New Jersey has officially adopted the 2021 edition of the National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) to serve as the plumbing code for the Garden State.

The Division of Codes and Standards, which is part of the state's Department of Community Affairs, adopted the NSPC with state-specific amendments on Monday.

The 2021 NSPC provides the latest information about common materials, fixtures, devices and equipment used or installed in plumbing systems. The NSPC contains revisions that have been included to promote water efficiency, sustainability and resiliency. This new edition is printed in the popular illustrated format, with comments and illustrations clearly shown as supplemental information. The illustrations and supplementary notes make it an indispensable training tool.

Appendix G, which is intended to promote efficient water use in both residential and non-residential buildings and has been updated with revised excerpts from the 2017 Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard (WE•Stand), can be used as a reference standard in accordance with Appendix E. Also new in the 2021 edition is Appendix L: Tiny Houses, which was added to address safe and reliable plumbing system requirements for both permanent single tiny houses (Part I) and for tiny house communities (Part II).

"IAPMO is honored that the state of New Jersey will continue to be served by our National Standard Plumbing Code," IAPMO CEO Dave Viola said. "The entire plumbing industry agrees, along with the key policymakers in New Jersey, that the NSPC truly represents the best interests for New Jersey residents. We look forward to continuing to provide code support services and develop educational services for the code."

Designed to ensure the proper installation of plumbing systems, the NSPC provides local and state governments, code administrative bodies and the industry with a modern code to protect public health, safety and welfare.

To keep the code current and viable with input from all interested parties, the NSPC Committee — comprised of licensed contractors, engineers, inspectors and manufacturers — reviews the code annually and updates it on a three-year cycle.

The following organizations also supported New Jersey's adoption of the NSPC: Mechanical Contractors Association of New Jersey, New Jersey Association of Plumbing-Heating and Cooling Contractors, New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers, New Jersey State League of Master Plumbers, New Jersey State Plumbing Inspectors Association, South Jersey Mechanical Contractors Association, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 9, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 24, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 322, and the New Jersey Association of Pipe Trades.

First published in 1933, the NSPC is designed to ensure the proper installation of plumbing systems, providing local and state governments, code administration bodies, and the industry with a modern code to protect health and promote safety.

Many stakeholders shared their thoughts on New Jersey's adoption of the 2021 NSPC:

"The NSPC has been protecting the health and safety of the citizens of New Jersey for 45 years, and the 2021 edition has been updated to reflect the latest developments in technology, materials, and installation practices." 
Mike Maloney — Business Manager of UA Local 9, Englishtown, New Jersey

"I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working on the NSPC, a code started by contractors, engineers and AHJs, which is focused on ensuring safe and efficient plumbing systems and protecting the health of the nation." 
Charles White — Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, PHCC National Association

"The NSPC committee is a solid group of people with a wide range of experience in the plumbing industry — experienced professionals, working to update and improve the code, including installers, manufacturers and inspectors who verify code compliance. It is no wonder that the NSPC is a comprehensive and innovative model plumbing code." 
Kyle Thompson — Technical Director, Plumbing Manufacturers International

"The NSPC is a code that is easy to read, understand and comprehend. It is a great tool for learning and teaching the code. Most plumbers have been taught with this code and say it helps in all applications." 
Ronnie Barbarulo — Construction Official, Wayne Township, New Jersey

"It is very rewarding to work with a knowledgeable group of industry professionals to write a sustainable plumbing code." 
Tom Polino — Tindall and Ranson Plumbing & Heating

 "The adoption of the 2021 National Standard Plumbing Code protects the health and safety of the citizens in New Jersey by incorporating new materials, technology and the flexibility of design incorporated in the code along with addressing water- and energy-saving technologies." 
Stephen Rodzinak — Construction Official, Township of Bridgewater, New Jersey

 "I don't know of a better plumbing code for the state of New Jersey.  It is developed by a committee that is made up of plumbing engineers, inspectors, contractors and labor who are some of the most knowledgeable people in the plumbing industry. It is the most fair and balanced code as far as cost to the consumer and maintaining the health and welfare of the consumer."  
Frank Maddalon — Owner, F.R. Maddalon Plumbing & Heating; Chairman of NSPC Committee