CMC · California Mechanical Code

Materials, Pipe, Tubing & Fittings

This hub orients you to the CMC’s material and piping rules (chiefly §§1210–1212 and related joints/fuel‑gas sections) and points to the tables and joint methods you must follow.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This area of the California Mechanical Code (CMC) sets material, piping, tubing, fitting and joint requirements for mechanical systems — especially hydronic, fuel‑gas, and related piping — and explains acceptable materials, joint types, support, expansion, and valve requirements. See the Materials and Hydronics headings (for example §1210.0 and §1211.0) for material lists, piping/tubing types, and joints, and §1212.0 for valve requirements.

The CMC prescribes specific materials and installation methods for many common piping systems (CPVC, PEX, PE, PVC, copper, steel, ductile iron, etc.), including tables (Table 1210.1) and detailed joint methods for each material family (see §1211.3–§1211.16). For fuel‑gas piping the code adds acceptance and joining rules in the Fuel Gas chapter (for example §1308.4 on acceptable piping materials and joining methods).

Expect overlap with the California Plumbing Code for water distribution and referenced standards (see Table 604.1 and the referenced‑standards tables) — the codes cross‑reference ASTM/ASME standards and list permitted fittings, solvents, and joint types that apply to plumbing and mechanical piping where systems interface.

In this section

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Mechanical Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

CMC § 1210.0 High relevance — show source text
1210.0 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

1210.1 Piping, Tubing, and Fittings . . . . . 260

1210.2 Expansion and Contraction . . . . . . 260

1210.3 Hangers and Supports . . . . . . . . . 260

1210.4 Oxygen Diffusion Corrosion . . . . . 260

1211.0 Joints and Connections . . . . . . . . 260

1211.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

1211.2 Pipe Bends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

Table 1210.1 Materials for Hydronic System Piping, Tubing, and Fittings . . . . . 261

Table 1211.2.2 Minimum Bend Radius

for PE Pipe Installed in Open Cut Trench . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

1211.3 Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

1211.4 CPVC/AL/CPVC Plastic Pipe and Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

1211.5 Copper or Copper Alloy Pipe and Tubing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

1211.6 Crossed-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

1211.7 Cross-Linked Polyethylene/ Aluminum/Cross-Linked

Polyethylene (PEX-AL-PEX) Pipe. . 263

1211.8 Ductile Iron Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

1211.9 Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe/Tubing. . . . . . . . . . . . 263

1211.10 Polyethylene/Aluminum/ Polyethylene (PE-AL-PE) . . . . . . . 264

1211.11 Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PE-RT). . . . . . . . . . 264

1211.12 Polypropylene (PP) Pipe. . . . . . . . 264

1211.13 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe . . . 264

1211.14 Steel Pipe and Tubing . . . . . . . . . 265

1211.15 Stainless Steel Pipe and Joints. . . 265

1211.16 Joints Between Various Materials. . 265

1212.0 Valves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

1212.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

1212.2 Where Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

1212.3 Heat Exchanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

1212.4 Pressure Vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

1212.5 Pressure Reducing Valves . . . . . . 265
CMC § 705.1.2 High relevance — show source text
2| |ASTM D2235-2021|Standard Specification for Solvent Cement for Acrylonitrile-
Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Plastic Pipe and Fittings|Joints|705.1.2| |ASTM D2239-2021|Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe
(SIDR-PR) Based on Controlled Inside Diameter|Piping|Table 604.1| |ASTM D2241-2020|Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Pressure-
Rated Pipe (SDR Series)|Piping|Table 604.1| |ASTM D2464-2015|Standard Specification for Threaded Poly (Vinyl Chloride)
(PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80|Fittings|Table 604.1| |ASTM D2466-2021|Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic
Pipe Fittings, Schedule 40|Fittings|Table 604.1| |ASTM D2467-2020|Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic
Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80|Fittings|Table 604.1| |ASTM D2513-2020|Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure
Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings|Piping|1208.5.4, 1208.5.6.2,
1208.5.10.2,
1210.1.7.1(1)| |ASTM D2564-2020|Standard Specification for Solvent Cements for Poly (Vinyl
Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Piping Systems|Joints|605.12.2, 705.6.2| |ASTM D2609-2021|Standard Specification for Plastic Insert Fittings for Polyethylene
(PE) Plastic Pipe|Fittings|Table 604.1| |ASTM D2661-2021|Standard Specification for Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene
(ABS) Schedule 40 Plastic Drain, Waste, and Vent Pipe and
Fittings|Piping|Table 701.2, Table
707.2| |ASTM D2665-2020|Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic
Drain, Waste, and Vent Pipe and Fittings|Piping|Table 701.2, Table
707.2| |ASTM D2680-2020|Standard Specification for Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene
(ABS) and Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Composite Sewer Piping|Piping|Table 701.2| |ASTM D2683-2020|Standard Specification for Socket-Type Polyethylene Fittings
for Outside Diameter-Controlled Polyethylene Pipe and Tubing|Fittings|Table 604.1| |ASTM D2729-2017|Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Sewer
Pipe and Fittings|Piping|Table 701.2,
Table 1101.4.6| |ASTM D2737-2021|Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Tubing|Piping, Plastic|Table 604.1| |ASTM D2846/D2846M-
2019a|Standard Specification for Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride)
(CPVC) Plastic Hot- and Cold-Water Distribution Systems|Piping|Table 604.1, 605.2.2,

CMC § 1.4 Medium relevance — show source text

340 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

REFERENCED STANDARDS

TABLE 1701.1 (continued) REFERENCED STANDARDS

STANDARD NUMBER	STANDARD TITLE	APPLICATION	REFERENCED SECTION
ASTM C1540-2020	Standard Specification for Heavy-Duty Shielded Couplings Joining Hubless Cast Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings	Joints	705.2.2
ASTM C1563-2008 (R2021)	Standard Test Method for Gaskets for Use in Connection with Hub and Spigot Cast Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings for Sanitary Drain, Waste, Vent, and Storm Piping Applications	Joints	705.2.2
ASTM C1822-2021	Standard Specification for Insulating Covers on Accessible Lavatory Piping	Miscellaneous	403.3
ASTM D1253-2014	Standard Test Method for Residual Chlorine in Water	Miscellaneous	1506.10.6, 1603.4.1
ASTM D1785-2021a	Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedules 40, 80, and 120	Piping	Table 604.1, Table 701.

CMC § 705.10 Medium relevance — show source text

Waste,
and Vent (DWV), Sewer, Sanitary, and Storm Plumbing Sys-
tems for Above and Below Ground Use|Joints|705.10|

340 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

REFERENCED STANDARDS

TABLE 1701.1 (continued) REFERENCED STANDARDS

STANDARD NUMBER	STANDARD TITLE	APPLICATION	REFERENCED SECTION
ASTM C1540-2020	Standard Specification for Heavy-Duty Shielded Couplings Joining Hubless Cast Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings	Joints	705.2.2
ASTM C1563-2008 (R2021)	Standard Test Method for Gaskets for Use in Connection with Hub and Spigot Cast Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings for Sanitary Drain, Waste, Vent, and Storm Piping Applications	Joints	705.2.2
ASTM C1822-2021	Standard Specification for Insulating Covers on Accessible Lavatory Piping	Miscellaneous	403.3
ASTM D1253-2014	Standard Test Method for Residual Chlorine in Water	Miscellaneous	1506.10.6, 1603.4.1
ASTM D1785-2021a	Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedules 40, 80, and 120	Piping	Table 604.1, Table 701.2
ASTM D2235-2021	Standard Specification for Solvent Cement for Acrylonitrile- Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Plastic Pipe and Fittings	Joints	705.1.2
ASTM D2239-2021	Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe (SIDR-PR) Based on Controlled Inside Diameter	Piping	Table 604.1
ASTM D2241-2020	Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Pressure- Rated Pipe (SDR Series)	Piping	Table 604.1
ASTM D2464-2015	Standard Specification for Threaded Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80	Fittings	Table 604.1
ASTM D2466-2021	Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 40	Fittings	Table 604.1
ASTM D2467-2020	Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80	Fittings	Table 604.1
ASTM D2513-2020	Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Pressure Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings	Piping	1208.5.4, 1208.5.6.2, 1208.5.10.2, 1210.1.7.1(1)
ASTM D2564-2020	Standard Specification for Solvent Cements for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Piping Systems	Joints	605.12.2, 705.6.

