CPC · California Plumbing Code

FOG disposal systems: performance, components and standards

The California Plumbing Code requires FOG disposal systems (grease interceptors) to conform to ASME A112.14.6, be sized and installed per the manufacturer’s instructions, and produce effluent no greater than 5.84 grains per gallon (100 mg/L) FOG (see §§ 1015.1–1015.4).

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Plumbing Code requires that FOG disposal systems be used as a pretreatment or discharge water‑quality compliance strategy (§ 1015.1) and that their components, materials and equipment comply with the nationally recognized standard ASME A112.14.6 (§ 1015.2) — see the CPC referenced standards list. FOG disposal systems must be sized and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions (§ 1015.3) and must produce an effluent not to exceed 5.84 grains per gallon (100 mg/L) FOG (§ 1015.4) .

FOG Disposal Systems are grease interceptors designed to reduce fats, oils and grease in wastewater; they must be built to ASME A112.14.6, installed per the manufacturer, and deliver effluent ≤ 5.84 gr/gal (100 mg/L) FOG.

Requirements in detail

Purpose and scope

  • § 1015.1 (Purpose): The section’s objective is sizing, application, and installation criteria for FOG disposal systems intended as pretreatment or for meeting discharge water‑quality requirements .
  • Defined term: FOG Disposal System — a grease interceptor that reduces nonpetroleum fats, oils and greases by separation, mass and volume reduction (definition in the CPC) .

Materials, components and standards

  • § 1015.2 requires that FOG disposal systems and their necessary components, materials and equipment comply with ASME A112.14.6 (FOG Disposal Systems) — compliance with that standard is mandatory under the CPC text for these devices .
  • The CPC’s referenced standards table explicitly lists ASME A112.14.6 as the accepted standard for FOG disposal systems and ties that standard to § 1015.2 .

Sizing and installation

  • § 1015.3 states devices shall be sized and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions; the CPC does not supply a separate sizing formula for these devices in § 1015.3, so the manufacturer’s published sizing methods (and any AHJ interpretations) control the equipment sizing and installation details .

Performance

  • § 1015.4 establishes the numeric effluent limit: the FOG disposal system shall produce an effluent quality not to exceed 5.84 grains per gallon (gr/gal) (100 mg/L) FOG. This is the controlling performance threshold in the CPC for these systems .

Quick reference table (decision‑relevant values)

Decision dimension Requirement / value Code Reference
Purpose (when to use) Pretreatment or discharge water‑quality compliance strategy § 1015.1
Component standard Must comply with ASME A112.14.6 § 1015.2; Referenced Standards Table —
Sizing & installation Per manufacturer’s installation instructions (manufacturer’s sizing) § 1015.3
Performance limit Effluent ≤ 5.84 gr/gal (100 mg/L) FOG § 1015.4
Definition FOG Disposal System = grease interceptor that reduces non‑petroleum FOG by separation, mass & volume reduction Definitions (FOG Disposal System) —

Exceptions & special cases

  • The text of § 1015.1–§ 1015.4 as retrieved does not include specific exceptions or alternate compliance paths; the sections set purpose, standard compliance, manufacturer‑based sizing/installation, and the numeric effluent limit only .
  • Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), public works departments, or other state agencies (for example OSHPD) may impose additional location, access or installation constraints (notes such as 1015.5/1015.6 appear elsewhere in the code package for specialized facilities) — those are not part of §§ 1015.1–1015.4 themselves and must be checked separately with the AHJ .
  • The CPC requires compliance with ASME A112.14.6; if a manufacturer’s instructions claim conformance to a different standard, that is not acceptable under § 1015.2 unless the AHJ approves otherwise .

Common mistakes

  • Assuming “FOG disposal” devices can be sized by general rules in the CPC instead of following the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The CPC explicitly defers sizing/installation to the manufacturer under § 1015.3 .
  • Using products that are not tested or certified to ASME A112.14.6. § 1015.2 requires compliance with that standard; non‑compliant equipment risks rejection by the AHJ .
  • Forgetting the numeric effluent limit: designs or in‑service testing that yield FOG effluent > 5.84 gr/gal (100 mg/L) do not meet § 1015.4 and are non‑conforming .
  • Misreading units — the CPC gives both grains per gallon and mg/L; use the stated equivalence 5.84 gr/gal = 100 mg/L from § 1015.4 to avoid unit errors in reports or permit submissions .

