CRC · California Residential Code
Sump pumps, water‑powered backups & macerating toilet systems
Homeowners: water‑powered backup pumps must be listed, labeled, meet a specific efficiency test and include an 85 dBa battery alarm; macerating toilet systems are allowed only where the building official approves, must meet ASME A112.3.4/CSA B45.9, have a watertight/gastight sump, at least 3/4‑inch discharge piping sized per the manufacturer, required check and shutoff valves, and venting per the manufacturer and the plumbing code (see **§ L409.1** and **§ 710.13**).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
- § L409.1 requires that water‑powered sump pumps used as an emergency backup be listed to the referenced standard (IAPMO PS 119), be labeled for gallons pumped per gallon consumed, meet a minimum water‑efficiency test (at 60 psi), and include a battery‑powered alarm rated at 85 dBa at 10 feet.
- § 710.13 permits macerating toilet systems or pumped‑waste systems as an alternate to a sewage pump system where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction; such systems must comply with ASME A112.3.4/CSA B45.9 and be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions.
The single most important rule: install water‑powered backups and macerating systems only when they meet the listed standards and the manufacturer’s instructions, and provide the required labeling, alarm, venting and minimum piping sizes specified in the code.
Requirements in detail
Water‑powered sump pumps (backup) — § L409.1
- Use: Only as an emergency backup pump (not the primary continuous pump duty). § L409.1.
- Standard/Listing: Must comply with IAPMO PS 119 (listed/listing required). § L409.1.
- Alarm: Battery‑powered alarm with minimum 85 dBa at 10 ft. § L409.1.
- Water efficiency: Must have a water efficiency factor of at least 1.4 gallons pumped to 10 ft for every gallon of water used (measured at 60 psi). Pumps must be labeled with the gallons pumped per gallon consumed. § L409.1.
- Backflow protection (stormwater): Water‑powered stormwater sump pumps must include a reduced‑pressure principle backflow prevention assembly. § L409.1.
Macerating toilet systems & pumped waste systems — § 710.13
- Permission/approval: Macerating systems are permitted as an alternate to sewage pumps where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction and must comply with ASME A112.3.4/CSA B45.9 and be installed per manufacturer. § 710.13.
- Sump construction: The sump must be watertight and gastight. § 710.13.1.
- Discharge piping: Must be sized per manufacturer and be not less than 3/4 inch (20 mm) diameter. The developed length must not exceed manufacturer’s instructions. A check valve and fullway‑type shutoff valve must be located in the discharge line or internally in the device. § 710.13.2.
- Venting: Fixtures discharging into the macerator must be vented per this code; the sump vent must follow the manufacturer’s instructions and may connect to the fixture venting. § 710.13.3.
Decision‑relevant dimensions & values (quick reference)
| Item / decision point | Required value / threshold | Where it appears (code reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm sound level for water‑powered pumps | ≥ 85 dBa @ 10 ft | § L409.1 |
| Water‑efficiency factor (test condition) | ≥ 1.4 gal pumped to 10 ft per 1 gal used; measured at 60 psi | § L409.1 |
| Labeling of pump performance | Pump must be labeled with gallons pumped per gallon consumed | § L409.1 |
| Backflow protection for stormwater pumps | Reduced‑pressure principle backflow assembly | § L409.1 |
| Macerator sump construction | Watertight and gastight | § 710.13.1 |
| Macerator discharge min diameter | ≥ 3/4 in (20 mm) | § 710.13.2 |
| Discharge developed length | Not to exceed manufacturer’s instructions | § 710.13.2 |
| Discharge valves required | Check valve + fullway‑type shutoff in discharge line or internal | § 710.13.2 |
| Standards for macerator systems | ASME A112.3.4/CSA B45.9 (listing/comply) | § 710.13 |
Exceptions & special cases
- The code permits macerating/pumped waste systems only as an alternate and where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction; approval may impose further local conditions. § 710.13.
- Many key numeric limits for macerators (discharge length, routing, pump sizing) are delegated to the manufacturer’s instructions — follow those instructions and retain them for inspection. § 710.13.2–.3.
- For water‑powered stormwater pumps there is an explicit backflow prevention requirement (reduced‑pressure assembly). If the pump is used on stormwater, don’t skip backflow protection. § L409.1.
