# Quick-closing Valve: Building Code Definition > How the IRC 2009, IPC 2009 define quick-closing valve, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/quick-closing-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 Quick-closing valve is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A valve or faucet that closes automatically when released manually or controlled by mechanical means for fast-action closing.” The IPC 2009 words it differently, in Definitions: “A valve or faucet that closes automatically when released manually or that is controlled by a mechanical means for fast-action closing.” 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 Hydronic Piping (IMC 2009), Definitions (IPC 2009), Water Supply and Distribution (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? **Quick-closing Valve** — IRC 2009, Definitions: > A valve or faucet that closes automatically when released manually or controlled by mechanical means for fast-action closing. ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Quick-closing Valve: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/quick-closing-valve/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IRC 2009, IPC 2009 define quick-closing 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 **Quick-closing 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 valve or faucet that closes automatically when released manually or controlled by mechanical means for fast-action closing. | | IPC 2009 | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/ipc-2009/definitions.md) | A valve or faucet that closes automatically when released manually or that is controlled by a mechanical means for fast-action closing. | ## Where quick-closing 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 | | --- | --- | --- | | [Hydronic Piping](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/hydronic-piping.md) | IMC 2009 | 2 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/ipc-2009/definitions.md) | IPC 2009 | 1 | | [Water Supply and Distribution](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/ipc-2009/water-supply-and-distribution.md) | IPC 2009 | 1 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/definitions.md) | IRC 2009 | 1 | ### The term in use How the code actually writes about quick-closing valve, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here: > Where a quick-closing valve creates water hammer, an approved water-hammer arrestor shall be installed. — [IMC 2009 §1206.7](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/hydronic-piping.md) ## The terms quick-closing 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 quick-closing valve covers: - **[Faucet](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/faucet.md)** — IPC 2009: A valve end of a water pipe through which water is drawn from or held within the pipe. - **[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. ## Quick-closing 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 | Hydronic Piping (IMC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IPC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Water Supply and Distribution (IPC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Faucet | | | 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) - [Faucet: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/faucet.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 quick-closing valve? The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A valve or faucet that closes automatically when released manually or controlled by mechanical means for fast-action closing.” 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 quick-closing valve? In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Hydronic Piping 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. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Fquick-closing-valve%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/quick-closing-valve/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt