The International Plumbing Code is a

plumbing code A plumbing code is a code that provides regulations for the design, installation and inspection of building plumbing and sanitary systems. In the United States, jurisdictions enact their own codes, some of which are based upon model plumbing codes. ...

and

standard Standard may refer to: Symbols * Colours, standards and guidons, kinds of military signs * Standard (emblem), a type of a large symbol or emblem used for identification Norms, conventions or requirements * Standard (metrology), an object th ...

that sets minimum requirements for

plumbing Plumbing is any system that conveys fluids for a wide range of applications. Plumbing uses pipes, valves, plumbing fixtures, tanks, and other apparatuses to convey fluids. Heating and cooling (HVAC), waste removal, and potable water deliv ...

systems in their design and function, and which sets out rules for the acceptance of new plumbing-related technologies. It is published by the

International Code Council The International Building Code (IBC) is a model building code developed by the International Code Council (ICC). It has been adopted for use as a base code standard by most jurisdictions in the United States. The IBC addresses both health and saf ...

based in

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, through the governmental consensus process and updated on a three-year cycle to include the latest advances in technology and safest plumbing practices. The current version of this code is the 2022 edition. The IPC protects public health and safety in buildings for all water and wastewater related design, installation and inspection by providing minimum safeguards for

plumbers A plumber is a tradesperson who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for potable (drinking) water, and for sewage and drainage in plumbing systems.

and people at homes, schools and workplaces. Water heaters, anti-scalding devices, back-flow prevention methods, water pipe sizing and many other such issues are addressed in the IPC. IPC_VS_UPC_USA%2C_w_territories

Adoption

The IPC is the most widely used plumbing code in the United States and is also used as the basis for the plumbing code of several other countries. Wide adoptions are important as they help reduce manufacturer and end-user costs by allowing the use of materials across a wide user base, thus allowing

economies of scale In microeconomics, economies of scale are the cost advantages that enterprises obtain due to their scale of operation, and are typically measured by the amount of output produced per unit of time. A decrease in cost per unit of output enables ...

in the production of materials used in construction. Uniformity in the codes adopted across many areas also allows a broader sharing of best building practices and techniques and improves the transferability of experts such as architects, engineers, code officials, building inspectors, and other building professionals among those different areas. More adoptions also invite broader participation in the formulation the codes, which lends to the incorporation of the latest and best building techniques that enhance the safety of citizens in the areas using the codes. Some jurisdictions have adopted the International Plumbing Code in a way that gives it the force of law, while others have their own codes.

Applications

Regulatory applications

International Plumbing Code, are used in a variety of ways in both the public and private sectors. Most industry professionals are familiar with International Building Codes as the basis of laws and regulations in communities across the U.S. and in other countries.

Non-regulatory applications

The impact of the IPC codes extends well beyond the regulatory frameworks, as they are used in a variety of non-regulatory settings.

Non-regulatory uses of IPC codes

* Voluntary compliance programs such as those promoting sustainability, energy efficiency and disaster resistance. * The insurance industry, to estimate and manage risk, and as a tool in underwriting and rate decisions. * Certification and credentialing of individuals involved in the fields of building design, construction and safety. * Certification of building and construction-related products. * U.S. federal agencies, to guide construction in an array of government-owned properties. * Facilities management. * Used to benchmark best practices for designers and builders, * Used by plumbers who are engaged in projects in jurisdictions that do not have a formal regulatory system or a governmental enforcement mechanism. * College, university and professional school textbooks and curricula. * Reference works related to building design and construction.

References

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