# Flushometer Valve: Building Code Definition > How the IRC 2009, IPC 2009 define flushometer valve, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/flushometer-valve/ - Last updated: 2026-09-07 - Data source: 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. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Defined in | IRC 2009, IPC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) | | Primary source | IRC 2009 Definitions (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) | | Chapters using the term | 4 (counted across the codes hosted here) | | Wording identical across codes | No (compare before citing one code's wording under another) | ## Direct answer Flushometer valve is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A flushometer valve is a device that discharges a predetermined quantity of water to fixtures for flushing purposes and is actuated by direct water pressure.” The IPC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings (IPC 2009), Definitions (IRC 2009), Definitions (IPC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. *Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.* ## What does this term mean? **Flushometer Valve** — IRC 2009, Definitions: > A flushometer valve is a device that discharges a predetermined quantity of water to fixtures for flushing purposes and is actuated by direct water pressure. ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Flushometer Valve: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/flushometer-valve/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IRC 2009, IPC 2009 define flushometer valve, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.* ## What must be verified before using this guidance? Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define **Flushometer Valve**, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question. | Code | Where it is defined | Definition | | --- | --- | --- | | IRC 2009 | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/definitions.md) | A flushometer valve is a device that discharges a predetermined quantity of water to fixtures for flushing purposes and is actuated by direct water pressure. | | IPC 2009 | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/ipc-2009/definitions.md) | A valve attached to a pressurized water supply pipe and so designed that when activated it opens the line for direct flow into the fixture at a rate and quantity to operate the fixture properly, and then gradually closes to reseal fixture traps and avoid water hammer. | ## Where flushometer valve is used in the code The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next. | Chapter | Code | Mentions | | --- | --- | --- | | [Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/ipc-2009/fixtures-faucets-and-fixture-fittings.md) | IPC 2009 | 7 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/definitions.md) | IRC 2009 | 2 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/ipc-2009/definitions.md) | IPC 2009 | 1 | | [Plumbing Fixtures](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/plumbing-fixtures.md) | IRC 2009 | 1 | ### The term in use How the code actually writes about flushometer valve, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here: > Each water closet, urinal, clinical sink and any plumbing fixture that depends on trap siphonage to discharge the fixture contents to the drainage system shall be provided with a flushometer valve, flushometer tank or a flush tank designed and installed to supply water in quantity and rate of flow to flush the contents of the fixture, cleanse the fixture and … — [IPC 2009 §425.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/ipc-2009/fixtures-faucets-and-fixture-fittings.md) > Water closets shall be provided with a flush tank, flushometer tank or flushometer valve designed and installed to supply water in sufficient quantity and flow to flush the contents of the fixture, to cleanse the fixture and refill the fixture trap in accordance with ASME AI12.19.2 and ASME AI12.19.6. — [IRC 2009 §P2712.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/plumbing-fixtures.md) ## The terms flushometer valve is built out of The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what flushometer valve covers: - **[Device](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/device.md)** — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function. - **[Valve](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/valve.md)** — IRC 2009: A device used in piping to control the gas supply to any section of a system of piping or to an appliance. ## Flushometer Valve: what to open, and in what order Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows. | Check | Where | Confirmed | | --- | --- | --- | | Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | | | Read the definition in the adopted IPC | Definitions | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings (IPC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IPC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Plumbing Fixtures (IRC 2009) | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Device | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Valve | | | 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](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md) - [Device: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/device.md) - [Valve: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/valve.md) ## 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](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. ### Source links - [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) - [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the code definition of flushometer valve? The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A flushometer valve is a device that discharges a predetermined quantity of water to fixtures for flushing purposes and is actuated by direct water pressure.” 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 flushometer valve? In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings 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 a flushometer valve? In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A flushometer valve is a device that discharges a predetermined quantity of water to fixtures for flushing purposes and is actuated by direct water pressure.” It is defined in IRC 2009, 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. ### What is the difference between a flush valve and a flushometer? Flush Valve is a separate defined term. The IRC 2009 defines it as: “A device located at the bottom ofa flush tank that is operated to flush water closets.” That is not the same as flushometer valve, which the IRC 2009 defines as “A flushometer valve is a device that discharges a predetermined quantity of water to fixtures for flushing purposes and is actuated by direct water pressure.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Fflushometer-valve%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/flushometer-valve/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt