How should plumbing systems accommodate temperature changes, according to UPC?

Plumbing systems must accommodate temperature changes to prevent damage and maintain functionality. The correct approach is to incorporate flexible joints and expansion fittings. These components are specifically designed to absorb and compensate for the expansion and contraction of pipes that occur with temperature fluctuations.

When water heats up, it expands, and when it cools down, it contracts. If a plumbing system does not have the means to accommodate these changes, it can lead to issues such as leaks, joint failures, or even ruptured pipes. Flexible joints allow for movement, while expansion fittings provide the necessary space for pipes to change in size without causing stress.

Other options, like using thicker pipes or maintaining a constant temperature, don't effectively address the variability inherent in plumbing systems resulting from temperature changes. Thicker pipes might increase strength but wouldn’t solve the problem of thermal expansion or contraction. Allowing for leaks is not a viable solution and would lead to increased repair costs and inefficiency. Maintaining a constant temperature is impractical in most situations, as environmental factors make that nearly impossible in everyday plumbing applications. Thus, incorporating flexible joints and expansion fittings is the proper and accepted method according to UPC to ensure the plumbing system can withstand temperature changes effectively.