Amendments to the Plumbing Chapter of the Construction Code

The amendments to Chapter III – Plumbing of the Construction Code were enacted by order in council on June 26, 2024, and came into force on July 11. This chapter consists of the National Plumbing Code (NPC) 2020, with Québec  amendments. It replaces the previous version, which had been in effect since March 2021. Any new plumbing system installed after January 11, 2025 must comply with its requirements.

Note that as of July 11, 2024, a six-month transition period allows for the use of either the 2015 or the new 2020 edition of Chapter III – Plumbing.

New edition of the Construction Code’s Plumbing chapter

To help plumbing contractors, plumbers and others in the industry update their knowledge, the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) has produced a booklet explaining the main changes to Chapter III – Plumbing of the Construction Code – PDF (1,1 MB).

The booklet does not cover all the changes but focuses on those likely to have a significant impact on plumbing construction. It also reviews certain provisions of the Construction Code that are harder to understand.

Note that the minor amendments not discussed in the booklet must all nevertheless be applied.

Requirements to be met

The RBQ reminds all plumbing contractors, professionals involved in designing and installing plumbing systems, and manufacturers and distributors of plumbing products that they must comply with the new requirements in effect.

Amendments introduced at the national level, as well as those of Québec, have been adopted by consensus by representatives of the various groups involved. The new regulation is consistent with the process of updating codes or standards in effect in Québec, with a view to harmonizing the regulatory framework between provinces as much as possible. It seeks primarily to improve the level of health, safety and building protection provided by plumbing systems and to adapt them to technological changes.