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Washington 8 Hour 2018 UPC Update Course

  • 8 Hour Course
  • 3.3 7 Reviews
  • $80.00

This course satisfies the continuing education requirement for Journey Level, Residential Specialty Plumbers, and Plumber Trainees to take a minimum of eight hours of Plumbing Code Update content, and is also accepted as CE credit for domestic pump and pump and irrigation plumbers. 

The first two hours of this class presents every amendment made to the 2018 UPC in the course of its adoption by Washington as the basis for the state-wide plumbing code. It includes:

I. Introduction & Overview: The adoption and amendment history and process, how building codes work together, and local enforcement.

II.. Chapters 1-4: 29 amendments to Chapter 1 [Administration], Chapter 2 [Definitions], Chapter 3 [General Regulations], and Chapter 4 [Plumbing Fixtures and Fixture Fittings], including:

  • a new definition for Spray Sprinkler Body, 
  • new water heater definitions, and 
  • codes on Freezing Protection, Water Consumption, and Location of Floor Drains

III. Chapters 5-7: 30 amendments to Chapter 5 [Water Heaters], 6 [Water Supply and Distribution], and 7 [Sanitary Drainage], including:

  • First-Hour Rating and Seismic Anchoring for Water Heaters, 
  • Cross-Connection Control, 
  • Expansion Tanks & Discharge Piping, 
  • Size of Potable Water Piping, 
  • Residential Fire Sprinklers, 
  • Sanitary System Cleanouts, and 
  • Building Sewers.

IV. Chapters 8-17: 10 amendments to Chapters 9 [Vents] 11 [Storm Drainage], 13 [Health Care Facilities], 15 [Alternate Water Sources for Nonpotable Applications], 16 [Nonpotable Rainwater Catchment], and 17 [Referenced Standards], including:

  • Horizontal Wet Venting, 
  • Circuit Vents, 
  • Controlled-Flow Roof Drainage, and 
  • Water Mains for Hospitals.

The final six hours of the class covers changes to the model 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Major changes to the Code are covered in detail. Many of the minor changes to the Code are also covered, however, not as comprehensively on in nearly as much detail. It includes:

Chapter 2 that governs definitions. We cover each of the changes and updates to the Chapter, including updates to the terms "Plumbing System," and the big update to "Patient Care Room."

Chapter 3 of the UPC, the Chapter on the general regulations of the Code. In it, we'll go over a series of minor changes to the Chapter, as it was updated from the 2015 version. We'll also cover the major changes to the Chapter, explaining how each of the major changes affect the plumber.

Chapter 4 that governs plumbing fixtures and fixture fittings, starting off with each of the minor changes. We also cover the five major changes made to this Chapter, including the major change made to the Section on "Water Supply."

Chapter 5 of the UPC, which covers water heaters, covering all of the many minor changes made to the Chapter as well as a look at a few major changes, explaining in detail how they affect the plumber.

Chapter 6 of the UPC, which governs water supply and distribution, including topics like connections, pipe and fixture materials, supply tanks, and potable water piping. We also cover some major changes, which we go through in detail.

Chapter 7 of the UPC, covering sanitary drainage, includes topics such as drainage systems, joints and connections for drainage piping, cleanouts, and building sewage systems. We cover all of the minor changes, and spend some time looking over the major changes in detail.

Chapters 8, 9, and 10. While there were no major changes made to these Chapters, we still spend some time going over each of the changes and updates so that you can stay informed.

Chapter 11, which discusses storm drainage, with such topics as conductors, leaders, methods of testing storm drainage systems, and engineered storm drainage system.

Chapter 13 looks at health care facilities and medical gas and vacuum systems, including discusses pipe materials and valves. The class finishes up with a survey of the changes to pipe sizing provisions in Appendix A.

By the end of this class, students will be able to:

  • Navigate the 2018 UPC and apply the Washington amendments, where necessary;
  • Refer to the appropriate Washington rules and regulations and referenced standards when they affect the work being done;
  • Refresh their knowledge on best practices and methods permitted or prohibited by code;
  • Participate in the code review and amendment process going forward.
  • Explain the scope and purpose of Chapter 2 of the UPC
  • Remember how the definition for the term "Patient Care Space" was changed
  • Understand how the term "Plumbing System" was changed
  • Describe the scope and purpose of Chapter 3 of the UPC
  • Remember the addition of the new Section on "Sound Transmission" and its implications
  • Know how "Installation Practices" was changed, and how it will affect the plumbing industry
  • Explain the scope and purpose of Chapter 4 of the UPC
  • Understand how the "Design and Installation of Plumbing Fixtures" was changed
  • Remember the major changes made to this Chapter
  • Describe the scope and purpose of Chapter 5 of the UPC
  • Remember how the Section "Installation in Residential Garages" was changed
  • Understand how the major changes made to "Plastic Piping" affect the plumber
  • Understand the scope and purpose of Chapter 6 of the UPC
  • Remember the requirements of the new Section, "Chemical Dispensers"
  • Describe how the major changes to Chapter 6 affect the plumber
  • Explain what part of the plumbing industry Chapter 7 governs
  • Understand the clearance requirements for cleanouts in piping
  • Remember the major change made to the Code 
  • Recall the purpose and standards for Chapter 8, 9, and 10 of the UPC
  • Explain the requirements for PVC exposed to sunlight
  • Remember the requirements in the new Section, "Trap Seal Primers"
  • Explain the scope and purpose of Chapter 11 of the UPC
  • Maintain a storm drainage system in accordance with the current provisions of the UPC
  • Recall the purpose and standards for Chapter 13
  • Describe the major changes to made to this chapter; and
  • Apply the updated pipe sizing provisions in Appendix A
  • Course ID(s): WA2020-448
  • Approved By: Washington Department of Labor & Industries

Instructor Bio

Randy Drake Profile

Randy Drake is a licensed, master plumber with over 32 years' experience in the industry. He founded a plumbing business in 1993 which he successfully sold in 2013. He currently works for a plumbing company based in Traverse City, Michigan.

Course Reviews

3.3
7 Reviews