Answers and Analysis

If the bath units are installed in compliance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the IAPMO listing, additional caulking to alleviate a potential fouling surface would not be required.

Section 402.4 (2003/2006/2009) 403.4 (2012) references "transient public". In this instance the purpose is to distinguish between one element of the public occupancy and another element. Webster's Ninth Collegiate Dictionary defines transient as "temporary; fleeting; passing quickly.
Metered faucets are required as the concern addressed by the code is the potential for misuse by the transient public which has no vested interest in appropriate utilization of public buildings or their facilities
As opposed to employees who require extended and predictable periods of occupancy.

1. Yes. Section 403.1 (2003), 406.4, (2006/2009) 407.4 (2012) applies to slip nuts on the bottom of basket strainers, as well as the other slip nuts used to connect fixture tailpieces, continues waste, etc. Zinc alloy components
are acceptable for external use only and are required to comply with their listing.
2. All materials utilized in a plumbing system are expected to comply with the limitations of their listing or
shall be otherwise approved by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (see Section 301.0). Closet bolt
washers are required to comply with Section 704.4.5 (2003/2006) 408.4.5(2009) 402.3 (2012).
3. Same answer as #2

The Code requires overflows for fixtures in one application only; as noted in Section 411.6 (2003) 410.5, (2006/2009) 413.5 (2012), where specific criteria are detailed. Other fixtures having optionally installed overflows are subject to the requirements of Section 404.0.

No. Section 405.2 (2003) 404.2, (2006/2009) 402.11 (2012) requires access panels or utility space of at least 12 inches in its least dimension for fixtures having concealed slip joint connections. Solvent cemented plastic pipe joints are not slip joint connections. See also 221.0, Slip joint (2003/2006/2009/2012)

Section 405.3 (2003); 404.3 (2006/2009) 402.11 (2012) requires waste and overflows not constructed of materials specified in Section 701.0 (Schedule 40, etc.) be exposed or accessible regardless of whether the joint is considered a slip joint or not a slip joint. The waste and overflows do, in fact, fall under the requirements of Section 405.2 (2003) 404.2, (2006/2009), 402.11(2012) for slip joint connections and Section 405.3 (2003); 404.3, (2006/2009) 420.3 (2012) because they are tubular material and must be accessible.

No. The area described would not be considered a concealed fouling surface.

The answer to both questions is yes. Section 408.2 (2003) 407.2, (2006/2009) 402.2 (2012) refers to those parts of the perimeter of any fixed plumbing fixture which make contact with either a wall or a floor and are normally subject to splash or wetting. This universally applied sanitary concept is also intended to prevent structural damage from water penetration.

The Product Certification Committee maintains that closet tank or bowl accessories shall be manufactured
of a non-ferrous metal. This excludes the use of brass plated steel bolts or any other type of plated ferrous
metal. The terms equally corrosion resistant material in Section 408.3 (2003) 407.3 (2006/2009) 402.6.2 (2012) and noncorrosive in Section 408.4 (2003) 407.4 (2006/2009) 402.4 (2012) are used as general terms. It was never the intent of the Code to establish parameters of acceptable corrosion resistance for copper versus copper alloy, versus stainless steel, etc. By eliminating the use of ferrous metal (plated or not) for closet bolts, nuts, and washers, a reasonably long service life can be expected.

Section 309.0 (2003/2006/2009) 308.1 (2012) stipulates that fixtures may not be located in a manner which interferes with the "normal use thereof". Section 310.1 (2003/2006/2009) 309.1 (2012) notes that all "design, construction, and workmanship" shall satisfy the intent of the Code. Section 408.6 (2003) 407.6 (2006); 407.5, (2009) 402.5 (2012) offers specific spacing for water closets and bidets with proximity to side walls, obstructions, or similar fixtures. The sum total of these code sections is to allow considerable design latitude while noting specific accessibility requirements and standard practices which are intended to guide both the designer and the installer regarding appropriate location and spacing of adjacent fixtures. In summary, the code provides minimum spacing for water closets, bidets, and urinals. Other fixtures are spaced at the discretion of the designer with installation input provided by the manufacturer (see Section 310.4, 2003/2006/2009) 309.4 (2012).
Note: There are, however, federal regulations for handicapped accessibility that may apply to both of these
fixtures..

