Part VI
International Plumbing Code
§ 6-101. City adoption
(a) In general.
The International Plumbing Code (2021 Edition) is adopted as part of the Building, Fire, and Related Codes of Baltimore City, subject to the additions, deletions, amendments, and other modifications contained in this Part VI.
(b) Codification.
Unless otherwise specified, chapter and section numbers in this Part VI refer to the chapter and section numbers of the International Plumbing Code.
§ 6-102. City modifications.
The additions, deletions, amendments, and other modifications adopted by the City are as follows:
Chapter 1
Scope and Administration
Section 101. General
101.1 Title.
The regulations contained in this Code constitute and are known as the "Baltimore City Plumbing Code".
101.1.1 References to "this Code".
Throughout this Part VI, all references to "this Code" refer to the Baltimore City Plumbing Code.
101.2 Scope. {As in IPC}
Exception: {Not Adopted}
101.3 to 101.4 {As in IPC}
Section 102. Applicability {As in IPC}
Section 103. Department of Plumbing Inspection
103.1 General.
This Code is administered and enforced by the Department of Housing and Community Development and its Commissioner. Accordingly, in this Code:
1. "Department of Plumbing Inspection" or "Department" means the Department of Housing and Community Development, and
2. "Code Official", means the Building Official, as defined in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City Building Code.
103.2 to 103.3 {Not Adopted}
Section 104. Duties and Powers of Code Official
104.1 to 104.2 {As in IPC}
104.3 Inspections.
The Code Official must make all of the required inspections or accept reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals. All reports of these inspections must be in writing and signed by a responsible officer of the approved agency or by the responsible individual. The Code Official may engage any expert opinion that the Code Official considers necessary to report on unusual technical issues that arise.
104.4 Right of entry.
The Code Official may enter any structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect, subject to constitutional restrictions on unreasonable searches and seizures. If entry is refused or not obtained, the Code Official may pursue recourse as provided by law, including § 104 {"... Powers of Building Official"} of the Baltimore City Building Code.
104.5 Identification. {As in IPC}
104.6 Notices and orders.
The Code Official may issue all notices or orders necessary to ensure compliance with this Code.
104.7 Department records.
The Code Official must keep records of all of the Department's business and activities under this Code.
104.8 Liability. {Not Adopted. See State Courts Article § 5-302}
Section 105. Approval
105.1 Modifications. {As in IPC}
105.2 Alternative materials and methods.
The provisions of this Code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any method of construction not specifically prescribed by this Code, as long as that alternative has been approved. An alternative material or method of construction may be approved if the Code Official finds in writing that, for the purposes intended:
1. the proposed alternative is satisfactory and complies with the intent of this Code, and
2. the material, method, or work offered is at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this Code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety.
105.2.1 Research reports. {As in IPC}
105.3 to 105.4 {As in IPC}
Section 106. Permits
106.1 to 106.2 {As in IPC}
106.3 Application for permit.
The requirements for obtaining a permit are as set forth in § 105.3 {"Application for permit"} of the Baltimore City Building Code.
106.3.1 to 106.3.2 {Not Adopted}
106.4 By Whom Application Made. {As in IPC}
106.5 Permit issuance. {As in IPC}
106.5.1 to 106.5.2 {As in IPC}
106.5.3 Expiration.
A permit expires at the times and under the circumstances set forth in § 105.5 {"Expiration; Extension"} of the Baltimore City Building Code.
106.5.4 Extensions.
A permit may be extended as provided in § 105.5 {"Expiration; Extension"} of the Baltimore City Building Code.
106.5.5 Suspension or revocation.
The Building Official may suspend or revoke a permit as provided in § 105.6 {"Suspension or revocation"} of the Baltimore City Building Code.
106.5.6 to 106.5.7 {As in IPC}
Section 107. Construction Documents {As in IPC}
Section 108. Notice of Approval {As in IPC}
Section 109. Fees {As in IPC}
109.1 Payment of Fees. {As in IPC}
109.2 Fee schedule.
The fees for plumbing work are as provided in § 109 {"Fees”} of the Baltimore City Building Code.
109.3 Work commencing before permit issuance. {Not Adopted}
109.4 Related fees. {As in IPC}
109.6 Refunds. {Not Adopted}
Section 110. Service Utilities {As in IPC}
Section 111. Temporary Equipment, Systems, and Uses {As in IPC}
Section 112. Inspections and Testing {As in IPC}
Section 113. Administrative and Judicial Review
113.1 General.
A decision of the Code Official is subject to administrative and judicial review as provided in the Baltimore City Building Code.