If you need a local ruling (for example, whether a macerator may be used to serve more than a single dwelling or in a public use occupancy), that is an Authority Having Jurisdiction decision per § 710.13.
Common mistakes
- Installing a water‑powered backup without the required alarm or labeling (both required by § L409.1).
- Using a macerator with undersized discharge piping (less than 3/4 in / 20 mm) or ignoring manufacturer’s maximum developed length — both are code non‑compliant per § 710.13.2.
- Failing to provide reduced‑pressure backflow protection for water‑powered stormwater sump pumps per § L409.1.
- Assuming a macerator can replace a conventional sewage ejector without AHJ approval; § 710.13 requires AHJ approval and compliance with ASME A112.3.4/CSA B45.9.
- Not venting fixtures or the sump per either the code venting rules or the manufacturer’s instructions required in § 710.13.3.
Worked example
Scenario: You are installing a macerating toilet system for a powder room below the main sewer crown level, with the discharge point ~30 feet of horizontal run to the building drain.
Steps to verify code compliance using the cited sections:
- Confirm AHJ approval: macerator permitted only where approved. § 710.13.
- Verify the product listing: select a unit that complies with ASME A112.3.4/CSA B45.9 and has manufacturer instructions. § 710.13.
- Sump condition: install the watertight, gastight sump the unit specifies (required by § 710.13.1).
- Discharge piping: ensure the chosen unit’s discharge piping is ≥ 3/4 in (20 mm) and confirm the developer’s permitted developed length — if the manufacturer’s instruction limits developed length to 25 ft, a 30‑ft run would be noncompliant unless rerouted or a different unit is chosen. § 710.13.2.
- Valves: install the required check valve and fullway‑type shutoff in the discharge line (or confirm they are internal to the device). § 710.13.2.
- Venting: ensure the fixtures are vented per the plumbing code and the sump vent is installed exactly as the manufacturer requires (it may connect to fixture venting per § 710.13.3).
If instead you were adding a water‑powered backup to a stormwater sump, you must confirm the unit meets the water‑efficiency criterion and has the 85 dBa alarm and must provide a reduced‑pressure backflow preventer for stormwater service (see § L409.1).
Related provisions
- § L409.1 — Water‑powered sump pump general requirements (alarm, efficiency, labeling, RP backflow for stormwater).
- § 710.13 — Macerating toilet systems and pumped waste systems (standards & installation).
- § 710.13.1 — Sump must be watertight and gastight.
- § 710.13.2 — Discharge piping sizing and required valves for macerators.
- § 710.13.3 — Venting requirements and interaction with manufacturer instructions.
- § 710.2–710.5 — General sewage discharge, ejector/pump capacity and discharge piping requirements (relevant when comparing macerator use to conventional ejector systems).
- Appendix L (L409.0) — Context for water‑using appliances in Appendix L (where L409.1 is located).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Residential Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CRC § 408.1.1 High relevance — show source text
APPENDIX L
L 408.1.1 Condensate Drainage Recovery. Condensate from air-conditioning, boiler and steam systems used to supply water for non-potable water systems shall be in accordance with Section 1506.0.
L 409.0 Water-Powered Sump Pumps. L 409.1 General. Sump pumps powered by potable or reclaimed (recycled) water pressure shall be used as an emergency backup pump and shall comply with IAPMO PS 119. The water-powered pump shall be equipped with a battery powered alarm having a minimum rating of 85 dBa at 10 feet (3048 mm). Water-powered pumps shall have a water efficiency factor of pumping at least 1.4 gallons (5.3 L) of water to a height of 10 feet (3048 mm) for every gallon of water used to operate the pump, measured at a water pressure of 60 psi (414 kPa). Pumps shall be labeled as to the gallons of water pumped per gallon of potable water consumed.
Water-powered stormwater sump pumps shall be equipped with a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.
L 410.0 Water Softeners and Treatment Devices.
L 410.1 Water Softeners. Water softeners shall be listed to
NSF/ANSI 44. Water softeners shall have a rated salt efficiency exceeding 3400 grains (gr) (0.222 kg) of total hardness exchange per pound (0.5 kg) of salt, based on sodium chloride (NaCl) equivalency, and shall not generate more than 4 gallons (15.1 L) of water per 1000 grains (0.0647 kg) of hardness removed during the service cycle.
