Time is running out for your water guzzling toilet. As of January 1st 2017 Low-Flow Toilets Become Law. ALL homes built before 1994 must have Low Flow Toilets and Showerheads. This used to be a point of sale requirement but beginning next year it will be required whether you plan to sell your home or not. ( California Code §1101.1 through §1101.9) The code calls for WCP ( water-conserving plumbing) fixtures to be installed when the existing fixtures use more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush ( toilet) , showerheads that have a flow capacity of more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute and any faucet inside the home that emits over 2.2 gallons per minute.
Under California’s new mandatory standards you won’t be able to buy a 1.6 gallon toilet in California. Toilets sold here can’t use more than 1.28 gallons per flush. Retailers won’t be allowed to sell off existing inventory of less efficient models after January 1st.
So when Low-Flow Toilets Become Law how will “they” know if you have the water guzzling toilets or faucets? Well, Starting Jan. 1, 2017 if you do any kind of home improvement that requires an inspector to come to your house they won’t give final approval for a unless you have low-flow plumbing fixtures throughout your home. There’s no wording in the codes that compels local building departments to check up on homes built prior to 1994 and it is doubtful that the State believes there will be 100% compliance.
Here are the Los Angeles Point Of Sale Retrofit Requirements
- DWP Certificate of Compliance (COC)
- Gas Shut-off Valve (SGSOV)
- Water Heater Double Strapping
- High Efficency Toilets 1.28 gpf or less
- Existing 1.6 gpf Toilets are in Compliance at point of sale
- Low-Flow Shower Heads (2.5 gpm)
- Smoke Detectors – (Electric operated with Battery Backup)
- or (10 year Battery Operated) for Bedrooms Hallways & each Level
- Impact Hazard Safety Glazing (Sliding Doors)
- (Movable Door Only)
- Only for Sliders that are not tempered glass
- CO Detectors (carbon monoxide) Each Level including Basements
Condominium & Apartments
- DWP Certificate of Compliance (COC)
- Gas Shut-off Valve (SGSOV)
- Water Heater Double Strapping
- High Efficency Toilets 1.28 gpf or less
- Exisiting 1.6 gpf Toilets are in Compliance at point of Sale
- Low Flow Shower Heads (2.5 gpm)
- Smoke Detectors – (Electric with Battery Backup -Hardwired Only) Bedrooms,
- Hallways & each Level
- Impact Hazard Safety Glazing (Sliding Doors)
- (Movable Door Only)
- Only for Sliders that are not tempered glass
- CO Detectors (carbon monoxide) (Electric or Battery Operated)
- Each Level including Basements