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A small commercial kitchen installs a manufacturer‑rated FOG disposal unit. The AHJ requires documentation that the device meets CPC performance.

  1. Confirm the product standard: the product literature and test reports show compliance with ASME A112.14.6 → satisfies § 1015.2 .
  2. Follow manufacturer sizing/installation: the unit manufacturer’s sizing table says the chosen model is sized for the kitchen peak flow — installed per instructions → satisfies § 1015.3 .
  3. Performance check (numeric): The owner obtains an effluent test after commissioning and the lab reports 85 mg/L FOG. Compare to performance limit: § 1015.4 limit is 100 mg/L (5.84 gr/gal), so 85 mg/L is compliant. Cite: § 1015.4 — .

Numeric illustration of mass of FOG removed (for operations planning):

  • If the system discharges 1,000 gallons/day (1,000 gal × 3.785 L/gal = 3,785 L/day) and effluent equals the maximum allowed 100 mg/L, then daily FOG mass = 100 mg/L × 3,785 L = 378,500 mg/day = 378.5 g/day ≈ 0.835 lb/day. This calculation illustrates the scale of residual FOG the downstream system would receive at the limit in § 1015.4; staying below that concentration is the CPC performance requirement .

Note: The CPC does not give a sizing formula in § 1015.3 — the example uses the manufacturer’s sizing and lab testing to demonstrate compliance with the code’s performance requirement .

Related provisions

  • § 1014.1–1014.3 — Grease interceptors (Hydromechanical and Gravity) and sizing tables that address interceptor volumes and retention times; these sections are closely related to FOG control but are separate from § 1015.1–1015.4 .
  • Definitions (FOG Disposal System) — defined in the CPC (see the Definitions chapter) and clarifies the functional meaning of the term used in § 1015.0–§ 1015.4 .
  • Referenced Standards Table (Table 1701.1) — lists ASME A112.14.6 as the standard referenced by § 1015.2; consult the table for the exact standard edition in force with the CPC text .
  • Check local AHJ or agency amendments (for example OSHPD notes that appear elsewhere in the code package regarding interceptor location and access) when designing and placing equipment — those requirements can affect installation even though they are not in §§ 1015.1–1015.4 .

Code references

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

  • CPC § 1014.3.6 High relevance — show source text

    Rounded up to nominal interceptor volume. 3 Where the flow rate of directly connected fixture(s) or appliance(s) have no assigned DFU values, the additional grease interceptor volume shall be based on the known flow rate (gpm) (L/s) multiplied by 30 minutes.

    EXAMPLE 1014.3.6

    GRAVITY GREASE INTERCEPTOR SIZING EXAMPLE

    Given: A restaurant with the following fixtures and equip ment.

    One food preparation sink; three-floor drains - one in the food prep area, one in the grill area, and one receiving the indirect waste from the ice machine and a mop sink.

    Kitchen Drain Line DFU Count (from Table 702.1):

    3 floor drains at 2 DFUs each = 6 DFUs

    Mop sink at 3 DFUs each = 3 DFUs

    Food prep sink at 3 DFUs each = 3 DFUs

    Total = 12 DFUs

    Using Table 1014.3.6, the grease interceptor will be sized at 750 gallons (2389 L).

    1015.0 FOG (Fats, Oils, and Greases) Disposal Sys- tem.

    1015.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide the necessary criteria for the sizing, application, and installation of FOG disposal systems designated as a pretreatment or discharge water quality compliance strategy.

    TABLE 1014.3.6

    GRAVITY GREASE INTERCEPTOR SIZING

    2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 199

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

    TRAPS AND INTERCEPTORS

    1015.2 Components, Materials, and Equipment. FOG disposal systems, including components, materials, and equipment necessary for the proper function of the system, shall comply with ASME A112.14.6. 1015.3 Sizing and Installation. FOG disposal systems shall be sized and installed in accordance with the manufac turer’s installation instructions.

    1015.4 Performance. FOG disposal systems shall produce an effluent quality not to exceed 5.84 grains per gallon (gr/gal) (100 mg/L) FOG. 1015.5 [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 3, 4 & 5] Grease interceptors shall not be installed in food preparation area of kitchens. 1015.6 [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 3, 4 & 5] Grease interceptors shall be installed outside of the kitchen area in location affording ease of maintenance and servicing.

