Building Code Glossary
Sump Pump: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IPC 2009 define sump pump, 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
Sump pump is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A pump installed to empty a sump. These pumps are used for removing storm water only. The pump is selected for the specific head and volume of the load and is usually operated by level controllers.” 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 7 chapters of this corpus, most often in Sanitary Drainage (IPC 2009), Storm Drainage (IRC 2009), Elevators and Conveying Systems (IBC 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?
Sump Pump — IRC 2009, Definitions:
A pump installed to empty a sump. These pumps are used for removing storm water only. The pump is selected for the specific head and volume of the load and is usually operated by level controllers.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Sump Pump, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | A pump installed to empty a sump. These pumps are used for removing storm water only. The pump is selected for the specific head and volume of the load and is usually operated by level controllers. |
| IPC 2009 | Definitions | An automatic water pump powered by an electric motor for the removal of drainage, except raw sewage, from a sump, pit or low point. |
Where sump pump is used in the code
The term appears in 7 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 | 5 |
| Storm Drainage | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Elevators and Conveying Systems | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| General Regulations | IPC 2009 | 2 |
| Storm Drainage | IPC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IPC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about sump pump, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The sump pump, pit and discharge piping shall conform to the requirements of Sections 712.3.1 through 712.3.5.
The sump pump, pit and discharge piping shall conform to Sections P3303.1.1 through P3303.1.4.
The sump pump, pit and discharge piping shall conform to Sections 1113.1.1 through 1113.1.4.
The terms sump pump 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 sump pump covers:
- Automatic — IBC 2009: As applied to fire protection devices, a device or system providing an emergency function without the necessity for human intervention and activated as a result of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of temperature rise or combustion products.
- Sewage — IRC 2009: Any liquid waste containing animal matter, vegetable matter or other impurity in suspension or solution.
Sump Pump: 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 | Sanitary Drainage (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Storm Drainage (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Elevators and Conveying Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Regulations (IPC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Automatic | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Sewage | |
| 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 sump pump?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A pump installed to empty a sump. These pumps are used for removing storm water only. The pump is selected for the specific head and volume of the load and is usually operated by level controllers.” 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 sump pump?
In this corpus the term is used across 7 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.
What is an illegal sump pump?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A pump installed to empty a sump. These pumps are used for removing storm water only. The pump is selected for the specific head and volume of the load and is usually operated by level controllers.” 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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