Otis Singleton
New York has several laws and regulations regarding showerheads and water flow rates. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1994 mandated the use of water-conserving plumbing fixtures to reduce water usage in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. Since then, showerheads have been required to have a restrictor inside to reduce flow rates and water pressure. As a result, many people wonder if electric showers, which can increase water pressure, are legal in New York.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water pressure | In New York, the maximum flow rate in showers is 2.5 gallons per minute. |
| Water pressure regulations | Directed at the maximum flow rates that can be manufactured and sold, and most are set at a water pressure of 80 psi. |
| Water pressure restrictors | All manufacturers are required to place a plastic device, commonly called a restrictor, in showerheads to reduce flow rates. |
| Water-saving performance standards | For lavatory faucets, at a constant water pressure of 60 psi, the maximum flow shall not exceed 1.5 gallons of water per minute. |
| WaterSense certification | Any installation of new showerheads must provide WaterSense certification, with a flow of not more than 2.0 gpm. |
| Packaging | New York State encourages the use of reusable, bulk, innovative, and recycled packaging for items purchased. |
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What You'll Learn
Water pressure and flow regulations
The New York State Plumbing Code states that the water distribution system should be designed and pipe sizes selected to ensure that, under conditions of peak demand, the capacities at the fixture supply pipe outlets are not less than those shown in Table 604.3. The minimum flow rate and flow pressure provided to fixtures and appliances not listed in Table 604.3 should be in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions. The maximum water consumption flow rates and quantities for all plumbing fixtures and fixture fittings should be in accordance with Table 604.4.
The New York City Plumbing Code also states that the water distribution system should be designed and pipe sizes selected to ensure that, under conditions of peak demand, the capacities at the fixture supply pipe outlets are not less than those shown in Table 604.3. The minimum flow rate and flow pressure provided to fixtures and appliances not listed in Table 604.3 should be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The maximum water consumption flow rates and quantities for all plumbing fixtures and fixture fittings should be in accordance with Table 604.4.
In addition, the New York City Plumbing Code sets out that the pressure-reducing valve should be designed to remain open to permit uninterrupted water flow in case of valve failure. Water pressure-reducing valves, regulators, and strainers should be constructed and installed to permit the repair or removal of parts without breaking a pipeline or removing the valve and strainer from the pipeline. The flow velocity of the water distribution system should be controlled to reduce the possibility of water hammer, and a water-hammer arrestor should be installed where quick-closing valves are utilized and when otherwise required by the code. Water-hammer arrestors should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and should conform to ASSE 1010.
The State and City Plumbing Codes also contain provisions for the installation and adjustment of fixture fittings, faucets, and diverters, so that the flow of hot water from the fittings corresponds to the left-hand side of the fixture fitting. There is an exception for shower and tub/shower mixing valves that conform to certain standards, where the flow of hot water corresponds to the markings on the device.
In terms of water pressure, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1994 included provisions to save water and lower energy costs. In July 2012, the City of New York established a maximum flow rate in showers of 2.5 gallons per minute. These regulations are directed at the maximum flow rates that can be manufactured and sold, and most are set at a water pressure of 80 psi. All manufacturers are required to place a plastic device, commonly called a restrictor, in showerheads to reduce flow rates.
The State and City Plumbing Codes also contain provisions for the installation of new showerheads, which must provide WaterSense® certification (flow of not more than 2.0 gpm), impact and vandal-resistant materials, and compliance with ADA requirements. Entities are encouraged to replace existing showerheads with WaterSense®-certified showerheads with flows as low as 1.5 gpm to minimize the amount of potable water used and help conserve water.
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WaterSense certification
WaterSense is a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to encourage the efficient use of water in the United States. It was introduced in 2006 and has since helped save approximately 5.3 trillion gallons of water and 603 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. The program is voluntary and aims to educate consumers on water conservation through the use of a special label on consumer products.
The WaterSense label is given to products that meet the EPA's specifications for water-efficient products, which are developed through a public process. Manufacturers can subject their products to third-party testing to ensure the stated efficiency and performance criteria are met. If the product passes the test, the manufacturer is allowed to put the WaterSense label on that product. Products that bear the WaterSense mark are certified to be more water-efficient than products that don't meet WaterSense standards. This includes consumer products such as residential and commercial toilets, bathroom faucets and accessories, urinals, showerheads, irrigation controllers, and spray sprinkler bodies.
The WaterSense program also includes the certification of homes and the accreditation of irrigation professionals. The home certification program, called the WaterSense "New Home Specification" program, specifies criteria for residential indoor and outdoor water use, as well as homeowner education. Homes that seek certification must be at least 30% more efficient than a conventional new home and meet homeowner expectations for performance. The EPA also provides educational materials and exams for irrigation professionals to obtain WaterSense accreditation, which must be renewed every two years.