    1016.0 Sand Interceptors.

    1016.1 Discharge. Where the discharge of a fixture or drain contains solids or semi-solids heavier than water that would be harmful to a drainage system or cause a stoppage within the system, the discharge shall be through a sand interceptor. Multiple floor drains shall be permitted to discharge into one sand interceptor. 1016.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction. Sand interceptors are required where the Authority Having Jurisdiction deems it advisable to have a sand interceptor to protect the drainage system. 1016.3 Construction and Size. Sand interceptors shall be built of brick or concrete, prefabricated coated steel, or other watertight material. The interceptor shall have an interior baffle for full separation of the interceptor into two sections.

  • CPC § 1015.0 High relevance — show source text

    1015.0 FOG (Fats, Oils, and Greases) Disposal System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199

    1015.1 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199

    1015.2 Components, Materials, and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

    1015.3 Sizing and Installation . . . . . . . . .200

    1015.4 Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

    1016.0 Sand Interceptors . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

    1016.1 Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

    1016.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction . . . .200

    1016.3 Construction and Size . . . . . . . . .200

    1016.4 Separate Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

    1017.0 Oil and Flammable Liquid Interceptors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

    1017.1 Interceptors Required . . . . . . . . . .200

    1017.2 Interceptor Design Alternatives . . .200

    1017.3 Interceptor Details . . . . . . . . . . . .200

    1017.4 Design of Interceptors . . . . . . . . .200

    CHAPTER 11 STORM DRAINAGE . . . . . . . . . .203

    1101.0 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

    1101.1 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

    1101.2 Where Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

    1101.3 Storm Water Drainage to Sanitary Sewer Prohibited . . . . . .205

    1101.4 Material Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

    Table 1101.4.6 Materials for Subsoil Drainpipe and Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

    1101.5 Expansion Joints Required . . . . . .205

    1101.6 Subsoil Drains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

    1101.7 Building Subdrains . . . . . . . . . . . .206

    1101.8 Areaway Drains . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206

    1101.9 Window Areaway Drains . . . . . . .206

    1101.10 Filling Stations and Motor Vehicle Washing Establishments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206

    1101.11 Paved Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206

    1101.12 Roof Drainage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206

    1101.13 Cleanouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207

    1101.14 Rainwater Sumps . . . . . . . . . . . . .207

  • CPC § 1011.0 High relevance — show source text

    1010.4 Horse Meat and Pet Food

    Establishments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197

    1010.5 Draining and Plumbing . . . . . . . .197

    1011.0 Minimum Requirements for Auto Wash Racks . . . . . . . . . . . . .197

    1011.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197

    1012.0 Commercial and Industrial

    Laundries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197

    1012.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197

    1013.0 Bottling Establishments . . . . . . . .197

    1013.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197

    1014.0 Grease Interceptors . . . . . . . . . . .197

    1014.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197

    1014.2 Hydromechanical Grease Interceptors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .198

    Table 1014.2.1 Hydromechanical Grease Interceptor Sizing Using Gravity Flow Rates . . . . . . . . . . . .198

    1014.3 Gravity Grease Interceptors . . . . .198

    Table 1014.3.6 Gravity Grease Interceptor Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199

    1015.0 FOG (Fats, Oils, and Greases) Disposal System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199

    1015.1 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199

    1015.2 Components, Materials, and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

    1015.3 Sizing and Installation . . . . . . . . .200

    1015.4 Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

    1016.0 Sand Interceptors . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

    1016.1 Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

    1016.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction . . . .200

    1016.3 Construction and Size . . . . . . . . .200

    1016.4 Separate Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

    1017.0 Oil and Flammable Liquid Interceptors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

    1017.1 Interceptors Required . . . . . . . . . .200

    1017.2 Interceptor Design Alternatives . . .200

    1017.3 Interceptor Details . . . . . . . . . . . .200

    1017.4 Design of Interceptors . . . . . . . . .200

    CHAPTER 11 STORM DRAINAGE . . . . . . . . . .203

    1101.0 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205

  • CPC § 1015.4 High relevance — show source text

    1015.4 Performance. FOG disposal systems shall produce an effluent quality not to exceed 5.84 grains per gallon (gr/gal) (100 mg/L) FOG. 1015.5 [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 3, 4 & 5] Grease interceptors shall not be installed in food preparation area of kitchens. 1015.6 [OSHPD 1, 1R, 2, 3, 4 & 5] Grease interceptors shall be installed outside of the kitchen area in location affording ease of maintenance and servicing.

    1016.0 Sand Interceptors.

    1016.1 Discharge. Where the discharge of a fixture or drain contains solids or semi-solids heavier than water that would be harmful to a drainage system or cause a stoppage within the system, the discharge shall be through a sand interceptor. Multiple floor drains shall be permitted to discharge into one sand interceptor. 1016.2 Authority Having Jurisdiction. Sand interceptors are required where the Authority Having Jurisdiction deems it advisable to have a sand interceptor to protect the drainage system. 1016.3 Construction and Size. Sand interceptors shall be built of brick or concrete, prefabricated coated steel, or other watertight material. The interceptor shall have an interior baffle for full separation of the interceptor into two sections. The outlet pipe shall be the same size as the inlet pipe of the sand interceptor, the minimum being 3 inches (80 mm), and the baffle shall have two openings of the same diameter as the outlet pipe and at the same invert as the outlet pipe. These openings shall be staggered so that there cannot be a straight line flow between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. The invert of the inlet pipe shall be no lower than the invert of the outlet pipe.

    The sand interceptor shall have a minimum dimension of 2 square feet (0.2 m [2] ) for the net free opening of the inlet section and a minimum depth under the invert of the outlet pipe of 2 feet (610 mm).

    For each 5 gpm (0.3 L/s) flow or fraction thereof over 20 gpm (1.26 L/s), the area of the sand interceptor inlet section is to be increased by 1 square foot (0.09 m [2] ). The outlet section shall at all times have a minimum area of 50 percent of the inlet section.

    The outlet section shall be covered by a solid removable cover, set flush with the finished floor, and the inlet section shall have an open grating, set flush with the finished floor and suitable for the traffic in the area in which it is located.

    1016.4 Separate Use. Sand and similar interceptors for every solid shall be so designed and located as to be readily accessible for cleaning, shall have a water seal of not less than 6 inches (152 mm), and shall be vented.

    1017.0 Oil and Flammable Liquid Interceptors.

    1017.1 Interceptors Required. Repair garages and gasoline stations with grease racks or grease pits, and factories that have oily, flammable, or both types of wastes as a result of manufacturing, storage, maintenance, repair, or testing processes, shall be provided with an oil or flammable liquid interceptor. Floor drains in such locations shall be connected directly to oil and flammable liquid interceptors.

  • CPC § 14.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    14.3-2018|Hydromechanical Grease Interceptors|Fixtures|1014.1, Table 1009.1| |ASME A112.14.4-2001
    (R2017)|Grease Removal Devices|Fixtures|1014.1, Table 1009.1|

    2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 335

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

    REFERENCED STANDARDS

    TABLE 1701.1 (continued) REFERENCED STANDARDS

    STANDARD NUMBER STANDARD TITLE APPLICATION REFERENCED
    SECTION
    ASME A112.14.6-2010
    (R2019)
    FOG (Fats, Oils, and Greases) Disposal Systems Fixtures 1015.2, Table 1009.1
    ASME A112.18.1-
    2018/CSA B125.1-2018
    Plumbing Supply Fittings Fittings 408.4, 417.1, 417.2,
    417.3, 417.4, 417.6,
    603.5.20
    ASME A112.18.2-
    2020/CSA B125.2-2020
    Plumbing Waste Fittings Fittings 404.1, 408.5
    ASME A112.18.3-2002
    (R2017)
    Backflow Protection Devices and Systems in Plumbing Fixture
    Fittings
    Backflow Protection 417.3, 417.4
    ASME A112.18.6-2017/
    CSA B125.6-2017 (R2021)
    Flexible Water Connectors Piping 604.5, 604.13
    ASME A112.18.8-2020 Sanitary Waste Valves for Plumbing Drainage Systems Sanitary Waste
    Valves
    814.4
    ASME A112.18.9-2011
    (R2017)
    Protectors/Insulators for Exposed Waste and Supplies on
    Accessible Fixtures
    Miscellaneous 403.3
    ASME A112.19.1-
    2018/CSA B45.2-2018
    Enameled Cast Iron and Enameled Steel Plumbing Fixtures Fixtures 407.1, 408.1, 409.1,
    415.1, 420.1
    ASME A112.19.2-
    2018/CSA B45.1-2018
    Ceramic Plumbing Fixtures Fixtures 407.1, 408.1, 409.1,
    410.1, 411.1, 412.1,
    415.1, 420.1
    ASME A112.19.3-
    2017/CSA B45.4-2017
    Stainless Steel Plumbing Fixtures Fixtures 407.1, 408.1, 409.1,
    410.1, 411.1, 415.1,
    420.1
    ASME A112.19.5-
    2017/CSA B45.15-2017
    Flush Valves and Spuds for Water Closets, Urinals, and Tanks Fixtures 413.3
    ASME A112.19.7-
    2020/CSA B45.
  • CPC § 1014.3.7 Medium relevance — show source text

    1014.3.7 Abandoned Gravity Grease Intercep- tors. Abandoned grease interceptors shall be pumped and filled as required for abandoned sewers and sewage disposal facilities in Section 722.0.

    DRAINAGE FIXTURE UNITS1, 3
    (DFUs)
    INTERCEPTOR VOLUME2
    (gallons)

    8
    500

    21
    750

    35
    1000

    90
    1250
    172 1500


    216
    2000


    307
    2500

    342
    3000

    428
    4000

    576
    5000

    720
    7500
    2112 10 000


    2640
    15 000

    For SI units: 1 gallon = 3.785 L

    Notes: 1 The maximum allowable DFUs plumbed to the kitchen drain lines that will be connected to the grease interceptor. 2 This size is based on DFUs, the pipe size from this code; Table 703.2; Useful Tables for flow in half-full pipes (ref: Mohinder Nayyar Piping Handbook, 3rd Edition, 1992). Based on 30-minute retention time (ref.: George Tchobanoglous and Metcalf & Eddy. Wastewater Engineering Treatment, Disposal, and Reuse, 3rd Ed. 1991 & Ronald Crites and George Tchobanoglous. Small and Decentralized Wastewater Management Systems, 1998). Rounded up to nominal interceptor volume. 3 Where the flow rate of directly connected fixture(s) or appliance(s) have no assigned DFU values, the additional grease interceptor volume shall be based on the known flow rate (gpm) (L/s) multiplied by 30 minutes.

    EXAMPLE 1014.3.6

    GRAVITY GREASE INTERCEPTOR SIZING EXAMPLE

    Given: A restaurant with the following fixtures and equip ment.

    One food preparation sink; three-floor drains - one in the food prep area, one in the grill area, and one receiving the indirect waste from the ice machine and a mop sink.

    Kitchen Drain Line DFU Count (from Table 702.1):

    3 floor drains at 2 DFUs each = 6 DFUs

    Mop sink at 3 DFUs each = 3 DFUs

    Food prep sink at 3 DFUs each = 3 DFUs

    Total = 12 DFUs

    Using Table 1014.3.6, the grease interceptor will be sized at 750 gallons (2389 L).

    1015.0 FOG (Fats, Oils, and Greases) Disposal Sys- tem.

    1015.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide the necessary criteria for the sizing, application, and installation of FOG disposal systems designated as a pretreatment or discharge water quality compliance strategy.

    TABLE 1014.3.6

    GRAVITY GREASE INTERCEPTOR SIZING

    2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 199

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

    TRAPS AND INTERCEPTORS

  • CPC § 4.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    5(2)| |ASME A112.4.2-2021/CSA
    B45.16-2021|Personal Hygiene Devices for Water Closets|Fixtures|411.4| |ASME A112.4.4-2017|Plastic Push-Fit Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) Fittings|Fittings|Table 701.2| |ASME A112.4.14-
    2017/CSA B125.14-2017|Manually Operated Valves for Use in Plumbing Systems|Valves|606.1| |ASME A112.6.1M-1997
    (R2017)|Floor-Affixed Supports for Off-the-Floor Plumbing Fixtures
    for Public Use|Fixtures|402.4| |ASME A112.6.2-2017|Framing-Affixed Supports (Carriers) for Off-the-Floor Plumb-
    ing Fixtures|Fixtures|402.4| |ASME A112.6.3-2019|Floor and Trench Drains|Fixtures|418.1| |ASME A112.6.4-2003
    (R2012)|Roof, Deck, and Balcony Drains|Fixtures|1102.1| |ASME A112.6.7-2010
    (R2019)|Sanitary Floor Sinks|Fixtures|421.1| |ASME A112.6.9-2005
    (R2019)|Siphonic Roof Drains|DWV Components|1106.3| |ASME A112.14.1-2003
    (R2017)|Backwater Valves|Valves|710.6| |ASME A112.14.3-2018|Hydromechanical Grease Interceptors|Fixtures|1014.1, Table 1009.1| |ASME A112.14.4-2001
    (R2017)|Grease Removal Devices|Fixtures|1014.1, Table 1009.1|

    2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 335

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

    REFERENCED STANDARDS

    TABLE 1701.1 (continued) REFERENCED STANDARDS

    STANDARD NUMBER STANDARD TITLE APPLICATION REFERENCED
    SECTION
    ASME A112.14.6-2010
    (R2019)
    FOG (Fats, Oils, and Greases) Disposal Systems Fixtures 1015.2, Table 1009.1
    ASME A112.18.1-
    2018/CSA B125.1-2018
    Plumbing Supply Fittings Fittings 408.4, 417.1, 417.2,
    417.3, 417.4, 417.6,
    603.5.20
    ASME A112.18.2-
    2020/CSA B125.2-2020
    Plumbing Waste Fittings Fittings 404.1, 408.5
    ASME A112.18.3-2002
    (R2017)
    Backflow Protection Devices and Systems in Plumbing Fixture
    Fittings
    Backflow Protection 417.3, 417.4
    ASME A112.18.6-2017/
    CSA B125.
  • CPC § 210.0 Medium relevance — show source text

    Note: For the purpose of applying the standards contained in this code, “Graywater” as defined above, has the same meaning as “gray water”, “grey water”, and “greywater”.

    Gray Water System. [BSC-CG & HCD 1] A system designed to collect gray water on-site for reuse or distribution to an irrigation or disposal field. A gray water system may include, on-site treated nonpotable water devices or equip- ment, tanks, valves, filters, pumps or other appurtenances along with piping and receiving landscape.

    Grease Interceptor. A plumbing appurtenance or appliance that is installed in a sanitary drainage system to intercept nonpetroleum fats, oil, and greases (FOG) from a wastewater discharge.

    Grease Removal Device (GRD). A hydromechanical grease interceptor that automatically, mechanically removes non-petroleum fats, oils and grease (FOG) from the interceptor, the control of which are either automatic or manually initiated.

    Grounding Electrode. A conducting object through which a direct connection to earth is established. [NFPA 70:100 (Part I)]

    Groundwater. Water that exists beneath the earth’s surface.

    Group Wash Fixture. A lavatory that allows more than one person to utilize the fixture at the same time. The fixture has one or more drains and one or more faucets.

    210.0 – H –

    Handwashing Fixture. [OSHPD 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6] Hand- washing fixtures consist of faucet, trim and lavatory as described:

    36 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

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

    DEFINITIONS

    (1) Faucets and Trim

    a. Handwashing fixtures used by medical and nursing staff, patients, and food handlers shall have fittings such that all controls can be operated without the use of hands.

    i. Wrist or elbow blades shall be permitted unless otherwise noted in Table 4-2.

    ii. Blade handles used for this purpose shall be at least 4 inches (102 mm) in length.

    b. Sensor operated fixtures shall be capable of func- tioning during loss of normal power.

    c. Faucets shall not be equipped with an aerator but may be equipped with a non-aerating laminar flow device. The flow rate for handwashing fixtures shall not be less than 1.0 (3.79 L) gallons per minute.

    d. Faucets shall be equipped with gooseneck spouts. A gooseneck spout shall be deck or fixture-mounted so the discharge point of the spout return is at least 10 inches (25.4 mm) above the bottom of the basin. The water shall not flow directly from the spout into the drain. The gooseneck spout shall have a 180(+/-10) degree return with a constant radius and the outlet pointing vertically down.

    e. Faucets shall be equipped with gooseneck spouts. A gooseneck spout is a deck or fixture-mounted spout so the discharge point of the spout return is at least 5 inches (127 mm) above the fixture rim.

  • CPC § 420.0 Medium relevance — show source text

    SINKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .420.0

    Approved standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .420.1 Clinical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205.0, 413.1, 1303.7

    Floor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .421.0, B 101.2

    Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .909.1

    Laundry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .420.4 Prohibited types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .405.3, B 101.2

    Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .420.4

    Special use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .406.2 Three-compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1001.2

    SIZE OF

    Building sewers . . . . . . . . . . . .703.2, 717.0, Table 717.1 Cesspools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix H Chimneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .509.5.5 Circuit venting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .911.0

    Combination waste

    and vent piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .910.0, Appendix B Combustion air openings . . . . . . . . . . . . .506.3 – 506.5 Condensate pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814.3, Table 814.3 Disposal fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix H Drainage piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Table 702.1, 703.0, Table 703.2, C 304.0,

    E 302.2, E 504.4

    FOG disposal systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1015.3

    Fuel gas piping systems . . . . . .1208.3, 1214.0, 1215.0,

    E 403.2, Table E 403.2

    Fuel gas vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .509.6.2, 509.7.4,

  • CPC § 910.0 Medium relevance — show source text

    Combination waste

    and vent piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .910.0, Appendix B Combustion air openings . . . . . . . . . . . . .506.3 – 506.5 Condensate pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .814.3, Table 814.3 Disposal fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix H Drainage piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Table 702.1, 703.0, Table 703.2, C 304.0,

    E 302.2, E 504.4

    FOG disposal systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1015.3

    Fuel gas piping systems . . . . . .1208.3, 1214.0, 1215.0,

    E 403.2, Table E 403.2

    Fuel gas vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .509.6.2, 509.7.4,

    509.10.2, 510.0

    Flushometer valves and tanks . . . . . . . . .610.10, 610.11

    Gray water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1503.8

    Grease interceptors . . . . . . . . .1014.2.1, Table 1014.2.1,

    1014.3.6, Table 1014.3.6

    Hanger rods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .313.6

    Indirect waste pipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .801.3.1, 803.3

    Leaders, conductors,

    and storm drains . . . . . . . . . . .1103.0, Table 1103.1,

    Table 1103.2, Table 1103.3

    Louvers, grilles, and screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .506.8

    Medical gas and medical vacuum pipe . . . . . . .1323.1.1

    Mulch basins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1504.5.1

    Oil tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E 403.12

    Pipe cleanouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Table 707.1, 707.10

    Rainwater catchment systems . . . . . . . .1602.6, K 106.5

    Reclaimed (recycled)

    water piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1502.6

    Roof drainage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1101.12, Table 1103.2,

    Table 1103.3, 1105.1,

    1603.15, Appendix D, K 106.4

  • CPC § 208.0 Medium relevance — show source text

    Existing Work. A plumbing system or any part thereof that has been installed prior to the effective date of this code.

    Expansion Joint. A fitting or arrangement of pipe and fittings that permit the contraction and expansion of a piping system.

    Expansion Tank. A vessel used to protect potable water systems from excessive pressure.

    208.0 – F –

    F Rating. The time period that the penetration firestop system limits the spread of fire through the penetration, where tested in accordance with ASTM E814 or UL 1479.

    Fixture Branch. A water supply pipe between the fixture supply pipe and the water distribution pipe.

    Fixture Drain. The drain from the trap of a fixture to the junction of that drain with any other drainpipe.

    Fixture Fitting. A device that controls and guides the flow of water.

    Fixture Supply. A water supply pipe is connecting the fixture with the fixture branch.

    Fixture Unit. A quantity in terms of which the load-producing effects on the plumbing system of different kinds of plumbing fixtures are expressed on some arbitrarily chosen scale.

    Flammable Vapor or Fumes. The concentration of flammable constituents in the air that exceeds 25 percent of its lower flammability limit (LFL).

    Flood Hazard Area. The greater of the following two areas:

    (1) The area within a floodplain subject to a 1 percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year.

    (2) The area designated as a flood hazard area on a community’s flood hazard map, or otherwise legally designated.

    Flood Level. See Flooded.

    Flood-Level Rim. The top edge of a receptor or fixture from which water overflows.

    Flooded. A fixture is flooded where the liquid therein rises to the flood-level rim.

    Flue Collar. That portion of an appliance designed for the attachment of a draft hood, vent connector, or venting system. [NFPA 54:3.3.44]

    Flush Tank. A tank located above or integral with water closets, urinals, or similar fixtures for the purpose of flushing the usable portion of the fixture.

    Flush Valve. A valve located at the bottom of a tank for flushing water closets and similar fixtures.

