ASME A112.18.1 / CSA B125.1 (Plumbing Supply Fittings)
This is the primary performance/testing umbrella used across commercial faucets and related fittings (handles, cartridges, aerators, metering components, some shower fittings, etc.). It governs materials, endurance cycling, pressure/temperature testing, and functional performance requirements.
Reference (overview / official listing):
ASME – Plumbing Supply Fittings (A112.18.1)
Purchase listing (2024 edition confirmation):
CSA Group Store – ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1
What to verify in submittals
Listed compliance to ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 for the faucet body/trim and applicable accessories
Published cycle testing and pressure performance claims aligned to commercial duty
Defined inlet connections and outlet threading to match rough-in constraints
Flow control component type (pressure-compensating aerator vs laminar outlet vs metering cartridge)
UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) – IAPMO ePubs
Use to coordinate adopted fixture fitting requirements and any state amendments that drive max flow, metering volume, and installation constraints.
2021 UPC – IAPMO ePubs
ICC A117.1 – Plumbing Elements and Facilities
Use for reach depth limits, control operability, and fixture approach conditions that directly impact faucet selection (handle type, sensor activation zone, spout geometry, deck offsets).
ICC A117.1 Chapter 6 – Plumbing Elements and Facilities
Accessible reach depth note (lavatory faucet/soap reach):
ICC A117.1 Chapter 6 (Alt View) – Plumbing Elements and Facilities
Typical AEC checks
Operable parts: one-hand operation, no tight grasping/pinching, low operating force (verify local criteria)
Sensor faucets: confirm detection window works with basin geometry and deck/spout offsets
Approach + reach: coordinate faucet control location relative to rim/backsplash and accessories
Federal efficiency baselines and facility procurement guidance (U.S.)
DOE FEMP guidance summarizes federal standards and common upgrade strategies for faucets/showerheads.
DOE FEMP – Best Management Practice 7: Faucets and Showerheads
WaterSense (lavatory faucet performance + labeling)
WaterSense program page (spec references and program docs):
EPA WaterSense – Bathroom Faucets
Background/support statement referencing performance thresholds and test logic:
WaterSense Background – Faucets Supporting Statement (PDF)
WaterSense labeled homes tech sheet (clear flow-rate framing vs federal baseline):
WaterSense Homes – Bathroom Sink Faucets Tech Sheet (PDF)
Program notice indicating market adoption and potential tightening discussion:
WaterSense Program Notice – Faucets Specification NOI (PDF)
LEED v4.1 – Indoor Water Use Reduction (strategy guidance)
USGBC guidance document emphasizing WaterSense as a baseline strategy:
USGBC – LEED v4.1 Indoor Water Use Reduction & Best Management Practices (PDF)
“Lead Free” definition (U.S. SDWA Section 1417)
EPA summary and definition: weighted average lead content of 0.25% across wetted surfaces for pipes/fittings/fixtures (and 0.2% for solder/flux).
EPA – Use Lead Free Pipes, Fittings, Fixtures, Solder and Flux
Public Law (RLDWA) PDF (statutory language basis):
Congress.gov – Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act (PDF)
NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 (Lead Content Verification Methodology)
NSF knowledge library (standard scope and intent):
NSF – NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 Technical Requirements
NSF/ANSI 61 (Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects)
NSF certified product/component listing search (Standard 61):
NSF Listings – Drinking Water System Components (Standard 61)
Standards overview (scope description):
ANSI Share – NSF Water Standards Overview (PDF)
Practical specification language (submittal intent)
“Provide fixtures in contact with potable water certified to NSF/ANSI 61 and lead content verified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 (or jurisdictional equivalent).”
Require documentation for wetted materials (brass alloy callout, dezincification resistance where applicable, coatings) and certification marks on product/packaging.
Point-of-Use Temperature Limiting / Thermostatic Mixing
ASSE 1070 (Water Temperature Limiting Devices)
While the standard text is typically paywalled, manufacturers’ technical data often indicates ASSE listings for compliant devices used with faucets/shower fittings.
Example (thermostatic mixing valve data sheet showing ASSE 1070 listing context):
Watts – MMV Thermostatic Mixing Valve Data Sheet (PDF)
Another manufacturer technical document (ASSE 1070 series context):
Resideo – ASSE 1070 Technical Document (PDF)
AEC coordination notes
Define whether the project uses central mixing (mechanical room) vs point-of-use limiting (fixture-level or group-level).
Confirm minimum flow performance for thermostatic elements (some valves require minimum flow to regulate accurately).
Coordinate service access for strainers/checks and seasonal commissioning.
Flow rate is not “performance” by itself
Commercial washroom faucets often target lower max flow and higher rinse efficiency; metering designs are evaluated by volume per cycle rather than continuous gpm.
DOE FEMP – Purchasing Water-Efficient Faucets and Showerheads
Aeration, laminar flow, and spray architecture
Aerated outlets improve perceived wetting and “hand feel,” but can increase aerosolization in some contexts.
