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EFFECTIVE USE OF THE INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is a model code that regulates the design and installation of
plumbing systems including the plumbing fixtures in all types of buildings except for detached one-and two-
family dwellings and townhouses that are not more than three stories above grade in height. The
regulations for plumbing systems in one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses are covered by
Chapters 25 through 33 of the International Residential Code (IRC). The IPC addresses general plumbing
regulations, fixture requirements, water heater installations and systems for water distribution, sanitary
drainage, special wastes, venting, storm drainage and medical gases. The IPC does not address fuel gas
piping systems as those systems are covered by the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC). The IPC also
does not regulate swimming pool piping systems, process piping systems, or utility-owned piping and
systems. The purpose of the IPC is to the establish the minimum acceptable level of safety to protect life
and property from the potential dangers associated with supplying potable water to plumbing fixtures and
outlets and the conveyance of bacteria-laden waste water from fixtures.

The IPC is primarily a specification-oriented (prescriptive) code with some performance-oriented text. For
example, Section 405.1 is a performance statement but Chapter 6 contains the prescriptive requirements
that will cause Section 405.1 to be satisfied.

Where a building contains plumbing fixtures, those fixtures requiring water must be provided with an
adequate supply of water for proper operation. The number of required plumbing fixtures for a building is
specified by this code and is based upon the anticipated maximum number of occupants for the building
and the type of building occupancy. This code provides prescriptive criteria for sizing piping systems
connected to those fixtures. Through the use of code-approved materials and the installation requirements
specified in this code, plumbing systems will perform their intended function over the life of the building. In
summary, the IPC sets forth the minimum requirements for providing safe water to a building as well as a
safe manner in which liquid-borne wastes are carried away from a building.

Arrangement and Format of the 2015 IPC

The format of the IPC allows each chapter to be devoted to a particular subject with the exception of
Chapter 3 which contains general subject matters that are not extensive enough to warrant their own
independent chapter. The IPC is divided into 14 different parts:

Chapters Subjects
1-2 Administration and Definitions
 3 General Regulations
4 Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings
5 Water Heaters
6 Water Supply and Distribution
7 Sanitary Drainage
8 Indirect/Special Waste
9 Vents
10 Traps, Interceptors and Separators
11 Storm Drainage
12 Special Piping (Medical Gas)
13 Nonpotable Water Systems
14 Subsurface Landscape Irrigation Systems
15 Referenced Standards
Appendices A-E Appendices

The following is a chapter-by-chapter synopsis of the scope and intent of the provisions of the
International Plumbing Code:

Chapter 1 Scope and Administration. This chapter contains provisions for the application, enforcement
and administration of subsequent requirements of the code. In addition to establishing the scope of the
code, Chapter 1 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview. Chapter 1 is largely
concerned with maintaining “due process of law” in enforcing the requirements contained in the body of
this code. Only through careful observation of the administrative provisions can the code official
reasonably expect to demonstrate that “equal protection under the law” has been provided.

Chapter 2 Definitions. Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code.
Codes are technical documents and every word, term and punctuation mark can impact the meaning of the
code text and the intended results. The code often uses terms that have a unique meaning in the code and
the code meaning can differ substantially from the ordinarily understood meaning of the term as used
outside of the code.

The terms defined in Chapter 2 are deemed to be of prime importance in establishing the meaning and
intent of the code text that uses the terms. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this
chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the
user may not be aware that a term is defined.

Where understanding of a term’s definition is especially key to or necessary for understanding of a

particular code provision, the term is shown in italics wherever it appears in the code. This is true only for
those terms that have a meaning that is unique to the code. In other words, the generally understood
meaning of a term or phrase might not be sufficient or consistent with the meaning prescribed by the code;
therefore, it is essential that the code-defined meaning be known.

Guidance regarding tense, gender and plurality of defined terms as well as guidance regarding terms not
defined in this code is provided.

Chapter 3 General Regulations. The content of Chapter 3 is often referred to as “miscellaneous,” rather
than general regulations. This is the only chapter in the code whose requirements do not interrelate. If a
requirement cannot be located in another chapter, it should be located in this chapter. Chapter 3 contains
safety requirements for the installation of plumbing and nonplumbing requirements for all types of fixtures.
This chapter also has requirements for the identification of pipe, pipe fittings, traps, fixtures, materials and
devices used in plumbing systems.

The safety requirements of this chapter provide protection for the building’s structural members, as well as
prevent undue stress and strain on pipes. The building’s structural stability is protected by the regulations
for cutting and notching of structural members. Additional protection for the building occupants includes
requirements to maintain the plumbing in a safe and sanitary condition, as well as privacy for those
occupants.

Chapter 4 Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings. This chapter regulates the minimum number of
plumbing fixtures that must be provided for every type of building. This chapter also regulates the quality of
fixtures and faucets by requiring those items to comply with nationally recognized standards. Because
fixtures must be properly installed so that they are usable by the occupants of the building, this chapter
contains the requirements for the installation of fixtures. Because the requirements for the number of
plumbing fixtures affects the design of a building, Chapter 29 of the International Building Code (IBC)
includes, verbatim, many of the requirements listed in Chapter 4 of this code.

Chapter 5 Water Heaters. Chapter 5 regulates the design, approval and installation of water heaters and
related safety devices. The intent is to minimize the hazards associated with the installation and operation
of water heaters. Although this code does not regulate the size of a water heater, it does regulate all other
aspects of the water heater installation such as temperature and pressure relief valves, safety drip pans,
installation and connections. Where a water heater also supplies water for space heating, this chapter
regulates the maximum water temperature supplied to the water distribution system.