113.2 to 113.4 {Not Adopted}
Section 114. Board of Appeals {Not Adopted. See § 113 of this Chapter.}
Section 115. Violations
115.1 to 115.3 {As in IPC}
115.4 Violation penalties.
The penalties for a violation of this Code are as provided in § 114 {"Violations”} of the Baltimore City Building Code for a violation of that Code.
115.5 to 115.6 {As in IPC}
Section 116. Stop Work Order
116.1 Authority.
The issuance and enforcement of stop-work orders are as provided in § 115 {"Stop-Work Order”} of the Baltimore City Building Code.
116.2 to 116.4 {Not Adopted}
Chapter 2
Definitions
Section 201. General
201.1 to 201.2 {As in IPC}
201.3 Terms defined in other codes.
If a term is not defined in this Code and is defined in the Baltimore City Building Code or in one or another of the standards and codes listed in § 101.4 {"Referenced Codes"} of the Baltimore City Building Code, the term has the meaning given to it in that code or standard.
201.4 Terms not defined. {As in IPC}
Section 202. General Definitions
202.1 General.
Except as provided in § 202.2 of this Code, terms that are used in this Code and defined in the International Plumbing Code (2021 Edition) have the meanings given in the International Plumbing Code (2021 Edition).
202.2 Supplemental definitions.
Notwithstanding any different definition in the International Plumbing Code, the following terms have the meanings given in this § 202.2.
202.2.1 Building.
"Building" has the meaning stated in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City Building Code.
202.2.2 Code Official.
"Code Official" has the meaning stated in § 103.1 of this Code.
202.2.3 Design-flood elevation. {Not Adopted}
202.2.4 Flood Hazard Area.
"Flood Hazard Area" means a Regulated Flood Hazard Area established under and regulated by the Baltimore City Floodplain Management Code, City Code Article 7 {"Natural Resources"}, Division I {"Floodplain Management"}
202.2.5 May not, etc.
"May not", "must not", and "no ... may" are each mandatory negative terms used to establish a prohibition.
202.2.6 Must/shall.
"Must" and "shall" are each mandatory terms used to express a requirement or to impose a duty.
202.2.7 Occupancy.
"Occupancy" has the meaning stated in § 202.2 of the Baltimore City Building Code.
Chapter 3
General Regulations
Sections 301 to 304. {As in IPC}
Section 305. Protection of Pipes and Plumbing System Components
305.1 to 305.3 {As in IPC}
305.4 Freezing or overheating.
The plumbing system must be protected from freezing or overheating.
305.4.1 Specific requirements.
The following conditions must be met:
1. Water service piping must be installed below recorded frost lines. Earth cover above the top of the pipe must be at least 36 inches (914 mm).
2. Earth cover above the top of building sewers that connect to public sewage systems or to individual sewage disposal systems must be at least 30 inches (762 mm).
3. In systems that are used seasonally, water piping must have provisions for draining.
4. Piping must be installed so that the contents will not be heated due to close proximity to any heat source or from direct solar radiation.
5. All drain piping and water piping installed in exterior walls, attics, and other areas exposed to outdoor temperatures must be protected from freezing. In heated spaces, the piping must be installed on the heated side of the building insulation.
305.5 to 305.7 {As in IPC}
Sections 306 to 308. {As in IPC}
Section 309. Flood Hazard Resistance
309.1 General.
In a flood hazard area, plumbing systems must be constructed, located, and installed in accordance with the requirements of the Baltimore City Floodplain Management Code, City Code Article 7 {"Natural Resources"}, Division I {"Floodplain Management"}.
309.2 Scope.
The requirements of this § 309 apply to all plumbing systems, their attendant components and equipment, including the following:
1. all water service pipes,
2. pump seals in individual water supply systems,
3. Covers on potable water wells,
4. all sanitary drainage piping,
5. all storm drainage piping,
6. manhole covers,
7. all other plumbing fixtures, faucets, fixture fittings, piping systems, and equipment,
8. water heaters, and
9. vents and vent systems.
Exception: {Not adopted}
309.3 Coastal high-hazard area and coastal A zones. {Not Adopted}
Sections 310 to 313. {As in IPC}
Section 314. Condensate Disposal
314.1 Fuel burning appliances. {As in IPC}
314.2 Evaporators and cooling coils. {As in IPC}
314.2.1 Condensate disposal.
Condensate from all cooling coils or evaporators must be conveyed from the drain pan outlet to an approved place of disposal. The piping must maintain a minimum horizontal slope in the direction of discharge of not less than one-eighth unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (1% slope). Condensate may not discharge into a street, alley, or other area so as to cause a nuisance. Clear water discharge must be conveyed to the storm drain where feasible unless otherwise approved by the Code Official.
