Administration and General Requirements
The Administration and General Requirements domain tests how the plumbing code is enforced before and after work is installed: permits, submittals, inspections, testing, approved materials, and the code official’s authority over unsafe or existing systems. P1 questions often turn on whether an activity needs a permit and which test or inspection applies.
Permits and submittals
A permit is required before new plumbing installation, alteration, or replacement, but ordinary repairs are exempt under IPC 106.2. Plans and specifications may be required for larger or complex work. The code official can approve alternate materials or methods only when they are shown to be equivalent in quality, strength, and safety.
Inspections and testing
Rough-in and final inspections are separate approvals. Drainage and vent systems are tested with a 10-foot water head for 15 minutes or with air at 5 psi for 15 minutes under IPC 312.3. Water supply piping is tested at not less than 100 psi, or the working pressure if higher, for 60 minutes under IPC 312.5. Concealed work must be tested and inspected before it is covered.
Worked example
A contractor installs a 4-inch building drain and proposes a 5 psi air test. That is acceptable for the drainage system under IPC 312.3 if the test holds for 15 minutes with no pressure drop. If the same contractor proposes 5 psi for the water distribution system, it fails: IPC 312.5 requires 100 psi or working pressure, whichever is greater, for 60 minutes.
Traps that cost marks
Do not assume a water heater replacement never needs a permit; replacement is generally permitted work. Do not confuse the drainage air test pressure with the water supply test pressure. Do not skip the final inspection because the rough-in passed.