Based on the ANSI accredited American National Standard 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code, the Minnesota State amendments have been integrated into a convenient, single publication.

The codes of practice attempt to minimize public risk by specifying technical standards of design, materials, workmanship and maintenance for plumbing systems. The main aims of the code are:

• To ensure that planners, administrators and plumbers develop the required competency to ensure that the codes are applied and upheld;
• That standards are set to ensure that plumbing assemblies, materials and technologies are safe and effective;
• To ensure that plumbing installations meet these standards;
• To ensure safety and effectiveness continuously through the proper maintenance of these installations.

The new Minnesota Plumbing Code goes into effect January 23, 2016. The new code is substantially different from the existing plumbing code and is worth owning in order to install to the new provisions.

Some of the updates to the Minnesota Plumbing Code include:

• Completely new layout
• All Shower Drains must be 2"
• All Residential Dishwashers must have Air Gap fitting mounted above counter
• Water Heater relief valves can not discharge into the water heater pan
• All testable backflow assemblies must be tested annually including Double Check Valve and Pressure Vacuum Breaker assemblies
• Single Wall Heat Exchangers are now allowed
• Flexible water heater connectors are now allowed
• Push fit now allowed on CPVC, PEX and copper
• Drain, Waste, Vent, and Water sizing has changed
• Third party product certification required per the product standards listed in Chapter 14

As Chapter 4714 of the Minnesota State Building Code this will be enforced as law effective January 23, 2016.