Water costs are rising. Codes are tightening. Customers are paying closer attention to their utility bills than ever before. New water efficiency regulations are reshaping how contractors approach upgrades, compliance, and customer conversations.
For plumbing contractors, that’s not a compliance burden. It’s a business opportunity.
New water efficiency regulations are creating:
- Built-in demand
- Clear justification for upgrades
- Stronger trust between technicians and customers
- Recurring revenue opportunities tied directly to code cycles
Contractors who understand the shift are not just passing inspections. They are building structured efficiency service lines that generate predictable revenue and increase close rates.
Here is how to do the same.
What Changed in the 2024 International Plumbing Code?
The International Code Council publishes the International Plumbing Code (IPC), which many states adopt fully or with amendments.
The 2024 IPC lowered allowable flow rates across major plumbing fixture categories. In jurisdictions that adopt the update, these are enforceable minimums.
Updated Fixture Standards
| Fixture | Previous Standard | 2024 IPC Standard | Estimated Water Savings |
| Toilets | 1.6 gpf | 1.28 gpf | ~20% per flush |
| Showerheads | 2.5 gpm | 2.0 gpm | ~20% per use |
| Bathroom Faucets | 2.2 gpm | 1.5 gpm | ~30% per use |
| Urinals | 1.0 gpf | 0.5 gpf | ~50% per flush |
Some states such as California and New York have led efficiency regulation for years, but adoption is accelerating nationwide as municipalities prepare for long-term water shortages.
Important Distinction: IPC vs. WaterSense
You may see 0.125 gpf referenced for urinals. That is not the IPC minimum. That is the high-efficiency tier under WaterSense, a program backed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
When advising property managers, the difference matters. One is required by code. The other may qualify for rebates.
Accuracy builds trust. Clear guidance strengthens long-term relationships.
Why These New Water Efficiency Regulations Directly Impact Your Revenue
Every non-compliant fixture in your service area represents:
- A replacement opportunity
- A retrofit conversation
- A re-engagement reason with past customers
Code updates create a legitimate reason to reach back out to your database.
Contractors who track fixture age and installation history can proactively schedule upgrade conversations instead of waiting for failure-based calls.
The Business Case Customers Actually Respond To
Most homeowners do not care about gallons per flush.
They care about their monthly bill.
Your role is to translate regulation into savings.
The $380 Annual Savings Conversation
According to EPA WaterSense data:
- Replacing older fixtures with WaterSense models saves roughly 13,000 gallons per year
- The average household saves approximately $380 annually
When you show that math clearly on an estimate, the conversation shifts from “Do I need this?” to “When does this pay for itself?”
For many households, it’s under two years.
That framing increases close rates without discounting.
The Leak Multiplier Effect
The EPA estimates:
- Household leaks waste 900 billion gallons annually nationwide
- 10% of homes leak 90+ gallons per day
- Fixing leaks can save 30,000+ gallons per year
Pairing leak detection with efficiency upgrades increases ticket size while delivering measurable value.
That is not upselling. It is solving the full problem.
The Commercial Compliance Angle
Commercial properties face:
- Stricter inspection timelines
- Greater liability exposure
- Higher usage impact
Efficiency audits for restaurants, office buildings, and multi-family properties should be positioned as risk mitigation and operational cost control.
That supports premium pricing without pressure.
How to Build an Efficiency Service Line
There is a difference between installing efficient fixtures when asked and building a repeatable efficiency program.
The second approach creates consistent, repeatable revenue.
1. Train Technicians to Lead with Savings
Every technician should confidently answer:
- What fixtures meet current code locally?
- What are the estimated savings?
- Is the upgrade required or recommended?
Short weekly briefings on code updates create a culture of awareness.
Designate one person to monitor updates from:
- Your local building department
- State-level code amendments
- The Alliance for Water Efficiency State Policy Scorecard
Five minutes of structured education each week compounds over time.
2. Turn Service History Into Opportunity
Your database is your best marketing channel.
Look for:
- Fixtures installed before the latest code cycle
- Repeat repair calls on aging toilets or faucets
- Commercial properties with older infrastructure
Using your service management system to flag these properties allows you to create proactive outreach campaigns tied to savings and rebate deadlines.
This is where a structured workflow matters.
Instead of manually combing through records, contractors using FieldEdge filter by installation date, generate targeted lists, and create clear estimates that show projected savings.
The process becomes systematic, not manual.
3. Use Rebates as a Closing Tool
More than 2,200 water utilities offer rebate programs for WaterSense-certified products.
Rebates reduce friction at the moment of decision.
However:
- Not all WaterSense products qualify
- Some utilities require ultra-high-efficiency models
- Eligibility varies by utility and product category
Always verify local rebate requirements before quoting amounts.
Create a one-page rebate reference sheet and update it quarterly.
It pays for itself quickly.
Common Compliance Mistakes Contractors Make
Repairs vs. Replacements
Minor repairs typically do not trigger upgrade requirements.
Full replacements do.
If you replace a toilet, it must meet current code (including new water efficiency regulations). Even if the original was 3.5 gpf.
Stocking outdated inventory creates inspection risk.
Older Fixtures Are Not Automatically Illegal
Existing fixtures are typically grandfathered.
However:
- Point-of-sale requirements may apply
- Retailers cannot sell non-compliant fixtures
- Contractors cannot legally install outdated models
Clear explanations reduce customer confusion.
Codes Vary by Jurisdiction
The IPC is a model code. Adoption and amendments vary by:
- State
- County
- City
Always verify local requirements before quoting commercial projects.
What’s Coming Next in Water Efficiency
Expect:
- Continued reductions in allowable flow rates
- Expanded leak detection requirements
- Increased adoption of greywater and reuse systems
The plumbing fixture market is projected to grow at roughly 4.5% annually through 2030, driven largely by efficiency mandates.
Contractors who systematize now will benefit most from that growth.
Your Action Plan This Week
Within five business days:
- Review your local adoption status of the 2024 IPC.
- Run a report on fixtures installed before the current code cycle.
- Compile a current rebate reference sheet for your service area.
Then build repeatable workflows that include:
- Automated flags for outdated fixtures
- Scheduled outreach reminders
- Structured documentation for permits and inspections
Efficiency upgrades should be operationalized, not improvised.
Turning New Water Efficiency Regulations Into Repeatable Revenue
Water efficiency is not a temporary spike in demand.
It is a multi-year shift tied directly to regulation cycles.
When you build systems now, you will see:
- Higher average ticket values
- Increased close rates
- Stronger customer trust
- More predictable recurring work
FieldEdge supports this type of structured growth by helping contractors:
- Track installation history
- Flag upgrade opportunities
- Automate follow-ups
- Document compliance efficiently
If you want to see how FieldEdge fits into your current workflows, book your personalized demo today!
Related: Plumbing Service Quality Control
Frequently Asked Questions About New Water Efficiency Regulations
Are older plumbing fixtures illegal under new water efficiency regulations?
No. Existing fixtures are typically grandfathered, but replacements must meet current code.
Does replacing a toilet trigger new code requirements?
Yes. Full replacements must comply with current IPC flow-rate standards.
Are WaterSense fixtures required by code?
No. WaterSense certification exceeds code minimums but may qualify for rebates.