L 410.2 Water Softener Limitations. In residential buildings, where the supplied potable water hardness is equal to or less than 8 grains per gallon (gr/gal) (137 mg/L) measured as total calcium carbonate equivalents, water softening equipment that discharges water into the wastewater system during the service cycle shall not be allowed, except as required for medical purposes.
L 410.3 Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis Water Treat- ment Systems. Reverse osmosis water treatment systems shall be equipped with automatic shutoff valves to prevent discharge when there is no call for producing treated water. Reverse osmosis water treatment systems shall comply with NSF/ANSI 58 and ASSE 1086.
L 410.4 Drinking Water Treatment Systems. Drinking water treatment systems shall be listed to WQA/ASPE/ANSI S-803.
L 411.0 Landscape Irrigation Systems. L 411.1 General. Where landscape irrigation systems are installed, they shall be in accordance with Section L 411.1.1 through Section L 411.17. L 411.1.1 Irrigation Design and Installation. The Authority Having Jurisdiction shall have the authority to require landscape irrigation contractors, installers, or designers to demonstrate competency. The system shall be designed and record drawings showing changes during installation shall be made available for the owner and for any required inspections. Where required by the Authority
CRC § 407.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1 do not apply, no additional dedicated meter is
required.| |Tenant Spaces - Non-residential, car
washes|All water supplies to individual non-residential tenant spaces for indoor water use where any of the
following conditions exist:
(1)
The nominal size of a water supply pipe(s) to the individual tenant space is greater than ½
inch, or
(2)
Water consumption within in the tenant space is estimated or expected to average greater than
1000 gallons/day (gal/d).
Where water is supplied to tenant space that is not required to have dedicated meter, the water sup-
ply pipe (s) shall be accessible to install a meter.
Exception: Where a water purveyor has individual meters for each tenant space and the other
meter requirements included in Table L 407.1 do not apply, no additional dedicated meter is
required.|For SI units: 1 gallon per day = 3.785 L/day, 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m [2], 1000 British thermal units per hour = 0.293 kW, 1 cubic foot per minute (CFM) = 0.4719 L/s, 1 ton = 3.5169 kW
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APPENDIX L
L 408.1.1 Condensate Drainage Recovery. Condensate from air-conditioning, boiler and steam systems used to supply water for non-potable water systems shall be in accordance with Section 1506.0.
L 409.0 Water-Powered Sump Pumps. L 409.1 General. Sump pumps powered by potable or reclaimed (recycled) water pressure shall be used as an emergency backup pump and shall comply with IAPMO PS 119. The water-powered pump shall be equipped with a battery powered alarm having a minimum rating of 85 dBa at 10 feet (3048 mm). Water-powered pumps shall have a water efficiency factor of pumping at least 1.4 gallons (5.3 L) of water to a height of 10 feet (3048 mm) for every gallon of water used to operate the pump, measured at a water pressure of 60 psi (414 kPa). Pumps shall be labeled as to the gallons of water pumped per gallon of potable water consumed.
Water-powered stormwater sump pumps shall be equipped with a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.
L 410.0 Water Softeners and Treatment Devices.
L 410.1 Water Softeners. Water softeners shall be listed to
NSF/ANSI 44. Water softeners shall have a rated salt efficiency exceeding 3400 grains (gr) (0.222 kg) of total hardness exchange per pound (0.5 kg) of salt, based on sodium chloride (NaCl) equivalency, and shall not generate more than 4 gallons (15.1 L) of water per 1000 grains (0.0647 kg) of hardness removed during the service cycle.
CRC § 710.8 Medium relevance — show source text
710.8 Sump and Receiving Tank Construction. Sumps and receiving tanks shall be watertight and shall be constructed of concrete, metal, or other approved materials. Where constructed of poured concrete, the walls and bottom shall be adequately reinforced and designed to recognized acceptable standards. Metal sumps or tanks shall be of such
thickness as to serve their intended purpose and shall be treated internally and externally to resist corrosion.
710.9 Alarm. Such sumps and receiving tanks shall be automatically discharged and, wherein a “public use” occupancy, shall be provided with dual pumps or ejectors arranged to function alternately in normal use and independently. Such pumps shall be capable of running continuously in case of overload or mechanical failure of one of the pumps or ejectors. The pumps shall have an audio and visual alarm, readily accessible, that signals pump failure or an overload condition. The lowest inlet shall have a clearance of not less than 2 inches (51 mm) from the high-water or “starting” level of the sump. 710.10 Sump and Receiving Tank Covers and Vents. Sumps and receiving tanks shall be provided with substantial covers having a bolt-and-gasket-type manhole or equivalent opening to permit access for inspection, repairs, and cleaning. The top shall be provided with a vent pipe that shall extend separately through the roof or, where permitted, be combined with other vent pipes. Such vent shall be large enough to maintain atmospheric pressure within the sump under normal operating conditions and, in no case, shall be less in size than that required by Table 703.2 for the number and type of fixtures discharging into the sump, nor less than 1 [1] ⁄ 2 inches (40 mm) in diameter. Where the preceding requirements are met and the vent, after leaving the sump, is combined with vents from fixtures discharging into the sump, the size of the combined vent need not exceed that required for the total number of fixtures discharging into the sump. No vent from an air-operating sewage ejector shall combine with other vents. 710.11 Air Tanks. Air tanks shall be so proportioned as to be of equal cubical capacity to the ejectors connected in addition to that in which there shall be maintained an air pressure of not less than 2 pounds per foot (lb/ft) (3 kg/m) of height the sewage is to be raised. No water-operated ejectors shall be permitted. 710.12 Grinder Pump Ejector. Grinder pumps shall be permitted to be used. 710.12.1 Discharge Piping. The discharge piping shall be sized in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and shall be not less than 1 [1] ⁄ 4 inches (32 mm) in diameter. A check valve and fullwaytype shutoff valve shall be located on the discharge line. 710.13 Macerating Toilet Systems and Pumped Waste Systems. Fixtures shall be permitted to discharge to a macerating toilet system, or pumped waste system shall be permitted as an alternate to a sewage pump system where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Such systems shall comply with ASME A112.3.4/CSA B45.9 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation
instructions.
CRC § 710.11 Medium relevance — show source text
Where the preceding requirements are met and the vent, after leaving the sump, is combined with vents from fixtures discharging into the sump, the size of the combined vent need not exceed that required for the total number of fixtures discharging into the sump. No vent from an air-operating sewage ejector shall combine with other vents. 710.11 Air Tanks. Air tanks shall be so proportioned as to be of equal cubical capacity to the ejectors connected in addition to that in which there shall be maintained an air pressure of not less than 2 pounds per foot (lb/ft) (3 kg/m) of height the sewage is to be raised. No water-operated ejectors shall be permitted. 710.12 Grinder Pump Ejector. Grinder pumps shall be permitted to be used. 710.12.1 Discharge Piping. The discharge piping shall be sized in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and shall be not less than 1 [1] ⁄ 4 inches (32 mm) in diameter. A check valve and fullwaytype shutoff valve shall be located on the discharge line. 710.13 Macerating Toilet Systems and Pumped Waste Systems. Fixtures shall be permitted to discharge to a macerating toilet system, or pumped waste system shall be permitted as an alternate to a sewage pump system where approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Such systems shall comply with ASME A112.3.4/CSA B45.9 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation
instructions.
710.13.1 Sumps. The sump shall be watertight and gastight. 710.13.2 Discharge Piping. The discharge piping shall be sized in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and shall be not less than [3] ⁄ 4 of an inch (20 mm) in diameter. The developed length of the discharge piping shall not exceed the manufacturer’s instructions. A check
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SANITARY DRAINAGE
valve and fullway-type shutoff valve shall be located within the discharge line or internally within the device.
710.13.3 Venting. The plumbing fixtures that discharge into the macerating device shall be vented in accordance with this code. The sump shall be vented in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and such vent shall be permitted to connect to the fixture venting.
711.0 Suds Relief.
711.1 General. Drainage connections shall not be made into a drainage piping system within 8 feet (2438 mm) of a vertical to horizontal change of direction of a stack containing suds-producing fixtures. Bathtubs, laundries, washing machine standpipes, kitchen sinks, and dishwashers shall be considered suds-producing fixtures. Where parallel vent stacks are required, they shall connect to the drainage stack at a point 8 feet (2438 mm) above the lowest point of the drainage stack.
