It’s a new year, and with it comes a fresh set of updates to the Illinois Plumbing Code! Whether you’re a plumber, builder, or homeowner, staying up-to-date on the latest changes is crucial for ensuring your plumbing systems are safe and compliant. From revised regulations on water heaters to new requirements for backflow preventers, we’ve got all the details you need to know in our comprehensive guide to the top changes in the Plumbing Code for 2021. So grab your wrenches and let’s dive into what’s new!
Changes to the Illinois Plumbing Code
The Illinois Plumbing Code is changing this year! The most significant changes include updates to the provisions governing the installation of residential water supply systems, updated requirements for drains and waste disposal facilities, and new requirements for plumbing vents. a few more minor changes have been made as well.
Here are the top five changes to the Plumbing Code that you need to know about:
1. Updated provisions governing installation of residential water supply systems. New requirements are being put in place to protect against basement flooding and Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks.
2. Revised requirements for drains and waste disposal facilities. Systems must now be designed to handle increased flow rates, debris greater than 1 inch in diameter, and corrosive materials.
3. New requirements for plumbing vents. All vents in buildings must be inspected annually and repairs made if necessary.
New Requirements for Plumbing Systems
In 2012, Illinois passed a new plumbing code that went into effect on January 1, 2013. The new code has several important changes that will affect your plumbing system. The most significant change is the requirement to use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes in all new construction.
Another change is the increased emphasis on using proper drainage systems. You now must install a minimum of 2 inches of gravel or crushed stone beneath all water lines and drain pipes, as well as at least 1 inch of sand or clay beneath all other pipes. Additionally, you must install a properly sized catch basin and pump to handle any expected flooding.
Finally, the code requires that all fixtures be listed and approved by the National Plumbing Code instituter (NPCI). This includes everything from faucets to drains. If you are not sure whether a particular fixture is compliant with the NPCI standard, it is best to consult an experienced plumber.
Changes to the Drainage System
The Plumbing Code is in need of an update and many changes have been made to it this year. Below are the top changes to the Plumbing Code that will be taking effect January 1, 2019.
1. Changes to the Drainage System
Under the new Plumbing Code, drainage systems must now be able to handle a greater volume of water. This means that systems must be able to collect more rain and snowfall than before, as well as handle increased wastewater volumes from commercial and residential properties.
2. New Requirements for Sump Pumps
Sump pumps will now require a discharge capacity of at least one acre-foot per day (afd), which is up from the previous discharge requirement of 0.5 afd. This increase in pumping capacity is necessary to prevent flooding in areas prone to heavy rains and floods.
3. Changes to Water Heaters and Fixtures
Under the new code, all water heaters must now be registered with the state, and all fixtures used with water heaters must meet specific safety standards. Additionally, all warm-water outlets on water heaters must now comply with Section 1910.14(B) of the building code, which requires them to be protected from entrapment by objects such as rugs or furniture.
Changes to Water Heaters
The Plumbing Code has undergone a number of changes in 2018. This includes updates to regulations around water heaters, plumbing fixtures, and pressure relief valves.
Here are the key changes:
1. Changes to Water Heaters:
One of the most significant changes to the Plumbing Code this year is updates to regulations around water heaters. Now, all water heaters must meet new energy efficiency requirements, and there are additional safety requirements for these appliances. For example, all water heaters must now have a shut-off valve that prevents them from over heating and exploding. Additionally, if your water heater is older than 10 years, it will need to be replaced.
2. Updates to Plumbing Fixtures:
Another major update to the Plumbing Code this year is updates to regulations around plumbing fixtures. Now, all new plumbing fixtures must comply with ANSI/ASME A112.19-2012 (or later), which sets stricter safety standards for these products. In addition, all existing plumbing fixtures must be retrofitted with updated safety features by 2020. These changes will help protect both you and your home from dangerous accidents.
3. Updated Regulations Around Pressure Relief Valves:
Last but not least, the Plumbing Code has also updated regulations around pressure relief valves (PRVs). PRVs are important devices that help prevent flooding in cases of an emergency situation like a pipe burst or overflowing sink basin. Now
Changes to the Gas Regulator
There have been a number of changes to the plumbing code in 2019. The most significant changes are listed below.
1. New section on water heaters
The new section on water heaters includes updated information on how to properly install and use water heaters. This information is important in order to keep your home safe and ensure that you are using the appropriate type of heater for your needs.
2. Updated sprinkler requirements
The updated sprinkler requirements include new requirements for areas that may be susceptible to flooding, as well as updated instructions on how to properly install and use sprinklers. This information is essential in order to protect your home from damage caused by floodwater or fire.
3. Updated rules for gas lines and gas appliances
The updated rules for gas lines and gas appliances include new requirements for ensuring proper installation and use of these appliances, as well as updated instructions on how to prevent injuries from accidental fires caused by these devices. These changes are necessary in order to protect both homeowners and emergency responders from potential injuries or death due to accidents involving gas appliances
Changes to Sewer Lines and Tanks
Since the inception of the plumbing code in 1957, there have been a number of changes made to the plumbing code. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most recent changes made to the plumbing code.
1. Changes to Sewer Lines and Tanks
One of the most significant updates to the plumbing code is the change to regulations for sewer lines and tanks. Previously, sewer lines were regulated by maximum line sizes based on their size class. This meant that smaller-sized lines could only be used for smaller-sized tanks and larger-sized lines could only be used for larger-sized tanks. With this update, all sewer lines are now categorized by severity and are required to meet specific requirements based on their classifications. For example, all Class A sewer lines must have a 6-inch minimum trench depth and a 24-inch diameter main line while all Class B sewer lines must have a 12-inch minimum trench depth and a 36-inch diameter main line. Additionally, all tank systems that receive raw wastewater (i.e., those that discharge into surface waters) must have a sludge blanket installed around the tank’s perimeter. Lastly, all new construction or alterations requiring an inspection must comply with these updated regulations.
Changes to Fixtures and Equipment
Since the Illinois plumbing code was last revised in 2003, significant changes have occurred. Below are the most significant updates for 2017:
1. Changes affecting fixtures and equipment
New in 2017 is a requirement forrooms with a water heater that uses gas or oil to have a pilot light. Previously, this requirement only applied to rooms with natural gas water Heaters. The goal of this change is to reduce the risk of house fires caused by an unlighted pilot light.
Another new requirement is that all showerheads must be properly tempered, which means they have been tested at over 150 degrees Fahrenheit and below -10 degrees Fahrenheit. This is to ensure that they can withstand repeated use under various conditions without leading to dangerous cracking or breakage.
2. Updates to electrical requirements
One of the main goals of the 2017 update to the Illinois plumbing code was to make it easier and more streamlined for contractors and homeowners to comply with electrical requirements. In particular, many of the outdated references were removed and replaced with standardized language that is easier to understand and follow. Additionally, many new provisions were added related to wiring methods for water heaters, roofs, and windows.
