ASA Codes & Standards Update: Advocacy in Action

The ASA Codes and Standards group has been very active over the last 9–12 months, representing ASA members and the PHCC and PVF supply chains in a wide range of code and standards development activities. The purpose of this article is to highlight those activities and the successes achieved.
 

ASA’s positions on various codes and standards matters are developed by the ASA Codes and Standards Task Group and ultimately approved by the ASA Advocacy Council. The Task Group is composed of ASA members representing both the PHCC and PVF supply chains. Its mission is to ensure ASA members can produce and distribute products in a fair and open marketplace—free from unreasonable restrictions—while advocating for codes and standards that adequately protect public health and safety.
 

ASA engages in two main types of activities. Product standards define specific requirements for product design and performance. Model codes establish the requirements for the design and construction of buildings and their internal systems. ASA is actively involved in several major model code areas, including:
 

International Code Council (ICC)

• Plumbing Code

• Mechanical Code

• Building Code

• Residential Code

International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)

• Plumbing Code

• Mechanical Code

• WE-Stand Water Efficiency Standard

NFPA

• NFPA 54, Fuel Gas Code

Key Accomplishments Over the Past 6–9 Months:
 

• The Codes and Standards Task Group developed over 70 position statements related to model codes under review. ASA participated in numerous hearings and committee meetings, achieving an 85% success rate in having its positions accepted into the relevant codes or standards.

• A core objective of ASA’s codes and standards work is to prevent codes or standards from negatively impacting members’ ability to produce and sell products. Some recent achievements include:

  • Press Connect Fittings in Plumbing Fixture Standards
    ASA has chaired an ASME/CSA task group working to include press connect fittings in plumbing fixture standards. The project is now in the final balloting stage. Once adopted, this change will especially benefit manufacturers selling into the Canadian market.

  • Air-Source Heat Pump Water Heaters
    ASA has invested significant time opposing proposals that would unnecessarily restrict installation of this new technology. ASA successfully advocated for installations to follow manufacturer instructions and worked with AHRI to form a task group to develop installation guidelines.

  • Commercial Water Treatment Systems
    ASA helped address conflicts created by the ASSE/IAPMO 1087 Standard, which duplicated existing standards and imposed redundant certification requirements. Working with the Water Quality Association, ASA successfully pushed for Uniform Plumbing Code revisions that clarified when certification is required—reducing confusion and unnecessary regulatory burden.

  • ASME Standard for Press Connect Fittings Used in Refrigeration Systems
    ASA participated in the development of a new standard that, once adopted into model codes, will support broader market acceptance of these products.

  • Proposal to Update the ICC Property Maintenance and Existing Building Codes
    ASA, through its involvement with the ICC PMG Code Action Committee, led the proposal to require replacement of all plumbing fixtures with EPA WaterSense certified products—not just toilets—during renovations. If adopted, this would drive demand for high-efficiency fixtures.

  • Water Efficiency Requirements
    ASA has consistently opposed efforts to implement water efficiency standards stricter than the EPA WaterSense program. ASA and its industry partners are advocating for a data-driven approach to avoid unintended consequences for building drainage systems.

The ASA Codes and Standards Group is proud to represent ASA and the entire PHCC and PVF supply chains, working to protect our members’ ability to operate in a fair and open marketplace. Special thanks go to the volunteer leaders serving on the ASA Codes and Standards Task Group and the ASA Advocacy Council. Their dedication provides the direction and expertise needed to advance our industry.