The International Code Council announced new editions to the International Plumbing Code and the International Mechanical Code in the upcoming 2024 editions of the International Codes.

The 2024 IPC aims to improve public health through enhanced waste management requirements and plumbing system resilience to natural hazards. It also aims to advance community sustainability through new water conservation measures while ensuring building accessibility by integrating the updated ICC A117.1 Accessibility Standard. 

According to the Code Council, this makes the IPC the most comprehensive plumbing code to date. 

Some updates to the 2024 IPC include the following:  

• Provisions added for support of buried piping beneath buildings with expansive soil conditions.  
• Option added for vacuum testing drain waste vent piping.  
• Showerhead flow limited to 2 gpm with performance complying with high-efficiency requirements.  
• Standards added for chemical waste piping and fitting materials.  

The 2024 IMC will establish minimum regulations for mechanical systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions, says the International Code Council.  

The IMC has also made several important changes from the 2021 to 2024 IMC, according to the Code Council: 

• Removal of requirements that prohibited the use of domestic ductless range hoods in groups I-1 and I-2.    
• Group A2L and B2L refrigerant requirements added. 
• Leak detection monitoring with alarm requirements added where discharge from safety relief valves is not readily visible to occupants.  
• Outside air requirements for dwelling units increased. 
• Requirements for exhaust system common ducts serving separate dwelling units added, requiring maintenance of the common duct or shaft at a negative pressure at all times.  

As part of the Code Council’s digital transformation strategy, the 2024 IPC and IMC will be the first of the 2024 International Codes to undergo substantial revisions to improve user experience, providing a modern look and achieving parity between print and PDF versions of the International Codes with the Code Council’s Digital Codes content.  

These updates were based on feedback from print and digital users and will be implemented in all future International Codes.

Other enhancements include QR codes next to revised codes for easy reference and a pilot program of a near-field communication tag to improve user access to International Codes support, increase security and make product owner registration easier.   

For more details about these changes, visit the Code Council's dedicated webpage, and to purchase print or digital copies of the 2024 IPC and IMC, visit the Code Council’s store.