From the Preface
Introduction
Internationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date plumbing code addressing the design and installation of plumbing systems through requirements emphasizing performance. The International Plumbing Code, in this 2003 edition, is designed to meet these needs through model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and small.

This comprehensive plumbing code establishes minimum regulations for plumbing systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new plumbing designs. This 2003 edition is fully compatible with all the International Codes (I-Codes) published by the International Code Council (ICC), including the International Building Code, ICC Electrical Code Administrative Provisions, International Energy Conservation Code, International Existing Building Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, ICC Performance Code, International Private Sewage Disposal Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Residential Code, International Urban-Wildland Interface Code and International Zoning Code.

The International Plumbing Code provisions provide many benefits, among which is the model code development process that offers an international forum for plumbing professionals to discuss performance and prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to debate proposed revisions. This model code also encourages international consistency in the application of provisions.

Development
The first edition of the International Plumbing Code (1995) was the culmination of an effort initiated in 1994 by a development committee appointed by the ICC and consisting of representatives of the three statutory members of the International Code Council: Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) and Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI). The intent was to draft a comprehensive set of regulations for plumbing systems consistent with and inclusive of the scope of the existing model codes. Technical content of the latest model codes promulgated by BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI was utilized as the basis for the development. This 2003 edition presents the code as originally issued, with changes approved through the ICC Code Development Process through 2002. A new edition such as this is promulgated every three years.

With the development and publication of the family of International Codes in 2000, the continued development and maintenance of the model codes individually promulgated by BOCA (BOCA National Codes), ICBO (Uniform Codes) and SBCCI (Standard Codes) was discontinued. This 2003 International Plumbing Code, as well as its predecessor—the 2000 edition—is intended to be the successor plumbing code to those codes previously developed by BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI.

The development of a single set of comprehensive and coordinated International Codes was a significant milestone in the development of regulations for the built environment. The timing of this publication mirrors a milestone in the change in structure of the model codes, namely, the pending consolidation of BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI into the ICC. The activities and services previously provided by the individual model code organizations will be the responsibility of the consolidated ICC.

This code is founded on principles intended to establish provisions consistent with the scope of a plumbing code that adequately protects public health, safety, and welfare; provision that do not unnecessarily increase construction costs; provisions that do not restrict the use of new materials, products of methods of construction; and provisions that do not give preferential treatment to particular types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction.

The 2003 International Plumbing Code is also available in looseleaf, on CD-ROM or in a Spanish edition.

Click here to order tabs for the 2003 International Codes.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Administration; Chapter 2: Definitions; Chapter 3: General Regulations; Chapter 4: Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings; Chapter 5: Water Heaters; Chapter 6: Water Supply Distribution; Chapter 7: Sanitary Drainage; Chapter 8: Indirect/Special Waste; Chapter 9: Vents; Chapter 10: Traps, Interceptors and Separators; Chapter 11: Storm Drainage; Chapter 12: Special Piping and Storage Systems; Chapter 13: Referenced Standards; Appendix A: Plumbing Permit Fee Schedule; Appendix B: Rates of Rainfall for Various Cities; Appendix C: Gray Water Recycling Systems; Appendix D: Degree Day and Design Temperatures; Appendix E: Sizing of Water Piping System; Appendix F: Structural Safety; Appendix G: Vacuum Drainage System; Index

To view the complete table of contents for the International Plumbing Code, click here .

We also have commentaries and handbooks, workbooks and flash cards, extended indexes and tabs available. The code is also available as part of a set, or on CD-ROM. A complete list of the 2003 International Codes can be found here.