Chapter 6 Water Supply and Distribution. This chapter regulates the supply of potable water from both
public and individual sources to every fixture and outlet so that it remains potable and uncontaminated.
Chapter 6 also regulates the design of the water distribution system, which will allow fixtures to function
properly and also help prevent backflow conditions. The unique requirements of the water supply for
health care facilities are addressed separately. It is critical that the potable water supply system remain
free of actual or potential sanitary hazards by providing protection against backflow.

Chapter 7 Sanitary Drainage. The purpose of Chapter 7 is to regulate the materials, design and
installation of sanitary drainage piping systems as well as the connections made to the system. The intent
is to design and install sanitary drainage systems that will function reliably, that are neither undersized nor
oversized and that are constructed from materials, fittings and connections as prescribed herein. This
chapter addresses the proper use of fittings for directing the flow into and within the sanitary drain piping
system. Materials and provisions necessary for servicing the drainage system are also included in this
chapter.

Chapter 8 Indirect/Special Waste. This chapter regulates drainage installations that require an indirect
connection to the sanitary drainage system. Fixtures and plumbing appliances, such as those associated
with food preparation or handling, health care facilities and potable liquids, must be protected from
contamination that can result from connection to the drainage system. An indirect connection prevents
sewage from backing up into a fixture or appliance, thus providing protection against potential health
hazards. The chapter also regulates special wastes containing hazardous chemicals. Special waste must
be treated to prevent any damage to the sanitary drainage piping and to protect the sewage treatment
processes.

Chapter 9 Vents. Chapter 9 covers the requirements for vents and venting. Knowing why venting is
required makes it easier to understand the intent of this chapter. Venting protects every trap against the
loss of its seal. Provisions set forth in this chapter are geared toward limiting the pressure differentials in
the drainage system to a maximum of 1 inch of water column (249 Pa) above or below atmospheric
pressure (i.e., positive or negative pressures).

Chapter 10 Traps, Interceptors and Separators. This chapter contains design requirements and
installation limitations for traps. Prohibited types of traps are specifically identified. Where fixtures do not
frequently replenish the water in traps, a method is provided to ensure that the water seal of the trap will
be maintained. Requirements for the design and location of various types of interceptors and separators
are provided. Specific venting requirements are given for separators and interceptors as those
requirements are not addressed in Chapter 9.

Chapter 11 Storm Drainage. Chapter 11 regulates the removal of storm water typically associated with
rainfall. The proper installation of a storm drainage system reduces the possibility of structural collapse of
a flat roof, prevents the leakage of water through the roof, prevents damage to the footings and foundation
of the building and prevents flooding of the lower levels of the building.

Chapter 12 Special Piping and Storage Systems. This chapter contains the requirements for the
design, installation, storage, handling and use of nonflammable medical gas systems, including inhalation
anesthetic and vacuum piping systems, bulk oxygen storage systems and oxygen-fuel gas systems used
for welding and cutting operations. The intent of these requirements is to minimize the potential fire and
explosion hazards associated with the gases used in these systems.

Chapter 13 Nonpotable Water Systems. This chapter regulates the design and installation of
nonpotable water systems. The reduction of the use of potable water in buildings has led to designers of
buildings in some jurisdictions to use nonpotable water for irrigation and flushing of water closets and
urinals. As such, this chapter provides the overall requirements for these systems.

Chapter 14 Subsurface Landscape Irrigation Systems. This chapter regulates the design and
installation of subsurface landscape irrigation systems for the disposal of on-site nonpotable water such as
graywater. The reduction of the use of potable water in buildings has led to designers of buildings in some
jurisdictions to use on-site nonpotable water for irrigation. This chapter provides the overall requirements
for these systems.

Chapter 15 Referenced Standards. Chapter 15 contains a comprehensive list of all standards that are
referenced in the code. The standards are part of the code to the extent of the reference to the standard.
Compliance with the referenced standard is necessary for compliance with this code. By providing
specifically adopted standards, the construction and installation requirements necessary for compliance
with the code can be readily determined. The basis for code compliance is, therefore, established and
available on an equal basis to the code official, contractor, designer and owner.

Chapter 15 is organized in a manner that makes it easy to locate specific standards. It lists all of the
referenced standards, alphabetically, by acronym of the promulgating agency of the standard. Each
agency’s standards are then listed in either alphabetical or numeric order based upon the standard
identification. The list also contains the title of the standard; the edition (date) of the standard referenced;
any addenda included as part of the ICC adoption; and the section or sections of this code that reference
the standard.

Appendix A Plumbing Permit Fee Schedule. Appendix A provides a format for a fee schedule.

Appendix B Rates of Rainfall for Various Cities. Appendix B provides specific rainfall rates for major
cities in the United States.

Appendix C Structural Safety. Appendix C is provided so that the user does not have to refer to another
code book for limitations for cutting, notching and boring of sawn lumber and cold-formed steel framing.

Appendix D Degree Day and Design Temperatures. This appendix provides valuable temperature
information for designers and installers of plumbing systems in areas where freezing temperatures might
exist.

Appendix E Sizing of Water Piping System. Appendix E provides two recognized methods for sizing the
water service and water distribution piping for any structure. The method under Section E103 provides
friction loss diagrams which require the user to “plot” points and read values from the diagrams in order to
perform the required calculations and necessary checks. This method is the most accurate of the two
presented in this appendix. The method under Section E201 is known to be conservative; however, very
few calculations are necessary in order to determine a pipe size that satisfies the flow requirements of any
application.
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