Exceptions:
(1) Single-family residences.
(2) Stacks receiving the discharge from less than three stories of plumbing fixtures.
712.0 Testing.
CRC § 710.0 Medium relevance — show source text
710.0 Drainage of Fixtures Located Below the Next Upstream Manhole or Below the Main
Sewer Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173
710.1 Backflow Protection . . . . . . . . . . .173
710.2 Sewage Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . .173
710.3 Sewage Ejector and Pumps . . . . .173
710.4 Discharge Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
710.5 Size of Building Drains and Sewers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
710.6 Backwater Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
710.7 Drainage and Venting Systems . . .174
710.8 Sump and Receiving Tank Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
710.9 Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
710.10 Sump and Receiving Tank Covers and Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
710.11 Air Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
710.12 Grinder Pump Ejector . . . . . . . . . .174
710.13 Macerating Toilet Systems and Pumped Waste Systems . . . .174
711.0 Suds Relief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
711.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
712.0 Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
712.1 Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
712.2 Water Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
712.3 Air Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
PART II Building Sewers . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
713.0 Sewer Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
713.1 Where Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
713.2 Private Sewage Disposal System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
713.3 Public Sewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
713.4 Public Sewer Availability . . . . . . .175
713.5 Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
713.6 Lot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
713.7 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
714.0 Damage to Public Sewer or Private Sewage Disposal System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
714.1 Unlawful Practices . . . . . . . . . . . .175
CRC § 0.95 Medium relevance — show source text
The sump shall be not less than 15 inches (381 mm) in diameter, 18 inches (457 mm) in depth, and provided with a fitted cover. The sump pump shall have an adequate capacity to discharge water coming into the sump as it accumulates to the required discharge point, and the capacity of the pump shall be not less than 15 gallons per minute (gpm) (0.95 L/s). The discharge piping from the sump pump shall be not less than 1 [1] ⁄ 2 inches (40 mm) in diameter and have a union or other approved quick-disconnect assembly to make the pump accessible for servicing. 1101.6.3 Splash Blocks. For separate dwellings not serving continuously flowing springs or groundwater, the sump discharge pipe shall be permitted to discharge onto a concrete splash block with a minimum length of 24 inches (610 mm). This pipe shall be within 4 inches (102 mm) of the splash block and positioned to direct the flow parallel to the recessed line of the splash block.
1101.6.4 Backwater Valve. Subsoil drains subject to backflow where discharging into a storm drain shall be provided with a backwater valve in the drain line so located as to be accessible for inspection and maintenance. 1101.6.5 Open Area. Nothing in Section 1101.6 shall prevent drains that serve either subsoil drains or areaways of a detached building from discharging to a properly graded open area, provided that:
(1) They do not serve continuously flowing springs or groundwater.
(2) The point of discharge is not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from a property line.
(3) It is impracticable to discharge such drains to a storm drain, to an approved water course, to the front street curb or gutter, or to an alley. 1101.7 Building Subdrains. Building subdrains located below the public sewer level shall discharge into a sump or receiving tank, the contents of which shall be automatically lifted and discharged into the drainage system as required for building sumps. 1101.8 Areaway Drains. Open subsurface space adjacent to a building, serving as an entrance to the basement or cellar of a building, shall be provided with a drain or drains. The areaway drains shall be not less than 2 inches (50 mm) in diameter for areaways at a maximum of 100 square feet (9.29 m [2] ) in area, and shall be discharged in the manner provided for subsoil drains not serving continuously flowing springs or groundwater (see Section 1101.6.1). Areaways exceeding 100 square feet (9.29 m [2] ) shall not drain into subsoil drains.
The drains for areaways exceeding 100 square feet (9.29 m [2] ) shall be sized in accordance with Table 1103.2.
CRC § 1503.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Table 1503.4
Valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1504.1
SUBSURFACE
IRRIGATION FIELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .221.0, 1503.2.1,
1504.2 – 1504.4, 1504.5,
1504.5.2
SUDS RELIEF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .711.0
SUMPS
Boiler room, installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .810.1, 810.3
Building, backwater
devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .710.1, 710.3, 710.4, 710.6
Building drainage
systems below sewer level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .710.2
Condensers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .810.0, Table 810.1
Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .810.2
Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .221.0
Macerating toilet systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .710.13.1
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INDEX
Pump connection permitted . . . . .710.2 – 710.5, 710.9,
805.1, 1101.6.2, 1101.7
Pump discharges, conversion
to fixture units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .702.3, 710.5
Sewage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .710.2
Sizing, sewage
ejector and pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .710.3
Storm drainage . . . . . . . . . . . .1101.6.2, 1101.6.3, 1101.7,
1101.10, 1101.11, 1101.14
Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .710.7, 710.10, 710.13.3,
810.1, Table 810.1
Water supply inlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .603.5.5
SUPPLY, WATER
Fittings, fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .402.7
CRC § 206.0 Medium relevance — show source text
Durham, definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206.0 Engineered . . . . . . . . . . . . . .509.10.8.1, 912.0, C 201.1 Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .507.21,
509.3.4, 509.6.1 Fire protection (protection from) . . . . . . . . . . . .603.5.14 Firefighter breathing air replenishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Appendix F Firestop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chapter 14 Fire sprinklers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .612.1 FOG disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1015.0 Fuel gas piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .507.18, Chapter 12,
E 401.0 – E 406.4
Fuel gas venting . . . . . . . . . . .509.0, Table 509.4, 510.0 Gray water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .601.3.3, 1502.0 Independent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311.0 Lightning protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1211.5 Macerating toilet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .710.13 Mechanical draft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .509.3.3, 509.10.3.2,
509.10.7
Medical gas and medical vacuum . . . . . . . . . . .319.0, Chapter 13 Natural draft venting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .509.6.2.1 On-site treated nonpotable . . . . . . . . . . .601.3.3, 1506.0 Plumbing vent, definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218.0 Plumbing venting . . . . . . . . . .710.7, Chapter 9, C 401.0
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INDEX
Potable water
Contamination and damage . . . . . .C 302.1, C 302.2, C 501.3
Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218.0
CRC § 710.5 Medium relevance — show source text
Gate or ball valves, where installed in drainage piping, shall be fullway type with working parts of corrosion-resistant metal. Sizes 4 inches (100 mm) or more in diameter shall have cast-iron bodies and sizes less than 4 inches (100 mm), cast-iron or copper alloy bodies. 710.5 Size of Building Drains and Sewers. Building drains or building sewers receiving a discharge from a pump or ejector shall be adequately sized to prevent overloading. Two fixture units shall be allowed for each gallon per minute (L/s) of flow. 710.6 Backwater Valves. Backwater valves, gate valves, fullway ball valves, unions, motors, compressors, air tanks, and other mechanical devices required by this section shall be located where they will be accessible for inspection and repair and, unless continuously exposed, shall be enclosed in a masonry pit fitted with an adequately sized removable
cover.
Backwater valves shall comply with ASME A112.14.1 or IAPMO IGC 305, and have bodies of cast-iron, plastic, copper alloy, or other approved materials; shall have noncorrosive bearings, seats, and self-aligning discs; and shall be constructed to ensure a positive mechanical seal. Such backwater valves shall remain open during periods of low flows to avoid screening of solids and shall not restrict capacities or cause excessive turbulence during peak loads. Unless otherwise listed, valve access covers shall be bolted type with gasket, and each valve shall bear the manufacturer’s name cast into the body and the cover. 710.7 Drainage and Venting Systems. The drainage and venting systems, in connection with fixtures, sumps, receiving tanks, and mechanical waste-lifting devices shall be installed under the same requirements as provided for in this code for gravity systems. 710.8 Sump and Receiving Tank Construction. Sumps and receiving tanks shall be watertight and shall be constructed of concrete, metal, or other approved materials. Where constructed of poured concrete, the walls and bottom shall be adequately reinforced and designed to recognized acceptable standards. Metal sumps or tanks shall be of such
thickness as to serve their intended purpose and shall be treated internally and externally to resist corrosion.
710.9 Alarm. Such sumps and receiving tanks shall be automatically discharged and, wherein a “public use” occupancy, shall be provided with dual pumps or ejectors arranged to function alternately in normal use and independently. Such pumps shall be capable of running continuously in case of overload or mechanical failure of one of the pumps or ejectors. The pumps shall have an audio and visual alarm, readily accessible, that signals pump failure or an overload condition. The lowest inlet shall have a clearance of not less than 2 inches (51 mm) from the high-water or “starting” level of the sump. 710.10 Sump and Receiving Tank Covers and Vents. Sumps and receiving tanks shall be provided with substantial covers having a bolt-and-gasket-type manhole or equivalent opening to permit access for inspection, repairs, and cleaning. The top shall be provided with a vent pipe that shall extend separately through the roof or, where permitted, be combined with other vent pipes. Such vent shall be large enough to maintain atmospheric pressure within the sump under normal operating conditions and, in no case, shall be less in size than that required by Table 703.2 for the number and type of fixtures discharging into the sump, nor less than 1 [1] ⁄ 2 inches (40 mm) in diameter.
CRC § 23500-3 Medium relevance — show source text
7_| |ANSI/AAMI/ISO 23500-3|Preparation and Quality Management of Fluids for
Haemodialysis and Related Therapies—Part 3: Water for
Haemodialysis and Related Therapies.|Miscellaneous|614.7| |ARCSA|ARCSA|ARCSA|ARCSA| |ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 63-
2020|Rainwater Catchment Systems|Miscellaneous|1602.1| |ASME|ASME|ASME|ASME| |ASME A112.1.2-2012
(R2017)|Air Gaps in Plumbing Systems (For Plumbing Fixtures and
Water-Connected Receptors)|Fittings|Table 603.2| |ASME A112.1.3-2000
(R2019)|Air Gap Fittings for Use with Plumbing Fixtures, Appliances,
and Appurtenances|Fittings|Table 603.2| |ASME A112.3.1-2007
(R2017)|Stainless Steel Drainage Systems for Sanitary DWV, Storm,
and Vacuum Applications, Above- and Below-Ground|Piping|418.1, Table 701.2,
705.7.2, 1102.1| |ASME A112.3.4-2018/CSA
B45.9-2018
|Macerating Toilet Systems and Waste-Pumping Systems for
Plumbing Fixtures|Fixtures|710.13| |ASME A112.4.1-2009
(R2019)|Water Heater Relief Valve Drain Tubes|Appliances|608.5(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.CRC § 215.0 Medium relevance — show source text
Labeled. Equipment or materials bearing a label of a listing agency (accredited conformity assessment body). See Listed (third-party certified).
[HCD 1 & HCD 2] “Labeled” means equipment or materi- als to which has been attached a label, symbol or other iden- tifying mark of an organization, approved by the Department,
38 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
Lot. A single or individual parcel or area of land legally recorded or validated by other means acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction on which is situated a building or which is the site of any work regulated by this code, together with the yards, courts, and unoccupied spaces legally required for the building or works, and that is owned by or is in the lawful possession of the owner of the building or works.
Low Hazard. See Pollution.
Low-Pressure Water Dispenser. A terminal fitting located downstream of a pressure reducing valve that dispenses drinking hot water above 71°C (160°F) or cold water or both at a pressure of 105 kPa (15 psi) or less. Low VOC Cement. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Cement with a volatile organic compound (VOC) content of less than or equal to 490 g/L for CPVC Cement, 510 g/L for PVC Cement, and 325 g/L for ABS Cement, as determined by the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Laboratory Methods of Analysis for Enforcement Samples, Method 316A. Low VOC One-Step Cement. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Listed solvent cements that do not require the use of primer with a volatile organic compound (VOC) content of less than or equal to 490 g/L for CPVC Cement, 510 g/L for PVC Cement, and 325 g/L for ABS Cement, as determined by the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Laboratory Methods of Analy- sis for Enforcement Samples, Method 316A. Low VOC Primer. [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Primer with a volatile organic compound (VOC) content of less than or equal to 550 g/L, as determined by the South Coast Air Quality Manage- ment District’s Laboratory Methods of Analysis for Enforce- ment Samples, Method 316A.
215.0 – M –
Macerating Toilet System. A system comprised of a sump with macerating pump and with connections for a water closet and other plumbing fixtures, which is designed to accept, grind and pump wastes to an approved point of discharge. Main. The principal artery of a system of continuous piping to which branches may be connected.
Main Sewer. See Public Sewer.
