PHCC of California is proud to partner with IAPMO to provide code update information to the PHCC of California Membership. CAPHCC will present updates from the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code in accordance with our mission statement:
PHCC is dedicated to the promotion, advancement, education and training of the industry, for the protection of our environment and the health, safety and comfort of society.
Content below indicates a technical change from the requirements of the 2012 edition. This content is shown in the 2015 UPC with a vertical line in the margin.
March’s featured code change:
2015 UPC, Chapter 6
Water Supply and Distribution, Page 98
Section 604.0 Materials
Changes read as follows:
604.0 Materials
604.1 Pipe, Tube and Fittings.
Where fittings and valves are made from copper alloys containing more than 15 percent zinc by weight, and are used in plastic piping systems, they shall be resistant to dezincification and stress corrosion cracking in accordance with NSF 14.
604.2 Lead Content. The maximum allowable lead content in pipies, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings and fixtures intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption shall be not more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings and fixtures. For solder and flux, the lead content shall be not more than 0.2 percent where used in piping systems that conveny or dispense water for human consumption.
Exceptions:
1. Pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, fixtures, or backflow preventers used for non potable services such as manufacturing, industrial processing, irrigation, outdoor watering, or any other uses where the water is not used for human consumption.
2. Flush valves, fill valves, flushometer valves, tub fillers, shower valves, service saddles, or water distribution main gate valves that are 2 inches (50mm) in diameter or larger.
604.2.1 Lead content of Water Supply Pipe and Fittings. Pipes, pipe fittings, valves and faucets utilized in the water supply system for non-drinking water applications shall have a maximum of 8 percent lead content.
604.3 Copper or Copper Alloy Tube. Copper or copper alloy tube for water piping shall have a weight of not less than Type L.
Exception: Type M copper or copper alloy tubing shall be permitted to be used for water piping where piping is aboveground in, or on, a building or underground outside of structures.
604.4 Hard-Drawn Copper or Copper Alloy Tubing. Hard-drawn copper or copper alloy tubing for water supply and distribution in addition to the required incised marking, shall be marked in accordance with ASTM B88. The colors shall be Type K, green; Type L, blue; and Type M, red.
604.5 Flexible Connectors. Flexible water connectors shall be installed in readily accessible locations, and where under continuous pressure shall be in accordance with ASME A112.18.6/CSA B125.6.
604.9 Epoxy Coating. Epoxy coating used on existing, underground steel building supply piping shall be in accordance with NSF 61 and AWWA C210.
604.10.1 Tracer Wire. Plastic materials for building supply piping outside underground shall have a blue insulated copper tracer wire or other approved conductor installed adjacent to the piping. Access shall be provided to the tracer wire or the tracer wire shall terminate aboveground at each end of the nonmetallic piping. The tracer wire size shall be not less than 18 AWG and the insulation type shall be suitable for direct burial.
This information has been reprinted with permission from IAPMO.