314.2.2 to 314.2.5 {As in IPC}
Section 315. Penetrations {As in IPC}
Section 316. Alternative Engineered Design {As in IPC}
Section 317. Connection to Water and Sewer Systems
317.1 Availability of Public Water and Sewer.
The water distribution and sewer system of any building in which plumbing fixtures are installed must be connected to a public water supply system and to a public sewer system unless otherwise authorized by a National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System permit issued under Title 9 of the State Environment Article. Private septic tank systems may only be installed with the written permission of the Code Official.
317.2 Private Systems.
Private systems must comply with COMAR 26.04.02 {"Sewage Disposal and Certain Water Systems..."}.
Chapter 4
Fixtures, Faucets, and Fixture Fittings
Sections 401 to 405. {As in IPC}
Section 406. Automatic Clothes Washers
406.1 to 406.2 {As in IPC}
406.3 Drip pan.
If a clothes washer is to be installed in a location where leakage can cause structural damage to the building, the washer must be installed over a drip pan in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The pan drain must extend full size and terminate over a suitably located indirect waste receptor or floor drain.
Sections 407 to 426. {As in IPC}
Chapter 5
Water Heaters
[As in IPC]
Chapter 6
Water Supply and Distribution
Sections 601 to 604. {As in IPC}
Section 605. Materials, Joints, and Connections
605.1 to 605.12 {As in IPC}
605.13 Copper tubing. {As in IPC}
605.13.1 to 605.13.7 {As in IPC}
605.13.8 Underground service.
Copper water tubing, seamless, Type M, is not approved for underground water service.
605.14 to 605.24 {As in IPC}
Section 606. Installation of Building Water Distribution System {As in IPC}
Section 607. Hot Water Supply System
607.1 to 607.2 {As in IPC}
607.3 Thermal expansion control.
607.3.1 Backflow prevention valve or check valve.
607.3.1.1 Hot water return piping.
When hot water return piping is needed, it must be taken from the supply side of the backflow prevention device.
607.3.1.2 High-hazard buildings.
In addition to the backflow device on the water supply main, at each floor where hazardous uses of water are found, a backflow prevention device must be installed on the water service line that supplies that floor.
607.3.1.3 Testing and inspection certificate.
All testing and inspections must be documented on a certificate attached to the backflow prevention device.
607.4 to 607.5 {As in IPC}
Section 608. Protection of Potable Water Supply
608.1 General. {As in IPC}
608.1.1 License required to connect to City supply.
A person may not connect backflow prevention devices to the potable water supply in the City unless that person is licensed by the State as a master or journeyman plumber.
608.2 to 608.16 {As in IPC}
608.17 Connections to the potable water system.
608.17.1 to 608.17.3 {As in IPC}
608.17.4 Connections to automatic fire sprinkler systems and standpipe systems. {As in IPC}
608.17.4.1 Additives or nonpotable source. {As in IPC}
608.17.4.2 Individual Valves on Sprinkler Systems.
Domestic water service lines used to supply water to both the sprinkler and the domestic water piping inside a building must have an individual valve on both branch lines when served by a single water service pipe. A building valve may not be used to serve both systems. A flow alarm must be provided on the sprinkler system.
Exception: Single-family dwellings.
608.17.5 to 608.17.10 {As in IPC}
608.18 Protection of individual water supplies. {As in IPC}
Sections 609 to 613. {As in IPC}
Chapter 7
Sanitary Drainage
Sections 701 to 707. {As in IPC}
Section 708. Cleanouts
708.1 Cleanouts required. {As in IPC}
708.1.1 to 708.1.6 {As in IPC}
708.1.7 Manholes. {As in IPC}
708.1.7.1 DPW Guidelines.
Manhole construction must comply with the Department of Public Work's guidelines and standards.
708.1.8 to 708.1.11 {As in IPC}
708.1.12 Ceiling spaces.
Cleanouts are not permitted in ceiling spaces.
Sections 709 to 718. {As in IPC}
Chapter 8
Indirect/Special Waste
Section 801. General {As in IPC}
Section 802. Indirect Wastes
802.1 Where required. {As in IPC}
802.1.1 to 802.1.5 {As in IPC}
802.1.6 Commercial dishwashing machines. {As in IPC}
802.1.6.1 No discharge through grease interceptor.
Commercial dishwashers are not permitted to discharge through a grease interceptor.
