P-05 2020-Current: Residential Outdoor Showers and Sinks

The California Plumbing Code requires that fixtures used to receive or discharge liquid must be connected to the building drainage system. The Code prohibits connection of rain water drainage to the building drainage system. The following guidelines apply to outdoor showers, barbeque sinks, pet washing areas, and other dedicated exterior locations where liquid waste is generated.

Version: 04/01/2020

The California Plumbing Code requires that fixtures used to receive or discharge liquid must be connected to the building drainage system. The Code prohibits connection of rain water drainage to the building drainage system. The following guidelines apply to residential outdoor showers, barbeque sinks, outdoor kitchen sinks, pet washing areas, and other dedicated exterior locations where liquid waste is generated

1. Cold water showers with no drain provided:  Typically, these would be located at or adjacent to the pool decking. These may be allowed to run off into landscaped areas or similar areas where they will not create a nuisance. They cannot drain into streams, water ways or the pool. To be considered a cold water connection there must be one valve with a single cold water connection, and no provision for hot water connection.
2. Showers with hot and cold water or cold water with a drain: These will require a drain connected to the building drainage (sanitary) system. The location must be provided with a permanent roof and must be located in a manner that will exclude rain, run off from decks, roofs or other areas from entering into the shower drain (e.g. curbs, grade breaks, etc.). A trap primer is required.
3. Outdoor Sinks:  These will require a drain connected to the building drainage (sanitary) system. The location must be provided with a permanent roof and must be located in a manner that will exclude rain, run off from decks, roofs or other areas from entering into the drain.

2019 California Plumbing Code 304.0 and 306.2