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April 30, 2024

Special announcement - We are putting on hold enforcement of 3rd party listings for fabricated stainless steel fittings

At this time, we will not be enforcing 3^rd party listings for fabricated stainless steel fittings on any project within our jurisdiction, regardless of Code cycle, until further notice pending the outcome of ongoing discussions with industry representatives and partners.

As we have mentioned in previous newsletters, the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and by extension the Seattle Plumbing Code (SPC), requires plumbing fittings of all types to be 3^rd party listed to a specific standard (or multiple standards). In 2021, we began an educational campaign to inform plumbers and Plumbing Contractors of our interpretation of the applicable code requirements. This was because we noticed some Contractors were installing unlisted fittings in stainless steel domestic water supply systems. We used the best information available at the time to form our interpretation. 

In fall 2023, we heard from a number of stakeholders that they were not prepared for this enforcement. They let us know they needed more time to adjust bidding, fabrication, and installation practices. As a result, our program postponed the enforcement of 3^rd party listings of fabricated stainless steel fittings. At first, the pause in enforcement was intended to last until December 31, 2023. After receiving additional feedback and discussing the issue with the Mechanical Contractors Association of Western Washington (MCAWW), our program agreed to forego enforcement until the effective date of the 2021 UPC/SPC Code cycle.

The 2021 UPC is already in effect for the state of Washington, and we are getting close to the adoption of the 2021 SPC within the City of Seattle. Based on feedback from key partners, our program will again collaborate with MCAWW, the International Association of Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), and other industry representatives. Together, we will revisit the intent of the Code provisions requiring 3^rd party listings for fabricated stainless steel fittings. After we’ve come to a resolution through these conversations, our program will provide further guidance through our newsletter prior to any enforcement. As Code officials, we are charged with enforcing provisions of the Code as it is written. It is not our intent to impose undue hardship on any of our customers, therefore we welcome the invitation to collaborate directly with MCAWW, IAPMO, and others to come to a final resolution.

We realize the continuous uncertainty surrounding this issue can be disruptive to the business practices of our local contractors. We look forward to resolving the issue directly with the appropriate authoritative bodies including IAPMO, the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), the American Welding Society (AWS), and others as necessary, along with manufacturers' representatives and local contractor representative groups including MCAWW and Plumbing/Heating/Cooling Contractors of Washington (PHCC).

If you have any questions about this announcement (or anything else related to plumbing & gas within our jurisdiction), please send an inquiry directly to our information request line at: planreviewinfo@kingcounty.gov.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work toward a final resolution.