Building Code Glossary
Valve: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define 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
Valve is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Fuel Gas. The code's own words are: “A device used in piping to control the gas supply to any section of a system of piping or to an appliance.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 73 chapters of this corpus, most often in Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009), Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009), Fuel Gas (IRC 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?
Valve — IRC 2009, Fuel Gas:
A device used in piping to control the gas supply to any section of a system of piping or to an appliance.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Valve is defined once in this corpus, in the Fuel Gas chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
A device used in piping to control the gas supply to any section of a system of piping or to an appliance.
Where valve is used in the code
The term appears in 73 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 148 |
| Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | IFC 2009 | 131 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 126 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IRC 2009 | 122 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IPC 2009 | 117 |
| Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials | IFC 2009 | 104 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 94 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 86 |
| Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 60 |
| Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 52 |
| Definitions | IPC 2009 | 47 |
| Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | IFC 2009 | 46 |
61 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about valve, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
If inside a building, such openings shall be protected against liquid overflow and possible vapor release by means of a spring- loaded check valve or other approved device.
A hose nozzle valve used for dispensing Class I liquids into a portable container shall be in compliance with Section 2206.7.6 and be manually held open during the dispensing operation.
Under no circumstances shall a valve in a line be used as a bulkhead between gas in one section of the piping system and test medium in an adjacent section, unless two valves are installed in series with a valved "tell-tale" located between these valves.
The terms valve 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 valve covers:
- 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.
- 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.
- Piping — IRC 2009: Where used in this code, “piping” refers to either pipe or tubing, or both.
- System — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
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 | Fuel Gas | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Water Supply and Distribution (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Appliance | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Control | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Piping | |
| 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
- Appliance: Building Code Definition
- Control: Building Code Definition
- System: Building Code Definition
- Piping: 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 valve?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Fuel Gas as: “A device used in piping to control the gas supply to any section of a system of piping or to an appliance.” 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 valve?
In this corpus the term is used across 73 chapters, led by Flammable and Combustible Liquids in the IFC 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 valve?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Fuel Gas: “A device used in piping to control the gas supply to any section of a system of piping or to an appliance.” It is defined in IRC 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.
What is the definition of a valve in plumbing?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Fuel Gas: “A device used in piping to control the gas supply to any section of a system of piping or to an appliance.” It is defined in IRC 2009. It is not the same as Plumbing, which the IRC 2009 defines separately as “For the purpose of this code, plumbing refers to those installations, repairs, maintenance and alterations regulated by Chapters 25 through 33.” 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.
What is the IRC plumbing code?
Plumbing is a separate defined term. The IRC 2009 defines it as: “For the purpose of this code, plumbing refers to those installations, repairs, maintenance and alterations regulated by Chapters 25 through 33.” That is not the same as valve, which the IRC 2009 defines as “A device used in piping to control the gas supply to any section of a system of piping or to an appliance.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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