The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is currently researching a number of technical issues within the plumbing industry. The goal is to review the current state of knowledge in key areas to identify opportunities for improvement and possible change.

In September 2015 the ABCB released two publications seeking feedback from interested stakeholders:

Fixture unit ratings review
Fixture unit ratings are assigned to fixture types for the purpose of sanitary plumbing and drainage design. This Discussion Paper considers the origins and current use of the fixture unit ratings system and recommends areas for future research.

Comments for this paper close on 27 November 2015.

Warm-water systems
Warm-water systems are heated water supply systems installed in situations where otherwise acceptable heated water delivery temperatures are considered too high for building occupants, such as those who may have an increased susceptibility to scalding. This report details current industry practice, based on a review of available material, with a strong emphasis placed on the design, installation and maintenance of warm water systems.

Comments on this paper close on 11 December 2015.

More information on these papers, including how to submit comments, is available on the ABCB website.