code as it directs the end user to the International Residential Code (IRC) for multiple provisions that do not correlate with its own provisions. A few examples are:
- IPC/IRC don’t even coordinate on scope, after a super lengthy paragraph. IRC has exempted additional building types not found in IPC exemptions list. Additionally IPC scope indicates that you can use IPC or IRC for residential.
- The concealment language in the IRC is not found in the IPC.
- IPC and IRC tests for various DWV piping don’t correlate. Sometimes the IPC having specific requirements that the IRC doesn’t have, and vice versa. The tests are not used nation-wide which may cause confusion and conflict with other jurisdictions.
- The IRC requires the forced sewer to be water-tight at all points, and the IPC does not. Also, the IRC requires insertion of test plug at the point of connections with the public sewer, and the IPC does not.
- The IPC does not exempt PEX from hydrostatic testing while IRC does.
Uniform Plumbing Code® is a Registered Trademark of IAPMO