Council approves plumbing-code amendment restricting corrugated interior water-contact surfaces after public comment

The Laramie City Council on May 19 adopted Ordinance No. 2121, amending multiple sections of the municipal plumbing code to require that fixtures, faucets and fixture fittings have smooth, impervious interior water-contact surfaces and to prohibit corrugated or accordion-style designs on any interior water-contact surface.

The change began as a third reading of code updates recommended by the planning commission. Council discussed a staff-proposed amendment clarifying interior-surface requirements and adding explicit language that corrugated interior surfaces are not permitted.

The proposal drew public comment from Brett Glass, who urged caution and recommended additional revision or a delay. Glass said some commonly used flexible connectors — including copper corrugated connectors used on hot‑water heaters and some manufacturer-supplied appliance lines — can be necessary for safety and seismic resiliency, and that some such connectors are smooth on the interior despite corrugated exterior appearance. “There are corrugated connectors which are used for plumbing that are actually used for safety purposes and in some jurisdictions are required,” Glass said during the online comment period.

Another member of the public, Chris Strutton, noted that some factory‑installed lines on dishwashers are corrugated and asked whether manufacturer-supplied components would be exempt. Staff responded that the code as amended references manufacturer specifications for appliances and that many common manufacturer-supplied lines are smooth inside; staff and the vice mayor also noted that dialectric sleeves and industry standard fittings address some of the concerns raised.

Councilor Newman asked whether the code should explicitly allow manufacturer‑provided components; staff said the existing code language directs enforcement to manufacturer specifications in applicable cases. After the public comments and council discussion, the council approved the amendment on roll call (five yeses, four absent).

The ordinance change is intended to reduce clogging and maintenance problems associated with interior corrugated surfaces in certain drain and fixture applications. Staff said they would reference manufacturer specifications during inspections and that they would consider additional refinements if future issues arose.

The council’s action amended Local Code Chapter 15 consistent with the planning commission’s recommendations and will become part of the municipal code following final processing and posting by the city clerk.

The council did not adopt an across‑the‑board exemption during the meeting; staff told councilors they would rely on manufacturer specifications and applicable standards when interpreting the new language. Councilors and commenters asked staff to track any unintended consequences and to report back if manufacturers or contractors identify components that need an explicit exemption.