PHOENIX, July 25, 2025 — The City of Phoenix has formally adopted the 2024 Phoenix Building Construction Code, a significant update that integrates the latest edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) from IAPMO and its cutting-edge Water Demand Calculator — a tool poised to transform modern plumbing system design.

The new code, which takes effect August 1, gives builders, plumbers, and developers time to update their practices and align with the city’s push toward higher safety, efficiency, and sustainability standards.

“The Uniform Plumbing Code and the Water Demand Calculator empower plumbing professionals to design right-sized systems that reduce construction costs, conserve water, and deliver hot water more efficiently,” said Dave Viola, CEO of IAPMO. “We applaud Phoenix for taking this important step toward building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable city.”

“Adopting the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code helps ensure industry professionals in Phoenix can rely on a clear, consistent, and modern set of requirements that support safety and constructability,” added Matthew Miles, P.E., with the City of Phoenix.

Why This Matters

Phoenix’s move signals a citywide commitment to modernize its construction standards and tackle water conservation, energy efficiency, and decarbonization — priorities that align with the city’s long-term climate goals and sustainability plans.

The Water Demand Calculator, included in Appendix M of the UPC, uses advanced statistical modeling of real-life household water use to more accurately predict peak demand for residential buildings. By providing precision sizing data, this tool enables plumbers to design systems with dramatically smaller pipe diameters, without sacrificing performance.

Key Benefits for Phoenix Builders and Residents

• Improved Affordability: Right-sized plumbing means less pipe material, lower installation costs, and more budget flexibility for homeowners and builders.
• Water Savings: Smaller pipe diameters speed up hot water delivery, reduce stagnant water, and minimize waste — supporting better hygiene and customer satisfaction.
• Energy Efficiency: Less water aging and smaller systems reduce hot water energy loads, helping Phoenix advance its climate and decarbonization goals.
• Modernized Standards: The 2024 UPC is developed through a rigorous ANSI-accredited consensus process that brings together health officials, engineers, industry pros, and inspectors to deliver science-driven guidance for safe, efficient plumbing.

What’s Next

Implementation begins August 1, but city officials encourage local contractors and plumbing professionals to prepare now by reviewing the new code details and training their teams on the Water Demand Calculator’s application.

Phoenix joins other forward-thinking jurisdictions across the country that are embracing next-generation plumbing design to address rising costs, limited water resources, and the need for resilient community infrastructure.

The full 2024 Phoenix Building Construction Code and supporting materials are available through the city’s development services website and IAPMO’s official resources.

For more information, visit IAPMO or the City of Phoenix Building Safety Division.

Originally reported by PHCP PROS.