Santa Clara County, California
Plumbing Code Checklist

Make sure your plumbing work meets local building codes before the inspector comes out. Covers Santa Clara County requirements based on California Residential Code 2022 (CRC 2022).

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What's in the checklist

Water Supply

✅Main water shutoff valve must be accessible within 3 feet of where service enters building (max 3 feet)CPC 606.1
✅Water service pipe must be buried at least 12 inches below grade (min 12 inch)CPC 609.1
✅Pressure reducing valve required where static pressure exceeds 80 psi (max 80 psi)CPC 608.2
✅Hot water heater temperature and pressure relief valve discharge pipe must terminate within 6 inches of floor (max 6 inch)CPC 608.5
✅Backflow prevention device installed on all potable water connectionsCPC 603.1
🔷Water hammer arrestors installed where quick-closing valves are usedCPC 609.10

Drainage

✅Main building drain must have minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot for pipes up to 3 inches (min 0.25 inch-per-foot)CPC 708.1
✅Cleanout access within 3 feet of building drain exit (max 3 feet)CPC 707.3
✅P-trap installed on all fixture drains, minimum 2-inch seal depth (2-4 inch)CPC 1002.1
✅Sewer cleanout installed at property line or within 5 feet of building (max 5 feet)CPC 707.4
✅No double trapping of fixtures — each fixture has its own trapCPC 1002.2

Fixtures

✅Water closets must use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush (max 1.28 gpf)CPC 402.1 / CalGreen
✅Lavatory faucet flow rate must not exceed 1.2 gallons per minute (max 1.2 gpm)CPC 402.1 / CalGreen
✅Kitchen faucet flow rate must not exceed 1.8 gallons per minute (max 1.8 gpm)CPC 402.1 / CalGreen
✅Showerhead flow rate must not exceed 1.8 gallons per minute (max 1.8 gpm)CPC 402.1 / CalGreen
✅Accessible fixtures meet CBC Chapter 11B clearances and grab bar requirementsCBC 11B

Water Heater

✅Water heater seismic strapping — two straps within top and bottom thirds of unitCPC 509.2
✅Expansion tank required on closed water systemsCPC 608.3
✅Gas water heater in garage must be elevated at least 18 inches above floor (min 18 inch)CPC 509.4 / CMC
✅T&P relief valve discharge pipe must be same diameter as valve outlet (minimum 3/4 inch) (min 0.75 inch)CPC 608.5

Venting

✅Vent pipe must extend at least 6 inches above roof penetration (min 6 inch)CPC 906.1
✅Vent termination must be at least 10 feet from any air intake or operable window (min 10 feet)CPC 906.2
✅Vent pipe slope minimum 1/4 inch per foot back toward drain (min 0.25 inch-per-foot)CPC 905.1
🔷Air admittance valve (AAV) installed per manufacturer specs and accessibleCPC 917.0

Piping Material

✅Copper pipe joints properly soldered or press-fit, no visible leaksCPC 604.0
✅PEX tubing installed with proper supports every 32 inches (horizontal runs) (max 32 inch)CPC 312.1
✅ABS or PVC DWV pipe properly primed and cemented at jointsCPC 706.0

General Safety

✅All plumbing penetrations through fire-rated assemblies sealed with rated firestop materialCPC 312.4 / CBC
✅Pipe insulation on hot water lines (minimum 1 inch for first 8 feet from heater)CPC 609.9 / Title 24
✅Anti-scald mixing valve or thermostatic valve on showers (max 120°F output)CPC 407.3

Based on California Residential Code 2022 (CRC 2022). This checklist reflects state-level code requirements — always consult the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for any county-specific amendments before construction.

Frequently asked questions

Does a plumbing project in Santa Clara County need a permit?

Most plumbing work in Santa Clara County, California requires a building permit before construction. CodeCheckHQ helps you verify your work meets California Residential Code 2022 (CRC 2022) requirements before the inspector arrives.

What codes apply to Santa Clara County plumbing work?

Santa Clara County follows California Residential Code 2022 (CRC 2022) with local amendments. CodeCheckHQ checklists are derived from these codes and reflect state-level modifications.

How long does a plumbing inspection take in Santa Clara County?

A typical plumbing inspection in Santa Clara County takes 30-60 minutes. Pre-walk the CodeCheckHQ checklist to identify and fix issues before scheduling.

Can I use CodeCheckHQ for a Santa Clara County plumbing self-inspection?

Yes. CodeCheckHQ is a pre-inspection self-audit tool — not a replacement for the official AHJ inspection. Use it to catch issues early; official approval must come from a licensed inspector.

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Santa Clara County building code requirements in plain English. Mark each item Pass, Fail, or N/A. Get a PDF report.

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Santa Clara County, CaliforniaPlumbing Code Checklist

What's in the checklist

Water Supply

Drainage

Fixtures

Water Heater

Venting

Piping Material

General Safety

Frequently asked questions

Does a plumbing project in Santa Clara County need a permit?

What codes apply to Santa Clara County plumbing work?

How long does a plumbing inspection take in Santa Clara County?

Can I use CodeCheckHQ for a Santa Clara County plumbing self-inspection?

Don't guess. Check it now.

Santa Clara County, CaliforniaPlumbing Code Checklist

What's in the checklist

Water Supply

Drainage

Fixtures

Water Heater

Venting

Piping Material

General Safety

Frequently asked questions

Does a plumbing project in Santa Clara County need a permit?

What codes apply to Santa Clara County plumbing work?

How long does a plumbing inspection take in Santa Clara County?

Can I use CodeCheckHQ for a Santa Clara County plumbing self-inspection?

Don't guess. Check it now.

Santa Clara County, California
Plumbing Code Checklist

Santa Clara County, California
Plumbing Code Checklist