CMC § 705.1.2 Medium relevance — show source text
705.1.2 Solvent Cement Joints. Solvent cement joints for ABS pipe and fittings shall be clean from dirt and moisture. Pipe shall be cut square and shall be deburred. Where surfaces to be joined are cleaned, and free of dirt, moisture, oil, and other foreign material, the solvent cement that complies with ASTM D2235 shall be applied to all joint surfaces. Joints shall be made while both the inside socket surface and outside surface of pipe are wet with solvent cement. Hold joint in place and undisturbed for 1 minute after assembly. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Plastic pipe and fittings joined with solvent cement shall utilize Low VOC primer(s), if a primer is required, and Low VOC cement(s) as defined in Section 214.0.

705.1.3 Threaded Joints. Threads shall comply with ASME B1.20.1. A minimum of Schedule 80 shall be permitted to be threaded. Molded threads on adapter fittings for the transition to threaded joints shall be permitted. Thread sealant compound shall be applied to male threads, insoluble in water, and nontoxic. The joint between the pipe and transition fitting shall be of the solvent cement type. Caution shall be used during assembly to prevent over tightening of the ABS components once the thread sealant compound has been applied. 705.2 Cast-Iron Pipe and Joints. Joining methods for cast-iron pipe and fittings shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and shall comply with Section 705.2.1 or Section 705.2.2. 705.2.1 Caulked Joints. Caulked joints shall be firmly packed with oakum or hemp and filled with molten lead to a depth of not less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) in one continuous pour. The lead shall be caulked thoroughly at the inside and outside edges of the joint. After caulking, the finished joint shall not exceed [1] ⁄ 8 of an inch (3.2 mm) below the rim of the hub. No paint, varnish, or other coatings shall be permitted on the joining material until after the joint has been tested and approved.

705.2.2 Mechanical Joints and Compression Joints. Mechanical joints for cast-iron pipe and fittings shall be of the elastomeric compression type or mechanical joint couplings. Compression type joints with an elastomeric gasket for cast-iron hub and spigot pipe shall comply with ASTM C564 and be tested in accordance with ASTM C1563. Hub and spigot shall be clean and

2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 169

), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

SANITARY DRAINAGE

free of dirt, mud, sand, and foreign materials. Cut pipe shall be free from sharp edges. Fold and insert gasket into the hub. Lubricate the joint following manufacturer’s instructions. Insert spigot into hub until the spigot end of the pipe bottom out in the hub. Use the same procedure for the installation of fittings.

A mechanical joint shielded coupling type for hubless cast-iron pipe and fittings shall have a metallic shield that complies with ASTM A1056, ASTM C1277, ASTM C1540, or CISPI 310.
CMC § 603.3 Medium relevance — show source text
603.3 Backflow Prevention Devices, Assemblies, and Methods . . . . . .140

603.4 General Requirements . . . . . . . . .140

603.5 Specific Requirements . . . . . . . . .141

Table 603.2 Backflow Prevention Devices, Assemblies, and Methods . . . . . .142

Table 603.3.1 Minimum Air Gaps for Water Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

604.0 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146

604.1 Pipe, Tube, and Fittings . . . . . . . .146

604.2 Lead Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

604.3 Copper or Copper Alloy Tube . . .147

604.4 Hard-Drawn Copper or Copper Alloy Tubing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

604.5 Flexible Connectors . . . . . . . . . . .147

604.6 Cast-Iron Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

604.7 Malleable Iron Fittings . . . . . . . . .147

604.8 Previously Used Piping and Tubing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

604.9 Epoxy Coating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

604.10 Plastic Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Table 604.1 Materials for Building Supply and Water Distribution Piping and Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148

604.11 Solder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .149

604.12 Flexible Corrugated Connectors . .149

604.13 Water Heater Connectors . . . . . . .149

605.0 Joints and Connections . . . . . . . .149

605.1 Copper or Copper Alloy Pipe, Tubing, and Joints . . . . . . . . . . . .149

605.2 CPVC Plastic Pipe and Joints . . .150

605.3 CPVC/AL/CPVC Plastic Pipe and Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .150

605.4 Ductile Iron Pipe and Joints . . . . .150

605.5 Galvanized Steel Pipe and Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

605.6 PE Plastic Pipe/Tubing and Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

605.7 PE-AL-PE Plastic Pipe/Tubing and Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

605.8 PE-RT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

605.9 PEX Plastic Tubing and Joints . . .151

605.10 PEX-AL-PEX Plastic Tubing and Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

CMC § 2.875 Medium relevance — show source text

Table 9 Data and Material Codes for PVC Swedge Reducers [1]

Reducer Size (inches)	Dimensions (inches)	Col3	Col4	Col5	Material Code
Reducer Size (inches)	Minimum Length	Minimum Length	Typical Belled End ID	Typical Belled End ID	Typical Belled End ID
Reducer Size (inches)	A	B	C	D	D
3 x 2	2.875	1.750	3.515	2.393	018585
4 x 3	3.375	2.875	4.515	3.515	018584
5 x 4	4.000	3.375	5.593	4.515	360777
6 x 5	5.000	4.000	6.658	5.593	360778

1 � Both belled ends must be chamferred 0.3 inches (min) by 45 .

062288 Page 6 of 20 Rev. #20: 03−25−22

UG-1: Conduits Greenbook Underground Conduits

PVC and HDPE Conduit and Fittings (continue)

Table 10 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Conduit Directional

Figure 9 HDPE Conduit

Figure 10 PE Mechanical Coupling

Figure 11 PVC (Bore-Gard, Schedule 40

Table 10 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Condu Boring Conduit 1	Col2	Col3	Col4	uit Directional	Col6
Conduit	Conduit	Conduit	Conduit	Mechanical Couplings2, 3	Mechanical Couplings2, 3
Size	Length (feet)	Description	Material Code	Size (inches)	Material Code
2” Sch 80	500	Coil4	360511	2	360690
2” Sch 80	40	Stick	360017	360017	360017
3” Sch 80	500	Coil4	360644	3	360691
3” Sch 80	40	Stick	360018	360018	360018
4” Sch 80	625	Coil5	360014	4	360692
4” Sch 80	40	Stick	360015	360015	360015
5” SDR 13.5	450	Coil5	360012	5	360694
5” SDR 13.5	40	Stick	360013	360013	360013
6” SDR 13.5	450	Coil5	360010	6	360695
6” SDR 13.5	40	Stick	360011	360011	360011

1 Color must be black with at least 3 red longitudinal strips. 2 May be used to connect PE conduit to PVC conduit (except in directional drilling apps.) 3 Mechanical couplings are not designed for directional drilling. Fusion joints are required. 4 No reel. 5 With reel.

Table 11 PVC (Bore-Gard) Directional Boring Conduit

CMC § 90.1 Medium relevance — show source text

Page 1 of 7

PG&E-Approved Gas Materials Manufacturers N-01

Publication Date: 08/21/2019 Effective Date: 11/21/2019 Rev. 4a

Table 1. PG&E-Approved Manufacturers (continued)

Material	Approved Manufacturer (Plant)	Document Reference
PE Saddle Fittings	Central Plastics (Shawnee, OK)	 GDS B-90.1, “Plastic System Saddle Fittings”  EMS-4758, “Heat Fusion Fittings for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Piping and Tubing”  EMS-4761, “Non-Corrodible Mechanical Fittings for Polyethylene Gas Piping and Tubing”
PE Saddle Fittings	Continental Industries (Tulsa, OK)	Continental Industries (Tulsa, OK)
PE Saddle Fittings	Performance Pipe (Bloomfield, IA)	Performance Pipe (Bloomfield, IA)
PE Socket and Butt Fusion Fittings	Central Plastics (Shawnee, OK)	 GDS B-90, “Plastic System Socket and Butt Fusion Fittings”  EMS-4758, “Heat Fusion Fittings for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Piping and Tubing”
PE Socket and Butt Fusion Fittings	Performance Pipe (Bloomfield, IA)	Performance Pipe (Bloomfield, IA)
PE System Accessories	Continental Industries (Tulsa, OK)	 GDS B-90.2, “Polyethylene (PE) System Accessories”
PE System Accessories	Performance Pipe (Bloomfield, IA)	Performance Pipe (Bloomfield, IA)
PE System Accessories	JM Eagle (Tulsa, OK)	JM Eagle (Tulsa, OK)
PE System Accessories	Innogaz (Goa, India and Mannheim, Germany)	Innogaz (Goa, India and Mannheim, Germany)
PE System Accessories	Plasson (Ma'agan Michael, Israel)	Plasson (Ma'agan Michael, Israel)
PE System Accessories	Central Plastics (Shawnee, OK)	Central Plastics (Shawnee, OK)
PE Valves	Andronaco (Kentwood)	 GDS F-90, “Polyethylene (PE) Valves”
PE Valves	Honeywell Perfection (Geneva, OH)	Honeywell Perfection (Geneva, OH)
PE Valves	Kerotest (Mansoura, LA)	Kerotest (Mansoura, LA)
Risers, Pre- Fabricated Gas Service, and Riser Kits	Honeywell -Perfection (Geneva, OH)	 GDS A-91, “Pre-Fabricated Risers”  EMS-6421, “Specifications for Furnishing and Delivery of Pre-Fabricated Metal-Cased Plastic ¾ in. × ½ in. CTS and ¾ in. × 1 in.

CMC § 15.2 Medium relevance — show source text
1, “Mueller Flanged Tees Types H-17505 and
H-17506”

GDS C-11, “Mueller Valve, Tee-Type H-17656”

GDS C-13, “Service Tapping Tee with Coupon Retaining
Punch”

GDS B-91, “Transition Fittings for Polyethylene Pipe”| |Steel Service Tees|Mueller|Mueller| |Steel Two-Piece Line
Stopper Fittings|Mueller|
GDS C-15.2, “Mueller Welding Line Stopper Fittings
H-17055, H-17056, H-17155, and H-17156”

GDS C-15.3, “Mueller Welding Line Stopper Fittings
H-17255, H-17256, H 17257, H-17275, H-17276,
and H-17277”| |Steel Two-Piece Line
Stopper Fittings|Blackhawk (Stopple
fitting)|Blackhawk (Stopple
fitting)| |Steel Two-Piece Line
Stopper Fittings|TDW (Stopple fitting)|TDW (Stopple fitting)| |Steel Two-Piece Line
Stopper Fittings with Bottom
Connection|Mueller|
GDS C-16.2, “Mueller Welding Line Stopper Fittings with
Bottom Connection”| |Steel Two-Piece Spherical
Line Stopper Fittings with
Bottom or Side Connection|Mueller|
GDS C-17, “Mueller Spherical Line Stopper Fittings”| |Steel Unions
Insulated Threaded|Central Plastics|
GDS O-23, “Insulated Threaded Unions”|

PG&E Internal Information “PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation.

©2019 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved.

Page 3 of 7

PG&E-Approved Gas Materials Manufacturers N-01

Publication Date: 08/21/2019 Effective Date: 11/21/2019 Rev. 4a

Target Audience

Personnel involved in gas engineering and construction inspection.

Definitions

NA

Acronyms and Abbreviations

PE: Polyethylene QSL: Qualified Suppliers List

Compliance Requirement / Regulatory Commitment

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 49, Part 192—Transportation of Natural and other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards, Subpart B‒Materials

References

EMS-2502, “Specifications for Furnishing and Delivery of Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Tubing, ½ in. and 1 in.”

EMS-2503, “Specifications for Furnishing and Delivery of Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Piping, 1-1/4 in. to 10 in.”

EMS-4758, “Heat Fusion Fittings for Polyethylene (PE) Gas Piping and Tubing”

EMS-4761, “Non-Corrodible Mechanical Fittings for Polyethylene Gas Piping and Tubing”

EMS-6421, “Specifications for Furnishing and Delivery of Pre-Fabricated Metal-Cased Plastic ¾ in. × ½ in. CTS and ¾ in. × 1 in. CTS Gas Service Risers”
CMC § 1206.2 Medium relevance — show source text
1206.2 Discharge Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

1207.0 Heating Appliances and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

1207.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

1207.2 Boilers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

1207.3 Dual Purpose Water Heaters . . . . 259

1207.4 Solar Heat Collector Systems. . . . 259

1207.5 Heat Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

1208.0 Circulators and Pumps . . . . . . . . . 259

1208.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

1208.2 Mounting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

1208.3 Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

1209.0 Expansion Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

1209.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

1209.2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

1209.3 Closed-Type Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . 260

1209.4 Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

1210.0 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

1210.1 Piping, Tubing, and Fittings . . . . . 260

1210.2 Expansion and Contraction . . . . . . 260

1210.3 Hangers and Supports . . . . . . . . . 260

1210.4 Oxygen Diffusion Corrosion . . . . . 260

1211.0 Joints and Connections . . . . . . . . 260

1211.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

1211.2 Pipe Bends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

Table 1210.1 Materials for Hydronic System Piping, Tubing, and Fittings . . . . . 261

Table 1211.2.2 Minimum Bend Radius

for PE Pipe Installed in Open Cut Trench . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

1211.3 Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

1211.4 CPVC/AL/CPVC Plastic Pipe and Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

1211.5 Copper or Copper Alloy Pipe and Tubing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

CMC § 1701.1 Medium relevance — show source text

TABLE 1701.1 (continued) REFERENCED STANDARDS

STANDARD NUMBER	STANDARD TITLE	APPLICATION	REFERENCED SECTION
ASTM D3261-2016	Standard Specification for Butt Heat Fusion Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Fittings for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe and Tubing	Fittings	Table 604.1
ASTM D4068-2017	Standard Specification for Chlorinated Polyethylene (CPE) Sheeting for Concealed Water-Containment Membrane	Miscellaneous	408.8.2
ASTM D4551-2017	Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Flexible Concealed Water-Containment Membrane	Miscellaneous	408.8.1
ASTM D6104-1997 (R2017)e1	Standard Practice for Determining the Performance of Oil/Water Separators Subjected to Surface Run-Off	Interceptors	Table 1009.1
ASTM E84-2021a	Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials	Miscellaneous	701.2(2), 903.1(2), 1101.4
ASTM E119-2020	Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials	Miscellaneous	1404.3, 1405.3
ASTM E814-2013a (R2017)	Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems	Miscellaneous	1404.3, 1405.3
ASTM F409-2017	Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Accessible and Replaceable Plastic Tube and Tubular Fittings	Piping, Plastic	404.1
ASTM F437-2021	Standard Specification for Threaded Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80	Fittings	Table 604.1
ASTM F438-2017	Standard Specification for Socket-Type Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 40	Fittings	Table 604.1
ASTM F439-2019	Standard Specification for Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe Fittings, Schedule 80	Fittings	Table 604.1
ASTM F441/F441M-2020	Standard Specification for Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedules 40 and 80	Piping	Table 604.1
ASTM F442/F442M-2020	Standard Specification for Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe (SDR-PR)	Piping	Table 604.1, 605.2.2
ASTM F493-2020	Standard Specification for Solvent Cements for Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings	Joints	605.2.2, 605.3.1
ASTM F628-2012e3	Standard Specification for Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) Schedule 40 Plastic Drain, Waste, and Vent Pipe with a Cellular Core	Piping	Table 701.2
ASTM F656-2021	Standard Specification for Primers for Use in Solvent Cement Joints of Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe and Fittings	Joints	605.2.

CMC § 705.8.1 Medium relevance — show source text
705.8.1 Mechanical Joints. Mechanical joints shall be designed to provide a permanent seal and shall be of the mechanical or push-on joint type. The push-on joint shall include an elastomeric gasket that complies with ASTM C425 and shall provide a compressive force against the spigot and socket after assembly to provide a permanent seal. 705.9 Special Joints. Special joints shall comply with Section 705.9.1 through Section 705.9.4. 705.9.1 Slip Joints. In fixture drains and traps, slip joints of approved materials shall be permitted to be used in accordance with their approvals. 705.9.2 Expansion Joints. Expansion joints shall be accessible, except where in vent piping or drainage stacks, and shall be permitted to be used where necessary to provide for expansion and contraction of the pipes.

705.9.3 Ground Joint, Flared, or Ferrule Con- nections. Copper or copper alloy ground joint flared, or ferrule-type connections that allow adjustment of tubing, but provide a rigid joint where made up, shall not be considered as slip joints.

705.9.4 Transition Joint. A solvent cement transition joint between ABS and PVC building drain and building sewer shall be made using listed transition solvent cement in accordance with ASTM D3138.

[HCD 1 & HCD 2] Plastic pipe and fittings joined with solvent cement shall utilize Low VOC primer(s), if a primer is required, and Low VOC cement(s) as defined in Section 214.0.

705.10 Joints Between Various Materials. Joints

between various materials shall be installed in accordance

with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and with Section 705.10.1 through Section 705.10.4. Mechanical couplings used to join different materials shall comply with ASTM C1173 for belowground use, ASTM C1460 for aboveground use, or ASTM C1461 for aboveground and belowground use. 705.10.1 Copper or Copper Alloy Pipe to Cast- Iron Pipe. Joints from copper or copper alloy pipe or tubing to cast-iron pipe shall be made with a listed compression-type joint or copper alloy ferrule. The copper or copper alloy pipe or tubing shall be soldered or brazed to the ferrule, and the ferrule shall be joined to the castiron hub by a compression or caulked joint.

2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 171

), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.

SANITARY DRAINAGE

705.10.2 Copper or Copper Alloy Pipe to Threaded Pipe Joints. Joints from copper or copper alloy pipe or tubing to threaded pipe shall be made by the use of a listed copper alloy adapter or dielectric fitting. The joint between the copper or copper alloy pipe and the fitting shall be a soldered or brazed, and the connection between the threaded and the fittings shall be made with a standard pipe size threaded joint. 705.10.3 Plastic Pipe to Other Materials. Where connecting plastic pipe to other types of plastic or other types of piping material; approved listed adapter or transition fittings and listed for the specific transition intended shall be used. Except as provided in Section 705.9.4, PVC and ABS pipe and fittings shall not be solvent welded to any other unlike material. **705.10.4 Stainless Steel Pipe to Other Materials.

Frequently asked questions

Which CMC sections should I read first for hydronic piping materials and joints?

Start with §1210.0 (Materials) and §1211.0 (Joints and Connections) — Table 1210.1 lists acceptable materials for hydronic piping and §1211.x gives the permitted joint methods by material.

Where are the referenced standards and material tables located?

Material tables and referenced standards are in the Materials chapter (e.g., Table 1210.1) and the code’s referenced‑standards listings; plumbing cross‑references such as Table 604.1 show additional permitted materials and ASTM/ASME standards.

How does the CMC handle joints between dissimilar materials?

The code requires listed transition or adapter fittings and installation per manufacturer instructions; specific transition rules appear in the joints sections (for mechanical/hydronic piping) and corresponding plumbing provisions (for example, see the transition/joint rules in §1211.16.2 and §705.10 of the Plumbing Code).

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