Smart business owners look for ways to keep costs in check. They know that spending money just for the sake of doing so harms the bottom line. Yet there are times when businesses need to spend more than they want to. Take commercial plumbing services. They are worth paying for in light of the many challenging codes commercial properties need to comply with.
Here in Utah, building codes pertaining to commercial plumbing are both comprehensive and complex. Anything other than minor repairs to a commercial plumbing system should be left to professionals. Beehive Plumbing is available throughout Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah counties.
2021 International Plumbing Code
States have a certain amount of freedom to develop their own building codes. In Utah, the commercial plumbing code is based on the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC). It has been modified with certain amendments to account for some of Utah’s unique needs.
We would not expect small business maintenance crews to fully know and understand the code. Plumbing isn’t their specialty. But as commercial plumbers, state codes are essential to what we do. We need to know, understand, and implement the codes in order to ensure that our customers maintain compliance.
Examples of Challenging State Codes
It might be helpful to go through some of the more challenging state codes to illustrate why commercial plumbing services are so valuable in Utah. Here are five that illustrate the point nicely:
1. Preventing Backflow
Certain types of businesses in Utah are required to deploy equipment capable of preventing backflow and its potential contamination. So commercial systems are designed with reduced pressure zones or double check valve assemblies. Both assemblies are ideal for preventing cross connection contamination in commercial kitchens, medical facilities, etc. State law also mandates that backflow prevention equipment be tested and certified annually.
2. Grease Interception
Restaurants and other facilities, including commercial kitchens, must install equipment to intercept grease so that it doesn’t flow into the sewer system. Devices known as grease interceptors are generally located outside structures and built with easy access in mind. The size and flow rate of a grease interceptor is based on the establishment’s waste volume.
3. Water Heater Safety
Commercial water heaters in Utah are subject to certain safety requirements. For example, a water heater must be installed with seismic bracing. Temperature limiting devices must be installed to prevent scalding and burns. If a water heater is powered by gas, rigid venting and fire-stop spacers are required.
4. Storm Water Drainage
Even exterior spaces are covered by Utah’s plumbing code. For example, commercial properties must have adequate storm drainage systems. Comprehensive stormwater conveyance calculations influence everything from slope gradient to the actual pipes used to clear water away.
5. ADA Compliance
In commercial restrooms, there are certain ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) mandates to pay attention to. For example, a sink must have a minimum knee clearance of 27″ to allow for wheelchair accessibility. Flush valves can require no more than 5 lbs. of force to activate.
New Construction and Plumbing Repairs
There are many more state codes we need to pay attention to as commercial plumbers. Whether it is new construction or existing plumbing repairs, the codes are non-negotiable. State and local inspectors are very rigid about compliance, so taking risks just isn’t worth it.
Beehive Plumbing is available to handle all your commercial plumbing needs. If your maintenance crew is not up to the task, we are. Just remember that commercial plumbing is subject to strict building codes with which there is no compromise. You must always maintain compliance.
