What is the primary reason for making a code mandatory by legislation?

The primary reason for making a code mandatory by legislation is public safety. Plumbing codes are established to ensure that plumbing systems are designed, installed, and maintained in a way that protects the health and safety of the public. These codes help to prevent hazardous situations such as water contamination, improper waste disposal, and structural failures in plumbing systems.

By enforcing these standards through legislation, authorities can minimize the risks associated with plumbing practices that could lead to health crises or safety hazards. Compliance with these codes is essential for safeguarding the public against potential dangers that can arise from faulty plumbing systems.

Options such as cost efficiency, standardization, and environmental protection are important considerations in the creation and implementation of plumbing codes, but they are secondary to the fundamental goal of protecting public health and safety. Codes might indeed lead to more efficient practices and promote standardization across the industry, but their primary function is to ensure a safe environment for everyone.