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8 of the most unexpected code updates in the 2022 CPC

 

Each code cycle (every 3 years) amendments and upates are made. These are often to clairfy and improve upon the existing code, but can sometimes surprise contractors and inspectors alike. Here's a quick list of the updates to the 2022 California Plumbing Code that would most affect residential installations:

 

 

TOP 8 Unexpected Code Updates from the 2022 California Plumbing Code

 

1. Individual Shower and Tub/Shower Control Valves: Two sections added CPC408.3, allowing for more options to meet both temperature limiting and thermal shock requirement, but the biggest allowances really only apply to POU type heaters, see below:

ADDED CODE: 408.3.1 Gang Showers & 408.3.2 Temperature Limiting as well as 410.3 Limitation of Water Temperature in Bidets.

 

A “Point of Use” water heater can now be considered to provide the correct temperature limiting controls if it complies with ASSE 1084. “Point of use” refers specifically to appliances that are located near the sink, shower or bath where the water is used, instead of a central heater. Simplified; instant, supplemental water heaters with built-in temperature limiting controls, may be used in place of a thermostatic mixing valve. An application where this could be useful would be where an antique or imported roman-style valve is to be installed.

 

2. Venting of Gas-burning Appliances using Plastic Piping: CPC509.4.1 was clarified to include the following text: “The plastic pipe venting materials shall be labeled in accordance with the product standards specified by the appliances manufacturer or shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1738.

This topic has been hotly debated however much of the debate comes from confusion. Table 509.4 should be referred to first to find venting requirements based on the appliance type. It’s also important to keep in mind that 509.4.3 sets the requirements for plastic piping in all category II, III and IV appliances, which includes on-demand/tankless water heaters.

 

3. Water Supply and Flushing: Most affects dead legs in potable water systems
Wording in CPC 601.2 has been clarified to require that any fixture connected to the potable water sytem be flushable. Dead ends/dead legs (defined here by Legionella Control International) which are greater than 1.5x the diameter of the pipe must be removed. 

 

4. Water Heater Discharge Piping: CPC 608.5(8) updated to require that the discharge termination point shall be readily observable. 

 

5. Pipe Insulation Requirements Clarified: CPC 609-12-3 Any piping that penetrates metal framing must be isolated using grommets, plugs, wrapping or other insulating material to ensure no contact is made with the metal framing. Insulation of pipes must abut securly against the wall framing.
Insulation that is used in walls, crawl spaces and attics, may only be considered pipe insulation if the correct amount of insulation surrounds either side of the pipe; 1” in walls, 2” in crawlspaces, and 4” in attics per California Energy Code 150(j)1: Exception 4

 

6. Minimum Trap Size for Tub-Shower Conversions updated: CPC Table 702.1 footnote 9 states that a minimum size trap for tub-shower conversions can now be 1.5”.  

 

7. Circuit-Venting a wall hung toilet: Exception added to CPC 911.1 allowing back outlet and wall hung water closets to be circuit vented provided that no floor-outlet fixtures are connected to the same horizontal branch.New provisions for sizing and interconnecting circuit vents also added.

 

8. Shut off Valves inside fireplaces: CPC 1212.6(1) updated to state that any shutoff valve serving decorative appliances ina fireplace shall not be located within the fireplace firebox unless that valve is specifically listed for such use [NFPA 54:9.6.5.1(B)]
The following exception requires any shutoff valve to be accessibly located so the appliance may be serviced without the removal of the gas valve itself. 

 

Keeping this list and these code sections handy can help you get through your project inspections faster. Subscribe to my newsletter to stay up to date on code updates as they're posted; don't worry, we don't email often.