WSR 20-17-049
PROPOSED RULES
BUILDING CODE COUNCIL
[Filed August 11, 2020, 8:50 a.m.]
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 20-13-080.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 51-56 WAC, Adoption and amendment of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code.
Hearing Location(s): On October 9, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., at the Department of Enterprise Services, Presentation Room (1213), 1500 Jefferson Street, Olympia, WA 98504.
Date of Intended Adoption: November 6, 2020.
Submit Written Comments to: Diane Glenn, 1500 Jefferson Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, email SBCC@des.wa.gov, by October 16, 2020.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Shannon Pitts, phone 360-407-9255, email Shannon.pitts@des.wa.gov, by October 2, 2020.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rules adopt the 2018 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, with state amendments to incorporate proposed changes as adopted by the Washington state building code council (SBCC). The rules will provide increased clarity and life safety measures for building construction in Washington state.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES:
2018 UPC
Amendments to WAC 51-56*
| WAC | Section | Changes in 2018 | Discussion |
1 | 51-56-400 | 407.2 | Water consumption (faucets) | Legislative modification |
2 | 51-56-400 | 407.2.1 | Maximum water flow | Legislative modification |
3 | 51-56-400 | 407.2.1.1 | Residential lavatory faucets | Legislative modification |
4 | 51-56-400 | 407.2.1.2 | Lavatory faucets in common and public use areas | Legislative modification |
5 | 51-56-400 | 407.2.2 | Metering faucets | Legislative modification |
6 | 51-56-400 | 408.2 | Water consumption (showerheads) | Legislative modification |
7 | 51-56-400 | 408.2.1 | Multiple showerheads serving one shower | Legislative modification |
8 | 51-56-400 | 408.2.5 | Tub spout diverters and showerhead tub spout diverter combinations | Legislative modification |
9 | 51-56-400 | 411.2 | Water consumption (water closets) | Legislative modification |
10 | 51-56-400 | 411.2.1 | Dual flush water closets | Legislative modification |
11 | 51-56-400 | 411.2.2 | Performance | Legislative modification |
12 | 51-56-400 | 411.2.3 | Flushometer valve activated water closets | Legislative modification |
13 | 51-56-400 | 412.1 | Application | Legislative modification |
14 | 51-56-400 | 420.2.1 | Kitchen faucets | Legislative modification |
15 | 51-56-400 | 420.3 | Pre-rinse spray valve | Legislative modification |
16 | 51-56-400 | 423.0 | Landscape irrigation | Legislative modification |
17 | 51-56-400 | 423.1 | Sprinkler body | Legislative modification |
18 | 51-56-500 | 501.1.2 | Consumer electric storage water heater requirements | Legislative modification |
19 | 51-56-500 | 501.1.3 | Mini-tank electric water heaters | Legislative modification |
*Note: | Those not listed on the table above remain as adopted in 2015. |
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: SBCC, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Richard Brown, 1500 Jefferson Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, 360-407-9277; Enforcement: Local jurisdictions having authority.
A school district fiscal impact statement is not required under RCW
28A.305.135.
A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW
34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Richard Brown, 1500 Jefferson Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-407-9277, email
Richard.brown@des.wa.gov.
The proposed rule does impose more-than-minor costs on businesses.
Small Business Economic Impact Statement
There are costs imposed by the proposed rules but the costs do not fall disproportionately on small businesses. These rules will not affect the distribution of impacted work, whether by small businesses or not, doing the work. The rules do not affect employment, reporting or record keeping.
Small Business Economic Impact Statement (RCW 19.85.040) Description: SBCC is filing a proposed rule to adopt the updated 2018 edition of Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) (chapter 51-56 WAC). Since 1985 the state building code council has been responsible to update to new editions of the building code per RCW
19.27.074. The UPC is updated every three years by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). The code development process conducted by the model code organization is open to all interest groups within the design and construction industry and from governmental organizations. See the IAPMO website for more information about the model code development process.
The administrative compliance requirements are under the authority of the local government. RCW
19.27.050. Compliance activities including permit issuance, plan review and approval, and inspections occur at the local level. Requirements for construction document submittal and other reporting requirements are determined by the local jurisdiction and are consistent with previously established policies. The proposed amendments to chapter 51-56 WAC include specific technical requirements for building construction to be consistent with national standards.
Professional Services: Washington has had a statewide building code in effect since 1974. The local enforcement authority having jurisdiction administers the codes through the building and/or fire departments. Administrative procedures for state building code compliance are established and will not be changed by the adoption of the update to the current building codes. Small businesses will employ the same types of professional services for the design and construction of buildings and systems to comply with the state building code.
The proposed rule updates the state building code and does not require additional equipment, supplies, labor or other services. Services needed to comply with the building code are existing within the construction industry as required by the local authority having jurisdiction.
Costs of Compliance for Businesses: The cost of compliance incurred by Washington businesses includes training and educational materials. The UPC 2018 model codes cost $125 + tax shipping and handling. This publication is also available on the IAPMO website. The IAPMO offers training for continuing education credits to architects, engineers and building inspectors.
The plumbing code technical advisory group (TAG) determined there is a cost for compliance on businesses for the following proposed state amendments.
| |
| 1. | Table 504.1 note 2: This revision will assure [ensure] that the water heater will be able to provide the system with hot water when needed - the nonstorage water heater cannot act as a restriction to flow during peak load operation per UPC section 610.2. There is a minor economic impact - tankless water heater will have to be rated for higher flow to meet this requirement. |
| 2. | Sections 407.2, 408.2, 411.2, 412, 420, 423, 501.1.3 [501.1.2], 501.1.3. These changes are in response to SSHB [2SHB] 1444 legislation from the 2019 legislative session. The changes update appliance standards. The change will increase construction costs but reduce energy consumption. Because these requirements are established by statute, a cost analysis [is] not required here. |
Loss of Sales or Revenue: The proposed rules make the state code for building construction consistent with national standards. Businesses with new products or updated test or design standards are recognized in the updated building code.
The update will result in some cost outlay for some small businesses for specific building projects, for a transition period. Other small businesses would see an increase in revenue. The amendments to the plumbing code affect over twenty-five thousand (in 2012) small businesses in the state, where construction activity occurs. The primary intent of the amendments is to improve the safety features in buildings and provide consistency and fairness across the state, for a predictable business environment. The amendments should result in enhanced safety and value in buildings.
Cost of Compliance for Small Businesses: (Determine whether the proposed rule will have a disproportionate cost impact on small businesses, compare the cost of compliance for small business with the cost of compliance for the ten percent of businesses that are the largest businesses.)
The majority of businesses affected by the updates to the plumbing code are small businesses; over ninety-five percent of those listed in the construction and related industries have under fifty employees. The costs per employee are comparable between the largest businesses and the majority of small businesses. The cost to comply with the updated codes is not a disproportionate impact on small business.
Reducing the Costs of the Rule on Small Businesses: The SBCC conducted a detailed review process, including participation at the national code development hearings, to document significant economic impacts of the proposed code amendments.
Small Businesses Involved in the Development of the Rule: For the UPC, the SBCC conducted five open public meetings of the building code technical advisory group, available via telephone conference bridge and over the internet, and allowed comment on every item on every agenda. For the UPC, the SBCC appointed ten representatives of all segments of the business and construction community to serve on the technical advisory groups.
List of Industries: Below is a list of industries required to comply with the building code:
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code | NAICS Code Definition | Number of Establishments in Washington State | TOTAL Annual Payroll | TOTAL Annual Revenue | AVG Annual Payroll | AVG Annual Revenue | 1% of Avg Annual Payroll | 0.3% of Avg Annual Revenue |
236115 | New single-family housing construction (except for-sale builders) | 1261 | $186,272,000 | --- | $147,718 | --- | $1,477 | --- |
236116 | New multifamily housing construction (except for-sale builders) | 45 | $54,622,000 | --- | $1,213,822 | --- | $12,138 | --- |
236118 | Residential remodelers | 2777 | $318,180,000 | $1,536,217,000 | $114,577 | $553,193 | $1,146 | $1,660 |
236210 | Industrial building construction | 53 (s) | $99,790,000 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
236220 | Commercial and institutional building construction | 862 | $772,473,000 | $6,925,925,000 | $896,140 | $8,034,716 | $8,961 | $24,104 |
238110 | Poured concrete foundation and structure contractors | 511 | $144,643,000 | $479,256,000 | $283,059 | $937,879 | $2,831 | $2,814 |
238120 | Structural steel and precast concrete contractors | 68 | $93,454,000 | $336,100,000 | $1,374,324 | $4,942,647 | $13,743 | $14,828 |
238130 | Framing contractors | 417 | $79,196,000 | $279,226,000 | $189,918 | $669,607 | $1,899 | $2,009 |
238140 | Masonry contractors | 293 | $74,067,000 | $215,274,000 | $252,788 | $734,724 | $2,528 | $2,204 |
238150 | Glass and glazing contractors | 141 | $67,626,000 | $237,985,000 | $479,617 | $1,687,837 | $4,796 | $5,064 |
238160 | Roofing contractors | 537 | $179,942,000 | $660,911,000 | $335,088 | $1,230,747 | $3,351 | $3,692 |
238170 | Siding contractors | 327 | $58,557,000 | $286,471,000 | $179,073 | $876,058 | $1,791 | $2,628 |
238190 | Other foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors | 113 | $37,585,000 | $123,771,000 | $332,611 | $1,095,319 | $3,326 | $3,286 |
238210 | Electrical contractors and other wiring installation contractors | 1847 | $940,854,000 | $3,026,762,000 | $509,396 | $1,638,745 | $5,094 | $4,916 |
238220 | Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors | 1664 | $959,976,000 | $3,169,548,000 | $576,909 | $1,904,776 | $5,769 | $5,714 |
238290 | Other building equipment contractors | 81 | $117,696,000 | --- | $1,453,037 | --- | $14,530 | --- |
238310 | Drywall and insulation contractors | 653 | $282,929,000 | $723,945,000 | $433,276 | $1,108,644 | $4,333 | $3,325 |
238990 | All other specialty trade contractors | 547 | $182,710,000 | $573,308,000 | $334,022 | $1,048,095 | $3,340 | $3,144 |
321213 | Engineered wood member (except truss) manufacturing | 11 | $14,216,000 | $79,051,000 | $1,292,364 | $7,186,455 | $12,924 | $21,559 |
321214 | Truss manufacturing | 22 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
321219 | Reconstituted wood product manufacturing | 3 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
321911 | Wood window and door manufacturing | 39 | $37,814,000 | $145,137,000 | $969,590 | $3,721,462 | $9,696 | $11,164 |
321992 | Prefabricated wood building manufacturing | 18 | $6,891,000 | --- | $382,833 | --- | $382,833 | --- |
327310 | Cement manufacturing | 7 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
327320 | Ready-mix concrete manufacturing | 93 | $74,457,000 | --- | $800,613 | --- | $8,006 | --- |
327331 | Concrete block and brick manufacturing | 18 | $11,218,000 | --- | $623,222 | --- | $6,232 | --- |
332311 | Prefabricated metal building and component manufacturing | 9 | $3,564,000 | --- | $396,000 | --- | $3,960 | --- |
332312 | Fabricated structural metal manufacturing | 94 | $125,755,000 | --- | $1,337,819 | --- | $13,378 | --- |
332321 | Metal window and door manufacturing | 16 | $23,776,000 | --- | $1,486,000 | --- | $14,860 | --- |
332322 | Sheet metal work manufacturing | 122 | $122,956,000 | $573,443,000 | $1,007,836 | $4,700,352 | $10,078 | $14,101 |
335121 | Residential electric lighting fixture manufacturing | 9 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
335122 | Commercial, industrial, and institutional electric lighting fixture manufacturing | 8 | $2,625,000 | --- | $328,125 | --- | $3,281 | --- |
335129 | Other lighting equipment manufacturing | 4 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
423720 | Plumbing and heating equipment and supplies (hydronics) merchant wholesalers | 168 | $82,225,000 | $897,748,000 | $489,435 | $5,343,738 | $4,894 | $16,031 |
541310 | Architectural services | 635 | $326,798,000 | $921,033,000 | $514,643 | $1,450,446 | $5,146 | $4,351 |
541330 | Engineering services | 1599 | $1,758,825,000 | $3,946,553,000 | $1,099,953 | $2,468,138 | $11,000 | $7,404 |
541350 | Building inspection services | 154 | $9,724,000 | $28,297,000 | $63,143 | $183,747 | $631 | $551 |
561621 | Security systems services (except locksmiths) | 109 | $86,072,000 | $233,388,000 | $789,651 | $2,141,174 | $7,897 | $6,424 |
Note: | Data is blank in some fields to protect data source. Data Source: Economic Census of the United States. |
Estimate of the Number of Jobs That Will Be Created or Lost: The adoption of the latest code edition is not expected to significantly impact the number of jobs in the construction industry. These rules are likely to be job neutral overall, i.e., they will not result in any job gains or losses. The scheduled effective date of the new edition is July 1, 2020. Building permits issued prior to that date will be vested under the 2015 building code. Permits issued for projects under the 2018 code edition will generally start with the 2021 construction season.
A copy of the statement may be obtained by contacting Richard Brown, 1500 Jefferson Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-407-9277, email Richard.brown@des.wa.gov.
August 10, 2020
Diane Glenn
Council Chair
Chapter 51-56 WAC
STATE BUILDING CODE ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF THE ((2015))2018 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-02-072, filed 12/26/19, effective 7/1/20)
WAC 51-56-0400Chapter 4—Plumbing fixtures and fixture fittings.
402.5 Setting. Fixtures shall be set level and in proper alignment with reference to adjacent walls. No water closet or bidet shall be set closer than fifteen (15) inches (381 mm) from its center to any side wall or obstruction nor closer than thirty (30) inches (762 mm) center to center to any similar fixture. The clear space in front of any water closet or bidet shall be not less than twenty-four (24) inches (610 mm). No urinal shall be set closer than twelve (12) inches (305 mm) from its center to any side wall or partition nor closer than twenty-four (24) inches (610 mm) center to center.
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. The clear space in front of a water closet, lavatory or bidet in dwelling units and sleeping units shall be not less than 21 inches (533 mm). |
| 2. The installation of paper dispensers or accessibility grab bars shall not be considered obstructions. |
405.4 Application. No individual, public or private corporation, firm, political subdivision, government agency, or other legal entity, may, for purposes of use in the state of Washington, distribute, sell, offer for sale, import, install, or approve for installation any plumbing fixtures or fittings unless the fixtures or fittings meet the standards as provided for in this chapter.
407.2 Water Consumption. The maximum water ((use allowed in gallons per minute (gpm) or liters per minute (lpm) for any of the following faucets and replacement aerators is the following:
Lavatory faucets | 2.2 gpm/9.5 lpm |
Kitchen faucets | 2.2 gpm/9.5 lpm |
Replacement aerators | 2.2 gpm/9.5 lpm |
Public lavatory faucets other than metering | 0.5 gpm/1.9 lpm)) |
flow rate of faucets shall comply with Section 407.2.1 through 407.2.2.
407.2.1 Maximum Flow Rate. The maximum flow rate for public lavatory faucets shall not exceed 0.5 gpm at 60 psi (1.9 L/m at 414 kPa).
407.2.1.1 Residential Lavatory Faucets. The maximum flow rate of residential lavatory faucets shall not exceed 1.2 gallons (4.54 L) per minute at 60 psi. The minimum flow rate of residential lavatory faucets shall not be less than 0.8 gallons (3.03 L) per minute at 20 psi.
407.2.1.2 Lavatory Faucets in Common and Public Use Areas. The maximum flow rate of lavatory faucets, installed in common and public use areas (outside of dwellings or sleeping units) in residential buildings, shall not exceed 0.5 gallons (1.89 L) per minute at 60 psi.
407.2.2 Metering Faucets. Metered faucets shall deliver a maximum of 0.25 gallons (1.0 L) per metering cycle in accordance with ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1.
407.4 Metering Valves. Lavatory faucets located in restrooms intended for use by the general public shall be equipped with a metering valve designed to close by spring or water pressure when left unattended (self-closing).
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Where designed and installed for use by persons with a disability. |
| 2. Where installed in day care centers, for use primarily by children under 6 years of age. |
408.2 Water Consumption. Showerheads shall ((have a maximum flow rate of not more than 2.5 gpm at 80 psi (9.5 L/m at 552 kPa), in accordance with ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1.
EXCEPTION: | Emergency use showers shall be exempt from the maximum water usage rates.)) |
meet the maximum flow rate of 1.8 gallons (6.81 L) per minute measured at 80 psi. Showerheads shall be certified to the performance criteria of the U.S. EPA WaterSense Specification for Showerheads.
EXCEPTION: | Emergency use showers shall be exempt from the maximum water usage rates. |
408.2.1 Multiple Showerheads Serving One Shower. When a shower is served by more than one showerhead, including handheld showerheads, the combined flow rate of all showerheads and/or other shower outlets controlled by a single valve shall not exceed 1.8 gallons (6.81 L) per minute at 80 psi, or the shower shall be designed to allow only one shower outlet to be in operation at a time.
408.2.5 Tub Spout Diverters and Showerhead Tub Spout Diverter Combinations. The tested leakage rate of tub spout diverters shall be not greater than 0.01 gallons per minute when new and no greater than 0.05 gallons per minute after 15,000 test cycles. Showerhead tub spout diverter combinations: Showerhead tub spout diverter combinations shall meet both the standard for showerheads and the standard for tub spout diverters.
408.4 Waste Outlet. Showers shall have a waste outlet and fixture tailpiece not less than two (2) inches (50 mm) in diameter. Fixture tailpieces shall be constructed from the materials specified in Section 701.1 for drainage piping. Strainers serving shower drains shall have a waterway at least equivalent to the area of the tailpiece.
EXCEPTION: | In a residential dwelling unit where a 2 inch waste is not readily available and approval of the AHJ has been granted, the waste outlet, fixture tailpiece, trap and trap arm may be 1-1/2 inch when an existing tub is being replaced by a shower sized per Section 408.6(2). This exception only applies where one shower head rated at 2.5 gpm is installed. |
408.6 Shower Compartments. Shower compartments, regardless of shape, shall have a minimum finished interior of nine hundred (900) square inches (0.58 m2) and shall also be capable of encompassing a thirty (30) inch (762 mm) circle. The minimum required area and dimensions shall be measured at a height equal to the top of the threshold and at a point tangent to its centerline. The area and dimensions shall be maintained to a point of not less than seventy (70) inches (1,778 mm) above the shower drain outlet with no protrusions other than the fixture valve or valves, shower head, soap dishes, shelves, and safety grab bars or rails. Fold-down seats in accessible shower stalls shall be permitted to protrude into the thirty (30) inch (762 mm) circle.
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Showers that are designed to comply with ICC/ANSI A117.1. |
| 2. The minimum required area and dimension shall not apply for a shower receptor having overall dimensions of not less than thirty (30) inches (762 mm) in width and sixty (60) inches (1,524 mm) in length. |
411.2 Water Consumption.((Water closets shall have a maximum consumption not to exceed 1.6 gallons (6.0 L) of water per flush in accordance with ASME A112.19.2/CSA B45.1. No water closet that operates on a continuous flow or continuous flush basis shall be permitted.
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Water closets located in day care centers, intended for use by young children may have a maximum water use of 3.5 gallons per flush or 13.25 liters per flush. |
| 2. Water closets with bed pan washers may have a maximum water use of 3.5 gallons per flush or 13.25 liters per flush. |
| 3. Blow out bowls, as defined in ANSI/ASME A112.19.2M, Section 5.1.2.3 may have a maximum water use of 3.5 gallons per flush or 13.25 liters per flush.)) |
The effective flush volume of all water closets shall not exceed 1.28 gallons (4.8 L) per flush when tested in accordance with ASME A112.19.2/CSA B45.1.
EXCEPTIONS: | 1. Water closets located in day care centers, intended for use by young children may have a maximum water use of 3.5 gallons per flush or 13.25 liters per flush. |
| 2. Water closets with bed pan washers may have a maximum water use of 3.5 gallons per flush or 13.25 liters per flush. |
| 3. Blow out bowls, as defined in ANSI/ASME A112.19.2M, Section 5.1.2.3 may have a maximum water use of 3.5 gallons per flush or 13.25 liters per flush. |
411.2.1 Dual Flush Water Closets. Dual flush water closets shall comply with ASME A112.19.14. The effective flush volume for dual flush water closets shall be defined as the composite, average flush volume of two reduced flushes and one full flush.
411.2.2 Performance. Water closets installed shall meet or exceed the minimum performance criteria developed for certification of high-efficiency toilets under the WaterSense program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
411.2.3 Flushometer Valve Activated Water Closets. Flushometer valve activated water closets shall have a maximum flush volume of 1.6 gallons (6.0 Lpf) of water per flush in accordance with ASME A112.19.2/CSA B45.1.
412.1 Application. Urinals shall comply with ASME A112.19.2/CSA B45.1, ((ASME A112.19.19, or CSA B45.5/IAPMO Z124. Urinals shall have an average water consumption not to exceed 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water per flush. No urinal that operates on a continuous flow or continuous flush basis shall be permitted))consumption not to exceed 0.125 gallons (0.47 L) per flush. Other urinals shall have an average water consumption not to exceed 0.5 gallons (1.89 L) per flush.
414.3 Drainage Connection. Domestic dishwashing machines shall discharge indirectly through an air gap fitting in accordance with Section 807.3 into a waste receptor, a wye branch fitting on the tailpiece of a kitchen sink, or dishwasher connection of a food waste disposer. Commercial dishwashing machines shall discharge indirectly through an air gap.
415.2 Drinking Fountain Alternatives. This section is not adopted. See Building Code chapter 29.
418.3 Location of Floor Drains. Floor drains shall be installed in the following areas:
1. Toilet rooms containing two (2) or more water closets or a combination of one (1) water closet and one (1) urinal, except in a dwelling unit. The floor shall slope toward the floor drains.
2. Laundry rooms in commercial buildings and common laundry facilities in multifamily dwelling buildings.
420.0 Sinks
420.1 Application. Sinks shall comply with ASME A112.19.1/CSA B45.2, ASME A112.19.2/CSA B45.1, ASME A112.19.3/CSA B45.4, or CSA B45.5/IAPMO Z124. Moveable sink systems shall comply with ASME A112.19.12.
420.2 Water Consumption. Sink faucets shall have a maximum flow rate of not more than 2.2 gpm at 60 psi (8.3 L/m at 414 kPa) in accordance with ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1.
EXCEPTION: | Clinical sinks, laundry trays, service sinks. |
420.2.1 Kitchen Faucets. Kitchen faucets shall have a maximum flow rate of not more than 1.8 gallons (6.81 L) per minute at 60 psi. Kitchen faucets may temporarily increase the flow above the maximum rate, but not to exceed 2.2 gallons (8.3 L) per minute at 60 psi, and must default to a maximum flow rate of 1.8 gallons (6.81 L) per minute at 60 psi.
EXCEPTION: | Where faucets meeting the maximum flow rate of 1.8 gpm (6.81 L) are unavailable, aerators or other means may be used to achieve reduction. |
420.3 Prerinse Spray Valve. Commercial food service prerinse spray valves shall have a maximum flow rate of 1.6 gallons per minute (gpm) at 60 pounds-force per square inch (psi) (6.0 L/m at 414 kPa) in accordance with ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 and shall be equipped with an integral automatic shutoff.
422.0 Minimum Number of Required Fixtures. For minimum number of plumbing fixtures required, see Building Code Chapter 29 and Table 2902.1.
423.0 Landscape Irrigation.
423.1 Spray Sprinkler Body. Spray sprinkler bodies must include an integral pressure regulator and must meet the water efficiency and performance criteria and other requirements of environmental protection agency water sense program product specification for spray sprinkler bodies.
EXCEPTION: | Spray sprinkler bodies specifically excluded from the scope of the environmental protection agency water sense program product specification for spray sprinkler bodies. |
Sections 422.1 through 422.5 and Table 422.1 are not adopted.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 20-02-072, filed 12/26/19, effective 7/1/20)
WAC 51-56-0500Chapter 5—Water heaters.
501.1 Applicability. The regulations of this chapter shall govern the construction, location, and installation of fuel burning and other types of water heaters heating potable water. The minimum capacity for water heaters shall be in accordance with the first hour rating listed in Table 501.1(2). See the Mechanical Code for combustion air and installation of all vents and their connectors. No water heater shall be hereinafter installed that does not comply with the manufacturer's installation instructions and the type and model of each size thereof approved by the authority having jurisdiction. A list of accepted water heater appliance standards is referenced in Table 501(2). Listed appliances shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. Unlisted water heaters shall be permitted in accordance with Section 504.3.2.
TABLE 501.1(2)1,3
Number of Bathrooms | 1 to 1.5 | 2 to 2.5 | 3 to 3.5 |
Number of Bedrooms | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
First Hour Rating2, Gallons | 38 | 49 | 49 | 49 | 62 | 62 | 74 | 62 | 74 | 74 | 74 |
Notes: | 1The first hour rating is found on the "Energy Guide" label. |
| 2Nonstorage and solar water heaters shall be sized to meet the appropriate first hour rating as shown in the table, and shall be capable of delivering hot water at the maximum system demand flow, as calculated in Section 610.0 or Appendix A, as applicable. |
| 3For replacement water heaters, see Section 102.4. |
501.1.2 Consumer Electric Storage Water Heater Requirements. Consumer electric storage water heaters must have a modular demand response communications port compliant with the March 2018 version of the ANSI/CTA–2045-A communication interface standard, or equivalent and the March 2018 version of the ANSI/CTA-2045-A application layer requirements. The interface standard and application layer requirements required in this subsection are the versions established in March 16 2018.
EXCEPTION: | Water heaters manufactured prior to January 1, 2021. |
501.1.3 Mini-tank Electric Water Heaters. The standby energy consumption of hot water dispensers and mini-tank electric water heaters manufactured on or after January 1, 2010, shall be not greater than 35 watts. Mini-tank electric water heaters shall be tested in accordance with the method specified in the California Code of 39 Regulations, Title 20, section 1604 in effect as of July 26, 2009.
504.1 Location. Water heater installation in bedrooms and bathrooms shall comply with one of the following:
(1) Fuel-burning water heaters may be installed in a closet located in the bedroom or bathroom provided the closet is equipped with a listed, gasketed door assembly and a listed self-closing device. The self-closing door assembly shall meet the requirements of Section 505.1.1. The door assembly shall be installed with a threshold and bottom door seal and shall meet the requirements of Section 505.1.2. All combustion air for such installations shall be obtained from the outdoors in accordance with the International Mechanical Code. The closet shall be for the exclusive use of the water heater.
(2) Water heater shall be of the direct vent type.
505.2 Safety Devices. All storage-type water heaters deriving heat from fuels or types of energy other than gas, shall be provided with, in addition to the primary temperature controls, an over-temperature safety protection device constructed, listed, and installed in accordance with nationally recognized applicable standards for such devices and a combination temperature and pressure relief valve.
506.0 Combustion Air. For issues relating to combustion air, see the Mechanical Code.
Sections 506.1 through 506.9 are not adopted.
Sections 507.6 through 507.9 are not adopted.
507.2 Seismic Provisions. Water heaters shall be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal displacement due to earthquake motion. Strappings shall be at points within the upper one-third and lower one-third of its vertical dimensions. At the lower point, a distance of not less than four (4) inches (102 mm) shall be maintained from the controls to the strapping.
507.13 Installation in Garages. Appliances in garages and in adjacent spaces that open to the garage and are not part of the living space of a dwelling unit shall be installed so that burners, burner-ignition devices and ignition sources are located not less than eighteen (18) inches above the floor unless listed as flammable vapor ignition resistant.
507.16 Venting of Flue Gases - Delete entire section.
Sections 507.18 through 507.22 are not adopted.
509.0 Venting of Equipment. Delete entire section.
510.0 Sizing of Category I Venting Systems. Delete entire section.
511.0 Direct Vent Equipment. Delete entire section.