New California Legislation Calls for Toilet Replacement

In California, a bill has passed that will require homeowners to replace all inefficient toilets when performing other improvements that require the pulling of a permit. The new law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2014 and applies to residential and commercial properties. Before an inspector will provide final approval or issue a certificate of occupancy, plumbing fixtures must meet the state’s requirements for water-efficient plumbing fixtures, including 1.6-gallon toilets. This requirement could be enforced whenever a pool, spa or waterfeature is built or renovated on a home built before 1994, depending on the interpretation of local officials, according to the California Pool & Spa Association, the state’s industry lobbying association formerly called SPEC.