2012 Plumbing Codes

International Plumbing Code

Uniform Plumbing Code
David McCarthy, P.E.
City of Phoenix

Overview

Phoenix Plumbing Code history

2012 Plumbing Codes
Code adoption process
Code amendments
Code differences
Making the process work
Questions and answers
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Phoenix Plumbing Code History

Prior to September 1, 1991
The Phoenix Construction Code was a stand
alone document which was created by the City of
Phoenix. The document was periodically
amended with no specific cycle.
Effective September 1, 1991
1988 Uniform Plumbing Code with amendments
Effective July 1, 1992
1991 Uniform Plumbing Code with amendments
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Plumbing Code History cont.

Effective January 1, 1996
1994 Uniform Plumbing Code with amendments
Effective March 12, 1999
State of Arizona Plumbing Code based on 1994
UPC with amendments
Effective July 1, 2005
State of Arizona Plumbing Code based on 1994
UPC with State amendments

Plumbing Code History cont.

Effective July 1, 2007
2006 Uniform Plumbing Code with amendments
2006 International Fuel Gas Code with
amendments
Effective July 1, 2013
2012 Uniform Plumbing Code with amendments
2012 International Plumbing Code with
amendments
2012 International Fuel Gas Code with
amendments

2012 Plumbing Codes

Overview
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) and the
Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) cover the initial
design of plumbing systems through the
installation and construction phases, and into the
maintenance of operating systems
Fuel-gas appliances and systems are addressed
in the 2012 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

2012 Plumbing Codes

Applicants have the choice to use the
2012 IPC or 2012 UPC
The 2012 IPC is a performance-based code
The 2012 UPC is a prescriptive code
Both codes cover similar topics
There are also differences

How did we get here?

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Code Adoption Process

City staff committee researches and
prepares recommendations
Obtain input from stakeholders
Staff and public recommendations presented
to DAB Technical Subcommittee
DAB Subcommittee presents
recommendations to full DAB committee
City Council Subcommittee review
City Council for final adoption vote

Code Adoption Process

Staff committee completed a chapter comparison
between the two codes and received input from City
departments, industry and the public
Staff made a presentation to DAB Technical
Subcommittee with recommendation to adopt the
2012 UPC
DAB Technical Subcommittee heard testimony and
moved recommendation to full DAB for vote
Full DAB committee deadlocked and moved
recommendation to City Council subcommittee
City Council Subcommittee voted to adopt IPC
City Council directed adoption of both codes
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2012 Plumbing Codes

Next staff challenge, review both codes
Determine if amendments required
Should codes remain distinct?
What is the same and different?
Mixing of codes allowed?
How will it affect review and inspections?
What about licensing?

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Code Amendments
Once a decision was made on the codes,
amendments were made to adapt the code
to local conditions and existing ordinances
Staff and public submitted IPC and UPC
amendments for consideration
Amendments were available for public
viewing on our website with written reasons
behind each change
All amendments were passed through the
code adoption process
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Typical Code Proposal

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2012 Common Amendments

Minimum plumbing fixture calculation
Drinking fountains and water
dispensers
Backflow prevention devices
Installation of low slope sewers
Trap seal protection
Grease interceptors
Rainwater drainage systems
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Minimum Plumbing Fixtures

UPC Table 422.1, IPC Table 403.1
Tables from IBC, IPC, and UPC all match
Deleted requirements for service sinks
Use 15 occupants as threshold for separate
restrooms, 50 in Group B and M
Urinal substitution back to 50%

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Drinking Fountains
UPC 415.2, IPC 410.3
Tables from IBC, IPC, and UPC all match
Drinking fountains not required for occupant load
of 50 or less in all occupancies
Defined water dispensers and water coolers
In occupancies where drinking fountains are
required, water dispensers may be substituted
for not more than 50% of the required number of
drinking fountains
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Backflow Prevention
UPC 603, IPC 608
Backflow prevention device access, clearance
and aboveground requirements
Occupancies that require secondary backflow
prevention devices

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Low Slope Sewers

UPC 718.1, IPC 704.1
Exception: The Authority Having Jurisdiction
may approve a lessor slope for building sewers in
lieu of a sewage ejector or pumping station when
a registered engineer or architect certifies the
building sewer design and its installation, and
when the building owner agrees in writing under
notary to accept the lessor slope. Certification of
the building sewer shall meet the special
inspection requirements of the Phoenix Building
Construction Code
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Trap Seal Protection

UPC 1007.1, IPC 1002.4
Exception: Trap seal primer valves are not
required when an alternative device is provided
to prevent evaporation of the liquid seal. Barrier
type floor drain devices used to prevent
evaporation shall conform to ASSE 1072, be
accessible for maintenance and installed in
accordance with manufacturers instructions. A
source of water for filling of traps shall be located
in the vicinity of the plumbing fixture

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Grease Interceptors
UPC 1014, IPC 1003
Grease traps and interceptors are regulated by
Water Services Department Environmental
Services Division so codes need to match
Definitions
Where devices are required
List of approved devices
Food waste disposal and dishwasher
requirements
Capacity and sizing of devices
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Rainwater Drainage Systems

UPC Ch. 11, IPC Ch. 11

Scupper location and sizing criteria

Rainfall rate of 3 inches per hour
Secondary drains
Prohibition on combined systems
Food waste disposal and dishwasher
requirements
Capacity and sizing of devices

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Other Amendments

UPC Chapter 12 Fuel Gas Piping

was reserved due to possible conflicts
with the 2012 International Fuel Gas Code
Sizing tables are the same

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Code Differences

Water heater requirements

Domestic water supply sizing
Sanitary drain pipe sizing and slopes
Dishwashing sink indirect versus direct
Venting options allowed, air admittance valves
Cleanouts for rainwater drain systems
Provisions for alternate water systems
Appendices
To be determined..
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Mixing of Codes
Permit applicant is asked to identify the code used
for plumbing design
Review and inspection are then completed using the
code referenced on the plan
In certain cases it may be impractical to use
different techniques such as pipe sizing or venting
Specific items can be judged on a case-by-case
basis by plan review and/or inspections

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How Do We Make It Work?

City and design community work together towards

solutions through open dialogue and concentrating
on what works
Continuous education for staff, designers and
installers
City licensing to incorporate both codes
Bottom line is to insure safe and sanitary systems
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Questions?
David McCarthy

Mike Long

Mechanical Plans
Engineer

Inspections Field
Supervisor

(602) 534-2734
david.mccarthy@p
hoenix.gov

(602) 501-1206
mike.long@phoenix.
gov

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