The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) recently completed technical committee meetings toward the proposed 2024 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), in-development American National Standards governing the installation and maintenance of plumbing and mechanical systems nationwide.

During the May 2-5 meetings at the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort, the two committees acted on a total of 358 comments on previously submitted proposals to amend the 2021 editions of the Uniform Codes.

The UPC Technical Committee acted on 155 public comments. Topics generating the most debate included rehabilitation of existing building sewers, common-use facilities, and Legionella risks. Other topics discussed included building service and supply piping, pitless well systems, two-way cleanouts, freeze protection, tankless water heater connections, waste piping, greywater systems, indoor horticultural facilities, and professional qualifications.

The UMC Technical Committee acted on 203 public comments. A2L refrigerant systems and Legionella risks were spiritedly debated, with numerous comments submitted. Other topics discussed included ventilation and exhaust systems, air filtration, press-connect joints, air conditioning and duct systems, indoor horticultural facilities, hydronic and geothermal energy systems, and professional qualifications.

The UMC Technical Committee commiss­­­­­­ioned a new Legionella Task Group be formed to address exposure risk to the public from mechanical equipment. This task group will tackle the issue of control and intervention of Legionella associated with mechanical systems.

In accordance with IAPMO’s American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited Regulations Governing Committee Projects, balloting of the consensus bodies, the UPC and UMC technical committees, opened on May 16 and will conclude on June 10. The Report on Comments (ROC) for each document will be created from these balloted actions and made available on Aug. 12. All consensus body actions will be published in the ROC.

IAPMO gathers the largest assembly of plumbing and mechanical experts in the world at its annual education and business conference and technical committee meetings, enabling anyone, members and non-members alike, to have a voice on proposed changes to the codes. The 93rd annual Education and Business Conference will take place Sept. 11-15 at the Sheraton Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina. Allowable motions during technical committee meetings are governed in accordance with Section 4-5 of the Regulations Governing Committee Projects. IAPMO urges its members and other interested parties to get involved in the code development process to ensure effectiveness in preserving the public health, safety, and welfare through fair and balanced development of the Uniform Codes.