PLUMBING FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION
Builders and general contractors usually use minimal quality parts and design consideration that will cost them less while at the same time meeting minimal code requirements. Have a local plumber or plumbing supplier give you independent information on parts and floor design. It is recommended that you visit plumbing showrooms, read books, visit homes, and over all educate yourself about what is out there.
If you are going to install new plumbing go high quality and high efficiency, doing so is a good investment that will pay you back. Make sure you make choices that meet your needs and desires. Timing and planning is important, it is better to discover the options before you build not after it is built and paid for.
Plumbing for new construction is a specialty. Drain cleaning, and repair plumbing does not always require that you bring your existing plumbing up to and in compliance will current code requirements. If you are doing a remodeling project or building a new house, you will be required to meet all of the new code requirements. Before you start a new construction or remodeling project it is recommended that you call a licensed plumber to give you advise on how to pick the best parts, materials, and how to lay out the plumbing that meets your needs, and meets the Building Plumbing Code requirements.
Proper sizing and placement of plumbing fixtures is important. Design considerations are important. The location of plumbing fixtures can have an impact on your home’s comfort, function, and capacity. Water flow rates are important to plan for. Some of these considerations like what type and size of water heater will serve you best, water heater locations or relocations, what type of drain material is recommend, some pipes are louder than others, what is the best lay out for your floor plan, which plumbing fixtures are the best and why?
CSLB Clarifies New Law Requiring Replacement of Plumbing Fixtures
Building permits issued for property maintenance and repairs does not trigger new requirements
SACRAMENTO — To dispel confusion over the new state Civil Code law (Senate Bill 407 (2009)) that became effective January 1, 2014, for replacement of outdated plumbing fixtures with water-saving models, the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) offers the following clarification for contractors.
The new law requires anyone applying for a building permit that will alter or improve a single-family residence built in 1994 or earlier to replace all plumbing fixtures with water-saving designs. Replacement is a condition of receiving final permit approval from a local building department. The law also requires, by 2019, water-conserving plumbing fixtures in multi-family dwellings or commercial properties when specific renovations are made.
Although not a legal opinion, the California Building Officials (CALBO) group has interpreted “alterations” or “improvements” to mean any construction to an existing structure that enhances or improves the structure. Construction that is related to repairs or maintenance of the structure is not considered to be an alteration or improvement.
Following is a list of permit types that CALBO considers to be repair or maintenance, and do not trigger the requirements of SB 407:
- Electrical service change out
- HVAC change out
- Re-roofing
- Sewer line replacement
- Siding or stucco
- Site work: retaining walls, fences, walkways, etc.
- Water heater replacement
- Window replacement
- Other repairs as determined by the state Building Code
It is feared that property owners and licensed contractors who misunderstand the law may end up paying for new fixtures that are not required, or may avoid pulling building permits altogether to avoid the possible triggers to SB 407.
Since this is not a legal opinion, CSLB encourages licensed contractors to verify requirements with their local building department before taking any action on a project.
For more information on SB 407 requirements, please read CALBO’s Legislative Analysis and the Tri-Chapter Uniform Code Committee guidelines.
Therefore, for existing single-family residential, multifamily residential and commercial buildings, the following
suggested list of work is considered not to trigger SB 407/Civil Code Sections 1101.1 through 1101.8:
Changes to electrical systems, e.g., electrical service upgrades
Changes to mechanical systems, e.g., HVAC or furnace replacement, duct replacement
Water heater replacement, piping replacement, sewer line replacement
Re-roof
Siding, stucco or any exterior finish replacement
Window replacement (including sliding glass or front door)
Chimney repair
Dry rot repair
Termite repair
Foundation repair
Seismic retrofit
Roof-mounted solar systems
Electric vehicle charging stations
Building signs
Alterations solely for the purpose of barrier removal (voluntary accessibility upgrades)
Work not associated with the building itself is not considered to trigger plumbing fixture upgrades in the
building, e.g.:
o Swimming pools or spas (in-ground or portable)
o Site work: Retaining walls, fences, walkways, landscaping, etc.
o Ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems
o Monument signs
Work in one building is not considered to trigger plumbing fixture upgrades in another building (e.g., work
in the following structure would not trigger upgrades in the separate single-family residential building):
o Accessory structures, sheds or patio covers
o Detached garages
o Second units
Other work as determined by the Building Official
For more information on SB 407 requirements, please read CALBO’s Legislative Analysis and the Tri-Chapter Uniform Code Committee guidelines.
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