Building Code Glossary
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.
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
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, 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.
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 | A valve or faucet that closes automatically when released manually or controlled by mechanical means for fast-action closing. |
| IPC 2009 | Definitions | 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 | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IPC 2009 | 1 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IPC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | 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.
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 — IPC 2009: A valve end of a water pipe through which water is drawn from or held within the pipe.
- Valve — 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 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 | 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?
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 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.
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