(a) To protect the health and safety of the citizens of this state, the Board adopts the following plumbing codes:
(1) the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials; and
(2) The 2018 International Plumbing Code, as published by the International Code Council and the codes incorporated by reference within the 2018 International Plumbing Code, including:
(A) the 2018 International Fuel Gas Code; and
(B) the 2018 International Residential Code.
(b) To ensure the proper design, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems within its jurisdiction, a political subdivision may adopt a plumbing code with any amendments necessary to address local concerns provided that the amendments do not substantially vary with the rules or laws of this state.
(c) Plumbing must be installed in accordance with all applicable plumbing codes adopted by the political subdivision in which the plumbing is being installed.
(1) Plumbing installed by an individual licensed under the PLL in an unincorporated area of the county or other area where no plumbing code has been adopted must be installed in accordance with a plumbing code adopted under subsection (a) of this section.
(2) A plumbing installation that was started prior to the Board's adoption of the plumbing codes listed in subsection (a) of this section may be completed under the requirements of the codes in effect at the time permits for the installation were issued or work on the installation commenced.
(3) In addition to all applicable plumbing codes, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP-Gas) piping must be installed in accordance with all applicable rules adopted by the Texas Railroad Commission.
(d) Any piping connecting a plumbing fixture, including a water closet, to a potable water supply shall be installed to prevent the back flow of nonpotable substances into the potable water system in accordance with the applicable plumbing code and state laws. Water closet fill valves (ball cocks) shall be of the antisiphon, integral vacuum breaker type with the critical level (the air inlet portion of the vacuum breaker) installed at least one (1) inch above the flood level rim of the fixture (the inlet of the water closet overflow tube).
(e) Plumbing installed in compliance with a code adopted under subsection (a) or (b) of this section must be inspected by a Plumbing Inspector licensed under the PLL and Board rules.
(f) A licensee or registrant shall not install, and a person shall not require a licensee or registrant to install, plumbing that is not in compliance with the Plumbing License Law or any other laws of this state, Board Rules, or any applicable plumbing codes.
Source Note: The provisions of this §367.2 adopted to be effective August 29, 2018, 43 TexReg 5531; amended to be effective June 16, 2021, 46 TexReg 3609; amended to be effective February 16, 2023, 48 TexReg 684