WaterSense is an important initiative to protect the future of the U.S. water supply and promote water conservation. It helps consumers make simple choices that reduce water usage without sacrificing quality or performance.
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Packaging standards
New York State encourages affected entities to adopt the following packaging standards, in order of preference, when purchasing items:
- Items that do not require packaging or where the packaging is part of the product:
- Items that come in reusable packaging.
- Items that come in bulk packaging.
- Items that come in innovative packaging that reduces the overall amount of packaging.
- Items that come in packaging that remains the property of the supplier and does not become the property of the end user. The vendor must certify that the packaging will be reused, recycled, or composted, and managed in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
- Items that come in packaging that maximizes recycled or biodegradable content and/or meets or exceeds the minimum post-consumer content level for packaging in the U.S.
In addition, packaging must not contain inks, dyes, pigments, adhesives, stabilizers, or any other additives to which any lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium is intentionally added. Packaging must also not contain incidental concentrations of these materials that are greater than 100 parts per million by weight (0.01%).
With regards to plumbing fixtures, including shower receptors, bathtubs, and sinks, the New York State Residential Code 2020 provides specific standards and requirements. For example, the code specifies that plumbing fixtures, faucets, and fixture fittings shall have smooth impervious surfaces, shall be free from defects, shall not have concealed fouling surfaces, and shall conform to the standards indicated in Table P2701.1 and elsewhere in the code.
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Installation of water closets
Water closets in New York must adhere to specific installation standards and regulations. These regulations are outlined in the New York State Plumbing Code and are designed to ensure proper sanitation, accessibility, and privacy.
Firstly, water closets are prohibited in any yard, court, or open space, and they must be removed and the area disinfected if they exist in such locations. Water closets are also not permitted in cellars or basements, unless they are supplementary to those required in dwelling units or are provided for lawful cellar/basement dwelling units. In apartments, water closets can be placed in separate compartments or bathrooms, with a maximum of one water closet per compartment.
In terms of installation, water closets must be readily accessible to users and should not be located more than one floor above or below. They should be installed with the clearances, heights, spacings, and arrangements outlined in ICC A117.1. Water supply and drain pipes must be covered or configured to prevent contact, and pipe coverings must comply with ASME A112.18.9.
The supply lines and fittings should be installed to prevent backflow, and the fixtures themselves should be set level and aligned with adjacent walls. Water closets should not be placed closer than 15 inches (381 mm) from their center to any side wall, partition, vanity, or other obstruction.
For multi-user facilities serving all genders, urinals can be installed in lieu of water closets, but their number should not exceed 50% of the required number of water closets. Unisex bathrooms can also be provided instead of separate facilities for men and women. In places of public assembly, the minimum number of water closets is specified in Table 16-1 of the NYC Administrative Code, based on the expected number of people.
Water closets and associated fixtures must also meet water-saving performance standards. These standards include maximum flow rates and flush volumes, as outlined in the New York State Plumbing Code and the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
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Compliance with ADA requirements
Accessibility Standards
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets standards for accessible design, including requirements for grab bars, shower seats, and operable parts such as faucets and shower controls. In New York, these standards are referenced in the state's building codes and accessibility regulations.
Grab Bars and Shower Seats
Grab bars and seats for showers must comply with Sections 609 and 610 of the ICC A117.1 standards. They should be installed in accordance with Sections 608.2.3.2 and 608.3 of the same document. However, there is an exception—grab bars and seats are not mandatory if reinforcement for their future installation is already in place, complying with Section 1107.2.2.8.2.1 of the New York City Building Code.
Operable Parts
Windows and other operable parts must comply with reach ranges specified in Section 309.3 (Height) of the ICC A117.1 standards. If they do not meet these requirements, adaptive devices should be provided to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The owner is responsible for providing such devices within 10 days of the request or when an individual with disabilities takes occupancy, whichever is later.
Hand Showers
Hand showers are addressed in Sections 607.6 and 608.5 of the ICC A117.1 standards. If a compliant hand shower is not provided, the owner must install one at their expense within 10 days of a request by an individual with disabilities or when such an individual takes occupancy, whichever is later.
Mechanical Access and Parking Garages
Mechanical access parking garages must provide at least one passenger loading zone, complying with Section 1106.7 of the New York City Building Code. Electrical vehicle charging stations should also be accessible, with specific requirements outlined in Sections 1106.8.1 through 1106.8.5.
Water Conservation and Labelling
While not directly related to ADA requirements, it is essential to note that New York has water conservation standards for showerheads, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures. These standards aim to reduce water consumption and lower energy costs. Additionally, proper labelling and marking of showerheads and other fixtures are mandated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program.
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