We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.

logo
  • Engineers & Specifiers
  • Contractors & Installers
  • Wholesalers & Distributors
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Subscription
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • PRODUCTS
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Fire Protection
    • HVAC
    • Hydronics/Radiant
    • Plumbing
    • PVF
    • Tools
  • PROJECTS
    • Commercial
    • Green Building
    • MRO/Retrofit
    • Remodeling
    • Residential
  • HOW TO
    • Design
    • Fire Protection
    • Legal Matters
    • Management
  • BUSINESS
    • Buying Groups
    • Technology
    • Associations
  • CODES & STANDARDS
    • ANSI
    • ASHRAE
    • ASSE
    • Regulations
    • Green Building
    • IAPMO
    • ICC
    • NFPA
  • RESOURCES
    • Media Kit
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Classifieds
    • Digital Editions
    • Behind the Wall
    • Webinars
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • DIGITAL EDITIONS
Home » Nebraska Updates Default Plumbing Code to 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code

Nebraska Updates Default Plumbing Code to 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code

June 2, 2021
No Comments
Nebraska Updates Default Plumbing Code to 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts has approved legislation that officially updates the state's default plumbing code to the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

The legislation, LB 131, includes the plumbing code bill (formerly LB 218), along with a series of other bills heard by the Urban Affairs Committee. The Nebraska State Legislature passed LB 131 by a 40-7 vote.

In February 2021 the Urban Affairs Committee held a hearing to discuss the need for the state to update its default plumbing code from the 2009 UPC, and unanimously advanced LB 218 — which was later merged into LB 131 — to update the plumbing code to the 2018 UPC. The legislation continued the state's longstanding decision that a default plumbing code will only go into effect if a local jurisdiction does not already have its owned adopted plumbing code.

The bill also went one step further to promote uniformity and continuity throughout Nebraska by mandating state-owned or state-funded buildings utilize the 2018 UPC. This new decision supports the plumbing industry and professionals who gain certainty about which code they should train to and implement for a project.

Sen. Justin Wayne (District 13), chairman of the Urban Affairs Committee, introduced LB 218 and praised the bill's passage. "LB 218 (as amended into LB 131) will help protect the health and safety of all Nebraskans, regardless of whether they live in an urban, suburban, or rural area, and ensures that Nebraska plumbers and builders can use modern and efficient techniques in new construction."

The 2018 UPC is designed to provide consumers with safe and sanitary plumbing systems while, at the same time, allowing latitude for innovation and new technologies. By adopting the 2018 UPC, the state has made it possible for local jurisdictions to utilize UPC Appendix M, known as the Peak Water Demand Calculator (WDC), which determines pipe sizes based on flow rates and probabilities of water use, depicting a more realistic need for the plumbing systems. The WDC helps reduce material costs by 10-15% and improves sustainability as water travels more efficiently through the systems — delivering hot water faster to the user and resulting in less water waste — and improves water quality by preventing water stagnation, thus mitigating the risk of harmful pathogens and contaminants spreading in the system.

"I applaud the work of Sen. Wayne and the Urban Affairs Committee ensuring Nebraskans have access to the most progressive, sustainable, and resilient plumbing code available," said Brian Rogers, IAPMO's vice president of Field Services. "The adoption of the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code as Nebraska's default plumbing code is the gold standard for plumbing codes and will benefit citizens throughout the state. Passing LB 131 reaffirms the state's commitment to help ensure that all buildings have safe and cost-effective plumbing systems that meet the demands of today's consumers."

Partner groups around the state supported this bill, including the Mechanical Contractors of Omaha, Nebraska Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors Association, Nebraska State AFL-CIO, United Association of Plumbers Local Union 16, United Association of Steamfitters & Plumbers Local Union 464, as well as city officials from Grand Island and Lincoln.

"IAPMO is thrilled to see Nebraska recommit to safe and effective plumbing systems, supporting the plumbing industry, and creating more continuity throughout the state," Rogers said. "We are always available as an education partner and guide for how the 2018 UPC can be applied and used by any industry professional."

Associations Codes & Standards Engineers & Specifiers Hydronics/Radiant IAPMO Industry Community News Mechanical Plumbing
  • Related Articles

    Iowa Updates Plumbing Code to 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code

    Lincoln, Nebraska, Adopts 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code

    Bellevue, Nebraska Adopts 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and 2021 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub CodeĀ (USPSHTC)

  • Related Directories

    IAPMO

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular

  • Louisville Water Uncovers Ancient Check Valve Dating Back to the 1870s

  • Plumbing Museum Leaving Space in Watertown

  • NIBCO Announces Promotion of Dawn Bloch to Vice President, Customer Engagement

  • Winsupply Holds Grand Opening for Regional Distribution Center in Oklahoma City

Featured Video

Merit video june

Merit Brass Merit Press Technology in Copper & Stainless to Save You Time & Money

Industry Events

  • 25Jun

    2022 ASHRAE Annual Conference

    Toronto,
  • 26Jun

    SWA 94th Annual Convention

  • 09Aug

    PVF Roundtable Q3 Networking Meeting

    Houston , TX
More Events

Subscribe to our newsletters & stay updated

Subscribe & Learn More

  • Tw06 2022 cover
    Learn More
  • Pe06 2022 cover
    Learn More
  • Phc06 2022 cover
    Learn More
  • Es07 2020
    Learn More
Subscribe

More from PHCP Pros

  • Editorial Team
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise

Follow Us

© 2022 All Rights Reserved

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development | ePublishing