Licensed plumbers specializing in new construction rank among the most in-demand professionals in today’s building industry. The construction boom naturally creates a pressing need for highly skilled plumbing professionals. California licensed contractors must understand proper new construction plumbing practices. This knowledge will give you code compliance and minimize leak risks while supporting your home’s functionality for years ahead.
California enforces some of the nation’s toughest regulations for new construction plumbing projects. The state maintains stricter lead content limits in pipes and fixtures compared to federal standards. Contractors must keep lead content below 0.25% to comply. New residential plumbing standards now require substantially lower fixture flow rates than ten years ago. Simple sink installations typically require permits in California. Your business reputation depends on staying updated with these evolving regulations.
Let’s get into the crucial changes coming in the 2025 California plumbing codes that C-36 license holders and California journeyman plumbers should know. You’ll find everything needed to keep your new construction projects compliant – from updated permit requirements to new material specifications. This knowledge will help you deliver successful projects consistently.
Who Needs to Follow the 2025 Plumbing Code?
The California Plumbing Code affects many professionals working on new construction plumbing projects across the state. You need to know who must follow these rules to make sure your projects meet legal requirements and pass inspections.
C-36 licensed contractors and subcontractors
C-36 licensed plumbing contractors are the foundations of California’s new construction plumbing industry. This specialized license lets you handle plumbing projects worth $500 or more. You can provide complete plumbing services for all structures and fixed works that include:
- Complete waste removal and connection of on-site disposal systems
- Installation of piping, storage tanks, and venting for gasses and liquids
- Gas appliances, flues, and connections for various systems
- Water heater installation, including solar equipment
- Maintenance and replacement of health and safety devices
You must show four years of journey-level plumbing experience from the last decade to get a C-36 license. This requirement makes sure new construction plumbers know installation practices and code compliance well.
You’ll also need a $25,000 contractor’s surety bond to protect consumers before getting your license. LLCs need an extra $100,000 bond for employees or contracted workers, which shows the huge responsibility placed on licensed plumbing contractors.
California journeyman plumber license holders
Journeyman plumbers play a vital role in the plumbing profession. Getting a California journeyman plumber license needs 2-3 years of academic experience plus 1-2 years as an apprentice plumber. This training helps you understand and use complex plumbing codes.
A standard plumbing apprenticeship takes five years. After that, you need four more years of journeyman experience to apply for a C-36 license. This timeline shows how much knowledge you need to do residential plumbing projects by code.
Master plumber license needs 1-5 years of journeyman plumber experience and passing a tougher exam. Both journeyman and master plumbers must get a C-36 license to do contracted work in California.
Builders and developers of new residential plumbing
Architects, engineers, contractors, inspectors, and facility managers must know the 2025 plumbing code updates. These professionals need to understand code requirements to plan and watch over projects properly, even if they don’t do the plumbing work.
Local areas often have strict rules about who can do plumbing work. To name just one example, see how some cities only give permits to licensed C-36 contractors or homeowners working on their own single-family dwelling, duplex, or condominium unit. Builders and developers must hire licensed plumbers or make sure their contractors have proper credentials.
Property owners face limits on who can do plumbing work. The “owner-builder” rule works only when the owner or close family member does all work under the permit. Developers of multi-unit complexes and commercial properties must work with licensed plumbing professionals.
Everyone involved in new residential plumbing projects must stay up to date with code changes. Knowing specific code sections helps work go smoothly and stops work from getting pricey after inspections. California has stricter plumbing rules than many other states, so proper licensing and code knowledge are must-haves for project success.
Permit and Licensing Requirements for New Construction
Getting the right plumbing permits and licenses is the first step for any new construction project in California. You need to know what permits you need and who can legally do the work. This keeps your project in line with state rules from start to finish.
When a plumbing permit is required in California
Plumbing permits give you the green light to start work on plumbing systems in new construction. California law says you need a plumbing permit to install, alter, repair, or replace any plumbing, gas, or drainage piping work. This includes:
- Installing new fixtures or water heating equipment
- Adding gas lines for appliances
- Constructing water and sewer connections
- Installing water softeners or filtration systems
Some minor repairs don’t need permits. You won’t need one to:
- Stop leaks in drains, soil, waste, or vent pipes
- Clear stoppages in existing pipes
- Fix leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures that don’t need replacement or rearrangement
Most areas still require permits for water heater replacements, even if you’re just putting in a new unit. New construction needs proper permits before any plumbing work can start.
