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Plumbing \u00b7 United States

Plumbing Symbols — US (UPC / IPC)

US plumbing installations follow either the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or International Plumbing Code (IPC), depending on the jurisdiction. These symbols appear on plumbing plans, inspection reports, and permit drawings submitted to local building departments.

UPC / IPC / ANSI/ASME14 symbols

Pipework

Hot Water Pipe

Hot water supply pipe

BS 1553-1

Cold Water Pipe

Cold water supply pipe

BS 1553-1

DWV Pipe

Drain, waste, and vent pipe

BS 1553-1 / BS EN 12056

Valves

Gate Valve / Ball Valve

Manual water shut-off valve

BS 1553-1

Non-Return Valve

Check valve / non-return valve preventing backflow

BS 1553-1 / BS EN 806

Pressure Reducing Valve

Pressure reducing valve for mains water supply

BS EN 806

Components

Expansion Vessel

Pressurised expansion vessel for unvented systems

BS EN 806 / G3

Water Heater

Tank-type or tankless water heater

BS 1553-1 / G3

Pressure Tank

Well pressure tank or expansion tank

BS 1553-1

Radiator

Central heating radiator

BS 1553-1

Sanitary Appliances

Bathtub

Standard bathtub fixture

BS 1553-1

Wash Basin

Hand wash basin

BS 1553-1

WC (Toilet)

Water closet / toilet

BS 1553-1

Shower

Shower head / shower tray

BS 1553-1

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Frequently asked questions about plumbing symbols

Which plumbing code does my state use?
Most US states adopt either the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC, common in western states) or the International Plumbing Code (IPC, common in eastern states). Check with your local building department for the specific edition adopted.
What is DWV?
DWV stands for Drain, Waste, and Vent. It refers to the drainage system that carries wastewater away from fixtures and provides venting to maintain proper drainage flow and prevent siphoning of trap seals.

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