Plumbing codes were created to prevent illness and death from unsanitary or unsafe conditions in supply of water and gases in buildings and removal of wastes in pipes.
There are two commonly recognized model plumbing and fire prevention codes:
International Plumbing Code and International Fire Code, International Code Council Inc., Falls Church, VA.
Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Fire Code, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, Walnut, Calif.
These codes are generally revised on 3-year cycles.
In addition to these model codes, several cities and states have adopted their own plumbing and fire prevention codes. The National Standard Plumbing Code, administered by the National Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors, Inc., Washington, D.C., has been adopted in some localities. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has also adopted the National Plumbing Code, ANSI A.40.8, which is administered by the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, Rockville, Md. Also, numerous fire-safety codes and standards are contained in National Fire Codes, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, Mass.
Persons involved in the design and installation of plumbing systems should check with all local code authorities to determine which code is in effect prior to beginning a project. Also, local governmental authorities should be contacted about special regulations relating to sewer and water systems. Those involved in the design of plumbing systems should also be familiar with ANSI A117.1 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which require that provision be made in buildings for accessibility and usability of facilities by the physically handicapped.
Plumbing designers and architects should work together to assure strict compliance with these requirements.