Yes. Section 218.0 (2003/2006/2009/2012), Private or Private Use, defines private as including only “a family or an individual.” A family is commonly defined as a group of persons related by blood or marriage. Water
closets used by any group consisting of other than members of a single family or an individual would therefore be considered as public usage, as defined in Section 218.0 (2003/2006/2009/2012), Public or Public Use, and would therefore be required to be elongated bowls with open front seats.

The UPC requires all floor mounted fixtures (floor drains, shower drains, floor sinks, etc.) to be "suitably flanged," which equates to be "double-flanged." The top flange provides sufficient surface area that is large enough to accommodate strainer openings
(equivalent to the area of the tailpiece).
The bottom flange is a designed feature and is intended to prevent leakage which passes the top
flange from wetting the ceiling of the floor level below.
Shower receptors installed at any floor level above the "slab on grade" level are required the have an
additional clamping ring on the bottom flange. This ring allows the lining material to be secured and pitched
"to the weep holes in the subdrain."

Yes, exception 2 found in Section 412.3, would apply to all types of occupancies serving 10 or fewer people.

Section 412.3 of the 2009 UPC requires the installation of separate toilet facilities with three exceptions. Exception two (2), which states, “in occupancies serving ten (10) or fewer people, one (1) toilet facility, designed for use by no more than one (1) person at a time, shall be permitted for the use of both sexes”, would apply to all occupancies including restaurants.

No, exception #3 applies to business and mercantile occupancies only. The category that applies to your application is restaurants which requires restroom facilities for both male and female. A restaurant is not a business and mercantile occupancy.
(at 30 sq ft per person a 1500 sq ft restaurant would have an occupant load of 50)

The measurements are taken at a height equal to the top of the threshold and from finish wall to finish wall,
or finish wall to the centerline of the threshold. All shower compartments must have a minimum finished
interior of 1,024 square inches and be capable of encompassing a 30 inch circle.

In Section 412.8 (1) (2003; 411.8 (1), 2006; 411.8, 2009), shower receptors built directly on the ground means qualifying monolithic poured-in-place or equivalent receptors conforming to the basic plumbing
fixture requirements of Section 401.0, complete with integral threshold, sides and back, directly supported
by the underlying ground.
The sides and back must extend at least three inches above the finished threshold before any wood
superstructure or wall covering may be added.
In Section 412.8 (2) (2003; 411.8 (2), 2006; 411.8, 2009), “shower receptors built above ground” constitute
the majority of site-built receptors and are built up over an approved sloping sub-base which may be
part of a concrete slab floor when constructed as prescribed in Section 412.8 (2) (2003; 411.8 (2), 2006;
411.8, 2009) and elsewhere in Sections 401.0 and 412.0(2003) 411.0, (2006/2009). Such receptors require
approved linings pitched 1/4 inch per foot to weep holes in conforming subdrains.

Section 412.8 (2003) 411.8(1), 2006; (411.8), 2009) provides, when permitted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, a method of construction for shower receptors to be built directly on the ground without a pan or liner. Shower receptor built directly on the ground means qualifying monolithic poured-in-place receptors
conforming to the basic plumbing fixtures requirements in Section 412.0 (2003) 411.0, (2006/2009), complete with integral threshold, sides and back, directly supported by the underlying ground.

This exception does not give minimum restroom facilities requirements based on the occupant load but, instead, on the square footage of the space in question. A single unisex restroom would be allowed in any business or mercantile with a maximum of fifteen-hundred (1,500) square feet, regardless of the number of employees or customers.

Stores with floor areas greater than 150 square feet may be served by centrally located public restroom facilities with a 500 foot maximum path of travel. Stores less than 150 square feet in area (e.g., photos
stands, candy vendors, hot dog vendors, jewelry marts and kiosks) that normally operate in the middle of
a mall, are required to be located within 300 feet of such public restroom facilities.

Section 418.0 (2006/2009) 408.3 (2012) would apply for a tub-shower combination. Both section requires that a maximum temperature of one hundred (120) degree Fahrenheit to prevent protection from scalding. The difference is the need for a shower or tub-shower combination having conforming to ASSE 1016 or ASME A112.18.11CSA B125.1 that would protect for scalding but also for thermal shock, caused from rapid temperature change.

Temperature limiting valves for bathtubs and whirlpool tubs shall meet the requirements of ASSE 1070 or CSA B125.3 as prescribed in Section 414.5 of the 2009 UPC. The difference between the two devices is; a 1016 device can be a pressure balance, thermostatic mixing or combination pressure balance and thermostatic mixing valve. A 1070 device is thermostatic mixing valve only. A 1016 device is required on shower or tub/shower combination valves to prevent thermal shock when standing in the water under the showerhead. A 1070 device is allowed in section 414.5 because the thermal shock issue is eliminated when the water from the tub filler mixes with the water in the tub. A person is not standing directly under the water coming from a tub spout and is not subject to thermal shock.
Please consult the AHJ in your jurisdiction to see if they would allow the installation described.

Section 416.0 (2003) 415.0 (2006/2009) 417.5 (2012) requires that the hot water be connected to the left side of the faucet or diverter; there is no orientation requirement for piping, existing walls, floors, or ceilings.

No. Section 420.0 (2003) 418.0 (2006/2009) 409.4 (2012)clearly states that only showers and tub-shower combinations fall under this requirement. Section 414.5 was added in 2009, 408.3 (2012) and now requires bathtub and whirlpool tub fillers to limit hot water to 120 degrees by a device that conforms to ASSE 1070 or CSA B125.3

Section 420.0 (2003) 418.0 (2006/2009) 409.4 (2012) is applicable solely to installations where a stand-up shower enclosure is combined with the bathing facilities. Section 415.5 414.5 was added in 2009 408.3 (2012) and now requires bathtub and whirlpool tub fillers to limit hot water to 120 degrees by a device that conforms to ASSE 1070 or CSA B125.3

The left side of a faucet is determined when the operator is positioned inside of the fixture (tub, shower, etc.) facing the control valves.

The purpose of using brass, copper or other approved corrosion resistant screws or bolts to secure fixtures is to minimize the possibility of failure which could cause the fixture to come loose. This applies equally if
the flange is fastened to other materials or fastened directly to the floor. Materials which are not corrosion resistant are not approved for securing flanges.

No, Section 411.6 (2006/2009), 408.5 (2012) Finished Curb or Threshold applies only to showers that have finished curbs or thresholds.

Comment: This Section applies to manufactured shower bases that have curbs or thresholds and contains no requirements for curbless showers except for exception #1, accessible showers. We think the intent of the code change was to allow curbless showers without the shower having to meet all the requirements of ADA. Because the code has no requirements for a curbless shower, other than ADA requirements, we feel that a curbless shower, not meeting ADA, would have to be submitted for approval as an alternate method of construction per section 301.2.

The entire floor surface is required to be sloped to the floor drain(s). However, there is no minimum slope for the floor mentioned in the code. Only floors within a shower enclosure require a minimum 1/4”/ft. Slope.

The Standards for fixtures listed in Table 1401.1 (2009/2012), Table 1701.1 (2015) all indicate that overflows are required on bathtubs and whirlpool bathtubs. These same Standards indicate that the overflow requirements are optional for sinks, lavatories and bidets. If an overflow is provided with a fixture, section 403.0 (2009); 404.0 (2012/2015) shall be followed for proper installation. Section 409.3 is referring the installer to section 403.0 (2009); 404.0 (2012/2015) to guide the installer on how to pipe the overflow that is provided on a Bathtub or whirlpool bathtub.

If each space is to have its own restroom(s) the occupant load for that space would be used along with the corresponding classification to determine the minimum required fixtures. If a common restroom facility is desired, the combination of the two occupant loads should be used and the classification requiring the higher number of fixtures per number of occupants used.

Pressure balancing shower valves became a code requirement in the 1997 edition of the UPC.
Section 101.5.3 (2009), 101.11.2 (2012), 102.2 (2015) does not require fixtures, such as the shower valves in your question, to the current standards unless the valves are being replaced. Replacement valves would need to meet current codes and standards per sections 418.0 (2009); 408.3 (2012/2015).

A three compartment sink is a single fixture and the connections between the individual compartments are by definition a continuous waste. The code does not have specific requirements for the type of fittings that may be used on a continuous waste, although the Code does require a wye or other directional type fitting when a disposal unit is connected to the continuous waste. Although there may not be a specific requirement the committee feels that a double fixture fitting or a double combination makes a better installation. For the requirements in your area contact the AHJ to find out their requirements.

