The 2006 International Plumbing Code provides comprehensive minimum regulations for plumbing facilities in terms of both performance and prescriptive objectives, and provides for the acceptance of new and innovative products, materials and systems.

The provisions of the 2006 International Plumbing Code apply to the erection, installation, alteration, repairs, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of plumbing systems. The code also regulates nonflammable medical gas, inhalation anesthetic, vacuum piping, nonmedical oxygen systems and sanitary and condensate vacuum collection systems. Note that the installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel-gas-fired water heaters and water heater venting systems are regulated by the International Fuel Gas Code.

Important changes to the 2006 International Plumbing Code include:

• Provisions added to require partitions between urinals.
• Outdoor seating now added to occupant loads when determining required number of fixtures.
• New requirements for temperature-limiting devices for bathtubs, whirlpools, multiple showers, bidets, and public hand washing facilities.
• New definitions have been added for Flow Control (vented) and Grease Removal Device, Automatic, to correlate with the revised requirements for grease removal devices found in Chapter 10. The definition for grease trap was removed as grease traps are now called grease interceptors.
• Section 403.6 has been revised to require that public toilet facilities not be accessed through kitchens and storage spaces.
• A new section has been added to require backflow protection for the water supply connection to coffee machines and noncarbonated beverage dispensers.
• New language in Section 1003.3.5 addresses automatic grease removal devices and their installation and sizing requirements. Section 1003.3.1 has been revised to include automatic grease removal devices and list the type of fixtures and equipment with grease-laden waste that must discharge to such interceptors.
• Section 1003.4 has been revised to require oil separators for all car washing facilities.

Topics covered in the 2006 International Plumbing Code include fixtures, faucets and fixture fittings; water heaters; water supply and distribution; sanitary drainage; indirect/special waste; vents; traps, interceptors and separators; storm drainage; special piping and storage systems; and more.