Navigating regulatory changes in Building codes: What plumbing & HVAC professionals need to know

Key building code updates for 2025 focus on enhancing water efficiency, imposing lead restrictions, ensuring backflow prevention, and setting automation standards.

Staying ahead of building code updates is critical for plumbing contractors, mechanical

engineers, and facility managers to ensure safety, avoid costly fines, and maintain smooth

project approvals. With evolving regulations emphasizing water efficiency, safety, and

sustainability, understanding these changes has never been more important.

At Enolgas USA, we provide valve and actuator solutions designed to meet and exceed the latest building code requirements for plumbing and HVAC systems.

Key Recent Changes in Plumbing & Safety Codes

1.Stricter Water Efficiency Standards

New codes increasingly require the use of low-flow fixtures and water-saving valve technology to reduce consumption. This affects the types of valves and shutoff mechanisms permitted in:

• Commercial restrooms

• HVAC hydronic systems

• Irrigation and greywater reuse systems

2. Lead Content Restrictions

In compliance with NSF/ANSI 372 and the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, all

plumbing valves in potable water systems must be low-lead or lead-free, impacting material

selection for brass valves.

Valve handle with clear labeling for operation and safety standards, including NSF certification, Lead-free, featuring a durable brass construction, finished with a green handle indicating open and close directions.

3. Backflow Prevention & Safety Valve Requirements

Updated regulations mandate stricter backflow prevention devices and pressure relief valves to safeguard potable water supplies. Valve manufacturers like Enolgas USA have responded with compliant product lines.

4. Enhanced Actuator and Automation Standards

With the rise of smart building automation, building codes now specify communication

protocols and safety standards for electric and pneumatic valve actuators, especially in

emergency shutoff and HVAC zoning.

Comparison of compliant and non-compliant systems, highlighting the benefits of using Enolgas valves with lead-free labels and BACnet-ready actuators over unmarked brass valves and generic actuators.

How Enolgas USA Helps You Stay Compliant

Diagram illustrating compliant plumbing system locations, featuring NSF/ANSI 372 certified backflow preventers, HVAC zone valves with actuators, and BACnet-ready irrigation valves.

• Our brass valves meet or exceed lead content regulations and carry NSF 61/372

certifications.

• We offer backflow-preventing valve assemblies designed for code compliance.

• Our actuated valves support BACnet and Modbus protocols for smooth BAS

integration and meet safety actuator standards.

• We provide technical support and documentation to help contractors and engineers

navigate code compliance with confidence.

Individuals using www.enolgasusa.com to browse and compare industrial valve specifications and products on a laptop and tablet.

Why Compliance Matters Beyond Regulation

• Avoid costly code violations and project delays

• Reduce liability risks associated with non-compliant systems

• Achieve green building certifications like LEED and WELL with certified products

• Enhance building safety and occupant health

Logos representing the International WELL Building Institute and U.S. Green Building Council, highlighting standards for health, wellness, and sustainability in building design.

Stay Ahead with Enolgas USA

Keeping up with regulatory changes in building codes can be complex, but partnering with the right valve manufacturer makes it easier.

Contact Enolgas USA today for expert guidance and code-compliant valve solutions that

future-proof your projects.