C-36 license scope and limitations
A C-36 plumbing contractor license lets you do many types of plumbing work in new construction. This license gives you the power to provide complete plumbing services for all structures and fixed works.
With a C-36 license, you can:
- Build complete waste removal systems
- Install piping, storage tanks, and venting for gasses and liquids
- Connect gas appliances, flues, and gas connections
- Install water and gas piping from the property owner’s meter to structures
- Set up equipment to heat water, including solar installations
- Maintain and replace health and safety devices like gas earthquake valves and backflow preventers
Getting this license isn’t easy. You need four years of experience at journey level in the last ten years. You must pass two tests – one on contractor law (115 questions) and another on plumbing knowledge (115 questions). Each test takes three hours.
The license needs a $25,000 contractor’s surety bond. LLC holders might need an extra $100,000 bond based on their business structure.
Homeowner vs contractor responsibilities
What homeowners and contractors can do depends on the situation. Homeowners can get “owner-builder” permits for work on their main home, but these come with limits.
Simple “no-plan” plumbing permits are available to homeowners for basic jobs like replacing water heaters, installing water softeners, and fixing pipes. This only works for regular properties and not for major new construction.
Professional contractors must handle bigger plumbing jobs. New construction projects usually need detailed plans from qualified professionals. These plans must show they follow all codes and standards.
Contractors take charge of permits, inspections, and code compliance for big residential plumbing projects. Homeowners should check their contractor’s C-36 license before work starts. Using unlicensed workers could lead to fines, failed inspections, or redoing non-compliant installations.
The permit process saves time and money when you understand it well. A quick chat with your local building department can help clarify what your new construction project needs.
Key 2025 Code Changes Contractors Must Know
California will publish its 2025 Building Standards Code (Title 24) on July 1, 2025, and these rules take effect January 1, 2026. Your success as a new construction plumber depends on how well you adapt to these changes. Here’s what you need to know about the important updates for your planning and practice.
New fixture flow rate standards
The 2025 California Plumbing Code has strict water conservation requirements that match CALGreen Part 11. These rules affect new construction and qualifying renovations. Your residential plumbing projects must have fixtures that meet these maximum flow rates:
- Showerheads: 1.8 gallons per minute (gpm) at 80 psi
- Lavatory faucets: 1.5 gpm at 60 psi
- Kitchen faucets: 1.8 gpm at 60 psi
- Toilets: 1.28 gallons per flush
Nonresidential buildings must follow tougher standards, with lavatory faucets capped at 0.5 gpm at 60 psi. CALGreen’s voluntary Tier 1 standards challenge efficiency limits even more by requiring a 12% reduction from baseline flow rates. This results in showerheads and kitchen faucets at 1.6 gpm.
The 2025 code now directly limits outdoor shower flow to 1.8 gpm, rather than enforcing it through CALGreen alone. The code also requires pressure-balanced or thermostatic mixing valves that users can reach without stepping into the spray area.
Graywater and rainwater system allowances
The biggest changes in the 2025 code relate to alternative water systems. Single-family homes can now direct up to 250 gallons of untreated shower runoff daily to subsurface irrigation without a plumbing permit under a new Tier 1 exemption. This works as long as discharge points stay 2 feet away from property lines.
The code organizes rules for larger systems under sections §1601.3–1601.7. The State Water Resources Control Board has proposed new regulations that set risk-based water quality standards for onsite treated nonpotable water systems in multifamily residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.
You can use treated nonpotable water indoors for:
- Toilet flushing
- Urinal flushing
- Drain trap priming
- Clothes washing
Outdoor uses include landscape irrigation, ornamental plant irrigation, dust suppression, and car washing. These regulations protect public health by preventing cross-connection between these systems and public water supply.
Energy-efficient water heater mandates
The 2025 code emphasizes water heaters energy efficiency. New instantaneous water heaters with minimum 6.8 kBTU/hr input must have isolation valves on both incoming cold water supply and hot water outlet pipes. These valves help flush the heat exchanger and make the units last longer.
