Plumbing Code I (IPC and UPC)

How to find, read and apply the plumbing code, followed through a second-level apprentice on a Columbus high-rise: how the IPC and UPC are written and adopted, with the Ohio Plumbing Code as the example; how the code is organized and how to find a requirement; definitions and reading a requirement word by word; code intent and approval of alternative materials and methods; general requirements for materials, protection and workmanship; fixture counts and accessible fixtures; drainage, venting and water supply rules; water heaters, backflow protection and special systems; permits and inspections; and keeping current with code changes.

PLB-210 12 lessons · 4 h 14 min ▶ Video lessons coming soon

Offered by HSM University · Plumbing

This is the American version of this course. See the Canadian version.

What you'll learn

Explain where the IPC and UPC come from, how states and cities adopt and amend them, and how to tell which code edition applies to a project.
Find a code requirement quickly and correctly using the code's structure, table of contents, index and search, and read tables with their notes.
Use the code's definitions, measure the way the code specifies, and read a requirement word by word, breaking it into scope, trigger, demand and exceptions.
Relate requirements to the code's intent, and explain how an alternative material, design or method is proposed, supported and approved.
Apply the general requirements on materials, protection from damage and freezing, support, structural safety, fire stopping and workmanship.
Determine required fixtures from occupant load and code ratios, and apply accessibility and fixture installation rules.
Check a drainage design against the code for loads, sizes, slopes, fittings, cleanouts and special connections.
Check a venting design against the code for permitted methods, trap arm lengths, vent sizes, connections, terminals and air admittance valves.
Check a water supply design against the code for potable water use, materials, pressure limits, sizing, required valves and protection of the potable supply.
Apply code rules for water heaters, hot water temperature limits, backflow protection by degree of hazard, and special systems such as non-potable water and interceptors.
Obtain permits, prepare for and pass staged inspections, respond to correction notices and orders, and work professionally with inspectors.
Keep current with code changes and answer any code question with a structured method, recording the code, edition and section.

Course content

12 lessons · 4 h 14 min total · final exam

1 How plumbing codes are written, adopted and amended 24 min · quiz
2 How the code is organized and how to find a requirement 21 min · quiz
3 Definitions and how to read a requirement 22 min · quiz
4 Code intent, alternative materials and methods, and approvals 22 min · quiz
5 General requirements: materials, protection and workmanship 21 min · quiz
6 Fixtures: required numbers, accessibility and installation 21 min · quiz
7 Drainage rules: sizing, slope and connections 21 min · quiz
8 Venting rules 21 min · quiz
9 Water supply rules: pressure, sizing and protection 21 min · quiz
10 Hot water, backflow protection and special systems in the code 21 min · quiz
11 Permits, inspections and working with inspectors 21 min · quiz
12 Code changes, staying current and a code-lookup capstone 18 min · quiz
E Final exam 20 questions

Requirements

Recommended background. You can start any course at any time.