New Jersey Adopts 2021 National Standard Plumbing Code

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 New Jersey’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,” says IAPMO CEO Dave Viola. “The entire plumbing industry agrees, along with the key policymakers in New Jersey, that the NSPC truly represents the best interests of 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.