Building Code Glossary
Joint, Plastic Adhesive: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define joint, plastic adhesive, 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
Joint, plastic adhesive is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Fuel Gas. The code's own words are: “A joint made in thermoset plasticpipingby the use of an adhesive substance which forms a continuous bond between the mating surfaces without dissolving either one of them.” The IMC 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 2 chapters of this corpus, most often in Definitions (IMC 2009), Fuel Gas (IRC 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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Joint, Plastic Adhesive — IRC 2009, Fuel Gas:
A joint made in thermoset plasticpipingby the use of an adhesive substance which forms a continuous bond between the mating surfaces without dissolving either one of them.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Joint, Plastic Adhesive, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Fuel Gas | A joint made in thermoset plasticpipingby the use of an adhesive substance which forms a continuous bond between the mating surfaces without dissolving either one of them. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | A joint made in thermoset plastic piping by the use of an adhesive substance which forms a continuous bond between the mating surfaces without dissolving either one of them. |
Where joint, plastic adhesive is used in the code
The term appears in 2 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The terms joint, plastic adhesive 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 joint, plastic adhesive covers:
- Piping — IRC 2009: Where used in this code, “piping” refers to either pipe or tubing, or both.
- Joint — IBC 2009: The linear opening in or between adjacent fire-resistance-rated assemblies that is designed to allow independent movement of the building in any plane caused by thermal, seismic, wind or any other loading.
Joint, Plastic Adhesive: 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 IRC | Fuel Gas | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IMC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Piping | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Joint | |
| 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?
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 joint, plastic adhesive?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Fuel Gas as: “A joint made in thermoset plasticpipingby the use of an adhesive substance which forms a continuous bond between the mating surfaces without dissolving either one of them.” 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 joint, plastic adhesive?
In this corpus the term is used across 2 chapters, led by Definitions in the IMC 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.
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