Release of the 2024 International Plumbing Code

Posted on by Nate Bortz

2024 International Plumbing Code: What You Need to Know About This Edition

On August 31, 2023, the International Code Council (ICC) announced the release of the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC). In this article, we’ll cover some of the major changes that plumbers can expect to see. We’ll explore the new edition and explain how it supports ICC’s goal to “protect life, health and safety of building occupants and the public.” 

Key 2024 IPC Changes

Visual Updates 

The changes that readers will likely notice right away are visual. The 2024 IPC is one of the first International Codes (I-Codes) to support what ICC calls an ongoing digital transformation. After collecting feedback from print and digital I-Code users, ICC applied substantial formatting changes to improve readability, reduce page count, and support sustainability.  

Practically, the style changes include streamlined lists, consistent grouping of associated content, shading for table headers and notes, single-column text, and modernized font styles. For displaying code changes, ICC moved away from marginal markings and will now use QR codes.  

ICC says this change is to help users precisely identify code changes. It can also help you quickly identify changes since any section with a technical revision will show a QR code.

Source: iccsafe.org

Important Changes to the Code 

source: iccsafe.org

Every three years, ICC introduces potential code changes and starts what is called a governmental consensus process. Objectives for this multi-phase code development process include recognizing how technological developments can impact codes and increasing opportunities for collaboration through online comment submission and voting.

The following changes were approved during the 2024 IPC development process: 

  • New provisions for support of buried piping beneath buildings where expansive soil conditions exist.
  • New tracer wire requirements for buried plastic sewer piping.
     
  • New options for vacuum testing of Drain Waste Vent (DWV) piping.
  • Updated plumbing fixture requirements for various Group I occupancies.
     
  • A new exception for allowing special locking mechanisms for doors to multiple-user toilet facilities.
     
  • A new testing requirement in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 for plastic pans under gas-fired water heaters.
     
  • Showerhead flow is now limited to 2.0 GPM to comply with high-efficiency requirements.
     
  • New installation standards for solvent-cemented plastic piping joints.
  • New standards for chemical waste piping materials. 

New plumbing products, technologies, and environmental concerns also prompted ICC to introduce new regulations to the code. On the environmental side, the 2024 IPC now provides minimum regulations for plumbing facilities (especially waste management) and accepts new plumbing and systems that are resilient against natural hazards. New materials and plumbing products that promote water conservation are also covered.

Lastly, accessibility provisions and requirements from the ICC A117.1 Accessibility Standard are now included, making the 2024 IPC “the most comprehensive plumbing code available,” according to ICC.

Preparing for New Code Compliance 

Although the 2024 IPC is now available, that doesn’t mean it’ll be in the hands of plumbers across the country right away. The IPC is designed as a model that a local government or authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) can adopt and incorporate into its own laws. During the adoption process, an AHJ can make changes to the code that reflect local practices and laws. 

Because the IPC — and all ICC material — is copyrighted, any law that an AHJ adopts cannot contain any IPC text. Instead, it’s incorporated by reference. This means an adopted plumbing law will cite the title, edition, and publishing information of whichever IPC edition the AHJ used. 

Currently, 37 states plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam have adopted some version of the IPC at the state or local level. As you can see from the image below, states are still using many different IPC editions for their adopted laws.

Source: iccsafe.org

The timeframe for when plumbers across the country can expect to see 2024 IPC changes adopted to local laws depends on how long AHJs take to review the code. 

Michigan’s latest plumbing code, for example, is based on the 2018 IPC. Although ICC released that edition in August 2017, the Michigan plumbing code didn’t come out until September 15, 2021. Michigan’s adoption process took nearly four years.

What’s Next? 

While it could be a while before AHJs adopt the 2024 IPC, plumbers should still review the changes and think about participating in the next code development process. According to ICC, public code change submissions for the 2024 to 2026 code development cycle start on October 16.  

Plumbers interested in submitting their code change suggestions, voting on proposed changes, or participating in the public comment period should create a cdpACCESS account. The deadline for submitting code changes is January 8, 2024, followed by the first 2024 Committee Action Hearing on April 7–16, 2024.  

As more states adopt the 2024 IPC, we’ll release updates on new CE requirements or courses. In the meantime, we encourage all plumbers to use their cdpACCESS account to make their voices heard during the next code development cycle!

Sources 

Campbell, D. (2023, August 31). International Code Council Unveils 2024 International Plumbing Code and 2024 International Mechanical Code. Retrieved from https://www.iccsafe.org/about/periodicals-and-newsroom/international-code-council-unveils-2024-international-plumbing-code-and-2024-international-mechanical-code/ 

George, R. (2023, February 03). Codes and Standards Update. Retrieved from https://www.phcppros.com/articles/16867-codes-and-standards-update 

International Code Council. (2022, December 07). CP#28-05 – Code Development. Retrieved from https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/CP-28-05-Code-Development-Procedure-12072022-NEW-FORMAT.pdf 

International Code Council. (2023, August 31). 2024 International Plumbing Code. Retrieved from https://shop.iccsafe.org/2024-international-plumbing-coder.html 

International Code Council. (n.d.). Code Adoption Resources. Retrieved from https://www.iccsafe.org/code-adoption-resources/#faqs 

International Code Council. (n.d.). International Plumbing Code (IPC). Retrieved from https://www.iccsafe.org/content/international-plumbing-code-ipc-home-page/ 

International Code Council. (n.d.). New Design for the 2024 International Codes. Retrieved from https://www.iccsafe.org/about/2024-i-code-updates/