What You Need to Know About the New Jersey Plumbing Code

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What You Need to Know About the New Jersey Plumbing Code

All state in the US have their own plumbing code as well as construction code that residents and contractors need to abide by. Usually, plumbing permits are usually applied for when one is applying for the construction permit. The building authorities at the municipal will always provide you with the cost for the plumbing permits once you have submitted the necessary documents needed.

The state of New Jersey’s plumbing code was designed in order to ensure that New Jersey plumbing contractors follow and abide by the recommended plumbing practice, design, and installation which would ensure that the health and safety of residents and the state are protected through proper design, installation as well as maintenance of the plumbing systems.

Simply put, the New Jersey Plumbing Code is meant to provide practices and performance criteria that’ll protect the health and safety of people while utilizing the proper use of plumbing systems. Of course, like with any code, there are exceptions depending on the matter at hand. While the plumbing code may not specifically spell the type of devices or methods that may be used, the authority under the given jurisdiction can make exceptions and give direction as long as safety is guaranteed.

In addition, it’s also important to note that these codes undergo frequent revisions. Most times, these codes take years before they are updated in order to accommodate current trends as well as advancements in the technological field in the plumbing sector. That said, when considering what plumbing code to follow in New Jersey, always ensure you read up on the most updated or visit your local authority.

Application of Plumbing Code

The New Jersey plumbing code applies to any installation that includes the erection, installation, alteration, replacement, repair, maintenance or addition to use the plumbing system. The code allows that any addition or repair or alterations can be made to an already existing plumbing system without the need for the existing installation to abide with all the requirement of the code.

In addition, for an existing plumbing installation that was lawfully installed before the adoption of the current plumbing code can continue to be used, maintained or repaired as is as long as the repair or maintenance sticks with the original design, location and no hazard is created to life, health or property by the changes being made to the plumbing system.

When it gets to maintenance and repairs of all plumbing systems, they need to be done in such a manner that is safe and in a proper condition. The homeowner or the hired plumbing professional will be in responsible for the maintenance of the plumbing system. Minor replacements and repairs are allowed for an already existing system as long as they are done in the same way and arrangement as the original work, and they get approved.

If for any reason, you need to change the use of your building or occupancy, then the plumbing system will need to comply with the current code for its new occupancy or use. When it comes to historic buildings, the provisions of the plumbing code will not be mandatory when it comes to any additions, alterations, repair, restoration or replacement as long as the work is considered safe and is in being done in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare.

Approvals

The New Jersey plumbing code is not meant to prevent the use of any materials or the installation method that will be used. However, the materials and methods both need to meet the intents of the code and need to be approved by the authority that has jurisdiction in a given town or city.

The authority that has jurisdiction will have the right to approve the material or an installation method being used as long as the two are equivalent to the requirements of the code if they abide by other plumbing standards that are accepted nationally. According to the code, the jurisdiction will be required to keep a record of such approval and avail it to the general public.

However, there is a caveat. The code will require that enough evidence on why the alternate material or method is being used. If the applicant doesn’t provide this, the jurisdiction has the right to ask a testing agency to test both the method and material to substantiate the evidence given. The tests will also need to be done in accordance with the jurisdiction’s test procedure, and if there is none, the jurisdiction will provide one.

All these will be done at the applicants’ cost. As such, if your preferred materials and methods raise an issue with the authorities in your jurisdiction, it may be wise to use what is usually used to avoid additional costs. In addition, the authority may ask for a retest should there be any doubts that arise from the installation method or materials if it doesn’t meet the requirements upon which it was initially approved.

Enforcement of the Plumbing Code

When it comes to enforcing the plumbing code, the board or agency is usually appointed by the jurisdiction and has the authority to not only administer but enforce each section of the New Jersey Plumbing Code. The same agency then has powers to employee assistants, inspectors or other designated employees that will carry out and enforce the code.
That is why for instance, you will have inspectors from the authority in your jurisdiction come and inspect the plumbing system and approve the applications made. You or your plumber will have to draw all the plans of the plumbing project to scale clearly showing location, indicating the nature as well as the extent of the proposed work before it gets approved and commences.

Permits will only be issued once the authority in your jurisdiction finds that plans and specification abide by the requirements and once all payment fees have been made. Even with the approval, it means that all the work done needs to be as was indicated in the plan and should not deviate as that will lead to issues with the authority. If you live in New Jersey and are not sure about the plumbing code and need to build or make changes to an existing building, it may be wise to consult with your plumber or better yet, visit the authority in your jurisdiction.