Building Code Glossary
Flood Level Rim: Building Code Definition
How the IPC 2009 define flood level rim, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Flood level rim is a defined term in the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “The edge of the receptacle from which water overflows.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IPC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 11 chapters of this corpus, most often in Water Supply and Distribution (IPC 2009), Vents (IRC 2009), Vents (IPC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Flood Level Rim — IPC 2009, Definitions:
The edge of the receptacle from which water overflows.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Flood Level Rim is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009:
The edge of the receptacle from which water overflows.
Where flood level rim is used in the code
The term appears in 11 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Water Supply and Distribution | IPC 2009 | 11 |
| Vents | IRC 2009 | 9 |
| Vents | IPC 2009 | 6 |
| Definitions | IPC 2009 | 5 |
| Sanitary Drainage | IPC 2009 | 4 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| Sanitary Drainage | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings | IPC 2009 | 2 |
| Indirect/special Waste | IPC 2009 | 2 |
| Heating and Cooling Equipment | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Plumbing Fixtures | IRC 2009 | 2 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about flood level rim, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The minimum required air gap shall be measured vertically from the lowest end of a potable water outlet to the flood level rim of the fixture or receptacle into which such potable water outlet discharges.
Every dry vent shall rise vertically to a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm) above the flood level rim of the highest trap or trapped fixture being vented.
Horizontal vent pipes forming branch vents, relief vents or loop vents shall be at least 6 inches (152 mm) above the flood level rim of the highest fixture served.
The terms flood level rim is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what flood level rim covers:
- Receptacle — IRC 2009: A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug.
Flood Level Rim: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IPC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Water Supply and Distribution (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Vents (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Vents (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IPC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Receptacle | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Receptacle: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of flood level rim?
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “The edge of the receptacle from which water overflows.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on flood level rim?
In this corpus the term is used across 11 chapters, led by Water Supply and Distribution in the IPC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is considered the flood level rim?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IPC 2009 states, in Definitions: “The edge of the receptacle from which water overflows.” It is defined in IPC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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