Ontario, Calif. — The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO®) recently completed Technical Committee Meetings toward the proposed 2024 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC®), in-development American National Standards governing the installation and maintenance of plumbing and mechanical systems nationwide.
During the May 2-5 meetings at the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort, the two committees acted on a total of 358 comments on previously submitted proposals to amend the 2021 editions of the Uniform Codes.
The UPC Technical Committee acted on 155 public comments. Topics generating the most debate included rehabilitation of existing building sewers, common-use facilities, and Legionella risks. Other topics discussed included building service and supply piping, pitless well systems, two-way cleanouts, freeze protection, tankless water heater connections, waste piping, greywater systems, indoor horticultural facilities, and professional qualifications.
The UMC Technical Committee acted on 203 public comments. A2L refrigerant systems and Legionella risks were spiritedly debated, with numerous comments submitted. Other topics discussed included ventilation and exhaust systems, air filtration, press-connect joints, air conditioning and duct systems, indoor horticultural facilities, hydronic and geothermal energy systems, and professional qualifications.
The UMC Technical Committee commissioned a new Legionella Task Group be formed to address exposure risk to the public from mechanical equipment. This task group will tackle the issue of control and intervention of Legionella associated with mechanical systems.
In accordance with IAPMO’s American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited Regulations Governing Committee Projects, balloting of the consensus bodies, the UPC and UMC technical committees, opened on May 16 and will conclude on June 10. The Report on Comments (ROC) for each document will be created from these balloted actions and made available on Aug. 12. All consensus body actions will be published in the ROC.
IAPMO gathers the largest assembly of plumbing and mechanical experts in the world at its annual education and business conference and technical committee meetings, enabling anyone, members and non-members alike, to have a voice on proposed changes to the codes. The 93rd annual Education and Business Conference will take place Sept. 11-15 at the Sheraton Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina. Allowable motions during technical committee meetings are governed in accordance with Section 4-5 of the Regulations Governing Committee Projects. IAPMO urges its members and other interested parties to get involved in the code development process to ensure effectiveness in preserving the public health, safety, and welfare through fair and balanced development of the Uniform Codes.
For specific information about the UPC, please contact Enrique Gonzalez at (909) 230-5535 or email your questions to enrique.gonzalez@iapmo.org. For the UMC, contact Zalmie Hussein at (909) 218-8122 or email your questions to zalmie.hussein@iapmo.org.
IAPMO® has released Peak Water Demand Study: Full Study, a comprehensive analysis redefining water supply system sizing for residential and multi-family buildings. Based on real-world data from more than 1,000 households, the full study provides an evidence-based approach to right-sizing plumbing systems — demonstrating reductions in water waste, construction costs, and public health risks.
ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 6000-2024, the Professional Qualifications Standard for Medical Gas Systems Personnel, has been designated as an American National Standard by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is now available for purchase. This new edition of the ASSE Series 6000 builds on the 2021 version and includes key updates, including the addition of Standard 6070 for Medical Gas Systems Design Instructors.
New Jersey has officially declared March as March4Water Month, recognizing the importance of strong water infrastructure, while California has introduced legislation to follow suit. These actions highlight the growing recognition of the need for policies that strengthen plumbing systems and safeguard access to clean, reliable water in the face of natural disasters and other infrastructure challenges.