Main Vent. The principal artery of the venting system to which vent branches may be connected. May. A permissive term. Medical Air. For purposes of this code, medical air is air supplied from cylinders, bulk containers, or medical air compressors or reconstituted from oxygen USP and oil-free, dry nitrogen NF. [NFPA 99:3.3.106] Medical Gas. A patient medical gas or medical support gas. (See also Patient Medical Gas and Medical Support Gas)
CRC § 710.2 Medium relevance — show source text
710.2 Sewage Discharge. Drainage piping serving fixtures that are located below the crown level of the main sewer shall discharge into an approved watertight sump or receiving tank, so located as to receive the sewage or wastes by gravity. From such sump or receiving tank, the sewage or other liquid wastes shall be lifted and discharged into the building drain or building sewer by approved ejectors, pumps, or other equally efficient approved mechanical devices. 710.3 Sewage Ejector and Pumps. A sewage ejector or sewage pump receiving the discharge of water closets or urinals:
(1) Shall have a discharge capacity of not less than 20 gpm (1.26 L/s).
(2) In single dwelling units, the ejector or pump shall be capable of passing an 1 [1] ⁄ 2 inch (38 mm) diameter solid ball, and the discharge piping of each ejector or pump
2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE 173
), Copyright © 2025 IAPMO, and may not be used for any other purpose or distributed to any other persons or parties.
SANITARY DRAINAGE
shall have a backwater valve and gate valve, and be not less than 2 inches (50 mm) in diameter.
(3) In other than single-dwelling units, the ejector or pump shall be capable of passing a 2 inch (51 mm) diameter solid ball, and the discharge piping of each ejector or pump shall have a backwater valve and gate valve, and be not less than 3 inches (80 mm) in diameter.
[HCD 1 & HCD 2] The minimum size of any pump or any discharge pipe from a sump having a water closet connected thereto shall be not less than 2 inches (50 mm). 710.4 Discharge Line. The discharge line from such ejector, pump, or another mechanical device shall be of approved pressure rated material and be provided with an accessible backwater or swing check valve and gate or ball valve. Where the gravity drainage line to which such discharge line connects is horizontal, the method of connection shall be from the top through a wye branch fitting. The gate or ball valve shall be located on the discharge side of the backwater or check valve.
Gate or ball valves, where installed in drainage piping, shall be fullway type with working parts of corrosion-resistant metal. Sizes 4 inches (100 mm) or more in diameter shall have cast-iron bodies and sizes less than 4 inches (100 mm), cast-iron or copper alloy bodies. 710.5 Size of Building Drains and Sewers. Building drains or building sewers receiving a discharge from a pump or ejector shall be adequately sized to prevent overloading. Two fixture units shall be allowed for each gallon per minute (L/s) of flow. 710.6 Backwater Valves. Backwater valves, gate valves, fullway ball valves, unions, motors, compressors, air tanks, and other mechanical devices required by this section shall be located where they will be accessible for inspection and repair and, unless continuously exposed, shall be enclosed in a masonry pit fitted with an adequately sized removable
cover.
Backwater valves shall comply with ASME A112.14.1 or IAPMO IGC 305, and have bodies of cast-iron, plastic, copper alloy, or other approved materials; shall have noncorrosive bearings, seats, and self-aligning discs; and shall be constructed to ensure a positive mechanical seal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use any macerating toilet unit I buy online?
Only if the unit complies with ASME A112.3.4/CSA B45.9 and the AHJ approves the use of the macerator as an alternate to a sewage pump system. Also follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. § 710.13.
Do water‑powered backup pumps consume potable water continuously?
No — § L409.1 contemplates their use as an emergency backup and requires labeling of how much potable water is used versus how much is pumped; it also sets a minimum water efficiency (1.4 gal pumped to 10 ft per 1 gal consumed at 60 psi). Use only listed devices.
Is venting the macerator sump always required to run through the roof?
The code requires the sump vent to be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions and permits connection to the fixture venting. It does not mandate a separate roof penetration if manufacturer instructions and code venting rules are met. § 710.13.3.
If my macerator’s discharge run exceeds the manufacturer’s developed‑length limit, what must I do?
You must either reroute or shorten the run, or select a different listed unit rated for the longer developed length. The code explicitly limits developed length to the manufacturer’s instructions. § 710.13.2.
Do water‑powered stormwater pumps need backflow protection?
Yes — the code requires a reduced‑pressure principle backflow prevention assembly on water‑powered stormwater sump pumps. § L409.1.
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