Topeka, Kansas — The Topeka, Kansas, city council has formally adopted the 2024 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC®) as the plumbing and mechanical codes of practice protecting the health and safety of the city’s more than 125,000 residents. The adoptions make Topeka the fifth-most-populous city in the state of Kansas to adopt the UPC and UMC.
“These most current editions of the codes address changes in the industry, will improve safety in our community and improve the quality of life for our citizens,” said Richard Faulker, Topeka Development Services division director. “The recommendation includes that we adopted with amendments, which we typically do. I am pointing this out because our amendments have been cut by 50% because the amendments we would make have been incorporated into the code. I think this reflects positively on the plumbing board and their commitment to their trade.”
The 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code with City of Topeka Amendments, compiling all of the adopted amendments, is available for purchase through the Kansas Missouri IAPMO Chapter or the IAPMO Bookstore here: https://iapmostore.org/code-book-products/
“The adoption of the updated plumbing and mechanical codes are a significant advancement for our community, bringing improved efficiency to residential and commercial properties alike,” said Charlie Campbell, IAPMO Kansas Missouri Chapter chair and IAPMO WE•Stand Committee member. “These changes align with our commitment to providing top-notch training and ensuring that all plumbers are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.”
The 2024 UPC and UMC introduce several key updates aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability in plumbing and mechanical systems. Notably, the 2024 UPC includes revised standards for water conservation, such as stricter requirements for fixtures and fittings to reduce water consumption and improve overall efficiency. The code also emphasizes the use of advanced materials and technologies, promoting the adoption of innovative piping systems that offer greater durability and resistance to environmental factors.
The 2024 UMC introduces enhanced energy efficiency standards for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including more stringent requirements for equipment performance and insulation to reduce energy consumption. It also incorporates updated guidelines for indoor air quality, with new provisions for ventilation and filtration to provide healthier indoor environments. The code addresses emerging technologies, such as advanced controls and smart systems, to optimize system performance and integration.
“These updated codes bring enhanced safety and resiliency to residents, reflecting the city council’s commitment to quality,” said Ron Lord, IAPMO field manager. “We look forward to supporting the city’s transition to help ensure that the community enjoys the advantages of these enhanced standards.”
The UPC and UMC are developed using IAPMO’s consensus development procedures accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This process brings together volunteers representing a variety of viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus on construction practices. Developed and subsequently republished at the conclusion of each three-year code cycle, the Uniform Codes are designed to provide consumers with safely functioning systems while, at the same time, allowing latitude for innovation and new technologies.
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