Through
all of the discussions about a single plumbing code, the third code in the
group, the PHCC-NA National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC), seems to be the
forgotten code. The NSPC, however, is alive and kicking.
The
International Code Council (ICC) code change hearings in Rochester, NY, were
abuzz over one change: Mandating residential sprinklers in all one- and
two-family dwellings, including townhouses. When the proposed code change to
the International Residential Code (IRC) was called to the floor, the hearing
room was packed.
As
the consensus process settles in for the International Association of Plumbing
and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), major changes continue to appear in the
Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). One could
not help but be amazed by the quality of the technical discussions on each
proposed code change.
The
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has just
released the proposed code changes to the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), which will result in the culmination of the 2009 UPC. In reviewing the changes, there appear to be two distinct approaches taken by
the proponents.
Many
believe that the major decisions regarding the codes have all occurred. To
them, time has passed and it is no longer important to participate in code
change hearings.
Well, that is not true. Next month, in Rochester, NY, perhaps the most
important decision in the history of codes will occur. That decision is whether
to mandate residential sprinklers for all one- and two-family dwellings.
Last month I attended an International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Committee meeting in Ontario, CA. During a crucial discussion on the engineering design of DWV systems, one of the participants stated that the plumbing code is for the plumber.
The week after Thanksgiving, I attended a meeting of the NSF Joint Committee of Drinking Water Additives. This is the committee that develops NSF 60 and 61.