    Flushometer Tank. A tank integrated within an air accumulator vessel that is designed to discharge a predetermined quantity of water to fixtures for flushing purposes.

    Flushometer Valve. A valve that discharges a predetermined quantity of water to fixtures for flushing purposes and is actuated by direct water pressure.

    2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 35

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

    DEFINITIONS

    FOG Disposal System. A grease interceptor that reduces nonpetroleum fats, oils, and grease (FOG) in the effluent by separation, mass, and volume reduction.

    Food Establishment . [DPH] Any room, building, place or portion thereof, maintained, used or operated for purpose of storing, preparing, serving, packaging, transporting, sal- vaging or otherwise handling food at the retail level.

    Fuel Gas. Natural, manufactured liquefied petroleum, or a mixture of these.

    209.0 – G –

    Gang or Group Shower. Two or more showers in a com mon area.

  • CPC § 3.3.68.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    Minimal Sedation (Anxiolysis). A drug-induced state during which patients respond normally to verbal commands. Although cognitive function and coordination may be impaired, ventilatory and cardiovascular functions are unaffected. [NFPA 99:3.3.68.4]

    Moderate Sedation/Analgesia (Conscious Seda- tion). A drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. No interventions are required to maintain a patient airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained. [NFPA 99:3.3.68.3]

    Grade. The slope or fall of a line of pipe in reference to a horizontal plane. In drainage, it is usually expressed as the fall in a fraction of an inch (mm) or percentage slope per foot (meter) length of pipe.

    Gravity Grease Interceptor. A plumbing appurtenance or appliance that is installed in a sanitary drainage system to intercept nonpetroleum fats, oils, and greases (FOG) from a wastewater discharge and is identified by volume, 30 minute retention time, baffle(s), not less than two compartments, a total volume of not less than 300 gallons (1135 L), and gravity separation. [These interceptors comply with the requirements of Chapter 10 or are designed by a registered design professional.] Gravity grease interceptors are generally installed outside.

    Graywater. [BSC-CG & HCD 1] Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17922.12, “graywater” means untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet dis- charge, has not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhealthy bodily wastes, and does not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing, manufacturing, or operating wastes. "Graywater" includes, but is not limited to, wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tubs, but does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks or dishwashers.

    Note: For the purpose of applying the standards contained in this code, “Graywater” as defined above, has the same meaning as “gray water”, “grey water”, and “greywater”.

    Gray Water System. [BSC-CG & HCD 1] A system designed to collect gray water on-site for reuse or distribution to an irrigation or disposal field. A gray water system may include, on-site treated nonpotable water devices or equip- ment, tanks, valves, filters, pumps or other appurtenances along with piping and receiving landscape.

    Grease Interceptor. A plumbing appurtenance or appliance that is installed in a sanitary drainage system to intercept nonpetroleum fats, oil, and greases (FOG) from a wastewater discharge.

    Grease Removal Device (GRD). A hydromechanical grease interceptor that automatically, mechanically removes non-petroleum fats, oils and grease (FOG) from the interceptor, the control of which are either automatic or manually initiated.

    Grounding Electrode. A conducting object through which a direct connection to earth is established. [NFPA 70:100 (Part I)]

    Groundwater. Water that exists beneath the earth’s surface.

Frequently asked questions

What standard must FOG disposal systems meet?

They must comply with ASME A112.14.6, as required by § 1015.2 of the CPC.

Who determines the device size and installation details?

The manufacturer’s installation instructions control sizing and installation under § 1015.3; the CPC defers to those instructions rather than giving a sizing formula in § 1015.3.

What is the maximum allowable FOG in effluent?

The effluent must not exceed 5.84 gr/gal (100 mg/L) FOG per § 1015.4.

If a product is ASME‑listed but tests >100 mg/L in the field, is that acceptable?

No — § 1015.4 sets the performance limit at 100 mg/L. Field performance above that threshold does not meet the CPC requirement even if the product standard was claimed.

Does the CPC prescribe maintenance schedules in § 1015.1–1015.4?

No. Those sections address purpose, standard compliance, sizing/installation per manufacturer, and numeric performance. Maintenance schedules are not prescribed in §§ 1015.1–1015.4; follow manufacturer guidance and AHJ requirements.

More in California Plumbing Code

Ask about the CPC

Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Plumbing Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.

Start Free Trial

Related in the CPC