Building Code Glossary
Joint, Soldered: Building Code Definition
How the IMC 2009 define joint, soldered, 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, soldered is a defined term in the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A gas-tight joint obtained by the joining of metal parts with metallic mixtures of alloys which melt at temperatures between 400°P (204°C) and 1,OOOoP (538°C).” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IMC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 8 chapters of this corpus, most often in Sanitary Drainage (IPC 2009), Water Supply and Distribution (IPC 2009), Hydronic Piping (IMC 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?
Joint, Soldered — IMC 2009, Definitions:
A gas-tight joint obtained by the joining of metal parts with metallic mixtures of alloys which melt at temperatures between 400°P (204°C) and 1,OOOoP (538°C).
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Joint, Soldered is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009:
A gas-tight joint obtained by the joining of metal parts with metallic mixtures of alloys which melt at temperatures between 400°P (204°C) and 1,OOOoP (538°C).
Where joint, soldered is used in the code
The term appears in 8 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitary Drainage | IPC 2009 | 4 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IPC 2009 | 4 |
| Hydronic Piping | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| Refrigeration | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| Materials | IPC 2009 | 2 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
Joint, Soldered compared with Brazed Joint
These two are the closest pair in the 2009 I-Codes: about 52 per cent of their defining words are the same. The code states both and compares neither, so the difference is worth naming.
| Wording unique to it | |
|---|---|
| Joint, Soldered (IMC 2009) | temperatures, between, 400, p, 204, oooop |
| Brazed Joint (IMC 2009) | temperature, above, 000, f, but, lower, melting, joined |
Everything else in the two definitions is shared. If a project turns on which of the two applies, those words are the whole of the test — and a local amendment that edits one of them without editing the other moves the boundary between joint, soldered and brazed joint.
The terms joint, soldered 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 joint, soldered covers:
- 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, Soldered: 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 IMC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Sanitary Drainage (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Water Supply and Distribution (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hydronic Piping (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Refrigeration (IMC 2009) | |
| 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?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Joint: 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 joint, soldered?
The International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A gas-tight joint obtained by the joining of metal parts with metallic mixtures of alloys which melt at temperatures between 400°P (204°C) and 1,OOOoP (538°C).” 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, soldered?
In this corpus the term is used across 8 chapters, led by Sanitary Drainage 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.
Related pages
- Joint, Flared: Building Code Definition
Joint, Flared — IRC 2009 definition: A metal-to-metal compression joint in which a conical spread is made on the end of a …
- Joint, Mechanical: Building Code Definition
Joint, Mechanical — IRC 2009 definition: A general form of gas-tight joints obtained by the joining of metal parts through a positive-holding …
- Joint, Plastic Adhesive: Building Code Definition
Joint, Plastic Adhesive — IRC 2009 definition: A joint made in thermoset plasticpipingby the use of an adhesive substance which forms a continuous …
- Joint, Welded: Building Code Definition
Joint, Welded — IMC 2009 definition: A gas-tight joint obtained by the joining of metal parts in molten state.
- Joint: Building Code Definition
Joint — IBC 2009 definition: The linear opening in or between adjacent fire-resistance-rated assemblies that is designed to allow independent movement …
- Jurisdiction: Building Code Definition
Jurisdiction — IBC 2009 definition: The governmental unit that has adopted this code under due legislative authority.