New construction with gas or propane water heaters serving individual dwelling units needs these “high-efficiency water heater ready” features:
- A dedicated 125-volt electrical receptacle within 3 feet of the water heater, connected to a three-conductor 10 AWG branch circuit
- A Category III or IV vent, or a Type B vent with a straight pipe between the outside termination and the water heater location
- A condensate drain no more than 2 inches above the water heater base
- A gas supply line that can provide at least 200,000 BTU/hr to the water heater
These requirements make future updates to high-efficiency gas water heaters or heat pump water heaters easier and more affordable. The code now requires a minimum ¾-inch gas pipe size for single-family house water heaters, replacing the traditional ½-inch standard.
Material Selection and Installation Rules
The California Plumbing Code (CPC) lays out the foundation for material selection in plumbing systems for 2025. This code tells you exactly what materials you can legally install in new construction projects. It also includes strict installation requirements that protect water quality and make systems last longer.
PEX, CPVC, and copper: What’s allowed in 2025
Pipe material options in California have grown substantially over the last several years. The 2025 code now accepts cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) more widely. This is a big deal as it means that copper is no longer your only choice. This fundamental change brings several benefits to new residential plumbing projects:
PEX gives you more flexibility during installation. This becomes especially valuable when you have remodels or builds with tight spaces. The material also handles earthquakes better, showing excellent seismic zone performance.
The state code might broadly allow PEX, but local jurisdictions often see things differently. Some local inspectors add their own guidelines. Your installation location might require extra protective measures like sleeves or insulation when PEX runs through certain structural elements.
CPVC remains a solid choice for chemical-resistant applications, especially when you have environments with hypochlorites, acids, and caustics. Copper, which used to dominate residential plumbing, stays on the approved list but isn’t the only option anymore for many uses.
Your choice between materials should factor in their strengths. Copper excels in durability and heat resistance, making it perfect for hot water lines and outdoor use. PEX offers budget-friendly benefits in both materials and labor while running more quietly with less water hammer.
Lead-free compliance for all potable water systems
California’s lead content rules are nowhere near federal standards – they’re much stricter. State law requires any pipe, pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, or fixture in potable water systems to contain less than 0.25% lead to qualify as “lead-free”. This rule applies to everything that touches drinking water, from shutoff valves to faucets.
These strict requirements stay in place in the 2025 code, having taken effect January 1, 2010. The law clearly bans:
- Non-lead-free materials in public water systems or facilities providing water for human consumption
- Bringing non-compliant materials into commerce
- Selling plumbing supplies that don’t meet lead-free standards
Starting July 1, 2023, endpoint devices must meet the NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2020 performance standard. This prevents selling products that leach more than 1 μg/L of lead. All pipe, pipe fittings, and fixtures need certification from an ANSI-accredited third party to prove compliance.
Approved adhesives and sealants for pipe joints
The 2025 code sets strict VOC (volatile organic compound) limits for plumbing adhesives and sealants. Products must follow Rule 1168 of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).
Weld-On leads the way with eco-friendly solvent cements. Their ECO™ Series works great for irrigation, industrial, pool, and spa applications. These products create strong bonds while cutting solvent emissions and odor by 30%. They easily meet current SCAQMD Rule 1168 VOC limits.
The code approves various adhesives and sealants for specific uses:
- CPVC connections need specially formulated chemical-resistant adhesives
- PEX installations require manufacturer-specific connection systems since regular solvent cements won’t work
- Potable water systems need sealants with NSF/ANSI 61 certification
“Super Compliant Products” with VOC content under 25 grams per liter exceed California’s tough standards. Always check certification before installation unless you’re absolutely sure about compliance. This helps avoid inspection problems.
Inspection and Testing Procedures for Code Compliance
Plumbers working on new construction projects must pass several rigorous inspections throughout the building process. California’s multi-stage inspection system can get pricey and cause project delays if you don’t understand it properly.
Rough-in inspection requirements
Plumbing inspectors check all piping systems before contractors close up walls and ceilings. The inspection at this stage focuses on several key elements:
- Drainage and vent systems need a 10-foot headwater test that confirms watertight connections
- Water piping must pass working pressure tests to spot any leaks
- Gas piping needs correct sizing and support based on code specifications
Most rough plumbing inspections happen alongside framing inspections after the building becomes weather-tight. Teams must complete all rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work before this inspection. Projects with automatic fire sprinklers need fire inspections before moving forward with rough framing inspection.
