Answers and Analysis

This knowledge base, updated to include the analyses from the 2003 through the most recent editions of the Uniform Plumbing and Mechanical Codes, continues to be a premier source for engineers, inspectors, students, contractors and tradesmen. Questions come from a broad base of users, and answers are informal interpretations of the Codes provided by a committee of code officials and special experts - they are clearly stated and to the point. This updated site combines the most pertinent analyses from the previous manual and presents them together with those based on the most recent publications of the Uniform Codes. This makes the Answers and Analysis database one of the most valuable tools you as a member can access wherever you have an internet connection.

The Answers and Analysis tool makes it easy to search for relevant questions and answers, either based on keywords or specific sections/chapters of the code. To find questions related to specific topics, type in the keyword(s), select the code and the year and click "Search". To search for questions related to a specific section, type the section in the Section field and click "Search". To search a specific chapter or appendix, select either the UPC or UMC Table of Contents, and select the chapter/appendix from the list.

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UPC Table Of Contents

Chapter	Title
1	Administration
2	Definitions
3	General Regulations
4	Plumbing Fixtures and Fixture Fittings
5	Water Heaters
6	Water Supply and Distribution
7	Sanitary Drainage
8	Indirect Wastes
9	Vents
10	Traps and Interceptors
11	Storm Drainage
12	Fuel Gas Piping
13	Health Care Facilities and Medical Gas and Medical Vacuum Systems
14	Firestop Protection
15	Alternate Water Sources for Nonpotable Applications
16	Nonpotable Rainwater Catchment Systems
17	Referenced Standards
Appendix A	Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply System
Appendix B	Explanatory Notes on Combination Waste and Vent Systems
Appendix C	Alternate Plumbing Systems
Appendix D	Sizing Storm Water Drainage Systems
Appendix E	Manufactured/Mobile Home Parks and Recreational Vehicle Parks
Appendix F	Firefighter Breathing air Replenishment Systems
Appendix G	Sizing of Venting Systems
Appendix H	Private Sewage Disposal Systems
Appendix I	Installation Standards
Appendix J	Combination of Indoor and Outdoor Combustion and Ventilation Opening Design
Appendix K	Potable Rainwater Catchment Systems
Appendix L	Sustainable Practices
Appendix M	Sustainable Practices
Appendix N	Impact of Water Temperature on The Potential for Scalding and Legionella Growth

UMC Table Of Contents

Chapter	Title
1	Administration
2	Definitions
3	General Requirements
4	Ventilation Air
5	Exhaust Systems
6	Duct Systems
7	Combustion Air
8	Chimneys and Vents
9	Installation of Specific Appliances
10	Boilers and Pressure Vessels
11	Refrigeration
12	Hydronics
13	Fuel Gas Piping
14	Process Piping
15	Solar Energy Systems
16	Stationary Power Plants
17	Referenced Standards
Appendix A	Residential Plans Examiner Review Form for HVAC System Design
Appendix B	Procedures to be Followed to Place Gas Equipment in Operation
Appendix C	Installation and Testing of Oil (Liquid) Fuel-Fired Equipment
Appendix D	Fuel Supply: Manufactured/Mobile Home Parks and Recreational Vehicle Parks
Appendix E	Sustainable Practices
Appendix F	Geothermal Energy Systems
Appendix G	Sizing of Venting Systems and Outdoor Combustion and Ventilation Opening Design
Appendix H	Example Calculation of Outdoor Air Rate

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Questions matching UPC Chapter 1

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UPC 2003 101.5.1 UPC 2006 101.5.1 UPC 2009 101.5.1 UPC 2012 101.11

Topic: Additions, Alterations, or Repairs

Section 101.5.1 deals with additions to existing plumbing systems, and states that existing plumbing systems are only required to be updated if the new addition would cause an unsafe, insanitary, or overloaded condition.
If someone were to add several new toilets and a couple of flushometer urinals to an existing system, causing the meter and supply line to the building to be undersized, would this be an example of “overloaded condition”?
Or, does overload only apply to the drainage system?

The installation of additional fixtures to a system, which increases the load of either the water or waste piping beyond allowable limitations per Chapter 6 and/or Chapter 7 would be in direct violation of Section 101.5.1, which states
“…Additions, alterations, or repairs shall not cause an existing system to become unsafe, insanitary, or overloaded”.
The term “overloaded condition” applies to both the water supply system and the drainage system.

UPC 2003 101.5.3 UPC 2006 101.5.3 UPC 2009 101.5.3 UPC 2012 101.11.2

Topic: Existing Installations

When are “existing, non-compliant” materials, equipment, or plumbing systems required to be replaced with currently compliant products or installation requirements?

Existing systems may remain in service when maintained in accordance with the law in effect prior to the effective date of this Code, provided that no hazard to life, health, or property exists, or would be created by such ongoing utilization.

UPC 2003 103.4 UPC 2006 103.4 UPC 2009 103.4 UPC 2012 103.4

Topic: Water Piping Permit Fees

How are water piping permit fees segregated and applied?

When water supply piping is installed for and with sanitary plumbing work, the plumbing or fixture fee is shown in Table 1-1 (2003/2006/2009)Table 103.4 (2012) includes all incidental water piping.
Fee requirements are listed in the same table for when water supply piping, water conditioning equipment, a backflow prevention device or similar work is installed, altered, or repaired, and no sanitary plumbing is involved.

UPC 2003 103.5.1.3 UPC 2006 103.5.1.3 UPC 2009 103.5.1.3 UPC 2012 103.5.3

Topic: Covering or Concealing Before Test and Inspection

Does Section 103.5.1.3 permit building officials to require an under floor inspection of the drainage system prior to the installation of the subfloor or sheathing on the ground level floor?
Section 103.5.1.3 states: “Covering or Using. No plumbing or drainage system, building sewer, private sewer disposal system or part thereof, shall be covered, concealed or put into use until it has been tested, inspected and accepted as prescribed in this code.”

Section 103.5.1.3 (2003/2006/2009) 103.5.3 (2012) is simply a catch-all requirement intended to ensure that compliance with this code can be be ascertained.
The inspector would have to determine this based on the conditions of the job. For example, plumbing installed below a subfloor would not be considered concealed where access is provided through a basement. the inspector will reassure himself visually of code compliance.
However, because of the great variation in job conditions, specific details on how to accomplish this are best left to the inspector.

UPC 2003 103.5.1.3 UPC 2006 103.5.1.3 UPC 2009 103.5.1.3 UPC 2012 103.5.3

Topic: Closet Ring Inspections

When is the appropriate time for the inspector to inspect the closet flange on a water closet installation in relation to the phase of construction?

The appropriate time for the inspector to inspect the closet ring or flange for a water closet installation is at the “roughing in” phase (see Section 220.0, 2003/2006/2009/2012) of a plumbing system, which is prior to the installation of the fixtures.
Section 316.3.2 (2003/2006/2009), 402.6.1 (2012) requires that closet bends or stubs shall be cut so as to present a smooth surface with the top of the closet ring before rough inspection is called.
The local Authority Having Jurisdiction sets the policies regarding partial rough-in plumbing
inspections.

UPC 2003 207 UPC 2006 207 UPC 2009 207 UPC 2012 101.8

Topic: Definition of Existing Work

Section 207.0 defines existing work as having “been installed prior to the effective date of this Code.” If this work was not installed in conformance with prior codes, is it still treated as existing work?

No. Section 101.4.1.3, 101.8 (2012) allows continued use of plumbing which was “installed and maintained in accordance with law in effect prior to the effective date of this Code.” Existing non-compliant installations, only require those corrections necessary to make them legal and safe.