When you're sourcing plumbing fixtures for commercial bathrooms, certifications aren’t just nice to have, they're essential. From ensuring code compliance to verifying performance and safety standards, certifications provide confidence that the products you install will hold up in real-world conditions and meet regulatory requirements.

Whether you're managing a new construction project, upgrading existing facilities, or maintaining compliance across multiple properties, understanding common plumbing fixture certifications can help you avoid costly delays and ensure your selections meet the right spec. Here's a breakdown of the most widely recognized certifications in the industry, what they mean, and why they matter for commercial restrooms.

What Is Plumbing Fixture Certification?

Plumbing fixture certification is a formal process that verifies whether a product meets specific safety, performance, and regulatory standards. These certifications are issued by accredited third-party organizations and are often required by building codes, especially in commercial, institutional, and industrial settings.

Certified fixtures are tested for things like water efficiency, pressure performance, material safety, and backflow prevention. This gives contractors, architects, and facility managers confidence that the products they specify will perform reliably, meet inspection requirements, and support occupant safety.

For commercial projects, using certified fixtures isn’t just about quality, it’s about risk management. A fixture that doesn’t meet the right standard can delay occupancy, lead to code violations, or cause issues down the line. That’s why every major fixture manufacturer tests their products to comply with nationally and regionally recognized certifications, and why sourcing from a knowledgeable supplier like Berl’s makes the difference.

Types of Certifications

There are various types of certifications.

cUPC Certification (Uniform Plumbing Code)

The cUPC certification is one of the most recognized marks in the plumbing industry. Issued jointly by IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials) and CSA Group, it confirms that a fixture meets the standards outlined in the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Canadian Plumbing Code.

This certification applies to a wide range of products, including toilets, sinks, faucets, shower valves, and more, and verifies that they’ve been tested for structural integrity, performance, and safe operation. For commercial projects, cUPC certification is often a non-negotiable requirement for passing inspection and maintaining code compliance.

If you're working on a job that spans across jurisdictions or requires a consistent level of performance across multiple properties, specifying cUPC-certified fixtures simplifies the process. Berl’s stocks a wide selection of cUPC-listed products, making it easy to source plumbing fixtures that are compliant, reliable, and ready for spec.

ASSE Certification (American Society of Sanitary Engineering)

ASSE certification focuses on performance and safety standards for plumbing components that protect users and the water supply. Developed by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering, these standards are widely used across North America and are often referenced in local and national plumbing codes.

ASSE-certified products include backflow preventers, pressure regulators, thermostatic mixing valves, emergency fixtures, and other safety-critical devices. Each standard targets a specific use case; for example, ASSE 1016 for shower valves or ASSE 1070 for scald protection at public lavatories.

For commercial and institutional projects, especially in schools, healthcare facilities, and public restrooms, ASSE certification ensures fixtures are built to reduce risk and operate safely under real-world conditions.

At Berl’s, we prioritize ASSE-listed products in categories where safety and compliance go hand in hand. Our team can help you source fixtures that meet the right standard for your project requirements.

EPA WaterSense Certification

WaterSense is an EPA-backed certification that identifies plumbing fixtures designed to conserve water without sacrificing performance. Products bearing the WaterSense label are independently tested and certified to meet strict efficiency and flow-rate criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

This certification applies to a range of bathroom fixtures, including toilets, faucets, urinals, and shower heads. To qualify, a product must use at least 20% less water than the federal standard while performing as well as, or better than, non-certified models.

For commercial facilities, specifying WaterSense-certified products supports long-term cost savings, LEED credits, and compliance with water conservation regulations in many states and municipalities. It’s especially important for buildings with high usage rates or sustainability goals.

CEC Certification (California Energy Commission)

CEC certification is a regulatory requirement for plumbing fixtures sold or installed in California, enforced by the California Energy Commission. It’s part of the state’s long-term strategy to address water scarcity and reduce energy consumption tied to water use.

California’s drought-prone climate and growing population have driven some of the most stringent water efficiency standards in the country. As a result, products like faucets, showerheads, toilets, and urinals must be tested and listed in the CEC’s Modernized Appliance Efficiency Database System (MAEDBS) to be legally sold in the state.

This includes maximum flow rate limits that often go beyond federal requirements. For example, showerheads must not exceed 1.8 GPM, and lavatory faucets are capped at 1.2 GPM.

Even outside of California, many specifiers look for CEC-certified fixtures to meet sustainability goals or future-proof their projects. 

NSF Certification

NSF certification confirms that plumbing products meet strict public health and safety standards. Issued by NSF International, this certification is especially important for fixtures and components that come into contact with drinking water.

One of the most common standards in commercial plumbing is NSF/ANSI 61, which ensures that materials used in faucets, valves, and fittings do not leach harmful contaminants into potable water. This is critical for schools, healthcare facilities, food service environments, and any application where water safety is a priority.

Another key standard, NSF/ANSI 372, verifies compliance with low-lead requirements, essential for meeting federal and state regulations such as the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act.

For buyers and facility managers, sourcing NSF-certified products provides peace of mind that a fixture is safe, compliant, and suitable for use in regulated environments.

How to Source Certified Bathroom Fixtures

Finding code-compliant, certified fixtures doesn’t have to slow down your project. The key is knowing what to look for and working with a supplier that understands the standards behind the spec.

Start by reviewing spec sheets and product labels. Most manufacturers clearly list certifications like cUPC, ASSE, WaterSense, CEC, or NSF. For California projects, confirm listings in the CEC MAEDBS database. For water-saving fixtures, look for the EPA WaterSense label. And for safety-critical applications, double-check ASSE and NSF compliance to ensure the fixture is approved for use with drinking water or patient care.

At Berl’s Commercial Supply, we stock a wide range of certified plumbing fixtures ready for commercial and industrial use. From ADA-compliant faucets to NSF-listed valves and WaterSense toilets, every product in our lineup is selected for long-term performance, durability, and code alignment.

Final Takeaway: Compliance Made Easy

When it comes to commercial bathroom projects, certified fixtures aren’t just a box to check—they’re essential to getting the job done right. From meeting inspection requirements to ensuring safe, efficient performance over time, certifications like cUPC, ASSE, WaterSense, CEC, and NSF help protect your project from costly setbacks. If you are overseeing the construction of a building, your local building inspectors will need to inspect and approve every major, and sometimes minor, phase of the project - plumbing, electrical, structural, etc. You will need to pass these inspections to move on to the next stage of your project, so getting it right the first time is essential!   

At Berl’s Commercial Supply, we make sourcing plumbing fixture certifications simple. We only stock plumbing products from the top manufacturers, and so we, and you, can have peace of mind that you will get certified products, to keep your project moving. Whether you're building new or upgrading existing facilities, we’re here to help you specify with confidence and stay compliant from the start.

Need help navigating requirements? Contact Berl’s! We’ll get you what you need, when you need it.