802.1.7 Food utensils, dishes, pots, and pans sink. {As in IPC}
802.2 to 802.4 {As in IPC}
802.5 Wading and Toddler Pools.
All wading pools and toddler pools must be equipped with 2 drains from a single drain line so as not to create a vacuum if either of the drains is covered. The drainage must discharge indirectly through an air gap to a trapped and vented receptor.
Section 803. Special Wastes {As in IPC}
Chapter 9
Vents
Sections 901 to 912. {As in IPC}
Section 913. Waste Stack Vent
913.1 to 913.4 {As in IPC}
913.5 Permitted Fixtures.
Lavatories, bathtubs, showers, water closets, urinals, kitchen sinks with or without food waste grinders, dishwashers, laundry sinks, clothes washer standpipes, drinking fountains, floor drains, and similar fixtures may be vented by a waste stack that is sized and installed in accordance with the requirements of this section.
Sections 914 to 920. {As in IPC}
Chapter 10
Traps, Interceptors, and Separators
Sections 1001 to 1002. {As in IPC}
Section 1003. Interceptors and Separators
1003.1 to 1003.2 {As in IPC}
1003.3 Grease interceptors.
Grease interceptors must comply with the requirements of this § 1003.3 and with any additional requirements of the Code Official
1003.3.1 to 1003.3.8 {As in IPC}
1003.4 Oil separators required. {As in IPC}
1003.4.1 Separation of liquids. {As in IPC}
1003.4.2 Oil separator design. {As in IPC}
1003.4.2.1 to 1003.4.2.2 {As in IPC}
1003.4.2.3 Waste-oil tank design.
The oil draw-off or overflow from oil separators must be connected to an approved waste-oil tank that meets the environmental requirements of the Maryland Department of the Environment. The waste oil from the separator must flow by gravity or may be pumped to a higher elevation by an automatic pump. Pumps must be adequately sized, explosion proof, and accessible. Waste-oil tanks must have a 2" minimum pump-out connection and a 1½" minimum vent to the atmosphere.
1003.4.2.4 Waste-oil tank requirements.
Where oil separators include a waste holding tank, the tank may not be used to store or contain any other waste oil (e.g., motor oil) or hazardous fluid. The installation of waste-oil storage tanks must comply with COMAR 26.10 {"Oil Pollution and Tank Management"}.
1003.5 to 1003.10 {As in IPC}
Section 1004. Material, Joints, and Connections {As in IPC}
Chapter 11
Storm Drainage
Sections 1101 to 1104. {As in IPC}
Section 1105. Roof Drains
1105.1 to 1105.2 {As in IPC}
1105.3 Primary Roof Drainage.
1105.3.1 General.
Roof area of buildings must be drained into a storm drain by roof drains, unless gutters and downspouts or other non-plumbing drainage is provided. The location and sizing of roof drains and gutters must be coordinated with the structural design and slope of the roof.
1105.3.2 Sizing.
Unless otherwise required by the Code Official, roof drains, gutters, vertical conductors or leaders, and horizontal storm drains for primary drainage must be sized based on a storm of 60 minutes duration and 100-year return period.
1105.3.3 Discharge.
No water from any building may be discharged so as to flow over any sidewalk, footway, or adjoining property, except from window sills, copings, or cornices that project no more than 1 foot (305 mm).
Exceptions:
1. Roofs, cornices, copings, or other similar projections that are less than 5 feet (3.03 m), measured horizontally in the line of flow, as long the water is not discharged on any sidewalk, footway, or adjoining property.
2. Awnings or marquees that discharge off the outer edge.
1105.4 Methods of roof drainage.
1105.4.1 Method 1.
Drainage may be discharged by piping to a storm drain, to the street or alley, or to an approved water course. The installation of piping, connections to storm drains, etc., must be made in accordance with this Code.
1105.4.2 Method 2.
Drainage may be discharged not less than 10 feet (3.05 m) from the building, from other buildings, or from any adjacent property line, as long as the discharge is in a manner that does not allow drainage to cross adjacent property lines or sidewalks.
1105.5 Individual Downspouts.
Gutters of buildings on adjoining properties may not be connected with common downspouts or leaders, but each building must have individual downspouts or leaders on its own property. If a building is more than 4 stories or 50 feet (15.24 m) high, its leader and downspouts must be inside the building's exterior walls.