Teams need a separate inspection for under-floor plumbing after installing all below-floor work. Drainage systems must pass a 10-foot headwater pressure test.
Final inspection scope and documentation
The final plumbing inspection confirms code compliance before occupancy. Inspectors look at:
- Every fixture and connection
- Water heaters and gas connections work properly
- Safety devices like seismic gas shutoff valves sit correctly
- System labels meet requirements
Final inspections follow a specific order. Specialized systems such as automatic fire sprinklers need approval first. The general building inspection comes next. Food service establishments need approved Health Department plans and restaurants with values that exceed $100,000 must have industrial waste permits.
Common reasons for inspection failure
Plumbing inspections often fail because of simple mistakes. New construction plumbers should watch out for these systemic problems:
- Incorrectly installed sink traps: Current codes require P-traps with proper venting – S-traps without venting break code rules
- Improper slope of drain pipes: Three-inch or larger pipes need ⅛ inch per foot pitch
- Improperly sized drain pipes: This is a big deal as it means that code violations happen frequently
- Insufficient cleanouts: The code specifies exact locations for cleanout access points
- Missing or inaccessible shutoff valves: Every fixture and toilet needs individual shutoff valves
Contractors must pay reinspection fees when they don’t fix previous issues or when work doesn’t match approved plans. Complete all corrections before scheduling follow-up inspections to avoid these extra charges.
Avoiding Penalties and Ensuring Compliance
New construction plumbers must follow California’s plumbing code. You need to know more than just technical requirements. Understanding the risks and staying up to date with regulations will protect your business and reputation.
Fines for non-compliant installations
Code violations can hit plumbing contractors hard in their wallet. Different areas have different penalties that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per violation. Property owners must disclose non-compliant plumbing fixtures during real estate deals. Missing this disclosure can put sales at risk and lead to legal problems.
Business disruptions add another big cost when plumbing issues force temporary closures and lost revenue. It also drives up insurance premiums or leads to denied coverage, which creates more financial pressure.
How to stay updated with local code changes
Building standards in California change regularly. The Building Standards Commission manages both three-year updates and interim code adoption cycles to allow improvements between major revisions. The state adopts a new version of the Uniform Plumbing Code every three years. California adds dozens of state-specific changes that focus on drought resilience and seismic safety.
Local areas can add extra requirements beyond state code. You should check California-specific documents when reviewing plans because local changes can alter how rules apply.
Resources for continuing education and certification
Most California contractor licenses don’t require continuing education, but ongoing learning gives you an edge over competition. The PHCC Journey Level certification shows advanced knowledge through a complete exam based on the Uniform Plumbing Code.
You need documented experience working for licensed plumbing contractors to get Journey Level certification. The certification also needs 6 hours of PHCC-approved continuing education each year. These qualifications help you talk knowledgeably with clients and grow your plumbing career in new construction.
Conclusion
Licensed contractors need to keep up with trends in California’s 2025 plumbing code changes. These regulations show the state’s dedication to water conservation, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The new rules about fixture flow rates, expanded graywater system allowances, and energy-efficient water heater mandates will affect how you handle new construction projects.
Material choices have expanded to include PEX among traditional copper and CPVC options. You must still follow California’s strict lead-free requirements and VOC limits for all adhesives and sealants. A deep understanding of rough-in and final inspection procedures helps avoid project delays that can get pricey.
The complex regulations might look daunting at first glance. But proper preparation and continuous education bring real advantages. You’ll protect your business from potential fines. You can position yourself as an expert who delivers code-compliant installations. Best of all, you’ll help achieve California’s water conservation goals while giving clients safe, efficient plumbing systems.
These code changes will affect construction timelines and budgets for property owners and developers in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. Your project’s success depends on working with qualified C-36 licensed contractors who understand the 2025 requirements. Plumbers with current certification and knowledge of local amendments will guide your new construction smoothly through permitting and inspection phases.
Call Western Rooter now for a free estimate on your new construction plumbing project! Our licensed professionals keep up with all California code requirements. We’ll ensure your installation meets 2025 standards while optimizing efficiency and sustainability.
