Georgia Plumbing Regulations
If you live in Georgia, you should know that the state has enacted
minimum standards for plumbing work. Before you get plumbing work done,
you should make certain that whoever does the work will adhere to these
codes. Taking any shortcuts that violate the Georgia minimum standards
for plumbing work is likely to cause you problems in the long run. Some
problems can include lowering the value of property or even causing a
threat to public health and the environment.
Georgia Plumbing Regulations
There are many state plumbing codes that cover a variety of different
kinds of work and who can legally perform some plumbing jobs. Find out
some of the most important Georgia plumbing regulations here:
Who Can Perform Plumbing Work In Georgia?
The Georgia Board of Construction Industry licenses journeyman and
master plumbers at various levels. To obtain this license, a plumber
first has to pass a test. Before anybody can take this test, he or she
has to prove they have the required experience as an apprentice under
the supervision of licensed plumbers.
Some of this experience may be provided through trade schools or
on-the-job training. At the journeyman level, the plumber has to work
under the supervision of a master plumber.
Other Important Georgia Plumbing Laws
The Georgia rules extend to almost every aspect of plumbing. This includes drainage systems, waste, water heaters, and much more.
Hi-Efficiency Plumbing
Some new rules include regulations that encourage more efficient and eco-friendly systems. For instance, all new construction in Georgia must be installed with high-efficiency systems in order to meet requirements. With that said, the state allows cities or counties to wave this rule in limited cases. Some examples of the reasons for a waiver could include the case where a renovation is being performed and other plumbing systems that don’t need replacement wouldn’t function well with high-efficiency plumbing. As another example, a waiver might be granted if a person with a disability has a need for more traditional kinds of plumbing systems or if the system is expected to withstand unusual levels of abuse.
Waste Water Removal
In most cases, all plumbing systems must be connected to the city’s waste water removal system. In some cases, there are exceptions to this rule as well. For example, a building may employ another approved drainage system. Also, the building might be allowed to recycle gray water through an approved system. These systems must get approval from the local authority and have been designed by an engineer who has been licensed by the state.
Water Supply Connections
In most cases, plumbing must have been properly connected to the official water supply. As permitted by the EPA, some systems may used reclaimed water. This could be typical in cases where the system can use a lower quality of water. Examples of these exceptions can include car washes and or industrial processes.
Why Is Following Georgia Plumbing Regulations Important?
These rules help protect public health, the overall environment, and even the value of property. It’s important to use licensed plumbers who keep up with all of the regulations for plumbing in the state.
Special Thanks
Special thanks to Alpharetta Plumber Pros for the help in researching this article. We also would like to thank the Division of Master and Journeyman Plumbers under the Georgia Secretary of State.