Yes. The intent of this section is to allow a single toilet facility, serving both male and female, in business and mercantile occupancies where the total occupant load is fewer than 50. Types of occupancies other than business and mercantile requiring urinals per Table 4-1 (2009), Table 422.1 (2012/2015) would be required to install urinals even if the occupant load is less than 50.

Yes. Section 411.6 Exception (2009), 408.5 Exception 1 (2012/ 2015) is to allow for the accessibility standards to be met in regards to shower receptors to allow a shower with no threshold so that a wheelchair can roll into the shower. Slope to the drain and waterproofing at the walls would still be required.
Note: Section 408.5 in the 2015 UPC has added language that states the immediate adjoining space to showers without thresholds shall be considered a wet location and shall comply with the requirements of the building, residential and electrical codes.

No. A urinal would not be required for a (B) occupancy of 10 or less persons.

Section 416.0 (2012/ 2015) requires the water supply rates, discharge pattern and temperature of flushing fluids be in accordance with ISEA Z358.1. This standard does specify the use of tepid water (defined therein as water at a temperature between 60 and 100 degrees), but does not reference the type of device that should be installed to accomplish that requirement. Table 1401.1 (2012), Table 1701.1 (2015) does reference ASSE 1071-2012 for Temperature Actuated Mixing Valves for Plumbed Emergency Equipment.

The code does not separate the testing of an ADA shower installation and a typical shower with a curb or threshold. If constructed correctly, even an ADA compliant “roll-in shower” would have a high point at the entrance of the shower enclosure. All areas of this “enclosure” would be have to be verified as “water-tight” as required by the code.

In Section 414.3 (2012/2015), domestic dishwashing machines shall discharge indirectly through an air gap fitting in accordance with Section 807.4 (2009/2012), 807.3 (2015) into a waste receptor, a wye branch fitting on the tailpiece of a kitchen sink, or a dishwasher connection of a food waste grinder.
Per the code there are no exceptions.
Some Authorities Having Jurisdiction may grant deviations when existing dishwashers are being replaced.

Yes, if the system is piped to a point where a fixture trap is to be installed per Section 402.12 of the 2012 UPC, “…the plumbing system for such fixture shall be complete and be in accordance with the plumbing requirements of this code”.

Exception (1) of Section 408.5 of the 2015 UPC permits the installation of showers without thresholds if the “showers are designed to be in accordance with the accessibility standards listed in Table 1701.1”.

Yes, Section 416.1 of the 2012 UPC specifically states, “Emergency eyewash and shower equipment shall comply with ISEA Z358.1. Section 416.2 states in part that the flow rates, discharge patterns, and temperature of the flushing fluids shall be provided in accordance with ISEA Z358.1. Section 4.5.6 of ISEA Z358.1 states, ”Deliver tepid flushing fluid. In circumstances where chemical reaction is accelerated by flushing fluid temperature, a facilities safety/health advisor should be consulted for the optimum temperature for each application.” Tepid is defined as water at a temperature between 60°F (16°C) and 100°F (38°C).

1. Yes. The intent of Section 402.5 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code has been met since there are no barriers within the required clear space. The requirements of the code section states that “the clear space in front of the water closet, lavatory, or bidet shall not be less than 24 inches.”
2. Yes. See Answer 1.

No. The Uniform Plumbing Code does not require privacy partitions to be installed in public restrooms, even for multiple occupancy facilities. The building code does however have requirements to provide privacy partitions when more than one person can occupy the restroom facility. Installations, such as single user or family toilet facilities, a privacy partition between the toilet and urinal would not be necessary since only one person can occupy the facility.

1. The term obstruction is not defined in the Uniform Plumbing Code, but a generic definition of the word “is a thing that impedes or prevents passage or progress; an obstacle or blockage”.
2. The purpose of the requirements found in Section 402.5 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, is to provide minimum clearances from walls and other fixtures for the installation of water closets.
3. By the strictest interpretation of Section 402.5, any object that protrudes within the 30 inch clear space required for a water closet would be an obstruction.
4. Per Section 402.5, “No water closet or bidet shall be set closer than 15 inches from its center to a side wall or obstruction or closer than 30 inches center to center to a similar fixture.”
5. No. The clearance measurements found in Section 402.5 are intended to provide adequate space for the use of the fixture. A shelf on the wall behind the fixture, which does not extend beyond the water closet tank, is not considered an obstruction.

No. The 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code does not give specific guidelines on how to calculate multiple occupancies within a structure using a single set of restroom facilities. The committee feels that an acceptable way to calculate a reasonable fixture count is to total the occupant loads, divide those numbers in half in this case 104 male and 104 female. Using Table 422.1 select the applicable occupancy that requires the most fixtures, in this case the B Occupancy and apply the corresponding fixture count.

Example: 104 Male – 104 Female
Men 3 WC, 2 Urn, 2 Lav
Female 8 WC, 3 Lav
Add. Fixtures 2 DF and 1 service sink

Though the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code does not specifically prohibit the use of bidets in public restrooms, neither Table 610.3 (Water Supply Fixture Units and Minimum Fixture Branch Pipe Sizes) nor Table 702.1(Drainage Fixture Unit Values) have numerical values in the “public” or “assembly” columns for the fixture. This implies that the public installation of bidets would not be applicable.

1. No. The maximum temperature of 120° F referenced in Sections 408.3 and 409.4 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) applies only for shower and tub-shower valves and bathtub and whirlpool bathtub filler valves. The UPC does not address the installation of steam showers or steam rooms.
2. Steam cannot be generated until water reaches a temperature of 212°F. Steam generators and related equipment should be installed to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Section 402.6.1 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code, addresses the requirements for closet rings (closet flanges). The only mention of flange thickness in that section refers to caulked-on closet rings that shall be one-quarter (1/4”) of an inch thick.

Section 1.2, in the scope of ASSE 1016/CSA B125.1 states that the “standard covers automatic compensating valves intended to control the water temperature to wall or ceiling mounted, hand-held showers; shower heads; body sprays either in individual shower or tub/shower combination fittings; and tub spouts when part of tub/shower combination fittings. The hand held shower for the Delta T4759-FL is clearly not intended to be secured to a wall or ceiling and would therefore not require the control valve to meet the provisions found in ASSE 1016/CSA B125.1.
The faucet would however have to be listed by an approved third party certification/testing agency and be installed to meet the requirements found in Section 409.4 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, which requires the water for a bathtub and whirlpool bathtub filler to be limited to 120°F by a device that complies with ASSE 1070/ASME A112.1070/CSA B125.70.

The installation of personal hygiene devices for water closets is not addressed in the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and would therefore not be code compliant without approval by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The installation requirements of these devices was first introduced into the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code. Section 411.4 of that document states “water closets with integral personal hygiene devices shall comply with ASME A112.4.2/CSA B45.16 - Personal Hygiene Devices for Water Closets. The title and scope of this standard suggests that these devices are intended to be used for private not public installations.

1. Toilet facilities for employees, per Section 422.4 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code, require a maximum travel distance of 500 feet and no more than one vertical floor between facilities (422.4.1).
2. Yes.
3. Yes. If the roof terrace is being used as a restaurant or lounge it would be considered an A-2 Occupancy and would have to meet the requirements found in Table 422.1. Uses other than those for an A-2 Occupancy would require facilities with a travel distance of no more than 500 feet and not to exceed one vertical story.
4. Section 422.4.1 applies to all multi-story buildings

Yes. The minimum number of fixtures required shall be determined by applying the requirements found in Section 422.1 and Table 422.1 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code. Section 422.4.1 states that “in multi-story buildings, accessibility to the required toilet facilities shall not exceed one vertical story”. Additionally, Section 422.4 requires toilet facilities for employees and customers in other than shopping malls or centers shall have a maximum travel distance not to exceed 500 feet.

No. It is plausible that each floor of the building could be occupied by a different tenant, thereby restricting accessibility of restrooms on one floor by tenants occupying other floors within the building. For this reason, each floor in your example, would be required to have the minimum plumbing facilities per Table 422.1 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code. The minimum plumbing facilities for your example:
B Occupancy - Office
100 Occupants per floor – 50 Male, 50 Female
Male, 1-WC, 1-UR, 1–Lav.
Female, 3-WC, 1 –Lav.
1- Drinking Fountain, 1-service sink or laundry tub

Note: Multi-story buildings, where accessibility to toilet facilities would not be restricted, may utilize the requirements found in Section 422.4.1 for installing facilities on every other floor.

There are two Code approved options for the installation of the minimum required restroom facilities in an office building.
1) Accessible restrooms installed on every floor of an office building, per Section 422.1 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code.
Determine the total occupancy load for the floor using the building code, divide the occupancy by two (half male, half female), using Table 422.1, use the associated fixture count for “B” Occupancy to establish the minimum plumbing facilities required.
2) Accessible restroom facilities on every other floor of an office building, per Section 422.4.1.
Determine the total occupancy load for each floor using the building code, divide by two (half male, half female), using Table 422.1, use the associated fixture count for “B” Occupancy to establish the minimum plumbing facilities required.

1. Yes. Section 415.2 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), states that “where food is consumed indoors, water stations shall be permitted to be substituted for drinking fountains”. This section applies only to restaurants, cafes, delicatessens and other eating and drinking establishments.
2. Yes. That same section of the 2015 UPC goes on to say, “bottle filling stations shall be permitted to be substituted for drinking fountains up to 50 percent of the requirements for drinking fountains”.
3. Yes. Section 415.2 of the 2015 UPC also states that, “Drinking fountains shall not be required for an occupant load of 30 or less”.

Yes. Drinking fountains* that have a single set of components, i.e. compressor, drain, water connection, etc., and are manufactured, tested and listed per Section 415.0 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code as a single unit are considered one fixture.
2. See answer 1


* Drinking Fountain. A plumbing fixture connected to the potable water distribution system and sanitary drainage system that provides drinking water in a flowing stream so that the user can consume water directly from the fixture without the use of accessories. Drinking fountains should also incorporate a bottle filling station and can incorporate a water filter and a cooling system for chilling the drinking water.

1. Fitness rooms, swimming pools and similar types of common areas are not considered part of an R-2 occupancy as shown in Table 422.1 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code. These assembly areas most closely fall within the parameters of an A-3 occupancy. Dependent upon the occupant load for each area, a restroom or restrooms meeting the requirements found in Section 422.2 for a single toilet facility or Table 422.1, A-3 for separate facilities would be used to determine the number of fixtures needed.
2. No. These spaces are not part of the residential units and would be classified as A-3 occupancy per Table 422.1

1. No. Per Section 408.3 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code, the only acceptable means of tempering water for individual showers is with a point of use device meeting the requirements found in ASSE 1016 or ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1. A remote tempering device meeting the requirements found in ASSE 1069, may be used for gang showers, when there is a single water supply to the fixtures.
2. Yes. Water heaters provide hot water at temperatures ranging from 120°F to 210°F.* Hot water falling within those parameters may be delivered to the shower or tub/shower where a point of use device meeting ASSE 1016 or ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 shall temper the water to a maximum 120°F.

Chapter 2 – Definitions
Hot Water. Water at a temperature exceeding or equal to 120°F (49°C).
Water Heater or Hot Water Heating Boiler. An appliance designed primarily to supply hot water for domestic or commercial purposes and equipped with automatic controls limiting water temperature to a maximum of 210°F

1. Per Section 402.10 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code, fixtures having concealed slip joint connections must be accessible by means of an access panel or utility space of not less than 12”x 12”. Fixture control valves and supplies or connectors, other than flexible connectors (see Section 604.5), installed to meet the requirements found in Section 606.3 shall also be accessible*.
2. Yes, if the drawer, when removed from the cabinet, produces a minimum 12”x 12” access opening.
3. Section 402.10.

Section 203.0 Accessible. Where applied to a fixture, connection, appliance, or equipment, “accessible” means having access thereto, but which first may require the removal of an access panel, door, or similar obstruction.

1. Yes. Section 422.1 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code states that the total occupant load and occupancy classification shall be determined in accordance with the building code. In the submitted example, the total occupant load for floors one through five would be calculated as a “B” Occupancy with the understanding that the occupant(s) of the building would permit access to the restrooms on all floors. The requirements found in Section 422.4.1 would apply in this instance. The total occupant load for the sixth floor would be calculated as an “A-3” occupancy.
2. As stated in question one, a single occupant load may be used for all five floors of the “B” Occupancy, if the restrooms are accessible to all occupants of the building. In the event that each floor has a different tenant and access to restrooms are restricted to occupants of that floor, the total occupant load for each floor would be required.
3. No. Section 422.4.1 would only apply if the restrooms on each floor were accessible to the occupants of floors one through five.
4. A toilet facility is defined as “a room or space containing not less than one lavatory and one water closet”. A urinal is not required for this type of installation.
5. No. Floor six is an “A-3” Occupancy and would require adequate fixtures for the total occupant load for that floor.
6. No. All fixtures would be required to be located on the sixth floor.

No. Section 404.2 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code states that “where a fixture is provided with an overflow, the waste shall be so arranged that the standing water in the fixture shall not rise in the overflow where the stopper is closed or remain in the overflow where the fixture is empty.”

Note: The OS&B bathtub waste & overflow is tested and listed by CSA not IAPMO. The notation that it meets the UPC does not make the product UPC Code Compliant.

1. Yes. A notation on a product flier or an on-line advertisement does not necessarily mean that a product complies with the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Per Section 301.2 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, a product would be considered UPC compliant when it is tested to applicable standards by an accredited listing agency, suitably marked, complies with all relevant sections of the Uniform Plumbing Code and is approved for installation by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
2. No. If the product conforms to the requirements listed above it would be UPC compliant.

No. Section 402.6.1 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code states that, ”closet bends or stubs shall be cut off so as to present a smooth surface even with the top of closet ring before rough inspection”. It does not say that the closet ring must be cut off and glued to the closet bend or stub prior to the rough in inspection.

Note: Good plumbing practice would suggest that the optimum installation would be for the bottom of the closet ring to rest on the top of the finished floor. This would provide a suitable surface for a gasket, washer or setting compound to create the water tight seal between the fixture and closet ring as prescribed in Section 402.6.

No. Commercial buildings with occupant loads large enough to require separate male and female toilet facilities shall be provided with the minimum number of fixtures as prescribed in Table 422.1 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code. The installation of a single use toilet facility would be in addition to the minimum required by Code.

Yes. Section 418.3(3) of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code states that a floor drain is required in “laundry rooms in commercial buildings and common laundry facilities in multi-family dwelling buildings”. The attached illustration shows a washer and dryer in a laundry room* within a commercial building. The requirements found in Section 418.3(3) would apply.

* Wikipedia Definition
Laundry Room – A laundry room (also called utility room) is a room where clothes are washed and dried.

The installation of personal hygiene devices for water closets is not addressed in the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and would therefore not be code compliant without approval by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. The installation requirements of these devices was first introduced into the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code. Section 411.4 of that document states “water closets with integral personal hygiene devices shall comply with ASME A112.4.2/CSA B45.16 - Personal Hygiene Devices for Water Closets. The title and scope of this standard suggests that these devices are intended to be used for private not public installations.

Yes. The minimum number of fixtures required shall be determined by applying the requirements found in Section 422.1 and Table 422.1 of the 2015 Uniform Plumbing Code. Section 422.4.1 states that “in multi-story buildings, accessibility to the required toilet facilities shall not exceed one vertical story”. Additionally, Section 422.4 requires toilet facilities for employees and customers in other than shopping malls or centers shall have a maximum travel distance not to exceed 500 feet.

Yes. Drinking fountains* that have a single set of components, i.e. compressor, drain, water connection, etc., and are manufactured, tested and listed per Section 415.0 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code as a single unit are considered one fixture.
2. See answer 1

No. Section 402.6.1 of the Uniform Plumbing Code states that, ”closet bends or stubs shall be cut off so as to present a smooth surface even with the top of closet ring before rough inspection”. It does not say that the closet ring must be permanently connected to the closet bend or stub prior to the rough in inspection.

No. Section 409.4 of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code specifically states that “the maximum hot water temperature from the bathtub or whirlpool bathtub filler shall be limited to 120°F by a device that complies with ASSE 1070/ASME A112.1070/CSA B125.70.”

1. A water heater conforming to ASSE 1084, as found in Section 408.3.2 of the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), is a point of use water heater. Per Section 1.2.1 of ASSE 1084, “This water heater is intended to supply tempered water at point of use in order to reduce the risks of scalding”. These devices limit water temperature to a maximum of 120°F.
2. A water heater listed to ASSE 1082, per Section 1.2 of the standard “is for water heaters that control the outlet temperature to specific limits and are installed within the hot water distribution system but not at point-of-use”. Water heaters listed to this standard limit water temperature to a maximum of 125°F, which exceeds the water temperatures permitted by Sections 407.3, 408.3.2, 409.4 and 410.3 of the 2021 UPC.

1. No. Section 206.0 of the 2018 UPC defines a drinking fountain as “A plumbing fixture connected to the potable water distribution system and sanitary drainage system that provides drinking water in a flowing steam so that the user can consume water directly from the fixture without use of accessories…”.

2. Section 415.2 specifically states that “where food is consumed indoors, water stations shall be permitted to be substituted for drinking fountains.” Restaurant soda fountains in with water dispensers would fall into the category of a water station.

3. Per Section 415.2, “…Bottle filling stations shall be permitted to be substituted for drinking fountains up to 50 percent of the requirement for drinking fountains.”

4. Yes. Although other types of occupancies may have a sink for drinking water in their employee’s breakrooms, the public would not have access to its use.

A thermostatic mixing valve is not required at the water heater.
• 407.3 limitation of hot water temperature at lavatories is accomplished by utilizing an ASSE 1070 compliant temperature limiting device.
• Shower and tub-shower combinations are required to comply with ASSE 1016 or ASME 1069 to limit hot water temperature.
• Bathtubs and whirlpool bathtub shall limit hot water temperature in accordance with ASSE 1070 or CSA B125.3
Temperature limitation is not intended to be controlled by water heater thermostat. Limitation of hot water temperature is intended to be controlled at point of use.

1. Yes, the UPC regulates the installation of decorative water fountains and similar fixtures which require water, waste connections or both. These water features must be submitted to the Authority Having Jurisdiction prior to installation.
2. No, many of these ornamental fixtures are built on the job.
3. All materials used to complete water and/or waste connections must meet recognized standards set forth by the Uniform Plumbing Code. Materials must be installed to provide backflow protection and trap seal protection.

Yes, The code states “but not limited to” with examples of lavatories intended to serve the public with the intent of limited time for public access.

The code requires the hot water at a public lavatory to be limited to 120-degree F maximum. This has to be accomplished with a device that is listed to ASSE 1070 or CSA B125.3. This device can control multiple fixtures and could be a master tempering valve, a tempering valve at the lavatory, or even the faucet itself, as long as they are listed to ASSE 1070 or CSA B125.3

Yes. Section 408.6 of the 2015 UPC, Exception (2) permits the installation of a shower receptor having dimensions of not less than 30 inches in width and 60 inches in length. This allows the replacement of a bathtub with a walk in shower without meeting the minimum shower requirements found in Section 408.6. Listed one piece shower receptors meeting the dimensions found in Exception (2) would be acceptable.

1. No. Section 414.1 of the 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code requires domestic or commercial dishwashing machines to comply with the applicable standards referenced in Table 1401.1. Domestic dishwashers are to be tested and listed to UL 749, which requires compliance with ASSE 1006. Section 1.3.4 of ASSE 1006 states, “Potable water supplies to the unit shall be protected against contamination by means of air gaps or other acceptable devices. This requirement applies to the supplying of potable water to all accessories such as dispensers and injectors as well as the washing machine.” Dishwashers not listed to UL 749 and ASSE 1006 must be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction prior to installation as prescribed in Chapter 3. The drainage air gap fitting described in Section 807.4, is intended to prevent backflow of waste water from the kitchen sink into the washing compartment of the dishwasher in the event of a stoppage in the kitchen sink or waste line.
2. Kitchen sink waste is not gray water* but would be considered sewage**. The drainage air gap fitting for a residential dishwasher is intended to prevent backflow of waste water from the kitchen sink into the washing compartment of the dishwasher, in the event of a stoppage in the kitchen sink or waste line.
3. Yes. See #2

*Gray Water. Untreated wastewater that has not come into contact with toilet waste, kitchen sink waste, dishwasher waste or similarly contaminated sources. Gray water includes wastewater from bathtubs, showers, lavatories, clothes washers, and laundry tubs. Also known as grey water, graywater, and greywater.
**Sewage. Liquid waste containing animal or vegetable matter in suspension or solution and that may include liquids containing chemicals in solution

The ASSE 1070 should be used to comply. ASSE 1016 is applicable to stand-up shower enclosures to prevent thermal shock when standing in the water under the shower head.

The intent is not to position the shower spray directly at the shower compartment entrance. Positioning the shower head on the side wall allows bather to adjust the temperature of the water without getting wet. The potential of thermal shock could cause a sudden reaction by the bather, causing a slip or fall. The shower presented in attachment is code compliant.