SERVICE
Comply with water conservation requirements
Replace old plumbing fixtures when selling, remodeling, or getting permits to make improvements to your home.
Department of Building InspectionWhat to know
Conservation requirements
In all residential, multi-family, and commercial properties:
- All showerheads must not exceed a maximum flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute (gpm).
- All faucets and faucet aerators must not exceed a maximum flow rate of 1.8 gpm.
- All toilets must not exceed a maximum flow rate of 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf).
- Urinals (for commercial buildings) must not exceed a maximum flow rate of 1.0 gpf.
- All water leaks have been repaired.
Ordinance requirements
According to the San Francisco Housing Code, all buildings are required to meet water conservation standards.
Building owners must repair plumbing leaks and replace inefficient plumbing fixtures before selling, remodeling, or doing improvement work.
If you do not follow the Ordinance requirements, you could be cited.
What to know
Conservation requirements
In all residential, multi-family, and commercial properties:
- All showerheads must not exceed a maximum flow rate of 1.8 gallons per minute (gpm).
- All faucets and faucet aerators must not exceed a maximum flow rate of 1.8 gpm.
- All toilets must not exceed a maximum flow rate of 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf).
- Urinals (for commercial buildings) must not exceed a maximum flow rate of 1.0 gpf.
- All water leaks have been repaired.
Ordinance requirements
According to the San Francisco Housing Code, all buildings are required to meet water conservation standards.
Building owners must repair plumbing leaks and replace inefficient plumbing fixtures before selling, remodeling, or doing improvement work.
If you do not follow the Ordinance requirements, you could be cited.
What to do
1. Schedule an inspection before you sell or remodel your home
Contact a DBI-certified Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance (RECO) and Water Conservation Inspector complete your inspection. The inspector will check your home for compliance with Chapter 12A of the SF Housing Code.
2. Complete any needed plumbing upgrades
You can get free water-saving devices and toilet rebates from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.
3. Work with your home inspector to document the upgrades before you sell
You are required to get a Certificate of Completion documenting compliance with water conservation requirements:
- Before transfer of title, if you are selling your property.
- At the time property alterations or improvements are performed, if you are remodeling or making improvements.