Navigating common plumbing codes, including Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) & International Plumbing Code (IPC)
Here's what to know about finding your local plumbing codes and why you should follow them
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Plumbing codes are in place to ensure the safety of you, your property, and your community. You might think that since your home is your property, you can do whatever you want, including DIY plumbing work. However, that's usually not the case — at least not in most parts of the country.
The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and the International Plumbing Code (IPC) are the two most commonly followed U.S. codes that ensure that your pipes are connected correctly. They specify all sorts of things, from vent sizes to pipe dimension requirements and prohibited plumbing connections. Following these rules protects you and your home from gas leaks, cross-connected sewer lines, contaminated drinking water and more.
Depending on where you live, all plumbing work performed in your home must be "up to code" with the applicable local code; sometimes, this means following local codes that modify the IPC or UPC. In some parts of the country, these codes vary by county or even city. Here's what you need to know.
IPC, UPC or local codes: Which should I follow?
The ICC publishes a map of all the states that have adopted the IPC, or modified versions of it
The UPC and IPC are two different sets of codes adopted by different states across the country, with some international adoption as well. Some states follow local codes instead, or modifications of the IPC or UPC that include amendments. Thankfully, the internet makes it simple to check what codes you should follow in your state. When in doubt, search for the code that applies to your region.
Before assuming that your community follows one or the other, check the websites of your state, county, and city. For example, if you live in North Carolina, you should follow the North Carolina Plumbing Code , which is based on the IPC but includes some amendments.
Who publishes the IPC and UPC?
The IPC and UPC are two different codes that govern the same problems. They both have different histories and publishers.
The UPC is published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), a group formed by Los Angeles plumbers in 1926. IAPMO has continually updated its codes since its inception. The organization publishes a timeline of its history online .
The IPC, on the other hand, is published by the International Code Council (ICC), which was created following a merger of code publishers. According to the ICC , the IPC was first published in 1995.
Are plumbing codes basically the same?
While there's a lot that's similar between the IPC, UPC and other codes, there are major differences too. According to the UPC , its code is more comprehensive and addresses many subjects that the IPC does not cover. These subjects include fuel gas rules and guidelines on collecting rainwater for drinking purposes.
The ICC often emphasizes the cost savings associated with IPC adoption. For example, in an ICC-published study by Henderson Engineers , the group "found the average new home would save up to $3,000 in construction costs using the IPC."
DIY plumbing and codes
A homeowner climbs under his sink to work on the pipes
If you're planning to do your own plumbing, you might wonder how strictly you have to follow the codes.
While it's true that you probably don't have to worry about "plumbing police" spontaneously knocking on your front door to check the fittings in your private home, there are consequences to code violations. In fact, plumbing projects often do require permits and plumbing inspections . If you perform DIY plumbing work without adhering to codes, it could lead to serious problems down the line.
If you file an insurance claim and it is found that you have plumbing work that doesn't meet code, it could invalidate your claim. Additionally, off-code plumbing can be a significant issue when you want to sell your home. Sometimes, the discovery of violations can even trigger significant fines.
Thankfully, there are ample resources online to help you learn to plumb to code. There are also plenty of excellent books that can teach you DIY plumbing skills . Additionally, you can often find community plumbing codes published online.
While changing faucets and unclogging drains are worthy tasks for most DIY-inclined people, larger jobs like pipe work, water heater maintenance and gas lines are better left to professionals. Often, these jobs require specialized tools as well as genuine expertise. It's often better to spend the money to have a plumbing job done correctly by a professional, rather than doing it yourself and failing a code inspection later.
