Building Code Glossary
Plumbing Appliance: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IPC 2009 define plumbing appliance, 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
Plumbing appliance is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “An energized household appliance with plumbing connections, such as a dishwasher, food-waste grinder, clothes washer or water heater.” The IPC 2009 words it differently, in Definitions: “Anyone of a special class of plumbing fixtures intended to perform a special function. Included are fixtures having the operation or control dependent on one or more energized components, such as motors, controls, heating elements, or pressure- or temperature-sensing elements.” 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 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Building Planning (IRC 2009), Definitions (IPC 2009), Definitions (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?
Plumbing Appliance — IRC 2009, Definitions:
An energized household appliance with plumbing connections, such as a dishwasher, food-waste grinder, clothes washer or water heater.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Plumbing Appliance, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | An energized household appliance with plumbing connections, such as a dishwasher, food-waste grinder, clothes washer or water heater. |
| IPC 2009 | Definitions | Anyone of a special class of plumbing fixtures intended to perform a special function. Included are fixtures having the operation or control dependent on one or more energized components, such as motors, controls, heating elements, or pressure- or temperature-sensing elements. |
Where plumbing appliance is used in the code
The term appears in 3 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 7 |
| Definitions | IPC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 3 |
The terms plumbing appliance is built out of
The definition above leans on 5 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what plumbing appliance covers:
- Water Heater — IRC 2009: Any heating appliance or equipment that heats potable water and supplies such water to the potable hot water distribution system.
- Appliance — IRC 2009: Utilization equipment, normally built in standardized sizes or types, that is installed or connected as a unit to perform one or more functions such as clothes washing, air conditioning, food mixing, deep frying, etc.
- Energized — IRC 2009: Electrically connected to, or is, a source of voltage.
- Plumbing — IRC 2009: For the purpose of this code, plumbing refers to those installations, repairs, maintenance and alterations regulated by Chapters 25 through 33.
- Control — IRC 2009: A manual or automatic device designed to regulate the gas, air, water or electrical supply to, or operation of, a mechanical system.
Plumbing Appliance: 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 | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IPC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Water Heater | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Appliance | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Energized | |
| 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
- Water Heater: Building Code Definition
- Energized: Building Code Definition
- Appliance: Building Code Definition
- Plumbing: 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 plumbing appliance?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “An energized household appliance with plumbing connections, such as a dishwasher, food-waste grinder, clothes washer or water heater.” 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 plumbing appliance?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Building Planning in the IRC 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 the definition of a plumbing appliance?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Definitions: “An energized household appliance with plumbing connections, such as a dishwasher, food-waste grinder, clothes washer or water heater.” 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.
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