Which statement best describes the minimum requirements in plumbing installations?

The statement that installations must comply with safety and performance standards captures the essence of plumbing requirements found within the National Plumbing Code of Canada. This code is designed to ensure that every aspect of plumbing installations—ranging from the materials used to the methods of installation—meets established safety regulations and performance benchmarks. Compliance with these standards is critical not only for the functionality of the plumbing systems but also for the health and safety of users and the environment.

While aesthetics and material durability are important considerations in plumbing design, they do not encompass the breadth of regulations outlined in the code. Additionally, it is a misconception to assert that only underground installations are subject to regulation; all plumbing installations are governed by these codes to ensure public safety and system efficiency. Therefore, adherence to safety and performance standards is fundamental and applies uniformly across all types of plumbing installations.