California has some of the strictest environmental codes and standards in the nation, most with the best of intentions to maximize air and water quality, which in turn improves the standard of living for all Californians.
If you live in the city and are planning any home improvement projects in the years ahead, some recent changes to San Francisco’s plumbing code went into effect on January 1 of this year. Be sure to work with a reputable contractor, like ACE Plumbing and Rooter, to ensure your investment meets city codes and passes inspection.
New Faucet, Showerhead, and Toilet Requirements
San Francisco’s 2025 plumbing code updates the 2022 plumbing code that expired on December 31, 2025. In many ways, these standards deviate from similar codes throughout California.
Residential showerheads are now permitted to flow up to 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). This is a huge leap above the well-intentioned state standard of 1.8 gpm. To better understand what this means, let’s take a moment to dispel a persistent myth.
- Showerheads do not affect water pressure. The water pressure flowing into your home remains constant based on the ability of the municipal water supply. Water towers and pump stations affect the water pressure getting to your neighborhood. Your home’s location – at the base of a hill, in a flat area, or at the top of a hill – will also affect available pressure. A pressure reducing valve inside your home at the main water line connection manages the internal water pressure extending to all faucets, tubs, showers, toilets, laundry, and other fixtures.
- Your showerhead manages water flow. An internal flow restrictor device inside the showerhead is designed to meet the city’s plumbing requirements. Mineral buildup like limescale and clogged screens may also limit water flow. Twist off your showerhead to see if it is filled with gunk and buildup. These internal components are easy to clean or replace. With the new city code in place, if your current showerhead is limited to 1.8 gpm, a new 2.5 gpm model can increase comfort and help shorten shower times by rinsing soap and shampoo more quickly.
Faucet heads are now permitted to flow at 2.2 gpm, and toilets can flush with 1.8 gallons per flush. You’ll notice faucets (like showers) are measured in flow, whereas toilets are measured in capacity. Urinals need even less water, 1.0 gpf.
Sewer Line Inspection Requirement
If you’re planning on selling your property, you’ll need to arrange an inspection of your sewer line lateral to ensure it has no issues. Most home buyers insist on this anyway, but what was an optional safeguard is now mandatory. ACE Plumbing and Rooter can perform a pre-inspection service to catch any issues before the city does, so you can address and resolve them in advance. This proactive step will keep your home sale on track.
- If your sewer line has root intrusion, or is clogged with gunk and other sediment, ACE’s HydroJet sewer line cleanout service uses high pressure water to safely clear pipes out all the way to the city connection. Our system safely blasts water up to 4000 psi, but we’ll ensure the pressure we use matches the types of pipe you have. Well meaning service from unlicensed contractors can actually cause more damage than they fix!
- Once your sewer line is clean, we can do a thorough video inspection to find cracks, breaks and gaps.
- We specialize in Trenchless Sewer Line Replacement which can reline existing pipes that have hairline cracks but are mostly intact. This high value alternative to sewer line replacement can prevent costly digs of your existing landscaping, concrete slabs, and sidewalks.
- If you need spot repairs or a complete sewer line replacement, ACE can get the job done quickly, at affordable rates. We’ll document the upgrades to ensure your new line is fully compliant with all applicable city codes.
Plastic Pipe Restrictions
PEX and PVC pipes are very durable and popular, but California restricts their usage in residential applications due to the potential leaching of methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) and tert-Butyl alcohol into drinking water. Copper and cast iron pipes are durable, fire-resistant, and offer a great return on investment when properly installed and maintained. When discussing plumbing line repairs and replacements with you, your ACE project manager will discuss the pros and cons of each option to ensure you enjoy the best possible performance and reliability within your budget.
San Francisco is a city on the go and grow, that’s why commercial and residential customers trust ACE Plumbing and Rooter to stay on top of all applicable state and municipal codes to deliver the best possible service. Place ACE in your contacts list so you can reach us anytime you need the city’s best plumbing installation, repair, and preventative maintenance.