Laminar outlets reduce splash and airborne dispersion; often preferred in healthcare and sensitive environments.
Pressure-compensating devices stabilize flow across wide supply pressure ranges (verify the rated pressure window).
Brass and wetted metallurgy
Confirm “lead free” compliance basis (SDWA 1417 + NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 verification) for any faucet intended to convey potable water.
For aggressive water chemistry, consider dezincification-resistant alloys where relevant; validate with local water quality data and O&M constraints.
Plating and coating systems (finish performance)
Electroplated finishes (e.g., chrome, nickel) vs PVD coatings vs powder coat: coordinate abrasion resistance, cleaning chemistry, and expected service life in high-traffic environments.
Require approved cleaning protocols in closeout to prevent finish failure claims.
Manual controls (single lever / metering)
Confirm cycle life and cartridge serviceability; ensure replacement parts availability aligns to owner standards.
Sensor faucets (IR, capacitive, or hybrid)
Verify power strategy (hardwire vs battery), transformer location, and access.
Confirm detection field alignment with basin geometry and spout projection.
Specify fail-safe behavior (shutoff time, manual override if required by facility standard).
Related (ArchitecturalDaily.com)
ArchDaily – Touch-free Faucets for Restrooms in Public Buildings
Minimum technical submittal package (commercial faucet)
Deliverables
Cut sheet with: model number matrix, rough-in, spout reach/height, connection sizes, max deck thickness, mounting hardware, and flow control details
Installation instructions with torque constraints and sealant guidance
Certification declarations: ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1; NSF/ANSI 61; NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 (as applicable)
O&M manual: cartridge/aerator part numbers, sensor calibration procedure, maintenance intervals
BIM/Revit family (LOD aligned to project phase) + 2D CAD where required
Closeout expectations
Spare parts list by fixture type (aerators, solenoids, sensor windows, cartridges)
Commissioning checklist: detection range, time-out, temperature limiting verification, leak test, flush procedure
FontanaShowers / Fontana Commercial (Commercial Washroom Fixtures + Downloads)
Commercial washroom fixtures gateway (touchless faucets, flush valves, and design guidance):
FontanaShowers – Washroom Bathroom Fixtures
Commercial catalog + BIM search entry point:
FontanaShowers – Commercial Bathroom Fixtures Catalog
Fontana commercial site (manufacturer commercial positioning):
Fontana Commercial – Official Site
BathSelect (Hospitality / Spec Support and Product Technical Pages)
BIM/Revit + cut sheet request portal:
BathSelect Hospitality – BIM & Spec Support
Example commercial sensor faucet technical listing page (use as a template for submittal fields to request/verify):
BathSelect – Commercial Automatic Sensor Faucet (Example)
JunoShowers (Commercial Faucets + Sensor Categories)
Commercial bathroom faucets category (product-level specs visible per SKU):
JunoShowers – Commercial Bathroom Faucets
Commercial sensor faucets category:
JunoShowers – Commercial Sensor Faucets
Kohler (Commercial Spec Sheets and Technical Communications PDFs)
Example Kohler technical spec sheet PDF (techcomm):
Kohler – K-13808 Spec Sheet (PDF)
Commercial single-control faucets sell sheet (commercial positioning + features):
Kohler – Commercial Single-Control Sell Sheet (PDF)
GROHE (Specifier Catalogues + Brochure Library)
GROHE US brochures download hub (current literature entry point):
GROHE US – Brochures
American Standard (Technical Document Search + Example Spec Sheet PDF)
Technical Document Tools (spec sheets, installation instructions, CAD, repair parts):
American Standard – Technical Document Tools
Example American Standard proximity lavatory faucet spec sheet PDF (shows ADA/ANSI A117.1 claim format and dimensional conventions):
American Standard – Proximity Faucet Spec Sheet (Example PDF)
How to classify a “commercial architectural faucet”
A commercial architectural faucet is not defined by styling—it is defined by duty cycle, serviceability, certification burden, and coordination with code/owner standards.
Typical qualifiers
Verified compliance with ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 (performance/testing umbrella)
Water efficiency compliance pathway (federal baseline + WaterSense and/or jurisdictional amendments)
Accessibility alignment (ICC A117.1 where applicable)
Potable water contact compliance (NSF/ANSI 61 + lead content verification via NSF/ANSI/CAN 372)
Replaceable wear parts and clear O&M documentation suitable for facilities maintenance programs
Common failure modes to pre-empt in design
Sensor faucet mis-detection
Often caused by basin geometry, reflective surfaces, spout reach mismatch, or supply pressure instability. Require commissioning verification.
Finish degradation in high-traffic restrooms
Common when cleaning chemicals are incompatible with the coating system. Include manufacturer cleaning instructions in closeout and train janitorial teams.
Temperature instability at low-flow
Mixing control may become unstable if a valve needs minimum flow. Coordinate point-of-use mixing strategy and verify with manufacturer performance curves.
Related (ArchitecturalDaily.com)
ArchDaily – Style Meets Accessibility: Cutting-Edge Restroom Solutions for Everyone
